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Raphael Saadiq

Raphael Saadiq is a Grammy Award-winning musician, songwriter, and go-to producer for some of the top names in R&B. Born in Oakland, Raphael grew up singing gospel music and started playing bass at the age of six. On the strength of training he received at Castlemont High, Saadiq auditioned for Sheila E and landed a spot in her band supporting Prince’s 1986 world tour. Saadiq then formed Tony! Toni! Toné! with his brother D’Wayne Wiggins and cousin Timothy Riley. The trio thrived in the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, racking up many hits including “Feels Good,” “Anniversary” and “It Never Rains (In Southern California).” After four TTT albums, Saadiq started the urban supergroup Lucy Pearl in 1999. His solo career began with Instant Vintage (2002) and Ray Ray (2004). Critics began taking notice with the release of his 2008 homage to classic soul, The Way I See It, and it’s follow-up, Stone Rollin’ (2011). Along with his solo work, Saadiq honed his craft as a producer, working with a wide range of artists, including Snoop Dogg, Erykah Badu, and Stevie Wonder. He co-wrote hits for D’Angelo and Solange, and his songs have been covered, sampled, or referenced by everyone from Ed Sheeran to Drake. In 2017, he received an Academy Award nomination (Best Original Song) for “Mighty River” from Mudbound, co-written with Mary J. Blige. On TV, Saadiq is the composer in residence for Isa Rae’s hit HBO show Insecure. His next solo album, Jimmy Lee, is scheduled for release in August 2019.

Method Man

The artist, [Artist Name], is a remarkable talent in the music industry. Known for their unique style and powerful vocals, [Artist Name] has captivated audiences worldwide. Born and raised in a small town, [Artist Name] discovered their passion for music at a young age and has since pursued their dreams with unwavering determination. With a discography that spans multiple genres, [Artist Name] continues to push boundaries and redefine the landscape of modern music. Their music resonates with listeners on a deep emotional level, touching hearts and inspiring creativity.
[Artist Name]’s journey to success has been filled with challenges and triumphs, shaping them into the artist they are today. From humble beginnings playing in local venues to performing on international stages, [Artist Name] has remained true to their artistic vision and values. Through their lyrics, [Artist Name] shares personal experiences and universal themes that resonate with fans of all ages. Their live performances are electrifying, leaving audiences in awe of their talent and stage presence. As a visionary in the industry, [Artist Name] continues to innovate and push the boundaries of musical expression, leaving a lasting impact on the world of music.

Debra Laws

The talented singer Debra Laws, known for her exceptional vocal skills, comes from a family of musical prodigies, including flutist Hubert Laws, saxophonist Ronnie Laws, and vocalist Eloise Laws. Collaborating with a diverse range of artists in the jazz, funk, and R&B genres, Debra Laws made a significant impact on the music industry. Her journey began with featuring on recordings by her renowned brothers and other esteemed artists like Richard Roundtree’s The Man from Shaft and Aquarian Dream’s Fantasy. In 1981, Debra Laws signed with Elektra and released the critically acclaimed album ‘Very Special,’ produced by Hubert and Ronnie Laws. This album reached number 13 on Billboard’s R&B chart, propelled by three hit singles, with the title track becoming a radio favorite on the quiet storm format.
The widespread influence of Debra Laws’ music is evident in its sampling by prominent artists such as Big Daddy Kane, Mary J. Blige, Jennifer Lopez, and K. Michelle. Despite a gap in album releases until 1993, when she launched ‘Moments’ under the Japanese Polystar label, Debra Laws continued to captivate audiences globally. Her performances in prestigious concert halls and renowned jazz festivals have solidified her status as a revered artist. Noteworthy are her contributions to recording sessions for artists like Jeffrey Osborne, Betty Wright, and Stevie Wonder, showcasing her versatility and talent. Debra Laws’ artistic endeavors extend beyond music, as she has also made appearances in Broadway productions and various stage and television projects, with notable roles in films like Crossroads and Jailbird Rock. Debra Laws’ legacy in the music and entertainment industry remains a testament to her enduring creativity and artistry.

Snoh Aalegra

Iranian Swedish-born singer and songwriter Snoh Aalegra is recognized as one of the most captivating voices in recent years. Drawing inspiration from legendary artists like Stevie Wonder, Whitney Houston, Prince, and Michael Jackson, Snoh’s music resonates with a profound authenticity and raw emotion that sets her apart. Her deep sense of outsiderdom, a feeling she has long embraced, resonates universally in her music. With multiple GRAMMY Nominations to her name, Snoh Aalegra’s songs are deeply rooted in her personal experiences and struggles.
Acknowledged by music icons like Prince, who mentored her for two years, and esteemed hip hop producer No I.D., Snoh Aalegra has collaborated with a plethora of renowned artists including Drake, Common, John Mayer, Vince Staples, and more. Her album ‘Ugh, those feels again’ propelled her to stardom, claiming the #1 spot as an R&B album on iTunes. Garnering high praise from notable publications like NPR, Pitchfork, Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and others, the album explores themes of self-love, independence, alienation, anxiety, toxic relationships, growth, and hopefulness, reflecting the complex emotions that define her artistry.

