MUSIC

 

DAY 26

DAY26's story is already well-known to their fans, millions of whom tuned in to watch it unfold on MTV's Making the Band 4 (Which became the highest rated show in MTV history). When Sean "P. Diddy" Combs put out the call for vocalists in January of 2007, he was looking for talented newcomers with superstar potential and a tireless work ethic. What he got when Robert, Will, Brian, Mike and Qwanell (who later resigned from the group in December of 2009), was more than he or the fans could have ever anticipated.

On August 26, 2007, the lives of five young men were changed forever. On that day, they became DAY26. DAY26's self-titled debut album entered the record books as the biggest-selling debut album from a male R&B group in the 17-year history of SoundScan. The album – which included the hit singles, "Got Me Going" and "Since You Been Gone" – exploded into the #1 spot on the SoundScan/Billboard 200 in its first week of release, while also topping Billboard's "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart.

As the guys struggled with realizing their dreams amidst breakups, hookups and fights that shook the home they shared with MTB's Danity Kane and Donnie, their fans have gained unprecedented access to the highs and lows of fame. "It's definitely a blessing and a curse at the same time," laughs Brian. "The fans actually get to see who DAY26 is as individuals and how we mesh together." It's a process that has only strengthened them as a group, and helped evolve the sound on Forever and a Day.

"Forever In A Day", the group's sophomore album gave the guys the opportunity to show the world how they'd grown personally and artistically. "Forever In A Day", included the hit single, "Imma Put It On Her (Feat. Yung Joc and Diddy)" – and soared into Billboard's "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums" chart at #1, while also landing at #2 on the comprehensive Billboard 200 with sales in excess of 113,000. "Forever in a Day was a collective effort," says Will, "The first album was mostly us proving we could sing, and I like to think of the second album as us making great music in general."

While under the watchful eye and knowledgeable guidance of "Super Manager" Joseph "Screwface" Charles, the group collaborated with many producers including: Jermaine Dupri, Bryan-Michael Cox and Jazze Pha, as well as Superstar Songwriters such as Ne-yo and T-Pain. The guys have learned to work their personal experiences into the songwriting. Robert wrote "Honest" about his experience of coming into the limelight under the watchful gaze of MTV cameras. "It's about how I just want to be who I am, and how we try to keep it honest with our fans."

As their story, and sound, continues to evolve, DAY26 is still at heart, a group of talented artists with a dream that continue to break boundaries. The group prepares for the release of their upcoming third album, "A New Day" to be released on Atlantic Records. For more information about DAY26, visit their website www.DAY26online.com

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FAME

Cecilio Joseph who records under the mononym Fame, is an East Brooklyn hip hop artist and soul vocalist. Raised by a single mother, and now barely twenty year old, Fame's energy and upbringing blends like his music- full of likable melodies, fine rhymes, and a knack for the devil in its details. Blessed with multifaceted rap and vocal talents, Fame pushes the bar to new heights while throwing down a gauntlet in the hybrid rapper-singer scene now taking center stage in urban music's collective consciousness.

What makes Fame's music stand out, besides the catchy parallel metaphors, rhyme schemes and twisted resolutions, is the fun he effortlessly infuses into his tunes. Highly influenced by the clear annunciation of Jay Z, Biggie, Fabolous & R. Kelly, he also draws upon the styles of the Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, and retro-80's sounds. Add that he writes, records and performs most of his own composed hooks and choruses, and you might believe its not enough today to only have enough talent for rap. "Basically, I like party records, and love songs... why not combine both in a single track?"
With lyrics and wit so apparent, it's also easy to forget that Fame is so young. None was more obvious when recently asked what inspired him to chase down his dream, (he personally acknowledged to be shared by many.) Fame accounted for a time when he was only 16 , being in the wrong place at the wrong time resulted in injuries that included a wired-shut jaw, a stockpile of emotion and words amassed inside his mind. "It was then, without being able to talk to anyone that I became depressed, like after 2 months," he says. "The inspiration and ideas for my own songs began to build-up inside me like a reservoir." He also added, "When I got my jaw back, and was finally able to speak, I didn't take my privilege to communicate with my voice for granted. I worked hard and not just in choir practice, or at rap battles, but to seek the best quality of music to wrap my words around... it takes an incredible amount of hustle and patience to find the highest quality of music collaboration. When I sometimes couldn't find the sound I was looking for, I made up my own."
Lookout for this catchy flow-smith/singer's own this winter 2011.

