Compilation Album featuring Lina, Ralph Tresvant, LC, Aquia, S1, B-Shel, Kid Jones, Princess, Crystal Velazquez, Boe Skagz and Tay Nati, Burch,IV Matt, Chris Bolton, to name a few
It all started in March 2008 at the annual Urban Network Entertainment and Marketing Summit. During the Independent Music Showcase, Dr. Duane Wooten and his wife Diana Wooten of Marble Ice Entertainment of Phoenix, Ariz. were in the audience and were impressed with what they saw. So much so, that they connected with the Vice-President of Urban Network and CEO of Webb Marketing/PR Inc., Arthur Mitchell, to find out more about the possibility of working with this talented group of artists and groups. From there, “The Future” was born…
The thought was to put together a compilation CD featuring these artists from various genres, that could serve as a platform to not only jumpstart their budding careers, but more importantly, to form a partnership between these small artist-owned labels with the more established Marble Ice. By pooling their individual resources together, the group is able to take full advantage of a strong collective that serves the greater common good. And as the music business changes, “The Future Volume 1” is now becoming a shining example of how it can work for the independent label in today’s challenging times.
LC, a rapper from the Bronx, NY, was the first artist released off the compilation with his hit single “Never Done”. In rotation on over 45 stations in the southern and Midwest regions, the single has received rave reviews from Dj’s and program directors for over three months now.
Since then, other more established artists have also signed on to be a part of the program take part in this extraordinary project to help give the newer artists more exposure, as well as further promote their own current projects…
R&B songbird Lina was first to get involved. Her "Stranger On Earth" debut was released on Atlantic records. The critically acclaimed album was named as one of "2001's Top 10 albums of the year" by Billboard magazine. Lina's sophomore album "The Inner Beauty Movement" was released on Hidden Beach/Moodstar/Universal in 2005 and produced such hits as "Smooth" the steppers anthem and "Leaving you." Her newest album"Morning Star" was released on Moodstar Recordings Lina's own Label and critics are raving about it!
Industry veteran Ralph Tresvant was next to embrace the idea. He is well known as the shining star that has been captivating audiences for over 25 years as a solo artist, actor, entertainer, writer, producer and legendary front man of super group New Edition. Ralph Tresvant has helped to pave the way for so many others like New Kid's On The Block, Backstreet Boys, N-Sync, Chris Brown, Neo, Usher and Justin Timberlake who have all followed in his footsteps.
While the famed 90’s band Mint Condition more recently committed. After a six-year hiatus, the band released its sixth LP, "Livin' the Luxury Brown" on their own CagedBird Records in 2005 and a live DVD, "Live From the 9:30 Club" in 2006. Their latest album “E-Life” dropped in early 2008.
Currently, “Something to Give You” by Ralph Tresvant, “My Man” by Lina, and “Missing You” by Aquia are being promoted at radio together as a triple threat with even greater success. With over 70 Markets spinning it, this maxi-single has left a long lasting imprint on R&B radio throughout the country.
Other artists/groups on the project include: S1, Kid Jones, Crystal Velazquez, Chris Bolton, Boe Skaggz & Tay Nati, IV M.A.T.T., B-Shel, Burch, and Princess.
Be sure to stay tuned for the official release of “The Future Vol. 1” coming to retailers on and offline in March 2009 under the Marble Ice and Artist-First Entertainment imprints. To find out more information, please visit www.myspace.com/thefuturecd.
