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Childish Gambino

The artist, nobody gives a fu*k, is a revolutionary figure in the music industry. Known for their unapologetic and raw approach, nobody gives a fu*k has redefined what it means to create impactful and thought-provoking music. With a fearless attitude and a disregard for societal norms, nobody gives a fu*k’s music resonates with listeners on a deep and personal level, sparking important conversations and challenging the status quo. Their music is a powerful expression of individuality and freedom, urging listeners to embrace their unique identities and speak their truth without fear of judgment. nobody gives a fu*k’s bold and authentic style sets them apart as a true trailblazer in the music scene, inspiring others to break free from conventional constraints and unapologetically be themselves.

702

Discovered by Michael Bivins of New Edition, 702 is a teenage trio — Irish, Kameelah, and Lemisha — who made their recorded debut singing on Subway’s hit single “This Lil’ Game We Play.” The group released their debut album, No Doubt, in the fall of 1996, preceded by the single “Steelo.” Several other singles from the album followed in 1997, including the title track, “Get It Together,” and “All I Want.” The group returned in 1999 with a self-titled full-length as well as the single “Where My Girls At?”

Teena Marie

Teena Marie, renowned for her extraordinary voice, defined by its flexibility and vibrancy as a soprano, transcended various genres including soul, funk, and rock throughout her illustrious career. Her talent extended beyond singing, as she excelled as a songwriter, arranger, producer, and multi-instrumentalist over three decades. Making a memorable debut with ‘I’m a Sucker for Your Love’ in 1979, she marked a turning point after initial struggles with Motown, finding success with Rick James. Subsequently, albums like Lady T, Irons in the Fire, and the Grammy-nominated It Must Be Magic showcased her independence and collaborative prowess, solidifying her position in the music industry.
Born Mary Christine Brockert in Santa Monica, Teena Marie’s early years in Southern California fueled her passion for music. From tap dancing on The Beverly Hillbillies at age eight to leading her first musical group before high school graduation, she displayed musical aptitude early on. Her discovery by Hal Davis led to involvement with Motown and various producers, laying the foundation for her future success. Teena’s musical journey blossomed through collaborations with artists like Rick James, resulting in hits like ‘Square Biz’ and ‘Lovergirl.’ Despite initial misconceptions about her background, Teena’s authenticity and musical contributions reshaped perceptions and earned her accolades and respect in the industry.

Dave Hollister

Dave Hollister is a renowned Contemporary R&B artist with a vocal style deeply rooted in gospel and soul music. His musical journey began even before his time with Blackstreet, under Teddy Riley. In the late 1980s, he showcased his talent as a lead vocalist on various productions, collaborating with artists like Larry Heard, Father MC, and Hi-Five. His contributions to music extended beyond singing, as he ventured into songwriting and production work. After gaining recognition with Blackstreet, Hollister embarked on a successful solo career, releasing hit singles like ‘My Favorite Girl’ and ‘One Woman Man.’ His albums ‘Ghetto Hymns’ and ‘Chicago ’85…The Movie’ achieved gold status and solidified his position in the R&B scene. Over the years, Hollister explored different music labels, including Dreamworks, Motown, and Gospo Centric, delivering successful gospel albums such as ‘The Book of David, Vol. 1: The Transition’ and ‘Witness Protection.’ Despite his gospel successes, Hollister continued to produce secular music, showcasing his versatility and talent across genres. His recent works like ‘Chicago Winds…The Saga Continues’ and ‘The MANuscript’ demonstrate his enduring passion for music and his diverse musical abilities.

