Indie Review

Range Da Messenga  is an emcee, singer, songwriter, vocal coach, vocal arranger, poet and  dreadlocked philosopher, from Southwest Virginia. Range Da Messenga has  recently teamed up with Philly’s premier underground beat-maker Hezekiah  for an exclusive 6 track digital-maxi single. Warming the world up for  their upcoming EP “Battlecry”, Range & Hezekiah drop a ripple in the  placid waters of soul/R&B with a mosaic of hip-hop, soul, gospel  and world music upbringing infused in 6 songs. In the past two years, RANGE DA MESSENGA has flourished in countless popular live music venues of Philadelphia as the next soulful singer & songwriter to watch. Hailing from Roanoke, Virginia, Range has been singing, songwriting, rapping, arranging, recording, and performing for over half his life, but only since he moved to Philadelphia in 2010 did he begin to grab the attention of America's soulful elite. Sharing stages with the likes of Bilal, Raheem DeVaughn, Glenn Lewis, Marsha Ambrosius, Lupe Fiasco, Syleena Johnson, Kindred the Family Soul, The Wailers and many more, RANGE DA MESSENGA is poised to be the next recognizable voice in the world of Hip Hop Soul.

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

Founder of NABFEME, the National Association of Black Female Executives in Music & Entertainment, Inc., and creator of the Women Who Jam! an all female artistic movement, Johnnie Walker holds the distinction of being named the first female Sr. Vice President of Promotion for the Island Def Jam Music Group and the only female to ever hold that position for the company. In 2005, Walker was honored with the Woman of Conscience Award from Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rainbow/PUSH. Ms Walker also received Delta Sigma Theta’s 2006 Osceola Award, the highest honor given to professionals in the arts. In 2009 Women’s eNews named Walker as one of New York's 21 Leaders for the 21st Century. In 2010, Memphis newspaper, the Tri State Defender, named Johnnie Walker a “Woman of Excellence.” Walker’s career began as a country music radio personality. She later segued to a Black music radio opportunity in Memphis, TN at KRNB. In 1989, Johnnie Walker's marketing zeal brought her to the attention of Russell Simmons at Def Jam Recordings, where he wooed her from a career in radio broadcasting to become one of the label’s regional marketing reps. Within one year she was promoted from Regional Promotions Manager, to National Director of Promotion. The Sr. National Director position soon followed and positioned Johnnie to be instrumental in launching the careers of Redman, Method Man, Onyx, Montell Jordan and Foxy Brown! In 1997, Johnnie continued her "WIN" philosophy with a move to New York City where she assumed the position of Vice President of Promotion for Def Jam Recordings, Inc. Two years later, she restructured the company’s promotions department, created their much sought after “R&B Radio Promotions Guide,” and hired the company’s first national promotions field staff. This was most significant because the staff was primarily comprised of young, inexperienced field reps that Johnnie molded into a "winning force." Together, this force successfully marketed the Def Comedy Jam, Phat Farm clothing and Russell Simmons' co-produced movies, "The Nutty Professor,” Jackie Chan’s “Rush Hour 1 and 2” plus several #1 Gold and Platinum albums from Public Enemy, Jay-Z, Sisqo, Kelly Price, Ashanti, Ja Rule, DMX, LL Cool J, Musiq Soulchild, Dru Hill and others. In 2004 after 15 years of tenure at Def Jam Recordings, Johnnie Walker moved to Los Angeles, CA and accepted the position of Head of Black Music for DreamWorks Records, handling the musical careers of The Isley Brothers, Floetry, Burt Bacharach, Jon B and many others.

