JS: Kandy Johnson, Kim Johnson (vocals).Additional personnel includes: R. Kelly, Ronald Isley (vocals); Walter "Lil Walt" Millsap, III (various instruments); Donnie Lyle (guitar, bass); Rodney East (keyboards); Ian Mereness (programming).Producers include: R. Kelly, Walter Millsap III, Ian Mereness, Andy Gallas, Bob Robinson.Principally recorded at Rock Land, Chicago, Illinois; Conjunction, Los Angeles, California and Tracken Place, Hollywood, California.JS stands for the Johnson Sisters, Kim and Kandy, two young and harmonious R&B vocalists learned in the art of couching subtly (and often not-so-subtly) suggestive bits of innuendo in the sweetest, lightest, most innocent beats. Though young, the two sisters have been singing together since childhood and have a bit of a history in the music biz, doing session work for many artists, including Christina Aguilera before being discovered by soul legend Ronald Isley.Considering the subject and the tenor of the lyrics, it's not overly surprising that controversial, if undeniably talented, R. Kelly has his hands all over JS's debut ICE CREAM, writing and producing the majority of the tracks, including the title track and debut single. Dripping in soulful sensuality, but sweet as confectioner's sugar, "Ice Cream" spills double-entendre after double entendre over a nursery rhyme backbeat. The sisters go even further on the R. Kelly-esque "Slow Grind;" the title pretty much sums up the fetching jam. "Love Angel" and "Someone" show the duo capable of simple love songs as well. Overall, JS provides an alluringly physical debut in the vein of TLC on ICE CREAM.
JS
For us, singing together is as easy as breathing, says Kim Johnson, one half of the sister duo JS. Weve been doing it for so long its like shorthand we operate on instinct with each other; its the most natural thing in the world. They began their career as children, and after more than a decade of tandem vocal expression, JS is ready to unveil their debut album, Ice Cream (set for release July 29, 2003, on DreamWorks Records).
Helping Kim and her sister Kandy reach this milestone were producers R. Kelly, Tim and Bob, and RL and Walter Millsap. R. Kelly is also one of the discs executive producers, along with Ronald Isley of The Isley Brothers. Isley who invited JS to contribute backing vocals to The Isley Brothers Eternal (2001) and Body Kiss (2003) is JS manager as well. These girls are gonna take it over trust me, he assures. They are not like any other group out there. Ive worked with them for four years and with this album, theres no one who can touch them. Mark my word: JS will have a real impact. Theyve got the talent. Isley appears on the Ice Cream cut Handle Your Business. Ice Cream, the first radio track off the CD, was produced, written and arranged by R. Kelly (as were Love Angel, Bye-Bye, Slow Grind, Half, Stay Right Here, Sister and Ice Cream [Remix]). Kim and Kandy trade verses on the song, which, despite its frosty subject matter, sizzles with seduction; as Kandy says, Its cool and hot at the same time: Come and get a scoop of my ice cream, baby/ JS got the flavors that I know will drive you crazy. In this sense, Ice Cream showcases JS transformation from girls to young women. After all, they achieved their initial acclaim as youngsters. Born and raised in Los Angeles, JS started singing together as The Johnson Sisters. The siblings began performing at weddings and banquets, in malls and at talent shows. Anywhere there was a boombox and three people to hear us, Kim jokes, we were there. Early on, JS had the opportunity to perform with some gospel legends, including Andrae Crouch and Shirley Caesar. Gospel definitely plays a part in our music, affirms Kandy. Its the root of so many types of music we love jazz, pop, R&B so borrowing elements of that sound was inevitable for us. But weve always sung a wide cross section of music; we draw on much more than gospel alone.
As Kim and Kandys reputation for vocal excellence and professionalism grew, their career took off. They performed on BET, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Ally McBeal; they supported Erykah Badu in concert and sang with Barbra Streisand for President Bill Clinton. Moreover, their voices are the foundation of the theme song to NBCs One World, and Kim was featured on the Amistad soundtrack. Amistad is one of the things Im most proud of, she says. Its a true American story, signifying so much: overcoming obstacles, freeing yourself from bondage, finding inner strength. And working with icons like Steven Spielberg and John Williams that just blew me away! The sisters continued to build on their momentum, perfecting their technique and singing backup for an A-list of recording artists, including Christina Aguilera, Michael Jackson and Sting. Then the Johnson sisters met The Isley Brothers. We were so honored when Ronald Isley took a special interest in our career, Kim says. He really believes in us. You step back and look at his success and how important The Isley Brothers have been and how hard Ronald works who better to emulate than him? In addition to The Isley Brothers, JS cite performers like Whitney Houston, Stevie Wonder and Aretha Franklin as role models (not coincidentally, all of these artists also began singing in church, then crossed stylistic boundaries into R&B and pop). Theyre the best at what they do, Kim notes. When you listen to a song by Aretha or Whitney, you really feel the emotion coming across in their voices. JS endeavored to achieve a similar depth of connection with their debut, which led them to a renowned cadre of collaborators. Ronald Isley introduced us to R. Kelly, Kim explains, and he fell in love with our sound and said he wanted to work with us. We couldnt believe how fortunate we were. Longing to explore a variety of sonic vistas, the ladies also sought out Tim and Bob (known for Sisqos multiplatinum single Thong Song, in addition to projects with TLC, 112 and Boyz II Men) and RL and Walter Millsap. (RL is also known as Robert Huggar, lead singer for the group Next and songwriter/producer for Usher, Luther Vandross and Jaheim, among others). Each producer brought out our best, Kim continues. Because when you deal with the best, you better be giving your best. The best is something JS have always felt compelled to give. Its what theyve always done and what they always plan to do. We have an eye on longevity, Kim confirms. We were born to do this, and we want to do it as long as God allows.
thanks 4 da add sexy i really preciate dat but bont 4get 2 cum by and let me know wat u think about my music and if u like it like i think u will tell ah friend pretty lol, my lead single rite now is No Diggity No Doubt but i think u might like We All On It, unless u like more hyped shit den Welcome 2 Glenarden & Hood Swagg dem jointz ROCK shawty lol..., thanks 4 da support shawty...mello
Hey! I just want to thank you first off for being my friend on here, we all know this MYSPACE is crazy but we’re friends. Here to tell you that I got a NEW SONG, NEW PROFILE, AND NEW PICTURES UP! I would love you so dearly if you could vote for me to perform at HeavenFest 2010 @ http://www.heavenfest.com/2010_Band_Survey.php Under Local Bands, Again thank you! But if you don’t do that, just show some love, GOD IS LOVE **BLIZZ**
