About Me
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"NATHANIEL" , a name which incedently carries the meaning- "God's gift", is a lover of many styles and genres of music. Whether it be gospel, jazz, contemporary R&B or even old school Motown flavored material he can place himself into the music and as a result interpret it differently the many others. An early over-achiever...young Nate was skipped from kindegarten to second grade, to the delight of many and as a culture shock to young Nate...He persevered at this excellerated pace for all the years to follow, and always excelling in music and english. Holding a bachelor's degree in English from a historically black college, having worked with the likes of Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Ministries, J. Moss, Lena McLin, Moses Hogan, Tavarius Polk(unsigned artist),Stephen Dent, Fanatic, Eddie. F & "The Untouchables", Danny Eason & Abundant Life Ministries, Julius Goodman (R.I.P.) & The New Millenium Voices, Reverend Barbara Lucas & W.O.M.B. Ministries and others...Nathan (aka-Nisan_Love) now at the age of twenty-eight... has broken out of his shell and is now ready to share with the world-at-large my makings of an album or 12 (smile).. , ..As far as the music..It began of course in the local church, serving in the children's choir at his mother's church in Brooklyn (The First Baptist Church of Crown Heights, Rev. Clarence Norman Sr. -Senior Pastor): First Baptist being of course blessed with the musical greatness of Thomas Hammond (writer/keyboardist), David Frazier (writer/organist), Bobby Banks (promoter/head choir director), Sidney Grayson (orgainst) and many others..., from there he sang in the Concert Choir at his alma matter of Bishop Loughlin Memorial High School (i.e.-anthems, spirituals, Broadway-flavored joints, etc..), and then he finally got a taste of the pentecostal church through his participation in the community choir "Danny Eason & Abundant Life Youth Crusade Choir Ministries" back in 95'.
In the early nineties it was Danny Eason, as opposed to the Kirk Franklins and the Tye Tribbetts, who were exciting every single youth conference and blazing the trail in contemprary gospel in the BK. Young Nathan had never before been exposed to a young man that had the charisma of a P-Diddy and the voice of a young John Kee..lol...Danny could sing man..and as a result it made me wanna sing better..and of course his own family of good and great singers helped..but Nate was shy as a youngsta man..The choir ranged from the ages of 12-30, and I mean from all walks of life.., Nate found himself having to toughen up quick with the community choir scene..it was ruff yo!...some people were nice..and then there were those who seemed to revel in being nasty...but let us digress...the main connection all these young people had (for the most part) was that they all wanted to be better than they were spiritually, and then of course musically. It was here that Nate discovered that he could in fact hold his own alongside some of my peers. Rehearsals were always peppered with suprises..be it a new song(usually written by the current minister of music at my local church Min. Joeworn Martin, or Jules Bartholomew, Thomas Hammond, etc..), a special guest appearance(a young Ty Tribbett(Sony Urban), Timiney Figeuroa (who young Nate fell in love with vocally..lol..), Schon Crawford (writer/singer), Leon Lacey(writer/producer), and a host of others. It was from this same situation that a young Nathan found his way, or was more so directed to link up with the ministry of Pastor Hezekiah Walker (who mentored Danny for a short period..and impressed a young Nathan with his interpretation of The Gospel and how he relates to today's young person).
After becoming a part of the church and it's church choir, Nathan began to really wanna read the word a little more, and as well not act like I know it all when I don't..and why not have a man of GOD in your corner to cover you and be praying for you instead of downing you and undermining your every move. He was favored to be a part of the traveling choir at varied periods (i.e.-Tokyo, Japan, St. Louis, MO, Cinncinnati, OH, Canada, etc..), he recorded with the "LFT Church Choir" and as a result got to meet and work with James Moss (1st cousin to the world famous "Clark Sisters") and his production crew called "PAJAM". In between all of this...Nathan left for college in Augusta, Ga.