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

Abiah spent his childhood with his single mother, an accomplished musician who accompanied the late operatic Baritone William Warfield in earlier years.  She introduced him to the singers who would become Abiah’s influences: Sarah Vaughn, Anita Baker and later Nina Simone.  “They were great singers and song interpreters,” he says. “They  were text painters and I believe that’s a lost art.” Abiah honed his  skills through the years as a background singer for artists George  Michael, Chuck Mangione, Amel Larrieux and Yolanda Adams while cutting  his chops in opera as a voice major in college.  By the time his debut  album was released in 2006, Abiah already knew exactly what he brought  to the table — a warm, engaging voice and unassailable taste in music.  His debut album was an underground smash. His video Love For a While, a duet with Shanice Wilson became a hit on VH1 Soul and BET J. Not completely vacant from the music since his debut album, Abiah got practically handed an unexpected cottage industry, when he became an in-demand vocal coach. Initial inquiries from singer-friends impressed by his sound and range has blossomed into a side-business that finds him coaching major label artists, up-and-comers, solid pros hankering to rise up to that proverbial next level, and musical game show contestants hoping to impress celebrity judges with noticeably increased prowess.  He also made an appearance on an Emmy nominated episode  of MTV's MADE. But along with his passion for coaching artists and  creating great music in the studio, performing is what Abiah loves  most. “There is nothing like feeling and seeing the atmosphere change in a room,” he says. “It’s so important to be in touch with your audience. They come to hear music but leave with their lives changed because of the music. That  is my job and calling." The new album, Life As A Ballad, boasts of gems  like the gorgeous opener,"September", a well orchestrated melange of  achingly mature lyric writing full throated, flowing and tautly controlled vocal drama, lush Beatles-esque harmonies and transcendent, transporting melodicism. There is also the poignant "Doves", a modern interpretation of a Prince classic, as well as seven other self-penned originals. But it’s hardly business as usual for this Rochester, NY native. It never is for Abiah, whose irrepressible spirit, engaging humor, and confident charisma once led Billboard magazine to call him “a singer with an innate ability for passionate songwriting that one cannot learn.” To help him capture the songs’ intimacy, Abiah turned to Blue Note recording artist Robert Glasper, who happens to be his cousin, guitarist/arranger Marvin Sewell, his long time collaborator, and co-producers Keith Witty and Ulysses Owens, Jr. “We definitely have a great chemistry in the studio which is why we were able to record the entire album in one day. Talk about a quick turn around," Abiah says with a laugh. “Robert added such beautiful fabric to the music. Marvin was overflowing with genius and Keith helped me to find all the "right" things like a mad scientist.”

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

From  Hollis, Queens to Hollywood, Emmy award winning filmmaker, editor,  writer, visualist.  No stranger to the music and film production scene,  Bobby’s work can be seen all across the world through music videos,  television, and soon to be, the big screen.  With a gamut of work that  reflects a wide variety of genres and styles, Bobby has created his own  path in this game, positioning himself as one of the top directors to  watch. From growing up in his hometown of Hollis, Queens, to later  becoming a maverick in the New Orleans Hip Hop music scene through  producing a ground breaking local television program that literally  helped break and shift the careers of some of the biggest artists known  today, Bobby had already accomplished much in his early days.  Since  then, he has grown and developed into one of the most gifted and  talented trendsetters on the music video scene.  Fusing a highly crafted  directorial vision along with his strong background in visual effects,  Bobby’s work has set a standard for utilizing the latest in post and  digital camera technology, ushering in the new wave of today’s  burgeoning digital filmmaking scene. He recently directed a cross  promotional campaign for Ford Motors and TV One for their hit show  “Unsung”, shooting two major car spots within one year.  Stepping  forward, Bobby has recently devoted much of his efforts to one of his  personal loves, Gospel Music.  Him and his team, the Hitsquad  Collective, have single handedly become the De-facto standard and “goto”  company for top level Gospel music videos, completing music videos for  such artists as Hezekiah Walker, Marvin Sapp, James Fortune, and Karen  Clark Sheard.  Capturing provocative emotional moments within highly  crafted narratives, these videos reflect Bobby’s strong storytelling  abilities. Currently focusing his efforts on his first feature film  entitled, Martian, Bobby continues to refine and develop his craft as a  director.  With Faith, integrity, passion for change, and a commitment  to excellence, Bobby continues his rise as one of the new directors to  watch for on the independent filmmaker and commercial scene.

