Among the many hopefuls who attempt to make it big in the music industry,
only a chosen few obtain the goal. Even more elusive are those who exceed it. They’re the ones who have that elusive “it” quality – the ones whose genuine talent and ability to engage an audience and deliver a song with a matchless style sets them apart from the masses. The ones like London. Armed with years of preparation and an abundance of talent, this burgeoning singer-songwriter is destined to stand out in a sea of “next big names” in R&B music via his Universal/Motown debut, Man of My Word.
A native of Oakland, California, London’s talent for singing was initially
discovered as a child. He sang in his church choir and he eventually joined them.
As an adolescent London set his sites on a career in music but like many of his peers in the hip-hop generation, singing didn’t strike him as a particularly
masculine hobby. Instead, he opted to make his professional foray into the
industry as a rapper as a member of the eight-man crew Keep It Clean. The
group had begun to see moderate success but sought to add an element that
would give them that unique edge. It was then that London tapped into his
innate vocal talents and began singing and writing the hooks for the group’s
tracks. This time, a mature London welcomed the accolades his singing talent
earned him with open arms (as well as the female fans). In addition to filling the missing void in that eventually gained Keep It Clean a strong local following, London’s new musical endeavor had ignited his true passion.
Although he was making headway in his professional aspirations, London
relocated to Georgia. In an effort to respect his mother’s wishes that he continue his education, he enrolled at Atlanta’s Morehouse College. While it hadn’t been in his personal plan, he did his best to embrace college life and even settled on majoring in business. With his heart still in music, London hooked up with a fellow aspiring artist to from the duo B.O.F. (Best of Friends). Soon, they were performing regularly at campus parties and other Atlanta University Center events.
Without the financial means to continue his education, London was more
determined than ever to see his dreams of becoming a recording star
materialize. Now in pursuit of a solo career, the tenacious talent took advantage of his presence in the city that birthed some of music’s biggest-selling artists and began making the rounds at various recording studios. Even in lean times – when he occasionally found himself forced to take refuge in abandoned buildings when he had no where to stay, he stood in the face of impossible odds and persevered by staying focused on his vision. He eventually completed a demo that included songs from producers & songwriters Ron “Neff-U” Feemster, Mike City, Sauce & Ne-Yo. The project found its way to Universal/Motown A&R executive Shaun Harris and Demetrius “Kinky B” Ellerbee, CEO of Corporate Thugs Entertainment, who were so impressed with what they heard that Ellerbee immediately signed London to his Key Players Music imprint, launching his journey to legitimate stardom.
London’s fun-filled lead single, “One Too Many,” is a club track that speaks to
the regret that can follow a wild night of partying. It represents his boisterous,
jovial side. But there are deeper layers to be revealed. Having co-written the
better part of the album, London’s songs also offer an intimate look at the
timeless subject of love and relationships. His musical antenna is acutely in tune with women and the issues they face. “I’m saying what women need to hear and men need to hear these days, about relationships and life situations that we all go through.”
The impressive list of producers on Man of My Word is a testament to the promise of London’s career. Rodney Jerkins produced “She’s Gone,” a song London describes as “’Billie Jean’ on steroids 2008” that speaks to women on a wayward path. And he’s sure to have a hit on his hands with the Ne-Yo-helmed “START A FIRE.” Other beat-smiths who wisely got in on the action include Eric Hudson, Adonis Shropshire, Bryan Michael Cox and close friends of London’s, JUGGANAUTS & Jevon “DUVAL” Hill who produced his hit single “ONE 2 MANY Featuring: Flo-Rida. Sonically, Man of My Word reaches far beyond the scope of what is typically considered R&B music. Its pop sensibilities place London in a class by himself. The track “With Out Her” allowing his vocal talent to truly shine on its own. And his crossover appeal is undeniably evident on the alternative-tinged “Ready For Love,” which offers a message of encouragement in the midst of trying times. London hopes the exhilaration and energy he’s been infused with while recording his debut disc transfers to music fans. “I’m a new artist so I want them to be able to dive into this experience that I’ve gone through.” And he promises to continue to keep the ride interesting and always original. He explains, “Luther
Vandross didn’t do what Michael Jackson did; Michael Jackson didn’t do what
Marvin Gaye did; Lionel Richie didn’t do what Babyface did. That’s why all
those people are distinctive and have their own name. I wanna be a stamp
instead of ‘he’s like someone else’ or ‘he’s the next.’ I wanna be London.”
Fortunately for the music industry, that’s exactly who he is.
brooo. you got a amazinggg ass voiceee. lol. sometimes and one to many and want u back are gonna hit bigggggggggg. lol. cant wait to see ur name in lights.
Thanks for the request, but to let you know I am one of the top recordbreakers in Atlanta, Ga. So if you have any material you want me to take a listen to…..I take that back if you have any HITS you want me to listen to, or if you have someone let me know! “DJ KOOL ADE”
Hi! I wish you every blessing as you pursue your dream. Know that by following your passion and placing trust in your gifts, you are touching lives. Thanks for adding me as a friend! Peace, Natalie Below are some resources to help you as you make your way in the music business: 1. ) If you have a manager, need a manager or are self managing, you really need to check out the Artist Management Resource. I highly recommend the Artist Management Manual. It is THE definitive guide for managers or self managed artists.
2. ) Generate massive web site traffic using You Tube, learn how to communicate with your MySpace fan base and GROW your friend list and also find out how to get your music to radio stations and magazines. BTW if you click this and see a warning disregard it, in this case, I have listed MySpace marketing tips and MySpace banned this URL for no really good reason (phoey MySpace): www. natalie-brown. com/marketing. htm 4.) Check out my Music Business 101 Web site for info on hot sites to promote your music, marketing tips, getting tons of new fans and more awesome stuff there! Copy and past
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