Had the pleasure of working with many people I admire, beginning of course w/ mom, Millie Jackson. How crazy is it to be taught by one of entertainment's "firsts"? Well, pretty normal when it's all you know. I think all entertainers' kids go thru a period of this need to feel independent of thier parentage (w/o the "such and such's kid" attachment), a need to stand alone, but...I don't think I really started to move forward til I stopped denying who I was. Amazing... the very thing we resist as children, we cherish as adults. Kinda crazy thinkin back to the days when random folks (Isley's, O'Jays, Betty Wright -Godmom, Ray, Goodman and Brown) would just stop by the house and shoot the breeze. No special occasion, just family. Was way too young to appreciate what was happening, but later realized how amazing it really was. I learned from the best! There was so much "soul" around me, it's no wonder there's so much in me. Born in Brooklyn. Started singing background for mom at age 15. Went to boarding school in Jersey (a real life "Tootie") and made an attempt at college for 2 1/2 years til the "bug" finally turned into a full-blown virus-lol. Moved to Atlanta and kept the bills paid by competing in talent contests at the Sans Sousi til a friend and I formed a girl-group called "Obsession". This is where the grind began and the chops got sharpened. Played clubs for a long bit and established myself as somewhat of a mainstay on the Atlanta entertainment scene. Signed to Sony for 2 projects. Can't say I'm proud of them (at least not from a performance aspect), but I am very proud of what I've become as a result...hardworking, determined, often stubborn, analytical (az hell), passionate, and my own worst critic. After the Sony stint, I was hired by LA Ried for sessionwork at La Face Records. Recorded background on tracks with Toni Braxton, Whitney and Bobby, and Aretha. Then the ball started rollin'. Auditioned for a Warner Bros duo group called "Black Coffy" and was signed to a demo deal. Group was never released, but was featured vocalist on A-Town Players' "Playa Can't You See" as a result. Met some Organized Noize/Dungeon Family folk, went on the road with Society Of Soul, then hooked up with Sleepy Brown and recorded on the "Sleepy's Theme" project (still one of the dopest/soulest projects this century!). Later got a call to tour with Outkast during "Stankonia", and been with 'em ever since. After first year with Outkast, got a call to go out with Badu during "Mama's Gun". Been with her ever since. Toured with Faith, Raphael Saadiq, and Joi betwixt it all. One great, yet brief moment on the tour scene was on George Clinton & P-Funk's 50th Anniversary Tour as part of the opening band, Children Of Production (COP). Bandmates included Saadiq, Joi, Amp Fiddler, Preston Crump, Rob Bacon, Cat Daddy and Stephen Perkins (of Jane's Addiction)...plus and a little help from Clip! Talk about funky as hell!! We recorded the show "live" at the Filmore in Frisco. Sure would be great to release it on CD (hint George...hint). Started my own agency (strictly for vocalists) in 2000 called One Voice Entertainment. Wanted to help bridge the gap b/w aspiring artists and this crazy industry. I coach vocalists individually and as a unit to help them become better lead and background vocalists, then I help them find work. It's gratifying b/c it allows me to help other Artist/friends find talent when they need bknd vocalists, and...it helps me to help other vocalists who have the talent, but wouldn't ordinarily have the opportunity. All is good! Between tours I kept (and keep) the local hustle goin', did a few plays (6 to be exact-but still never quite got comfortable with it. Think I'm a bit too untamed for the structure. Not much room for audience interaction -my fav! Sorry... rambling) and recorded with Da Brat ("Get Somebody"), Gospel's Byron Cage, Joi ("Co-Stars"), Saadiq ("Live At House Of Blues"), Anthony David ("Lady") and recently, background on 7 songs for Joss Stone's latest project. I am blessed! I go to Italy every year touring the Soul/Blues Festivals (yes, it's a major scene for soul music) and glad to say I'm still humbled by the big hair and glittery dresses I still wear when I perform with mom. Now how soul is that? Soulazhell! Presently working with Swiff, Preston, Marq, Slick, Yella and Anthony David in an attempt to get this next project out. We're all busy...we're all artists, so it's been slow... but trust me, it's comin! Mix-tape available now! Would love to... go to a Billy Preston/Gerald Levert/James Brown concert-damn! :( ...R.I.P.
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