Sir Mix-A-Lot
Sir Mix-A-Lot, known for his iconic hit “Baby Got Back,” is a pivotal figure in hip-hop history. Originating from Seattle, a city with little hip-hop presence, Mix-A-Lot carved his path to success through sheer determination. He co-founded a record label, self-promoted his music, produced his tracks, and established himself as a platinum-selling artist even before his breakthrough. With bouncy, bass-heavy tracks, he gained recognition in the hip-hop community before achieving mainstream success by signing with Rick Rubin’s Def American label.
Born Anthony Ray in Seattle in 1963, Sir Mix-A-Lot’s early career was marked by hits like “Posse on Broadway” and his debut album “Swass.” Despite financial disputes with his first label, Mix-A-Lot continued his journey to stardom with hits like “My Hooptie” and “I Got Game.” His controversial hit, “Baby Got Back,” sparked cultural debates but also skyrocketed to the top of the charts, earning him a Grammy and significant acclaim. Mix-A-Lot’s career saw highs and lows, including collaborations with rap-rock supergroups and solo releases that showcased his unique style.
Jamie Foxx
Jamie Foxx, originally known as Eric Morlon Bishop, Jr., is a multi-talented artist who rose to fame through his roles on television in shows like In Living Color and The Jamie Foxx Show, as well as in movies such as Any Given Sunday, Collateral, Ray, and Django Unchained. Hailing from Terrell, Texas, Foxx honed his skills in comedy, acting, and music from a young age. He was actively involved in music, playing the piano and leading a choir in his Baptist church before pursuing formal music education while studying composition and classical music in San Diego, California. In 1994, after establishing himself as an actor, he ventured into music with the release of his debut album, Peep This, which surprisingly made its way to number 12 on Billboard’s R&B chart despite minimal promotion.
Foxx’s music career took a significant turn with the success of Twista’s Kanye West-produced single, “Slow Jamz,” in late 2003. This accomplishment marked the resurgence of his musical endeavors, leading to the release of his second album in December 2005 under J Records. The album, titled Unpredictable, competed for the top spot on the Billboard 200 chart and eventually went platinum, thanks to collaborations with renowned artists like Timbaland and Babyface. Hits like the title track and “DJ Play a Love Song” secured Top 10 positions on the R&B charts, solidifying Foxx’s position in the music industry.
Over the years, Foxx continued to balance his acting and music careers, releasing albums periodically. His 2008 release, Intuition, showcased his versatility with collaborations from various producers and artists like Timbaland and T-Pain. The album produced hits like “Just Like Me” and “She Got Her Own,” with the latter earning him a Grammy for Best R&B Performance. Subsequent albums, including Best Night of My Life and Hollywood: A Story of a Dozen Roses, highlighted Foxx’s evolving musical style and featured collaborations with prominent figures in the industry, cementing his legacy as a successful actor and acclaimed R&B artist.
The Gap Band
The Gap Band, consisting of brothers Charlie, Ronnie, and Robert Wilson, emerged from obscurity to become one of the most beloved funk groups of the late ’70s and 1980s. Hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma, the trio delivered 15 Top Ten R&B singles, featuring a mix of vibrant funk anthems and soulful slow jams. Iconic tracks like “Burn Rubber (Why You Wanna Hurt Me)” and “You Dropped a Bomb on Me” showcased unforgettable synthesizer basslines, complemented by Charlie’s powerful lead vocals, establishing the group’s signature sound. The Gap Band’s reign of chart-topping hits extended over two decades, from 1977 to 1995.
Raised in Tulsa, the Wilson brothers’ musical journey began in their father’s church, where music was a mandatory part of their upbringing. Learning various instruments, especially the piano, became their foundation. Despite initial reluctance, the musical training proved invaluable, propelling them into the world of music. Ronnie, the eldest, founded his band at 14, with Charlie joining shortly after. The pivotal moment came when Ronnie invited Charlie to his band, marking the start of their musical collaboration. Forming the Gap Band with their younger brother Robert, the trio embarked on a musical odyssey that would span decades, starting from humble performances in Tulsa to national fame.