It was here at historically black "Paine College" (in Augusta, GA) that he continued to grow as a singer and a songwriter. An english major, Nathan always did have a love of words and their effect on the hearer...but AND however it wasn't until he began to really compose his own material that he then fully understood just how powerful music can be to the affected listener. He got to see this effection first hand through performances with his own groups (i.e.-"Blessed"-a five man acapella group that won $500 in a local talent show, and "Divine Music"-a male/female ensemble in which everybody could play an instrumentand sing lead vocals.) Nathan beat the occasional boredom down south by spending a great deal of time reading, listening to CD's by: Faith, John P. Kee, Ike & Tina, Frankie Lymon, Donny Hathaway!, Danny Eason, Marvin Winans, Pastor Walker and Kirk Franklin and learning from the classics of visiting black composers such as: Moses Hogan (r.i.p)-a brilliant compposer who penned many of the standards we negroes sing in and around black history month...he was a gentleman and he let Nate's group be featured and walk around to tables during a Caucus on Black Radio (in Washington, D.C.)..attended by (among others): Colin Powell, Rev. Jesse Jackson. Ms. Lena McLin (composer) came to Paine College to do a choir workshop and spent a while after rehearsals with some of the singers to impart some jewels as far as pacing yourself and finding your own voice...she is credited with discovering "DA BRAT" and "R. KELLY" as kids in Chicago and encouraging them as well..so clearly he feels a way to have met her, and spent such a generous time to listen.
As far as travel and accomplishments in the way of music, Nathan has had the opportunity to do a great bit of travel (in ministry) with Pastor Walker and the Love Fellowship Tabernacle (Bklyn, NY). He's personally seen the shores of San Diego, CA..Los Angeles, CA..., Toronto, Canada..., Tokyo, Japan..etc...Studio efforts and understanding came through many great men in gospel and R&B. I have had the opportunity to be in the booth learning from cats like ANDREAO "FANATIC" HEARD, EDDIE F. (The Untouchables), MAKEBA (writer), TAVARIUS POLK (writer), THOMAS HAMMOND (writer/musician), JOEWORN MARTIN, E-BASS, JAMES MOSS (PAJAM), STEPHEN DENT (Off tha Meter), SKY CARTER (S.Carter Music), DAVID FRAZIER (organist/writer) and rappers like ENCORE (Palo Alto, CA), MR. PERFECT (Bklyn), and O.D. (Bklyn). NATHAN also has performed capable background vocals for (among others): FRANK MCCOMB, DANNY EASON, ANAYSHA FIGEUROA, HEZEKIAH WALKER, CISSY PEOPLES, BERNARD BROWN & BARAK, and others.
In terms of service-in-church:
Nathan has served in varied capacities, since his youth, in any local church that he has had the opportunity to attend as a member.
It was at the First Baptist Church of Crown Heights (Brooklyn,NY) that he served as Vice-President, and then President of the "Celestial Choir" (youth choir). He also was heavily involved in "PACK 90" of the CUB SCOUTS, and as well his father (who served as cubmaster). He went on to the BOY SCOUTS, having fulfilled all his obligations to the cub scouts, but soon lost his drive and went on to "ushering". Nathan served as an usher for close to four years under the leadership of Sis. Suzie Bedding (one of the matriarchs and founding members of the church).
NATEfrmBKLYN also found himself busy in the church community of his HBCU (PAINE COLLEGE, located in AUGUSTA, GEORGIA): He participated under watch-care-w/service @ Macedonia Baptist Church, Beulah Grove Baptist Church, New Life C.O.G.I.C., and the PAINE COLLEGE Wendesday/Chapel Services.
In terms of schooling:
Nathan has attended and graduated from BISHOP LOUGHLIN MEMORIAL HIGH SCHOOL (Brooklyn, NY) where he participated in the school chorus (under direction of Mr. Robert Bero), performing arts (Nathan was in a group, the promoted to soloist under the direction of Mr. Louis Maffei), and the school newspaper(Nathan was the co-editor of "The Jamesonian" and won a "Tablet" award for excellence in writing). Former alumni of Bishop Loughlin include: (actor) Doug E. Doug, (Hall of Fame Basketball Player) Mark Jackson, (stylist/designer) Alexander Allen, and (Former Mayor/philanthropist) Rudolph Guliani.