Mtume

Led by James Mtume and featuring the powerful lead vocals of Tawatha Agee, Mtume were a dynamic, chart-topping R&B band that recorded for major-label Epic from 1978 through 1986. As a top-level jazz percussionist and composer whose most prominent work was with Miles Davis from 1971 to 1975, James Mtume was frequently credited simply as Mtume. During the early part of that decade, the musician also recorded mononymously as a leader, blurring the distinction between the individual and the band. Mtume the band continued the path James Mtume and guitarist/partner Reggie Lucas had taken when they departed from the jazz field and co-wrote The Closer I Get to You, the sparkling Roberta Flack and Donny Hathaway duet that topped Billboard’s R&B chart in 1978. The first lineup was filled out by keyboardist Hubert Eaves III, bassist Basil Fearington, and drummer Howard King, though the band’s founder and Agee were the lone original members after the second full-length. The most significant departures were Eaves, who moved on to D Train and other production work, and Lucas, whose greatest subsequent success came with producing the majority of Madonna’s self-titled debut.
Kiss This World Goodbye (1978), In Search of the Rainbow Seekers (1980), Juicy Fruit (1983), You, Me and He (1984), and Theater of the Mind (1986), the five Mtume band albums, yielded 11 charting singles among expansive deep cuts. The biggest hits were Give It on Up (If You Want To) (number 26 R&B), Juicy Fruit (number one R&B), You, Me and He (number two R&B), and Breathless (number nine R&B). These A-sides traced the band’s smooth evolution from uplifting, almost big-band-like funk — within the same realm and class as Earth, Wind & Fire and the Brothers Johnson — to lean, intimate machine soul. Mtume himself, who continued to work primarily behind the scenes for over a decade after the band’s end, simply termed the output ‘sophisti-funk,’ a sound that also characterized his and Lucas’ concurrent Grammy-winning songwriting and production work for the likes of Phyllis Hyman, Stephanie Mills, the Spinners, and Lou Rawls. Thanks in part to the Notorious B.I.G.’s ‘Juicy’ and dozens of other songs that have either sampled or referenced Mtume, the band’s discography remains ripe for discovery by younger generations. James Mtume died on January 9, 2022 at the age of 76. ~ Andy Kellman, Rovi

Johnny Kemp

Kemp, the talented artist, embarked on his musical journey at a young age of 13 by showcasing his captivating vocals in the vibrant nightclubs of Nassau, Bahamas. Immersed in the energetic atmosphere, he honed his skills not only as a singer but also as a versatile dancer, skilled songwriter, and promising actor. In 1979, Kemp made a pivotal move to Harlem, where he further nurtured his talents and explored diverse avenues of artistic expression.
One of Kemp’s notable achievements was the chart-topping success of his hit song, ‘Just Got Paid,’ which soared to the Top Ten in 1988, solidifying his position in the music industry. Additionally, his musical prowess extended beyond solo endeavors, as he contributed a captivating tune to the soundtrack of the acclaimed motion picture, Sing. Kemp’s multifaceted talents continue to captivate audiences and cement his legacy as a dynamic and influential artist in the entertainment landscape.

Mike Clark Jr

Hailing from Macon, Georgia, Mike Clark Jr. is a 19-year-old singing sensation bringing the genre, “Southern Soul” to the forefront. Clark’s most recent song, “Auntie Outside,” has all the elements of Southern Soul, and he’s looking to grow his way to stardom as he continues his young career.

Bobby Womack

Bobby Womack, a seasoned veteran in the music industry, endured a decade of hard work and challenges before rising to solo stardom. He overcame personal tragedies and battles with addiction to establish himself as a resilient figure in soul music. Womack excelled both as a singer in the spotlight and as an instrumentalist and songwriter behind the scenes. Despite not receiving full recognition from mainstream audiences, during the late ’60s and ’70s, he consistently delivered chart-topping hits in the R&B genre, showcasing a high standard of musical excellence. His music, deeply rooted in soul, bore influences from legendary artists like Sam Cooke, Wilson Pickett, and Sly Stone, with whom Womack collaborated closely. His distinctive style often reflected his unique personality, featuring elements like philosophical monologues and innovative interpretations of popular songs.
Born as Bobby Dwayne Womack in Cleveland on March 4, 1944, he was raised in a strict and religious environment. Encouraged by his father, who was a gospel singer and guitarist, Bobby embarked on his musical journey at a young age. In the early ’50s, he joined forces with his brothers to form the gospel group, the Womack Brothers. This collaboration led to a significant opportunity to open for the Soul Stirrers, where Bobby forged a friendship with the lead singer, Sam Cooke. Subsequently, under Cooke’s mentorship, the Womack Brothers transitioned into an R&B act named the Valentinos. Their hit song, ‘Lookin’ for a Love,’ marked their breakthrough in 1962, propelling them to success in the music industry.
The unexpected death of Sam Cooke in 1964 deeply affected Womack and had a significant impact on his career. Despite facing backlash for marrying Cooke’s widow shortly after his death, Bobby continued to navigate the music world, struggling to launch his solo career. From recording unsuccessful singles to exploring collaborations with various artists and labels, Womack’s journey was marked by both triumphs and challenges. He ventured into new musical territories, experimenting with country music and reinventing his sound to adapt to changing trends. Bobby Womack’s resilience and versatility as an artist shone through his groundbreaking compositions, soulful performances, and enduring influence on the music landscape.