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

The 23-year-old  singer, songwriter, and musician, is a spark of light for the Pop/Rock genre. Born in California, raised in Brooklyn, her bohemian east village style is subtle, fly, and relatable. Her experience growing up in a church choir, gives her music an airy and optimistic feel. Krissy Krissy’s debut single “Dream” hit iTunes on March 20 and has been making waves ever since. Debuting in the TOP 10 at Clear Channels I Heart Radio. The popularity of her debut video for “Dream” landed it a featured spot on MTV.com, and it has over 16,000 hits on YouTube.  MTVu recently featured “Dream” on its Freshman Pick of the week contest where it competed against four talented up and coming artists; Krissy Krissy won the contest. In the blog and media world, New York City tastemaker, Vashtie featured Krissy Krissy on her blog, saying, “Check out this rising star, Krissy Krissy, just some good old real music.” Along with that, popular German blog ‘Urbanista’ listed her as an inspiration, ‘Remington’s World’ blogged about her, “Creating beautiful art in the form of Pop/Rock songs,” then ‘Prepster’ choose “Dream” as a favorite of the week and, ‘Kara Ali’ blogged, “the video for the single “Dream” is off the chain!” In Krissy’s own words, “Dream Is a song that captures where I started and the determination I have to get to where I want will be. There’s nothin impossible.” W5H Media said it best, “It has been a long time since I heard a good pop rock song. The 90′s had a good share of artists that represented and gave the genre a well-deserved spot. But since then, only a hand full of individuals have managed to make an impact on the music industry. It’s said that talent sometimes skips generations and that just might be the case. Here comes Krissy Krissy.” Krissy Krissy will be opening for Kara Ali this summer on the “Cheap Red Wine” Tour, and other tour dates will be announced. Her second single “Suspicious” just made its debut on iTunes and she is finishing her first full EP “Above All.”

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review 

Maimouna “Mumu Fresh” Youssef is a seasoned Grammy nominated singer,  songwriter, producer, and emcee. She received a Grammy nomination for  her contribution on the 2007 Roots hit, “Don’t Feel Right”, in the  category of best rap song. She has swapped musical licks with artists  such as Angelique Kidjo, Common, Nas, Dead Prez, Wilco, Zap Mama, Cody  Chesnutt, Martin Luther, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Mos Def, and Talib  Kweli to name a few. As a collaborator and band member, Maimouna has  rocked the stages of many renowned venues such as Denver Colorado’s Red  Rocks Amphitheater, Switzerland’s Montreux Jazz Festival, New York  City’s Legendary Carnegie Hall, and Radio City Music Hall. Youssef’s  musical endeavors with Grammy Award winning producer James Poyser were a  springboard for her to make her big screen debut in Dave Chappelle’s  hip hop documentary “Block Party.”After the birth of her son, she took a  short hiatus from the music business. She released her 1st solo EP  Black Magic Woman on March 1, 2011, which led her to headline 2 of  Washington DC’s most prestigious venues, The Kennedy Center and The  Carter Barron Amphitheater. In Sept 2011, she released her 1st  full-length album "The Blooming," which received The Washington Post’s  and The Washington City Paper’s votes for “Top 5 best albums released in  2011.” Later that year, she teamed up with her long-time friend Brian  Kyle Atkins, who was one of Okay Player’s pioneering forces, and the  personal videographer to rapper Common. Together they created the very  first visual for her leading single, “I Got A Man” produced by the Hip  Hop icon, Dj Jazzy Jeff. In Nov 2011, Mumu was awarded the title of  “Artist of The Year”, by the non-profit organization One Common Unity  for her dedication and commitment to empowering underserved youth.