Christian Keyes

Artist Summary:

John Smith is a versatile artist known for his exceptional talents in multiple art forms. With a career spanning over two decades, John has established himself as a prominent figure in the art world. His unique style and innovative approach to art have captivated audiences worldwide.
John’s passion for creativity shines through in his work, whether he is painting breathtaking landscapes, sculpting intricate art pieces, or creating mesmerizing digital artwork. His attention to detail and dedication to his craft are evident in every piece he creates. John’s art reflects his deep connection with nature and his profound understanding of human emotions.

Brownstone

BROWNSTONE was signed in 1993 to Michael Jackson’s MJJ Epic. They released “If You Love Me” co-written by Founder Nicci Gilbert-Daniels, which has been sampled by Tory Lanez, Future & Metro Boomin all yielding great success. After the unexpected passing of Maxee Maxwell in February 2015, the group which now consists of Nicci Gilbert-Daniels & Sisters Arin Jackson and Alexis Jones continue to build the BROWNSTONE Legacy by Touring & Recording a 30yr Anniversary Live & Studio Album in 2025. Keep up with the trio at BrownstoneOfficial.com

Common

Common, also known as Lonnie Rashied Lynn, is a highly influential figure in rap music, known for his sophisticated lyrical technique and flowing syncopations of jazz-rap. Despite commercial trends threatening the style’s advancements, Common has maintained his outward-looking, nimbly performed rhymes and political consciousness. His albums consistently rank in the Top Ten of the R&B/hip-hop chart and receive critical acclaim. Common gained mainstream popularity with albums like ‘Like Water for Chocolate’, ‘Be’, and ‘Finding Forever’, achieving gold-selling status. Additionally, he is a three-time Grammy winner for collaborations with artists like Erykah Badu, Kanye West, and John Legend.
Born on the South Side of Chicago as Lonnie Rashied Lynn, Common started his career under the moniker ‘Common Sense’. His early success included winning The Source magazine’s Unsigned Hype contest and releasing singles like ‘Take It EZ’. Transitioning to ‘Common’, he released albums like ‘Resurrection’ and ‘One Day It’ll All Make Sense’, solidifying his reputation as a top lyricist in the underground hip-hop scene. Collaborations with notable artists like Lauryn Hill, Q-Tip, and De La Soul further elevated Common’s status. He later signed a major-label deal with MCA and released breakthrough albums like ‘Like Water for Chocolate’, garnering critical acclaim and Grammy nominations.
Continuing his successful career, Common released albums like ‘Be’ and ‘Finding Forever’, produced primarily by Kanye West. His musical journey continued with albums such as ‘The Dreamer/The Believer’ and ‘Nobody Smiling’, all while delving into acting with roles in television series and movies. Common’s versatility and talent were highlighted in his acclaimed performances and meaningful collaborations. His commitment to addressing social issues and personal growth is evident in albums like ‘Black America Again’ and ‘A Beautiful Revolution’. Common’s impact extends beyond music, encompassing his contributions to literature and film, showcasing his multifaceted artistry.

Avery*Sunshine

Avery Sunshine takes no detours in creating melodious music for the masses. Her sound is uplifting, vibrant, and exactly as her namesake suggests, full of sunshine. She brings people together through her riveting stage performances, candid and often humorous stage banter, and optimistic anthems about love and life. Born Denise White in Chester, Pennsylvania, her roots are firmly grounded in the church. Avery, along with her Grammy award-winning, creative life partner, Dana ‘BigDane’ Johnson; the singer, pianist and composer has created a remarkable and unforgettable sound.
Most known for the #1 Billboard chart hit single ‘Call My Name’ from her critically heralded sophomore project: The Sunroom, Avery and Dana were awarded ASCAP’s Rhythm and Soul Song of the Year Award. Amongst Avery’s award acknowledgements are nominations for both the Soul Train Award and BET Centric Award. From numerous sold-out shows and career milestones that include a UK tour opening for the late B.B. King, a performance on The Jools Holland Show and four Hot Adult R&B top 20 Billboard hits, as an endorsed artist with the Yamaha Entertainment family, she was invited multiple times to perform for and by the late Ms. Aretha Franklin.
Whether Avery is onstage in Asia, Africa, Australia, the UK or even on the virtual stage from her living room sofa with a tiny keyboard and her family, she is always striving to fill the space that she was created to fill.

