Rondel

Like the tattoo on his right arm boasts, on 8-5-84 a star was born. The entrepreneur, singer, songwriter and humanitarian, Rondel is full of dreams that are currently being developed into reality to be delivered on a global platform.
Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, Rondel lived a modest childhood. He doesn’t promote the overused Brooklynite allegory of drugs, gangs and poverty, though he’s been exposed to all of that and more. Alternatively, Rondel shares a story of a boy who was raised in a house that his grandparents bought. By no means was his family well off, often walking the line between broke and comfortable. “There were lots of times when I couldn’t get the clothes or sneakers that I wanted. I was the last person to get a Jansport bookbag or a Columbia coat and back in the day, those things were major. There were times where my family ate what we call ‘broke meals’ like sardines and eggs. I know all about sautéed tuna and rice, corned beef, all of that. But more vividly, I remember a childhood full of laughs, family, friends, events, great music and culture.”
Rondel was surrounded by the arts from an early age. Born into a Caribbean family, his father produced reggae beats and his mother sang gospel music. Naturally, Rondel developed a deeper appreciation for music than the average person. He began to analyze the voices of some of his favorite artists, including Brian McKnight, Bob Marley, Boyz II Men and Luther Vandross. By the time he reached junior high school, Rondel already began working on singing and songwriting. He shamelessly joined the school chorus when it wasn't necessarily the 'cool' thing to do. “One thing I never struggled with was being comfortable with being different. I always preferred to be my atypical self and alone than front like I’m something I’m not in order to be accepted. That would waste all the qualities God instilled in me that may affect someone or a group of people positively. Society breeds men, especially black men, to not engage in the arts, not express themselves creatively and not be articulate. I decided early on that I was going to do whatever came naturally and I turned out to be a realer man than those who allowed themselves to be forced into a box. Girls kinda dug it then and women love it now!”
With a plan in mind, Rondel went on to Murry Bergtraum High School for Business Careers in lower Manhattan. There he took a break from singing and started dancing more heavily in a cultural organization called the West Indian Club, forming a reggae dance group: Precise. They performed at talent shows, carnivals and other events. He quickly made a name for himself around the school and got a first hand glimpse of the territory that came along with being in the limelight. “I had real and fake friends, appreciators and haters. At the end of the day, it somewhat equipped me with the thick skin and sensibility it takes to live in my share of the spotlight. It was a great time in my life.” In the midst of all of this, Rondel managed to take advanced placement and honors courses and graduate in the top 5% of his class.
At Temple University, Rondel continued to perform in reggae dance groups and took private vocal lessons sparingly, choosing to focus his energy on his coursework and financial stability. His college years were where he met many of his business associates and partners in music. This was also his first time falling in love. “She was my partner, my road dog, the only person I could share each and every dream with.” This love became his inspiration for most of Rondel’s first collection of lyrics that he had copywritten 2006. “My music reflects love – the great times, the mistakes made, a lot of vulnerability both positive and negative. Also, each collection of music I put out represents an era in my life that felt exactly how it sounds, so I have party music, cruising music, mellow chill out music and everything in between. I think that, more than anything, will help people connect.” Another milestone made, on May 18, 2006, Rondel graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and Business Management.
Rondel struggled after college to break into the music industry. He always heard it wouldn’t be easy, but he didn’t realize that knowing the right people was often times doubly as important to the industry as your skill set, education and passion. A humbling moment, Rondel made an unorthodox move and took on an unpaid internship at VP Records after earning a degree. Relentless and determined through a number of legal hustles and flexible gigs, Rondel finally landed his first full time job in the music industry the following summer. Since then, he has stamped his name in the world of music and urban media at companies like AllHipHop.com, Avenue Report Magazine and Fan Force Marketing.
Today, Rondel is living out his entrepreneurial dreams. Still living in Brooklyn, he is creating an independent record label specializing in reggae and R&B music. With plans to release his debut album in 2009, along with a roster of reggae/R&B artists to follow, Rondel continues to support organizations that enlighten, enrich and create a progressive movement among urban and Black communities locally and worldwide.
“I love life, I really do. I’m grateful for a strong family, for the great friends and colleagues who have shared good and bad times with me. I’m grateful for love, even love ending because it’s all an inspiration for music that can help someone who needs it. I’m grateful for my talents, skills and the drive I possess to put them to use on a large scale. I’m grateful for all of you who are or will be part of the movement, our movement – But there’s no movement unless it is heard, so support the kid! ...and spread the word!”
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QUICK INFO SESSION :)
Where is your music? I’m working on it, I promise it will be worth the wait!!!
Favorite color(s): Black, Silver & Blue (but I’ve been told oranges and reds look best on me lol)
What is the meaning of your first name? (French) A short poem
Nicknames: DonRon, Rondeisel, Rondizzle, Ronniedel, Rondeliggans
What do you like to do for fun? Amusement parks, deep coversations, jokes jokes jokes, party, movies, eat out and travel any and everywhere.
Height: 6’ 1”/Shoe Size: 13/Eye color: Dark brown/Hair color: Jet black
Birth date: August 5, 1984 (Leo’s rock!)
Birthplace: Brooklyn, NY
Ethnic background: Mother – Grenada, Father – Trinidad/Jamaica
Favorite food: Auntie’s baked ziti…curry chicken roti…always trying to kick my weakness for Chinese food
Favorite sport: Track & Field (former Brooklyn borough champion!)
Favorite movie: Brown Sugar, School Daze, The Best Man...i'm sure there are more that I can't remember...
Collects: Greeting cards (I have every one given to me since I was 10 years old), Exclusive sneakers & hoodies
Dream Collaborations: Aaliyah, Estelle, Kanye West, Dwele