Right about now, I wanna send blasts to DJ Premier, DJ Anthony Nicholson, Jam Master Jay, DJ Ian Friday, DJ Jazzy Jeff, DJ Spinna, DJ INC, DJ Self Born, DJ Chubb Rock, DJ Funkmaster Flex, DJ Center, little kids nicknamed DJ, DJ Reborn, DJ Jabari, DJ Rich Medina, DJ Herb Kent, strip club DJ's, DJ's on the radio who let the whole song play without talking over it, DJ Mixmaster I-C-E, last night a DJ saved my life, DJ Kid Capri, DJ's Leo and Carl, DJ Black 1, DJ E-Swift, DJ Yella, Ipod DJ's, guests who think they're good DJ's at parties...but are not really good DJ's, DJ Aktive, the random shuffle on my Itunes DJ, DJ Glenn Underground, DJ Jessie Richardson, DJ Twilight Tone, DJ Scratch, brothers DJing the hood from their rides, Hey Mr. DJ, DJ Red Alert, DJ Belinda Becker, and the world's dopest DJ...God... for creating music, I'm endlessly influenced
Born and raised on Chicago's south-side, Chris Rob was first introduced to music at age 4 by his mother, a renowned classical pianist. Today a respected singer, songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist, he's created an international following due to his musical genius, and captivating live performances.
In just a few years after relocating to New York, Chris Rob worked his way to musical director, keyboardist and back-up vocalist for the best in popular music. He recently served these roles for R & B vocalist John Legend on his Grammy-Award winning "Get Lifted Tour", and can be seen highlighted throughout the "John Legend: Live at The House of Blues" DVD released last year. Chris Rob has also worked closely in the studio with hip-hop heavyweights Lauryn Hill and Kanye West, as well as producers Swiss Beatz (Beyonce, Busta Rhymes), DJ Spinna (Stevie Wonder, Polyrhythm Addicts), Devo Springsteen (John Legend, Nas), Emile (Ice Cube, Ghostface Killah), and soul vocalist Leon Ware, the legendary co-writer for Marvin Gaye. His most recent efforts includes Kanye West's 'Can't Tell Me Nothin', Legend's single 'Stereo', The Polyrhythm Addict's 'Ugly World', and DJ Spinna's remix of the late James Brown's forthcoming release 'Gutbucket'.
His stage credits as a backing musician and opening act include: Stevie Wonder, Prince & the New Power Generation, Elton John, Snoop Dogg, John Mayer, Ashford & Simpson, Jill Scott, Sly Stone,The Roots, The Black Eyed Peas, Alicia Keys, Barry Manilow, Roberta Flack, Common, The Polyrhythm Addicts, Michelle N'degeocello, Maya Azucena, Cee-lo, Anthony Hamilton, Nick Colione, Patti Austin, Anthony Nicholson, DJ Spinna, Tara Michel, Lauryn Hill, Slum Village, Maurice Brown, Melissa Morgan, Ashford and Simpson, Sharief, Freddie Jackson, Alyson Williams, The Sugar Hill Gang, Phil Seed and Detour, Bemaji and The House of Twang,The Real Live Show, John P. Kee, Barry Manilow, Vesta, Christian McBride, Teresa Griffin, Big Brooklyn Red, Chandlar, and Pevin Everett. He's also appeared on the Grammy Awards, Oprah, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Late Night with Conan O'Brien, The Ellen Degeneres Show Jimmy Kimmel, Soul Train Awards, Entertainment Tonight, Raaymond is Laat (Amsterdam), Top of the Pops(Amsterdam, London), and Jules Holland(London).
Now a New York resident, Chris Rob has already headlined at some of the hottest venues for established artists in most major cities including: The Blue Note and SOB's in New York, The Funky Buddha and The Skyline Stage in Chicago, and The Temple Bar in Los Angeles. His inspirations range from James Brown, Eric B. & Rakim, Take 6, Nina Simone, The Police, Herbie Hancock, and Marvin Gaye to more current artists such as Prince, Nas, Jamaroqaui, D'Angelo, and Maroon Five. He describes his music as "a futuristic fusion of dance-floor funk, rock, doo-wop soul and hip-hop, with a touch of true jazz."
Armed with a degree in Music Business from Roosevelt University, his unique sound, passion and aptitude for music continue to reflect his experience and training. "I want to make the biggest impact possible," says Chris Rob. "I want to bring back the feel good energy of old school R&B & Hip-Hop, and make music that brings people together."
To check out Chris Rob's infectious, soulful vibe, pick-up his current CD project The Official Bootleg of Chris Rob, Vol. 1, available at www.chrisrobonline.com, I-Tunes, and CD Baby.com.
Currently: Doing solo shows throughout the US and overseas.
salutations Chris! come check out our party at Galapagos Art Space in Williamsburg on Saturday May 17th! big fun! a birthday party for a legendary poet!
Hey C-Rob, it always good hearing from you. The gurls are all fine and doing well. You're looking good....and sounding good. I'll check you out while I'm in N.Y.C. I'll be visiting often. ;o)
What CR, I'm digging the hell outta that Codeword Yo! That's songs makes me get up and dance. I said it before and I'll say it again...You the S-H-I-T and that song is HOT! Peace, blessings and success