He has also attended LONG ISLAND UNIVERSITY (Brooklyn,NY), where he matriculated for a year. It was during that time that Nathan got to meet JULIUS GOODMAN. A wonderful person, breath of fresh air..as a singer and an extrodinary musical talent; Julius encouraged Nathan to sing lead more and to not be so scared. It was after transferring back down south to Paine College...that Nathan transferred to PAINE COLLEGE (Augusta, GA) where he participated in the school newspaper, the school yearbook, the school chorus, and 2/3 bands and groups on campus. He also got busy in the local churches in the area, helping out with the praise & worship and after church activities for the youth.
In terms of business relationships and work enviornments (aka-The 9-to-5):(1) "BAD BOY ENTERTAINMENT"- (Nathan worked in the human resources division under the official title of "assistant to the v.p. of operations". It was here that he was afforded the opportunity to work amongst the likes of his supervisor Ms. Vashta Dunlap (the V.P. of Operations), Sean "Puffy" Combs, Andre Harrell, Franscesca Spero, Alison Stanley (Making The Band Pt. 1), and as well be exposed to "Daddy's House Recordings"; the in-house recording studio for all Bad Boy Entertainment artists and managed entertainers. Nathan holds fond memories of this position, in that it totally crossed any and every line of his creativity. He got to meet old stars and new stars (i.e.-Johnnie Cochran-pre-puff/shyne trial, Jenifer Lopez, Faith Evans and Todd Russaw, MC Hammer, MJG, G-Dep-in the elevator..chopped it up on the way to (1), Shyne-yelled at me when his two-way shut down, 112-sang acapella for an interviewer right across from where my desk was..and we chopped it up about how dope Kim Burrell was.., etc, etc...(2) "KIDS HEADQUARTERS/WEAR ME APPARELL" - Nathan was privileged to have worked under MS. LESLIE SPITZER (The Dir. of Human Resources)...(3) "MTV's MAKING THE BAND PT.2"- Nate was employed as a summertime production assistant for the T.V. show...his responsibilities included excel spreadsheet work and heavy video dubbing with regard to weekly submission of finished and edited tapes of the popular cable-channel series.
(4) "ISL PUBLIC RELATIONS"-As the only person of melanin in the workplace, Nathan's job as apprentice-publicist was to proof-read the copy going out in representation of the musicians and artists represented by ISL PR, to file and answer phones, to open the workplace and close all programs on the computers, and to occassionally deliver artist packets to the post office or to directed locales.
Current Job: A "School Aide" for the NYC Board of Education, Nathan is a faithful employee who is excited everyday to be able to possibly effect even one of the students in my charge positively, and help them to become whatever it was that he perhaps could not, while matriculating in school.
Writing-wise Nathan has written for XXL Magazine, he reviewed two cd's and was featured in the reviews section of an issue with NAS on the cover..needless to say he was excited..as writing was always a first love..
