What is an IKON? By todays definition it represents something or someone that transcends or excels in his or her field of expertise; one that is well above average and above the fray; quite simply one who is larger than life.
Thats what On The Ball Entertainment CEO Kelli Ball observed during the formation of the duo comprised of Brian Ball pka Big Bang and Jerome Perkins pka Roman. They are a dynamic two-man act (that both sing and rap). Brian, who hails from Los Angeles and Jerome Perkins, a native of Houston, who grew up in South Central, Los Angeles were both reared in very musical families.
Brians mother and IKONs Manager, Mary Ball, used to sing with the famous Blue Belles and his father was a noted blues singer. His sister, Kelli, was once signed to MCA Records and Warner Bros. Records as a solo artist by the name of K-Ball.
Jeromes musical roots also run deep. Hes been singing since he was 4 or 5 years of age. His influences range from the likes of super M.Cs Busta Rhymes and Jay-Z to gospel greats like Kim Burrell, Daryl Coley, John P. Kee and Hezekiah Walker. What draws me to certain songs is that I like to hear different harmonies, different stories, different stories told through a lyric.
IKON describes their sound and vibe as a real and true merging of hip-hop and R&B. They are true vocalists, who remain loyal to their lyrics and great
harmonies. Every demographic will like what were doing, declares Jerome. We have a song on the album for everybodywhether club grooves, street songs, ballads, what ever
There are several songs that IKON expects to impress audiences with from their L.A. Anthem, Where Im From, which they expect to be a huge summer song; to Do It To Death, a track they like to label as a big adrenaline record. Whatever you do, you do it until the wheels fall off, says Brian. Thats what we were trying to convey when we came up with the lyrics for the song. If youre a doctor, make your mark and leave itwhatever you do, you do it to death.
Among the killer ballads is a poignant songs titled, As Good As It Gets, which was composed to reel in their assured female audience. I believe women are Gods gift to this world, says Brian. They make us as men do the things that we do, whether bad of good.
They have co-written most of their debut album and have recorded with an array of hot producers, such as Battle Cat, K-1Mil, Stace Murda, Touch Tone, Ish, Notes, as well as a host of others. The guys believe they are bringing something very unique and much desired by young hip-hop and R&B audiences today. People hear us and the first thing they think is that were somewhere from the South, Atlanta or North Carolina, says Brian. Im like no, were from L.A. Theres never been a big R&B influence to come from the West Coast. Theyre usually coming from the South, Philly, and the East Coast. I believe the West Coast has a story with its brand of R&B thats rarely ever told.
Even with all of the early buzz and hoopla surrounding IKONs debut album, the IKON institution had already generated an impressive discography from writing and singing clever hooks for the likes of Mystikal for the song Come On in Ice Cubes Barbershop 2 Movie to being featured in Jaime Foxxs Breaking All The Rules and Eddie Griffins My Baby Daddy movies, to even having their song Lock The Door featured on the hit show CSI Miami. They co- wrote and arranged a song with songwriter/producer, K-Ball, and Eddie Berkeley for sister- act, Damozel, titled Everydays a Party. This song found its way onto the Vivica A. Fox, Morris Chestnut movie Two Can Play That Game, and its soundtrack.
On the concert front, IKON has opened shows for superstar artists Alicia Keys, Angie Stone, Carl Thomas, Brian McKnight, Wyclef, Tony Toni Tone, and Outkast, just to name a few. Theyve wowed audiences on Ed McMahons Next Big Star and BETS Comic View; and even performed at the welcome home-coming celebration for 10,000 marines and their families of the 29 Palms Air-Marine Base.
The fact they are a duo will set us a little bit a part, claims Jerome says. But most importantly, I believe that it will be our strong work ethic that will set us a part. We dont ever want to limit ourselves or be safe. We so much love what we do. When you think of IKON, I want people to think big business, larger than life, high quality - Game over!
IKONs TEAM
Kelli Ball, Mary Ball
On The Ball Entertainment
And Jerrold Thompson and Lou Bond
of Manta Entertainment
you guys are really great and it is really nice to see young african americans doing the damn thang keep it up and i"ll be looking for you cd in the stores.
Stopping by to give you props for your work! Awesome talent.
If ya ever need promotion in Germany, or hot beats, or a remix made, you know where to find this girl.
Much luv,
I must tell you that I am totally, with ever being in my body and soul, feeling ya'll style completely. I love the smooth incorporation of hip-hop and r&b. I can't wait for the album. Keep me abreast to any shows or events please.
