J. Hollins "Untitled" $7.99 cdbaby.com

/p J.Hollins is a Chicago native, whose smooth vocals, often laced with heavy harmonies, create an ingenious musical sound. He masterfully fuses the traditions of funk, hip-hop, blues, and soul, while keeping his lyrics fresh and reflective. As the lead singer of a local group, J.Hollins landed a recording deal in 1998 with MARY JANE ENTERTAINMENT headed by hiphop/soul icon Mary J. Blige. He went on to enjoy success in the UK in 2001, after releasing a 4-song EP and contributing to a compilation album entitled Urban Anthems. In late 2003 J.Hollins teamed up with long time colleague Rasheem Mohammed PKA "The Grind King" to form Blockbleeders Entertainment L.L.C. an independent record company focused on quality not quantity. This singer/song writer has often been compared to r&b soul artists such as Musiq, Tyreese and Carl Thomas but, with a rapper's swagger. Using his experiences growing up in LeClaire Courts on Chicago’s southwest side as his inspiration, J.Hollins takes his listeners on a musical journey allowing them to share his heartaches, good times, relationships and growth. His debut mixtape, entitled "This is Me", was released in May 2004. This mixtape was an eclectic mix of tunes that provided a glimpse into the heart and soul of this talented artist. His use of catchy lyrics, driving beats, and silky delivery was both stimulating and thought provoking. "This is Me" sold more than 2000 copies independently. The growth and depth displayed on his second project proves that good things get better with time "The Chronicles" was released in November 2005, this project was an even deeper look into the life of J.Hollins. "The Chronicles" received rave reviews locally and with no radio play, using live performances and club DJs as his only promotional tool J.Hollins has sold more than 6,700 copies of "The Chronicles" to date. "The Chronicles" is available for purchase on itunes and cdbaby.com Now gearing up for his first true album "Untitled" slated for release in July 2008 J.Hollins was asked why almost 2 and a half years before choosing to release another project and did he think it would slow down the momentum that he was clearly gaining, J.Hollins says "The Chronicles" is still selling as we speak so I'm not losing any momentum, far as the time span I believe I just needed to really respect my creative process and not rush, it never hurts to take more time honing your craft, I feel like I’ve finally found my niche”. If "This is Me" and "The Chronicles" are any indication of the metamorphosis of creativity that J.Hollins goes through between projects, then we should all expect "Untitled" to be J.Hollins greatest body of work yet! “Untitled” is available for purchase at www.cdbaby.com/jhollins2