He is not at all finished learning and/or contributing to the world through recorded and live music, and as evidence is the music that is available on this here site for you all to sample and enjoy, and criticism is welcome....but be ye easy! Because I'm an artist and I'm sensitive about mines!!! SHOUT OUTS!!!!! :
Thanks to GOD for making and grooming your boy, My Parents, My Family in NYC, GA, Ohio, Texas, The Carolinas. My deepest respects to the memory of my Grandmother and my Aunt...may you both rest in peace..and may your spirit of holiness and right -over-wrong live on through me and what I accompish in my life.....To my aunts and uncles: Prince and Mary, Juanita and Teddy, Wayne, Evelyn and Sam...To my cousins: RKA, Angela, Rozina, Kim, Alex (stay up son!), Prince Jr, Tony, Dexter(poopoo), Antonio (aka-The Gentle Giant), Teddy, Terrance, ManMan, Melony, Audrey, Garrison-Jamel, Cameron, "tiger", roberta, and all the ones I haven't seen in forever. To all my dudes from the acapella group @ Paine College's campus: "Blessed": I love ya'll (Johhny Jr, Aloysios, Rueben Unel and Elden..and our manager Keebo Armstrong)To all my old friends from "Divine Music": Adrienne-love you ma!, Jameeta, Marie-the illest soprano in the south..miss your voice.., Lynette-sweet and kind, Carlos-short, stocky and opinionated..and can play too..lol, demarlo-you owe me money nigga!..., Jonathan-smart ass..you played your part well...respect to "Mr. Willie"-for always being supportive...To the whole NEW MILLENIUM VOICES (Birthed at Long Island University (Brooklyn Campus) and Family & Friends collective: You guys restored my faith in myself. I loved and respected Julius and will miss him immensely..no more late nite phone calls about the hottest new singers or church choirs...I was entertaining an angel unaware..I know that now!...To the LFT Family- I give God praise for introducing my heart and mind to what church is, and as well...what it most certainly is NOT. Special Thanks 2: Mr. & Mrs. Lincoln (Always w/ the kind words and encouragement, God bless you guys!)., Sister Oresa (aka-Reese), Narva Wilson (you always had my "good" at heart, and for that I thank you!), Travis Nevins (peace), Ronald Cummings (You better swing them long arms for Christ!-smile), Pastor Walker, Craig Wiggins (Good and Bad, you were there...and can't nobody see you on the mic son!, Stay Up!), Sister SueSue-You make me crazy when you sing, I just wanna stand there w/ my hands up..as a witness to what GOD can do!, Hurry up and get in the studio lady!), To 'Naji': You were my un-official church godsister..you looked out for me in a real way, more than twice..thank you! To Amille Harris: You were my first church choir crush back in the day, and you showed me how do work my music to my benefit in the studio, thank you for the early day talks!, Jeffrey Lesley and the whole Lesley family-"Peace and Love!", Hope, Taron Pollard, Tamika Townsend-"Peace!", Matthew (aka-BigBadDressa!), Noel Henry, Bobby, Jamila Sockwell-I watched you as a child w/ "GENESIS"..and you and Kim were early examples of what a lady CAN be, with her mind on GOD, Peace to you and your family!, ..To the Abundant Life collective: For all the dope bus trips following Danny Eason and sweating out our good church clothes and sometimes street clothes...To Stephen Dent: For an early chance! Sorry it didn't work out..Hey Keisha!...To "Perfect": One of the dopest rappers I know, and who I actually can see getting on!...To Tavarius Polk: Thanks for choosing me as the new group member back then for the MOTOWN/UNTOUCHABLES ENT./SIXTH BORO Ent.-group called "SOULJAH". I auditioned on the fly at Electric Lady Studios (former home of Jimi Hendrix), for you, FANATIC and Makeba..and you guys liked my voice! I was a nobody, in my eyes, and you dropped the "stamp" on a nigga, for that I am forever grateful. R.I.P.-Japhe Tajeda, Peace to ZAKE!, Where are you son??...To SKY CARTER (S.CARTER PRODUCTIONS): You came through at a period when no one wanted to give me a crack at the booth, not only did you give me mad access to a dope studio, you opened up and let me create WITH you, instead of just singing a song you wrote a certain way, or in a certain key. Thanks for letting me live on your music! You are "more than amazing", the industry better wake up!!! To All the cats that taught me something face-to-face in the booth or live: Pastor Hezekiah Walker, Steve Dent, Claude Harris Jr.:I can't wait to visit the church that GOD gives you, Melvin Crispell: I will always treasure the sound of my voice over your keys man, even tho the project went a little south..I still got to sing over your music man..I thank GOD for small personal victories too!!