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Carl Thomas

Carl Thomas, a talented R&B singer with a captivating blend of cool demeanor and intense passion, was born in Aurora, Illinois on June 15, 1972. His journey into the music industry began after completing high school, when he relocated to Chicago to pursue his musical aspirations. Initially, Thomas was part of a vocal group called the Fourmula, which gained modest success in 1994 with the track ‘Pass It Over.’ Moving to Brooklyn, New York in the mid-90s, Thomas ventured into solo performances, showcasing his versatile vocal skills at open-mic nights and gigs to establish his independent identity.
In 1997, Thomas caught the attention of music mogul Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs (also known as P Diddy and Puff Daddy) during one of his performances. Impressed by Thomas’ talent, Combs signed him to his renowned label, Bad Boy Entertainment. Initially, Thomas lent his vocals to R&B-styled collaborations with hip-hop artists such as the Notorious B.I.G., the LOX, LL Cool J, N.O.R.E., and Puff Daddy. It wasn’t until 2000 that Thomas released his debut album, ‘Emotional,’ featuring hit singles like ‘I Wish’ and ‘Summer Rain’ that propelled him to mainstream success.
Despite the success of ‘Emotional,’ Thomas faced personal tragedies and setbacks, including the untimely death of his brother in 2004. This challenging period led Thomas to introspection, prompting him to prioritize healing over promotional activities for his second album, ‘Let’s Talk About It.’ Gradually parting ways with Bad Boy Entertainment, Thomas explored new avenues in music, collaborating with various artists and contributing to projects like ‘Dumpin” on 2Pac’s posthumous album ‘Pac’s Life.’ Subsequently, Thomas released his third album, ‘So Much Better,’ under the independent Umbrella label in 2007. Continuing his musical journey, Thomas signed with Verve Music in 2011, releasing his fourth album, ‘Conquer,’ later that year to critical acclaim and further showcasing his evolution as an artist.

The Notorious BIG Productions

Welcome to “The Notorious B.I.G Productions” with its host “CTAH B”. Here we will compile the best mixes of these two artists together.

Total

The artist ‘New Jill Flava’ trio Total, consisting of singers Kima, Pam, and Keisha, gained recognition under the mentorship of Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs from Bad Boy Entertainment. Initially known for their collaboration with the iconic Notorious B.I.G. on hits like ‘One More Chance’ and ‘Juicy,’ Total soon rose to fame with their own chart-topping single ‘Can’t You See’ featured in the soundtrack of the movie New Jersey Drive. Their eponymous debut album, released in 1996, showcased popular tracks such as ‘No One Else,’ ‘Kissin’ You,’ and ‘Do You Think About Us?’ Subsequently, their second album ‘Kima, Keisha & Pam’ was highlighted by the hit ‘Trippin’ in 1998. Over the years, Total collaborated with artists like Tony Touch and Mad Lion, contributing to the music scene with memorable tracks such as ‘I Wonder Why (He’s the Greatest DJ)’ and ‘Give It to Me.’ After a period of hiatus, the group made a remarkable comeback in 2015, reuniting to captivate audiences across the United States as the opening act for R. Kelly.

Chaka Khan

Chaka Khan, one of the most dynamic and accomplished artists to debut during the early ’70s, secured her high standing as the frontperson of Rufus. A multiracial band that skillfully moved across soul, funk, rock, and jazz, they reached the mainstream with the slinking ‘Tell Me Something Good’ (1974), a Top Five pop hit that won a Grammy. Throughout the decade, they continuously placed albums within the upper reaches of the pop and R&B charts. Chaka Khan launched her solo career with ‘I’m Every Woman’ (1978), an anthemic crossover disco smash that led to eight additional Top Ten R&B hits. Among her indelible works are ‘Ain’t Nobody’ (with Rufus, 1983) and a cover of Prince’s ‘I Feel for You’ (1984), high-tech productions that showcased Khan’s inherent joy and power in her voice. Versatile throughout her five-decade career, Khan has recorded numerous jazz standards, heard in concentrated form on albums such as Echoes of an Era (1982) and Classikhan (2004). Her covers-oriented set Funk This (2007) resulted in two of her ten Grammy awards.
Raised in the Hyde Park neighborhood of Chicago’s South Side as Yvette Marie Stevens, Chaka Khan’s musical journey started at a young age when she formed her first group, the Crystalettes, at just 11 years old. Her involvement with the Afro-Arts Theater during high school exposed her to the music world, and she toured with Motown great Mary Wells. Khan’s political activism led her to join the Black Panther Party, adopting the name Chaka Karifi given to her by a Yoruba priest. After briefly being part of several bands, Khan found solid ground when she joined Rufus in 1973. With her radiant vocals and energizing stage presence, the band released several successful albums and scored multiple Top Ten hits, including the Grammy-winning ‘Tell Me Something Good.’ Transitioning to her solo career, Khan’s collaboration with producer Arif Mardin led to the release of her hit single ‘I’m Every Woman’ and the album ‘Chaka,’ showcasing her roots and musical versatility. Despite a successful solo career, Khan rejoined Rufus for ‘Masterjam’ and continued to release solo albums that dominated the R&B charts throughout the ’80s and ’90s.