Lekan
In a time when music feels lacking in substance and passion, Lekan, a first generation Nigerian-American R&B singer/songwriter/musician from Columbus, Ohio, brings something new. While his towering presence dominates the stage, his silken baritone sings a message—one full of feeling and love. His soothing, inviting music is rooted in Classic R&B, while also dipping into other eras and genres—weaving soul, pop, and trap together to create his unique, timeless sound. Lekan, who names Marvin Gaye, D’Angelo, and The Weeknd as influences, takes listeners on an exploration of love, infatuation, sex, heartache, and inspiration that is inherently healing in its vulnerability. His raw, infectious lyrics are designed to invoke a range of emotion—utterly relatable in feeling but refreshingly original in delivery.
Read MoreSentury
Sentury is an incredibly talented and versatile artist whose music transcends genres and captivates audiences worldwide. With a unique blend of soulful vocals, intricate instrumentals, and thought-provoking lyrics, Sentury’s music resonates deeply with listeners of all backgrounds. His passion for storytelling is evident in each song, creating a powerful connection with his audience. Sentury’s live performances are nothing short of mesmerizing, as he effortlessly commands the stage with charisma and energy, leaving a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of experiencing his artistry.
Born with a natural gift for music, Sentury began his musical journey at a young age, honing his craft and developing his own signature sound that sets him apart in the industry. His dedication to his craft is unwavering, constantly pushing boundaries and challenging himself to evolve as an artist. Sentury’s songs have a profound and emotional depth, delving into themes of love, loss, and personal growth with honesty and vulnerability. Through his music, Sentury invites his audience to join him on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, creating a space for reflection and connection in a fast-paced world.
Soul For Real
Soul for Real is an R&B quartet consisting of the four talented Dalyrimple brothers – Brian, Chris, Dre, and Jason. The group officially came together in 1992, building on their shared experiences of harmonizing in their church choir. Their musical journey took off when they signed with Uptown Records and made a remarkable debut in early 1995 with the album ‘Candy Rain’. The album quickly rose to platinum status by the end of the year, making its mark by reaching number 23 on the album charts. Soul for Real ventured on extensive tours across the United States and overseas, showcasing their exceptional musicality to a diverse audience. Collaborating with renowned producers like Heavy D. and Sean ‘Puffy’ Combs, the group then ventured into recording ‘For Life’, further solidifying their place in the R&B music scene. In 1999, Soul for Real released their third album, ‘Heat’, continuing to captivate music enthusiasts worldwide with their soulful tunes and captivating performances.
Read MoreTeddy Pendergrass
Teddy Pendergrass, born as Thedore DeReese Pendergrass, was a legendary artist in the realm of Philly soul music. He rose to fame as the lead singer of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes in the early 1970s, where he showcased his gruff baritone voice in hit songs like “I Miss You” and chart-toppers such as “If You Don’t Know Me by Now” and “The Love I Lost.” With his transition to Philadelphia International Records, guided by iconic founders Gamble & Huff, Pendergrass embarked on a successful solo career that spanned five platinum studio albums. Despite a tragic car accident in 1982 that left him paralyzed, Pendergrass continued to captivate audiences with soulful singles like “Close the Door” and “Turn Off the Lights.” His enduring legacy in R&B music is marked by numerous Top Ten R&B hits and collaborations with industry greats like Whitney Houston and Stephanie Mills.
From his early days singing in church to becoming an ordained minister by the age of ten, Pendergrass’s musical journey was destined for greatness. As a member of Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, his powerful vocals propelled the group to R&B stardom with iconic tracks like “Wake Up Everybody” and “Bad Luck.” Despite tensions within the group, Pendergrass ventured into a remarkable solo career with Philadelphia International Records, delivering soulful ballads and dancefloor fillers in albums like “Life Is a Song Worth Singing” and “Teddy.” Even after facing adversity due to his paralysis, Pendergrass made a triumphant return to the music scene with chart-topping hits like “Hold Me” and “Joy.” His later albums on Elektra Records further solidified his musical prowess, earning accolades and Grammy nominations for his exceptional performances.