(smile), Gordon Chambers: For your gracious hospitality and advice..you don't wanna write me a song tho right??..smile...,Mark Prentice-(Ours is a brother's bond...about 10 years now (and NO we are not getting OLD!)..while you sang with John Cradle & True Deliverance (smile), and then Leon's Inner Voices..and I with Danny Eason and then Hezekiah Walker & Love Fellowship Tabernacle Choir...we would be on the same bill in a totally different state and we would bug out how small a music community the east coast was back then...You never had a harsh word for anybody in front of me, your family is tight and I admire that most,I will always hold you up as being a psalmist that the world "deserves" to hear! I wish you more of God's favor.), Omari Deron Taylor-(My detroit bretheren that I only just recently discovered again through My Space....Dogs it's been like 10 plus years as well..and your voice is still like butter...Stay up son!), Andreao "Fanatic" Heard: "Where's my money my neezy?", Tavarius Polk (Are we ready for the re-up??), Japhe Tajeda( God bless the dead), Adrienne Moore(you taught me sooo much and you sooo much younger than me..lol..uuuuh excuse me..reunion project!?, thank you!(smile)), John Peters, Steve "Cha-Lu" Banarsee: You inspired me in my youth..and for that I will always be grateful..miss that voice man!), Hezekiah Walker: Thank You...Wish I knew why things happen, and why seasons change...so quickly.., Kirvy Brown (I miss you being in nyc Pastor Brown!..and do you still walk the aisles when you sing?..lol), Danny Eason(Love you doc!), Bernard Brown (of South Carolina), Carlos Cahee, Aaron (from Paine), James Moss and PAJAM, Bobby Banks, David Frazier, Robert Bero, Louis Maffei, Robert Bennix, Donald Lawrence, Dan Cleary, etc,etc...It is not without notation..To All the People @ Theodore Rosevelt in NYC: Thanks for the early knowledge.
To all of of the individuals @"THE RUBBER ROOM": I have never backed down from nobody in my life, and I ain't fiddin' to start now. I know the devil when I see him, and I know GOD when I see him. Know this! GOD has not only granted me the "gift" of music, but as well ...the gift of discernment. Discernment has to do with being able to look a person in the face, or be able to observe said person, and be able to deduce exactly where they are coming from, and the nature of their intention, no matter how sweet and nice it is painted or perceived by the majority.
I talk to you, I laugh with you, I might even cut ass on you, but know that I am observing and always listening. Peace to those that loveme, and WARNING to those who hate me. I am not fake, and I am not easily intimidated. Peace to Ms. Elliott as well, I pray that this is a short-term duty for you, and I pray that I can leave that place still deeming you a "mentor" of mine.TO my "southern musical collective": ADRIENNE (I love you girl, you already know, you are ALL grown up now..and I am so anticipating GOD to do a SPECIAL work in your life and your family's life as well..thanks for the "DIVINE MUSIC"-smile), Carlos "JIMMAY" Cahee-You turned out 2 be every bit the musician and person that I always knew you were..even back at school...I thank you and honour you for honouring your brother with u're best and not a shade less..There will be more music from US!......Wayne Huston Jr.(aka- MAN-MAN)-My big cuz, I love you much for being there to pull me out of depression, big-headedness, and alot of other stuff..you mean alot to me, keep it together ok??, Whut up Hersh!?, To my nigga "EZ"-I hope you alright, holla at your boy!, I love all ya'll!Dedication (N.Y. style):
2 everybody that clowned me from within the confines of my very own cipher...I don't know how to thank you for revealing to me that one thing that I hold dear to this very day, TRUST GOD, Believe in him and honor him and NOT any man or no woman...You can love people, you can pour your f*cking heart out to them, you can even find yourself in love for a minute...but don't ever turn your soul and being over to no human, mentor or no mentor....good f*ck or not, good friend or not...
I was guilty of wearing my heart and thoughts on my sleeve for years, and messed up for revealing too much to the wrong people at the wrong time. I thank GOD for trial and error.