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

Human Beatboxer, MC, Host, Lecturer, Ambassador, These are only a few  words to describe a True Talent. Originally from the City of Brotherly  Love, Philadelphia D.R.E.S currently resides in Atlanta, GA, and has  been described as a multi-talented phenomenon. His name is an acronym  for the Divine Real Essence of Sound (D.R.E.S.). D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik  has been compared to artists such as Rahzel the Godfather of Noize,  Bobby McFerrin, Doug E. Fresh, and Biz Markie. In addition to the  artists mentioned, D.R.E.S. tha BEATnik has also taken the stage with  Black Eyed Peas, KRS-One, MF Doom, Busta Rhymes, DJ Jazzy Jeff, Slick  Rick, Mos Def, Jurassic5, Dilated Peoples, Public Enemy, Talib Kweli, De  La Soul, Rakim, Del the Funkee Homosapien, DJ Krush, Massinfluence, the  Roots, Kanye West, DJ Green Lantern, Common, and Erykah Badu. D.R.E.S.  tha BEATnik also lent his talents to Open Transport, a  nationally-distributed video compilation featuring Pharoahe Monch,  Reflection Eternal, and many other underground hip-hop artists. Always  embarking on new adventures, in 2006, D.R.E.S. toured the People’s  Republic of China alongside Public Enemy’s Own DJ Lord. The 6-Week  experience placed D.R.E.S. in front of Thousands of Fans who had only  heard of Him on record. While in China, D.R.E.S. also made time to host a  number of Hip Hop Clinics in which he educated the Youth of China on  the Culture of Hip Hop, as well as, the responsibility of keeping the  Culture of Hip Hop alive. He also took the time to film his accounts in  China for a documentary called “The Beatnik Chronicles”. “I wanted to do  this so that the world can see for itself what its like to live in  China... I’m always looking to make a mark in the world and I believe  that Hip Hop is the key to communicating with the Youth”, D.R.E.S. said  in a recent interview. “The Role or Responsibility of an Artist is to  advance civilization, as we know it.”

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

Jamaal  "Reality" Meeks strives for perfection when it comes to multi-tasking.  He is CEO of Future History LLC, Co-CEO of Faces In The Crowd Industry  Showcase, Producer, Artist Manager, Blogger, and Entrepreneur. He has  over 6 years of Music Industry Experience working as an A&R for SRC/  Universal Records working with the likes of Akon, David Banner, Asher  Roth, Melanie Fiona, Wu-Tang, Pharoahe Monch, Camp Lo, and many more. He  has also produced music for many of the shows you see on MTV, VH1 and  Bravo Channels (TRL, Direct Effect, Cribs, Real World, VH1 Hip Hop  Honors, Made, Sweet 16, 50 cent House Party, Shady National Convention,  to name a few. He recently released a compilation album entitled “Future  History LLC”. It was release digitally threw one of the top blogs  www.2dopeboyz.com. He produced all the beats on the album and it  features appearances from Bishop Lamont, Mistah Fab, Crooked I, Camp Lo,  Emilio Rojas, Prodigy (Mobb Deep), Lot-A-Nerv, Donny Goines and many  more. He also has a popular online lifestyle blog called  www.futurehistoryllc.com that generates a lot of traffic and gives him  an outlet to promote. He is also part of a great team called All Is One  Entertainment that puts on monthly showcases called “Faces In The Crowd”  for the unsigned community. So far they have helped 4 artist get major  label deals. One of the most notable artist they helped was "Chrisette  Michelle". Jamaal “Reality” Meeks is a name to know for the future. He  has an incredible passion for music and it can be heard in his music.  Get ready world this is FUTURE HISTORY LLC. Jamal will inform us on the  upcoming Faces showcase at the infamous SOB's in NY and more.