 

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DAWN RICHARD

is an American singer, songwriter, actress, entrepreneur and dancer. Richard is a former member of the multi-platinum musical group Danity Kane. She is currently a member of the Internationally-known group Diddy-Dirty Money, along with label head Sean "Diddy" Combs and singer/songwriter Kalenna Harper.

Dawn Richard is also the creator of the eigoManga popular comic book "Danity Kane Comics". "Danity Kane Comics" has released two installments with a 3rd one on the way to be released later this Spring. This past December Diddy Dirty Money released the critically-acclaimed album "Last Train To Paris". Dawn Richard and Dirty Money recently got back from the "Last Train to Paris" World Tour.

 

 

 

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SHALIEK RIVERS

Born and raised in Bronx, New York, Shaliek Rivers embodies the establishment of a new vibe, and building on the vision of having a legacy. With influences like Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Michael Jackson, and Sam Cooke, Shaliek's sound is one with old school passion, yet new age flavor. Shaliek comes from a music driven family. His father plays the drums and his mother is a singer. These elements served as early roots to Shaliek's love for music. As time went on, his love and passion for music continued to grow as he won countless school talent shows and won multiple times at Showtime At The Apollo.

It wasn't long before industry notables started to take notice. Universal Records signed Shaliek Rivers to a record deal. Immediately, he was put to work and released the buzz worthy single "Get 2 Know Ya" featuring Cash Money/Universal Records Juvenile. The attention the single received allowed for him to begin creating a fanbase and create a certain level of respect and appreciation from industry insiders alike. "I remember dreaming of working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and the next thing you know I'm in the studio with these guys working on my debut album. It was magical", says Shaliek.

As Shaliek continued to prepare for the release of his debut album, he collaborated with the likes of Alicia Keys, Bryan Michael Cox, and The Underdogs, just to name a few. While the anticipation of the upcoming album began to build, Shaliek had to face an unexpected hurdle. A strained relationship between his close team members made it very difficult for Shaliek to fulfill obligations with his record label resulting in the album never seeing the light of day. "I felt like everything I worked so hard for was suddenly taken away from me. I remember feeling lost", he adds.

Always one to roll with the punches, Shaliek decided to focus on his other passion, 'songwriting', and he teamed up with fellow East Coast penman "Cashus C.R.E.A.M." and Derrick Thompson, former VP of Sony BMG and formed the now reknowed songwriting team, The Hitterzz. The Hitterzz have coined hits for DAY26, Jordan Knight and many others.

Though successful with his "songwriting team", Shaliek's passion for performing music never ceased. He decided to pick up where he left off. "I owe it to myself and the people that were riding for me and supported my every move. This is for us", he cheers. Shaliek is now on the road to fulfilling his dream to touch the world through his music. "I want my music to do what music did back in the day. I'm going for timeless".

This past summer, Shaliek was featured on the chart topping single "Regular Guy" from hip hop recording artist Skillz VA. The video went on to premiere on BET's 106 & Park as "New Joint of the Day" and it continues to receive airplay on MTV2 as well as BET. Fast forward to the Fall of 2011,Shaliek teams up with Producer Chino Stringss to create a clear direction on where to take the new project and that is where "I Don't Wanna Be Famous" was born. On November 8, 2011, the much anticipated EP "I Don't Wanna Be Famous", will be released online and available for free everywhere.

"I Don't Wanna Be Famous" includes collaborations from multi-award winning songwriter/producer Andrea Martin (Toni Braxton, Monica, Leona Lewis), Grammy nominated producer Kwame' (Fantasia, Mary J Blige, Pussy Cat Dolls), Cheri Dennis, Fred The Godson and many more. Led by the soultry single, "Spoke Too Soon" featuring Fred The Godson, the "I Don't Wanna Be Famous" EP will take listeners on an emotional rollercoaster ride.

A few highlights include the edgy remake of Michael Jackson's hit "Beat It". "I loved writing this song as I kept elements of the original hook and re-wrote the verses", says Shaliek. Another highlight is the infectious, sassy and aggressive vocal delivery of "Love Don't Believe" featuring Cheri Dennis. On "Can We Go Back" reflects on two people who are drifting apart, yet are still in love.

Shaliek is currently on the road in support of the "I Don't Wanna Be Famous" EP on a promotional tour mirroring the same name. Look for him to visit a city near you.