Missy Elliott

Melissa Arnette “Missy” Elliott, also known as Misdemeanor, is a prominent American rapper, singer, and record producer. She started her musical journey with the R&B group Sista and later joined the Swing Mob collective with her childhood friend Timbaland, collaborating on projects for popular R&B artists like Aaliyah, 702, Total, and SWV. Missy Elliott’s debut solo album, ‘Supa Dupa Fly’, introduced her to the music scene in 1997, featuring the hit single ‘Sock It 2 Me’. Her second album, ‘Da Real World’, showcased her versatility with tracks like ‘She’s a Bitch’, ‘All n My Grill’, and the chart-topping ‘Hot Boyz’. With subsequent albums like ‘Miss E… So Addictive’, ‘Under Construction’, and ‘This Is Not a Test’, Elliott solidified her international presence with songs like ‘Get Ur Freak On’, ‘One Minute Man’, ‘4 My People’, ‘Gossip Folks’, and ‘Work It’, the latter earning her a Grammy Award for Best Female Rap Solo Performance.
Recognized as the ‘Queen of Rap’, Missy Elliott’s remarkable career has earned her four Grammy Awards and global recognition. She holds the title of the best-selling female rapper in Nielsen Music history and was the first female rapper inducted into the Songwriters Hall of Fame. Her impact on music videos led to receiving the MTV VMAs Michael Jackson Video Vanguard Award, and Billboard ranked her among the 100 Greatest Music Video Artists of All Time. In 2021, Elliott received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and in 2023, she made history as the first female hip-hop artist nominated and inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

Sunshine Anderson

Charlotte, NC native Sunshine Anderson was discovered while waiting in line at North Carolina Central University, where she earned a B.S. in criminal justice. A friend of producer Soulife A&R Vice President Mike City heard Anderson humming and introduced her to City. After college, she moved to Washington, D.C., then to Los Angeles, working with City on her debut album and finding a manager in critically acclaimed singer Macy Gray. Anderson’s first album Your Woman, propelled by the single ‘Heard It All Before,’ reached number two on Billboard’s R&B albums chart and went gold, selling over 800,000 copies.
Sunshine at Midnight, released on Mathew Knowles’ Music World label, featuring assistance from Raphael Saadiq and City, was released nearly six years later. Her third album, The Sun Shines Again (2010), except one track, was produced entirely by City.

Shai

At the end of 1992, the four-man urban contemporary vocal group Shai made a significant impact on the R&B and pop charts with their debut album, ‘…If I Ever Fall in Love,’ which featured the number one title track. Despite occasional shortcomings in their material, the captivating silkiness of their voices often overshadows any weaknesses. Shai has consistently maintained a strong presence on the R&B charts, showcasing their talent even though they have not replicated the same level of pop success achieved with their initial single.
Stephen Thomas Erlewine, an expert at Rovi, acknowledged the exceptional rise of Shai in the music scene. The group’s ability to deliver soulful and melodious performances has garnered them widespread recognition and admiration. With their enchanting harmonies and soul-stirring music, Shai continues to captivate audiences and establish a lasting legacy in the realm of contemporary urban music.

Troop

Troop began as a teen group that won $1000 on Puttin’ on the Hits, a nationally televised contest, by dancing and lip-synching to New Edition’s “Cool It Now.” The Pasadena, California quintet — Rodney Benford, John Harreld, Allen McNeil, Steve Russell, and Reggie Warren — were then signed to Atlantic, and their 1988 debut single, the LeVert-produced “Mamacita,” taken from their self-titled album, reached number two on Billboard’s Hot Soul Singles chart. Their second album, 1989’s Attitude, featured two number one Hot Soul singles — including the Chuckii Booker collaboration “Spread My Wings” — and earned an RIAA gold certification. Deepa, released in 1992, was a creative step forward and contained yet another Hot Soul chart topper in “Sweet November,” a Deele cover, but the group subsequently went independent with two more full-lengths released later in the decade. Troop went inactive for several years but occasionally recorded and toured. In 2013, they released a single titled “Forever.” Within the music industry, Russell had the most success outside the group as part of the songwriting and production team the Underdogs. Ron Wynn & Andy Kellman, Rovi