Pendergrass’s musical journey continued into the late ’90s, where he showcased his talent with records released under the independent label Surefire. Albums like “A Little More Magic” and “This Christmas (I’d Rather Have Love)” displayed his enduring passion for music and creativity. Despite facing health challenges, including battling colon cancer, Pendergrass remained a symbol of resilience and musical excellence. His remarkable life story was commemorated in a BBC Film documentary titled “If You Don’t Know Me by Now,” reflecting on his enduring impact on the world of R&B music. With a legacy that transcends generations, Teddy Pendergrass will always be remembered as a true soul music icon.
Hi-Five
Hi-Five, a renowned R&B group, made a significant mark with their hit single ‘The Kissing Game.’ The song, a favorite on urban airwaves worldwide, continues to captivate audiences even after many years. In 1990, Hi-Five made their debut on Jive Records with a self-titled album that included popular tracks like ‘Just Can’t Handle It’ and ‘Unconditional Love.’ However, it was their chart-topping single ‘I Like the Way (The Kissing Game)’ that propelled them to the pinnacle of success, reaching #1 on both pop and R&B charts.
The original members of Hi-Five, Marcus Sanders and Shannon Gill from Waco, TX, still honor their Texas origins, while Treston Irby from Bronx, New York, features the group on his Bronx Most Wanted record label. The group now includes new members Faruq Evans and Billy Covington, completing the quintet and making significant contributions to their new music endeavors. With a blend of original talent and fresh additions, Hi-Five continues to evolve and leave a lasting impact on the music scene.
Al B. Sure!
During the late ’80s, Al B. Sure! enjoyed a brief run as one of new jack swing’s most popular romantic singers. Born Al Brown in Boston, he grew up in Mount Vernon, NY, listening to smooth crooners like Marvin Gaye and Johnny Mathis; he later became interested in rap and added that skill to his vocal repertoire. At age ten, he and a friend performed on a song written by Ellie Greenwich for the soundtrack of Sesame Street, and later he began writing songs with his cousin Kyle West. While in high school (where he quarterbacked the football team), he became friends with Edward Ferrell, aka DJ Eddie F, who was working with rapper Heavy D at the time. Eddie F introduced the still-teenaged Al B. Sure! to Heavy D’s manager/Uptown label head Andre Harrell, who had him sing backing vocals on several Heavy D tracks and helped him get a deal with Warner Brothers. Featuring production from DJ Eddie F and a number of co-writes with West, Al B. Sure!’s debut album, In Effect Mode, was released in 1988 and became a platinum-selling sensation thanks to the single
Read MoreTamar Braxton
Tamar Braxton is a multi-talented artist known for her work as an actress, television personality, singer, and songwriter. She began her music career in 1990 as part of the sibling group the Braxtons and later pursued a successful solo career. Her debut solo album, ‘Tamar’ in 2000 showcased her diverse musical abilities, blending pop-flavored tracks with cathartic ballads that resonated with audiences. Over the years, Braxton’s albums like ‘Love and War’ (2013) and ‘Calling All Lovers’ (2015) have garnered critical acclaim, earning her multiple Grammy nominations.
Born in Severn, Maryland, Tamar Braxton’s journey in the music industry started with the Braxtons, a group composed of her sisters Traci, Trina, Towanda, and the renowned singer Toni Braxton. Despite early setbacks, Tamar found success as a solo artist with her self-titled album in 2000. She continued to make waves in the industry with hits like ‘Love and War’ and ‘Calling All Lovers,’ showcasing her soulful vocals and emotional depth in her music. Through her music and appearances on reality TV shows, Braxton has established herself as a versatile artist with a strong fan base who eagerly anticipates her new releases.