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

Gordon Chambers is a Grammy winning singer-songwriter, record  producer who has written songs for over 75 recording artists including  Angie Stone, Yolanda Adams, The Isley Brothers, Brandy, Trey Songz,  Chaka Khan, Patti Labelle, Usher, Marc Anthony, Jamie Foxx, Aretha  Franklin, Whitney Houston and Beyoncé Knowles. His #1 hits as lyricist  include Anita Baker's hit "I Apologize", Brownstone's Grammy nominated  hit "If You Love Me", Angie Stone's "No More Rain (In This Cloud)", the  Grammy nominated theme of Set It Off "Missing You" (performed by Brandy,  Tamia, Gladys Knight and Chaka Khan) and Yolanda Adams "Someone  Watching Over Me". He is the winner of 8 awards from ASCAP, has 4 Dove  Award nominations, and has been nominated for 2 Grammy Awards, winning  for the song "I Apologize" that he wrote for Anita Baker. His songs have  been performed at the ESSENCE Awards, AMA's, The Goodwill Games and the  White House. His prestigious appearances, in addition to acclaimed  European and Japanese tours, have included The Congressional Black  Caucus, The Apollo Theater, Constitution Hall, B. B King's and the  Kennedy Center. While working as entertainment editor for Essence mag in  93, an interview with Queen Latifah led to the opportunity to write the  song "Winki's Theme" that appeared on her 1993 album Black Reign. His  solo albums have been nominated for Independent Soul Album of the Year  by Soultracks.com and have been among CDBaby's top R&B sellers. His  first solo album "Introducing Gordon Chambers" was released in 2005. The  debut featured special guests Carl Thomas, Glenn Lewis, Sara Devine,  Roy Hargrove and Mike Phillips. His 2nd album, Love Stories, was  released in 2007 and features soul artist Ledisi. Gordon Chambers  upcoming album titled "Sincere" features duets with Sara Devine and  Candace Coles.

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review

Born in Richmond, VA Jarrard Anthony was best known as a 3yr old Chuck  Berry impersonator. Demonstrating an early aptitude for writing songs to  video game melodies, Anthony caressed his 1st keyboard on Christmas at  age 10. By HS, he’d made a commitment to share his gifts and seriously  study his craft, learning from influences as varied as Maurice White of  Earth Wind and Fire, Sting, Jodeci, and the bright-voiced Corey Day from  Dr. Buzzard’s Original Savannah Band. While in school, Anthony joined  an R&B group, Personal Preference, learning the art of compromise  and collaboration that would later inform his writing for artists like  Howard Hewitt, Franklin Roberts, Bobby Lyle, Tonia Woods and being  sought after for studio work with Levi Little of Blackstreet, Tim  Dillinger, CJ Lewis, and producer Joshua Thompson. Refinement in dance,  voice, and performance came through 10,000 gladwell hrs of group  rehearsals, lessons, talent show and local radio showcases, before  eventually wowing the Apollo audience in NY, ultimately taking the  Amateur night win. At 19 Anthony decided to step out on his own,  releasing a single “So D-vine”. His indie EP debut, The Dream, soon  followed as did a #2 spot on the UK charts. Anthony’s early recording  success overseas opened the doors for relationships with famed producers  Nate Smith, Bob Baldwin, Nolan Doran, and Joe McMinn, who worked for 2  yrs with Anthony on Don’t Sleep Just Dream. An international “Don’t  Sleep Just Dream” tour followed, taking Anthony around the globe  subsequently turning down financially dubious major label deals, earning  the moniker, Mr. Independent. Over the next 5 yrs, Mr. Independent  would launch a label, JAP Music Ent Group, and a major distribution deal  with Bungalo/Universal. With the NIA/Purpose Music Group distributed  Ready to Live, Jarrard lyrically/musically demonstrates a marked  evolution from a carnal, young R&B lothario to growing man.

For more info:

http://www.indiereviewcd.com

https://twitter.com/IndieRevue

https://www.instagram.com/indie.review

https://www.facebook.com/indie.review