Be Like ICON... Here's How
Inspired by the Past Built for the Future -ICONOakland, CA 94609
There are many talented artists in the music entertainments industry, but only a celebrated few ever reach the status of an ICON. If you are asking what happened to the male R&B stand-up super group and why they do not rival the success of female groups like Destinys Child, then it is by no stretch of the imagination that ICON would be the definitive answer to that question. Even though the world has yet to bare witness to their innovatively explosive performances, stylistically soulful vocals, and undeniable sex appeal, ICON, wears the name not because of status, but simply because the definition embodies this groups never ending quest to be amongst the best to ever reach a worldwide platform.Based out of Oakland, California, this R&B/Hip-Hop trio has the ladies watching and the streets talking about the Bay Areas hottest new super group. The three members, Michael Kelley The Voice, Terrance Kelley The Sound, and La Coleman The Flow, were originally pursuing individual endeavors whether solo or with other groups while housed under the same production company in Minneapolis, Minnesota circa 1999. The following five years would be a test to the groups character, strength, and dedication to their music. With only a few examples of male superstar groups in their generation left to follow, ICON, through the tutelage of Akello Aman, set out to revive a dying bread, thus forging a blueprint of their very own. We learned to write, produce, perform, and conduct business like we were in college going to the pros, says La.Hailing from different parts of the country-Michael and Terrance from Oakland, and La from Minneapolis- the groups sound is vibrant with explosive sounds from both regions and strong hip-hop influences. I think we are like Toni Tony Tone, Jodeci, and New Edition with a dynamic MC, says Terrance. We have the Tonis flavor, Jodecis edge, and New Editions class. ICONs music definitely gives the ladies more to feel than to think about, ranging from hot and sexy club bangers over hard-hitting backdrops, to smooth sensual ballads over soulful melody beds. The groups two singers Michael and Terrance hold it down with strong vocals, while the lead rapper, La, keeps the heads bobbin with catchy flows. The performing side of ICON is only half the talent of this versatile group. They also write and produce for other artists as well as themselves. The groups first single, Shes in the Building, featuring Keak Da Sneak, is a hot new hyphy style R&B club song that is growing in demand across the nation.ICONs music, like their predecessors also delivers messages of lifes trials, error, struggles, and changes, creating the stage for a broader audience. Our goal is to appeal to anyone with ears both young and old, says Michael. ICON is more than a name, more than a group. They are an institution built to last.