Avant
For nearly two decades, Avant has blazed a trail with hits, “Read Your Mind,” “My First Love,” and “Separated,”. His latest project, Can We Fall In Love, is his 9th studio album and an open love letter with raw honesty and intensity. Avant says, “It’s a different time in the world today and I’m trying to get people back to what real R&B is about. Not just making love but being in love, what happened to that? I think it’s important that we delve back into those kinds of things.” A songwriter, producer, and label owner of MO-B Entertainment, Avant has traveled a long and steady path from being the first artist on Magic Johnson’s record label to starting his own label. He is grateful to be in a unique situation in his career, maintaining control in business and creative freedom. Avant remembers talking to the legendary singer, Charlie Wilson, where he offered him the best advice to continue to write. “You always keep your mind fresh, but you also want to stay with the people who know you. It’s important to stay involved with our generation and younger followers to keep my mind open,” he says. When many artists have fallen to the wayside, Avant continues to stay consistent in creating great music. Can We Fall In Love is a testimony to why his fanbase is so loyal. “I can’t change who I am, so I have to give you exactly who Avant is all the time. That’s my main goal when I sit down to record an album. I want to give you that interpretation of what this life is about.”
Read MoreAfter 7
One of the most refined contemporary R&B vocal groups, After 7 arrived near the end of the 1980s and hit the Top Ten of Billboard’s R&B/hip-hop chart with their first four albums, led by the platinum After 7 (1989) and gold follow-up Takin’ My Time (1992). While After 7’s hot start occurred during the new jack swing era, the singers’ easy harmonies and continued songwriting and production assistance from Babyface and L.A. Reid enabled them to make a smooth transition with Reflections (1995). After a subsequent split, the group reconvened in the mid-2000s to perform, and added to their discography the next decade with Timeless (2016). Originally consisting of Melvin Edmonds, Kevon Edmonds, and Keith Mitchell — the Edmondses are Babyface’s brothers — After 7 has changed lineups over the decades. Since the death of Melvin Edmonds, the lineup features Kevon Edmonds and Keith Mitchell with Danny McClain. Their new chapter has started with Unfinished Business (2021).
Formed in 1987 at Indiana University by Indianapolis natives Kevon and Melvin Edmonds and Keith Mitchell, After 7 quickly landed a deal with major label Virgin and were an instant success with their debut single, “Heat of the Moment.” Written and produced by Babyface and L.A. Reid (with co-production from Daryl Simmons and Kevin “Kayo” Robertson), the single entered the Billboard R&B chart in July 1989 and eventually reached number five. After 7, their first album, followed shortly thereafter and went platinum after subsequent singles “Ready or Not” and “Can’t Stop” — both of which were also Babyface/L.A. Reid collaborations — topped the R&B chart. Once the album ran its course, After 7 recorded “Nights Like This” for the soundtrack for The Five Heartbeats. The Jesse Johnson production likewise peaked within the R&B Top Ten. “Can’t Stop” was nominated for a Grammy in the category of Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal.
The group’s 1992 follow-up, Takin’ My Time, involved less input from Babyface and Reid, more from Daryl Simmons and Kevin Roberson, and added the likes of Dallas Austin and Randy Ran to their gang of studio associates. “Kickin’ It” and an update of the Originals’ “Baby, I’m for Real” maintained the trio’s chart run. Reflections was issued three years later and was highlighted by “‘Til You Do Me Right,” a song written by Kevon, Melvin, and Babyface. Takin’ My Time and Reflections were both certified gold by the time the group temporarily split. Although they didn’t record for another two decades, After 7 resumed touring in the mid-2000s, and Melvin was replaced with his son Jason. Melvin eventually returned, and the quartet worked again with Babyface and Simmons on Timeless, their fourth straight Top Ten R&B/hip-hop album, released in 2016. Following Melvin’s death in 2019, Kevon Edmonds and Keith Mitchell were joined by new member Danny McClain, and in 2021 offered Unfinished Business, featuring the Babyface collaboration “Tomorrow Can Wait.”