Jesse Powell

Jesse Powell grew up singing with his family and in local talent shows. In 1993, Powell met fledgling producer Carl Roland in Kansas City. Upon their arrival in L.A., the two began working together. Powell got his break when Louis Silas, Jr. heard him sing at an artist showcase; it was shortly thereafter that Silas signed Powell to a recording contract. The singer’s recordings include 1996’s Jesse Powell, 1998’s ‘Bout It, 2001’s JP, and 2003’s Jesse. Jesse Powell died in Los Angeles, California on September 13, 2022. He suffered cardiac arrest just one day after his 51st birthday. ~ Craig Lytle, Rovi

Slick Rick

Slick Rick, one of early hip-hop’s foremost storytellers, charmed audiences with his effortless charisma and insightful lyrical perspectives, solidifying his status as a pivotal figure in the evolution of rap music. His debut album, ‘The Great Adventures of Slick Rick’ in 1988, not only achieved platinum success but also served as a source of inspiration and sampling material for future generations of artists. Despite facing legal challenges, including recording two of his albums while incarcerated for attempted murder, Slick Rick’s artistic journey remained undeterred.
Born to Jamaican parents in South Wimbledon, London, on January 14, 1965, Ricky Walters, better known as Slick Rick, overcame early obstacles, including partial blindness from infancy, to emerge as a trailblazing rapper with a unique style. His debut album, ‘The Great Adventures of Slick Rick,’ may not have been an instant hit upon release, but tracks like ‘Children’s Story’ and ‘Teenage Love’ showcased his distinctive British-accented flow, earning chart success and critical acclaim. Slick Rick’s resilience transcended personal challenges, as seen through his later albums and collaborations with industry icons, marking his enduring influence in the hip-hop landscape.

Zapp

One of the most underrated funk groups of the 1980s, Zapp revolutionized the computer pop of electro with their trademark vocoder talk boxes and bumping grooves, emulating the earthier side of Prince and Cameo, with a leader in Roger Troutman who was more than efficient at polished production. The family group, with brothers Roger, Lester, Larry, and Tony Troutman, grew up in Hamilton, OH, influenced by hometown heroes the Ohio Players as well as Parliament and other funk groups. Tony was the first to begin recording, with an obscure single for Gram-O-Phon Records, ‘I Truly Love You,’ which scraped the R&B charts in 1976. Joined by his brothers (with Roger on vocals and guitar, Lester on drums, Larry on percussion, and himself contributing bass) and christened Zapp, the group played around the Midwest and gradually picked up backing vocalists (Bobby Glover, Jannetta Boyce), keyboard players (Greg Jackson, Sherman Fleetwood) and a horn section (Eddie Barber, Jerome Derrickson, Mike Warren).
Zapp’s following quickly gained notices, and Bootsy Collins himself was hired on to work with the group on their debut album. Released in 1980, Zapp hit the Top 20 on the pop charts, thanks to the single ‘More Bounce to the Ounce.’ The following year, Roger worked on Funkadelic’s The Electric Spanking of War Babies and released his solo debut album, The Many Facets of Roger. His special cover of ‘I Heard It Through the Grapevine,’ complete with vocoderized talk box, pushed the album into gold territory (as Zapp had done). Zapp II appeared in 1982 and proved just as popular as the group’s first, including Zapp’s only number one R&B single, ‘Dance Floor.’

Mykal Kilgore

Mykal Kilgore’s artistry cuts through traditional barriers and represents the hope of gospel, the soul of R&B, and the vulnerability of country. His debut release, A Man Born Black, is an exploration of faith, loss, the stumble and spills on the way to maturity, and the beauty of hope and love. A born and raised Floridian, Mykal moved to Nashville, TN as a hopeful singer and songwriter after attending Florida State University. Mykal later moved to New York City to enter the Broadway world. To date, his credits include Motown the Musical on Broadway, The Book of Mormon, and Hair on Broadway. Mykal has consistently chosen projects that elevate positive representations of people of color, including The Wiz Live! (NBC) and Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert (NBC). Most recently, he appeared Off-Broadway in Songs for a New World and in Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. Also known for making bold political expressions, he became a viral sensation for his gospel-themed song “Reclaiming My Time” based on the statement made popular by famed Congresswoman Maxine Waters. The video garnered over 10 million views in one week and landing him an appearance with her on ABC’s The View. With A Man Born Black, Mykal is stepping to the forefront to share his unique perspective with the world. His multi-octave ability is powerful and elegant. His instrument is guaranteed to educate, entertain, and elevate the lives of all who have the luxury of experiencing his unmatched sound.