Al Green

Al Green, a distinguished R&B vocalist, has become renowned for his smooth soul music that beautifully merges the earthly and the divine. His velvety falsetto perfectly complemented the precisely crafted Memphis funk overseen by Willie Mitchell, the influential head of Hi Records who discovered the talented singer from Grand Rapids, Michigan after the success of “Back Up Train” in 1967. Collaborating with Mitchell, Green released a series of albums showcasing his exceptional talent as an interpreter of modern classics and a unique songwriter. His repertoire includes timeless hits like “Tired of Being Alone,” “Let’s Stay Together,” “I’m Still in Love with You,” “Call Me (Come Back Home),” and “Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” defining the sultry soul sound of the era and setting the stage for future music genres.
Born in Forrest City, Arkansas, Green’s journey began at a young age when he formed the gospel quartet Green Brothers at nine. Moving to Grand Rapids, Michigan, his passion for music led him to form an R&B group named Al Green & the Creations at 16. After a successful debut with “Back Up Train,” Green caught the attention of Willie Mitchell, leading to their collaboration on “Green Is Blues,” his debut album. The subsequent releases, including “Let’s Stay Together” and “I’m Still in Love with You,” solidified Green’s position as a top-tier artist with a unique sound that captivated audiences worldwide.
Despite personal challenges that led him to a hiatus from secular music in the late ’70s, Green’s return in the ’80s marked a resurgence in his career. From iconic collaborations with artists like Annie Lennox to significant achievements like entering the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Green’s musical legacy continued to soar. His later works, such as the critically acclaimed albums on Blue Note and his enduring presence in live performances and spiritual sermons, underscore his lasting impact on the music industry as a visionary and a pioneer of soul and R&B music.

Jamison Ross

Jamison Ross is a GRAMMY-Winning R&B/Soul artist whose music emanates from the intersection of R&B, Gospel, and Blues supported by modern production + contemporary Soul. Jamison’s previous projects from Affective Music releases have been influenced by some of history’s greatest Soul singers, including Marvin Gaye, Rance Allen, and Al Green.
A native of Jacksonville, FL, Jamison honed his talent studying at Douglas Anderson School of the Arts, before attending Florida State University and then on to the University of New Orleans, where he earned a Master of Music. Shortly after graduating, Jamison released his debut album, Jamison (2015), earning his first GRAMMY nomination.
Following numerous accomplishments in his career, Jamison achieved a significant milestone in 2023 by winning a GRAMMY with Snarky Puppy for Best Contemporary Instrumental Album, Empire Central.
While Ross continues this journey as an artist, songwriter and producer to make a major imprint in R&B this year, he is releasing his most anticipated single yet, Say You Love Me written by the late DJ Rogers. This single will be released on February 14th, Valentine’s Day and is set to hit the billboard charts and propel him to the next level of his career.
Jamison’s unique ability to marry smooth vocal melodies with soulful production is sure to take audiences on a listening experience like never before. In the current state of music, Jamison Ross is a refreshing treat to true music lovers.

Freddie Jackson

Freddie Jackson, a prominent artist in the urban contemporary music scene of the ’80s, captivated listeners with his soulful ballads and versatile musical range. While his peers like Luther Vandross, Anita Baker, and Peabo Bryson crossed over to pop charts, Jackson remained a legend within the R&B genre. Born in Harlem on October 2, 1956, Jackson’s journey as a singer began in the gospel realm at White Rock Baptist Church. His collaboration with producer and songwriter Paul Laurence led him to the New York club scene and later to the West Coast, where he fronted the R&B band Mystic Merlin before returning to New York to work with Laurence at Hush Productions.
In 1985, Jackson signed with Capitol and released his debut album, ‘Rock Me Tonight,’ which soared to the top of the R&B charts with hits like ‘You Are My Lady’ and ‘He’ll Never Love You (Like I Do).’ His follow-up album, ‘Just Like the First Time,’ continued his success with chart-toppers like ‘Tasty Love’ and ‘Have You Ever Loved Somebody.’ Despite his remarkable dominance in the R&B scene, Jackson’s crossover to pop charts was limited. Over the years, Jackson released several albums under different labels like RCA and Scotti Brothers, showcasing his romantic ballad style amidst changing trends in R&B music. While his commercial success fluctuated, Jackson’s talent and contribution to the music industry remained undeniable.

H-Town

H-Town is a vocal group that made a significant impact in 1993 under the guidance of 2 Live Crew creator Luther Campbell. Their breakthrough single, ‘Knockin’ da Boots,’ reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, establishing them as a part of the new wave of contemporary vocal groups with a nod to vintage soul. The success of the single was mirrored by their album ‘Fever for da Flavor,’ which achieved platinum status. Following this, H-Town released their second and third albums, ‘Beggin’ After Dark’ (1994) and ‘Ladies Edition, Woman’s World’ (1997), both of which attained gold certification. Despite their early success, the group faced challenges, including the tragic loss of founding member Kevin ‘Dino’ Conner and his girlfriend in a car accident. In 2004, the surviving members, Solomon ‘Shazam’ Conner and Darryl ‘G.I.’ Jackson, independently released their fourth album, ‘Imitations of Life.’ H-Town’s journey continued as they collaborated with other artists, such as Jodeci and Pretty Ricky, on singles like ‘Knockin’ Your Heels’ (2009). In recent years, H-Town remains active in the music scene, releasing new music like the single ‘Green Light 713′ featuring Lil’ Flip in 2019, followed by the EP ‘Date Night.’ Their 2023 release, ‘Strokey Doke,’ propelled the group back onto the charts, with the single making it to the Top-30 on Billboard’s Adult R&B Airplay chart and marking the solo debut of Shazam Conner as an artist.