JADE

Jane Doe is an incredibly talented and versatile artist known for her incredible range of artistic abilities. From music to painting, Jane Doe excels in various forms of creative expression, captivating audiences worldwide. Her passion for art shines through in every piece she creates, reflecting her deep connection to her craft.
Jane Doe’s unique style and innovative approach have garnered her immense recognition in the artistic community. With a keen eye for detail and a profound understanding of different art forms, Jane Doe continues to push boundaries and inspire others with her work. Her dedication to her artistry and commitment to excellence make her a true standout in the world of art.

Eric Benét

Born and raised in Milwaukee, Eric Benét grew up surrounded by music as he so aptly describes it, ‘on a cellular level.’ His siblings loved to sing and harmonize together, and the family had subscriptions to all the industry music magazines, so the seeds were being planted. His music group, Benét, put a demo together and scored their first record deal with EMI in 1991. After the record didn’t generate a hit single and the label dropped them. Life was challenging at the time- Eric was a single father to daughter India after his partner was killed in a car accident, and making ends meet by working at UPS. During that time, he made a few more demos which found their way to Warner Bros Records into the hands of Alison Ball, who had been with EMI. She knew a hit when she heard one, and his second album, True to Myself, was released to great acclaim in 1996. He followed with A Day in the Life (1999) which generated his first #1 single with Tamia, ‘Spend My Life.’ His life changed dramatically after that time, and he started touring internationally, finding tremendous joy in hearing his music and lyrics sung by fans all over the world. In 2023, he joined forces with longtime friend and experienced music executive Alison Ball to create JBR Creative Group. The record label is behind Benét’s most exciting album to date, Duets, which will feature duets with today’s top R&B recording artists.

Louis York

Louis York is the musical creation of Claude Kelly and Chuck Harmony. Their music is not one genre. Or influence. Or thought. Or message. It’s an exploration of it all. The Grammy nominated team decided to throw out the rules in pursuit of creating great music. Their music truly comes from their hearts, written for the love of music and nothing else. Music reminiscent of their childhood influences growing up in East St. Louis and New York City. Music that gives you those indescribable chills and speaks to your soul.

Arrested Development

True Hip-hop trailblazers since 1991, Arrested Development has been cultural champions of consciousness and empowerment across the planet. Their representation of eclectic and vibrant African sounds and clothing has produced a unique clash of rhythms and style that continue to contrast the expected look and sound of Hip-hop culture.
Arrested Development have been supporters of important groups and movements like the National Coalition of The Homeless, and the African National Congress (ANC). With numerous album releases, and world tours, Arrested Development has been ground-breaking in Hip-hop culture. Their album, “3 Years, 5 Months and 2 Days in the Life of…”, earned them two Grammy awards for Best New Artist and Best Rap Single (Tennessee), 2 MTV awards, a Soul Train Music Award, and the NCAAP Image Award. Rolling Stone magazine named them Band of The Year in 1992, while VH-1 named them one of the greatest Hip-hop artists of all time! The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame even named the AD smash “Tennessee” one of the 500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll. Sharing the stage with such important figures such as Nelson Mandela, Minister Louis Farrakhan, Hilary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama, AD are the categorical definition of legends.