N.I.N.A has always been musically inclined. She started singing in the church choir at the age of 4. She started writing poems and music at a very early age (middle school) which led to the desire to become a singer/songwriter. Most times she just wrote her thoughts accapella until the first time she actually heard a beat in her head and put words to it. She has my first experience in the music world in 2003 when a friend of mine Shaunika Hill met an indie label owner trying to establish a label. From that point they formed an R&B duo, Shamara, for which she wrote most of the lyrics. Due to problems between Shaunika and the label, they split and N.I.N.A became a solo act on the label then going by NeShay. She continued to write her own music and perform and cultivate her craft.
Also wrote for an Alternative artist that was a labelmate on that label as well. Due to complications that arose between the label and N.I.N.A, we parted ways in 2004 and she took some time away from music. In 2006, N.I.N.A met her manager, Gadana Moore who had heard her sing in a club and decided she should give music another try. So she started writing and performing again. Around 2007, she became an expecting mother and had to postpone doing shows and performances but she continued to write and record. In 2008, N.I.N.A
continued to write and record up until the birth of my daughter. In 2009, she did a showcase that introduced her to the world as N.I.N.A (which is an acronym for Never Intimidated Never Arrogant) that was put together and promoted by her and her manager "Introducing Miss N.I.N.A Showcase" which did pretty good for her first big showcase. N.I.N.A just recently released a mixtape, N.I.N.A's Official Madness Mixtape on www.datpiff.com which consist of mostly remixes of songs that were hits by some of music's popular
artists.
December 7, 2009 N.I.N.A premiered her blogtalk radio show "Underground Speaks 2 N.I.N.A". The radio show is geared more toward the underground entertainment industry and providing them a voice and worldwide way to promote themselves as well as herself. She is now writing and recording collaborations with other artists as well as preparing for her next mixtape. She is working closely with Tool Academy 2's Dre P (Fly Guy Ent.) on a couple of projects. Also I will be starting the year 2010 off with my "Introducing Ms. N.I.N.A mini-tour. Music has been my life forever. I don't know anything but music and I plan to leave my mark on the music industry or die trying.
Bruck Up, aka Mr. Excitement, started his career dancing in the streets and clubs of Kingston, Jamaica. His mix of reggae, hip-hop and pop brings traditional Jamaican expression into the global realm, creating a "Shaggy meets Busta Rhymes with a little bit of Machel Montano" phenomenon of music that’s been moving feet all over the world.
As an artist, dancer or choreographer, Bruck Up is, as always, driven by the music. His formation of The Arcade Dancers in the Nineties pioneered a dance form that mixed pop-locking with Jamaican moves, and forged his role as one of the most original and vivacious dancers in Jamaica. After meeting director Hype Williams during the music video shoot for Snow’s “I Will Do Anything,” Bruck Up took Williams’ advice to heart and moved to America where he immediately threw his career into high gear by being featured in two major music videos—Busta Rhymes’ "Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Can See" and Wyclef Jean’s “Gone Till November.” He quickly scored an endorsement deal with designer Tommy Hilfiger, and started touring with pioneer hip hop artists Doug E Fresh and Slick Rick.
Bruck Up is currently in the studio recording his own music, and his dance style has started an underground movement in Brooklyn and New York that’s going global. He’s worked with hit producers including Teddy Riley and Rocwilder. Currently, the smash “SUNGLASSES" feat. Shaggy, produced by hit producer J.Marty/ Soundboy Music, is burning up the clubs and airwaves from New York to Miami, all the way down to Kingston JA. Bruck Up wants everybody to KEEP YOUR SHADES ON…all night!
As of NOV1st 2009. MalibuRum is using the "Sunglasses" song in their Commercials. I guess you can "get your island on" with your hottest pair of "Sunglasses" and a glass of Malibu.
The FootworKingz
The FootworKINGz (FWK) is an all-star ensemble featuring Chicago’s top footworkers. These young men range from ages 16-24 and represent the essence of strength, raw talent,extreme energy, and power. FWK’s ensemble includes Artistic Director, Charles “King Charles” Parks, the city’s undisputed champ. Other FWK members include choreographer/dancer, Jaron “Prince Jron” Boyd known for his ultra-smooth style and Trevell “Tee-Jay” Johnson, the pride of Chicago’s west side.King Charles and Prince Jron recently toured on Madonna’s “Sticky & Sweet” World Tour 2008-2009. Both are featured in Madonna’s new music video “Celebration.” FWK members have also appeared as a Top 20 act on NBC’s “America’s Got Talent,” Season 4, Ellen Degeneres’ Really Big Show ‘07 for TBS, VH-1 Hip Hop Honors ’07 with Missy Elliott, and MTV’s “My Block Chicago.” They have been featured in the Chicago Tribune, Cover of Red Eye Paper, NBC 5 Morning News, Rolling Stone Magazine and Verizon Wireless “Do The Juke” phone commercial.
In October 2009, FWK released “Take Flight,” the first, quality DVD about Chicago’s “footwork” style that documents the development of the FootworKINGz project. “We are very excited to release this extraordinary mini-doc and present these incredibly talented young men to the world,” states Ms. Villegas, Manager of the FootworKINGz.
FWK has been featured on local and global stages including New York’s Lincoln Center HH Generatin Next 09, Chicago’s “Looptopia 08,” Juste De Bout 2008 in Paris, Aids Run / Walk Chicago ‘08, Chicago’s Navy Pier, Steppenwolf Theater with Kuumba Lynx, Mc Donald’s World Wide Convention in Orlando, Weber State University in Utah, San Francisco Hip Hop Dance Festival, Best of Dance Chicago, and Caesar’s Palace in Las Vegas.
JAMES D. GRAY
James D. Gray was born May 21 1980 with an umbilical cord around his neck. Ironically, it is this difficult entrance into the world that would provide him with the tools to endure the difficult challenges of life.At the age of 3 his parents realized he had the gift of natural rhythm and coordination.He would beat on pots and pans as his brothers and sisters would sing along to the beat. Realizing his gift, his parents made a decision that would change Jame's life forever.Instead of buying him video games,they bought him a drum set. James was immediately immersed into the world of music. From that point on, it's been nothing but music. He's played with some of musics most innovative and influential artists such as Wyclef Jean, Jay-Z, KC-JOJO to name a few. Despite the musical accomplishments James' true passion was acting. As fate would have it, destiny would find its way to James like a bee searching for honey. While in high school the drama teacher aproached him and asked him to audition for a play she was putting together. After auditioning she immediately gave him the part.That experience triggered his desire to get more knowledge about the craft. James' luck would continue, he was fortunate to meet one of his mentors Ossie Davis. Mr. Davis introduced him to Mrs. Tina Satin who trained some of the best actors in New York,such as Denzel Washington,Felisha Rashad,and Antonio Fargas.After joining Mrs Satin..s open cage theater and studying with her for over two years, he began getting roles and doing auditions.Shortly after he started getting recognition for his talent and in the year 2002 he bacame a member of the screen actors guild. James is currently working on several projects in development.
Jame's Credits Include: Theater - Television - Feature Films - Commerials - Music Videos
