MiMs

BIO

It didn’t take the rapper MIMS long to come up with the title for his debut album. Both of his parents died by the time he was 13, and it was his love for and dedication to music that kept him focused on success and out of trouble. That’s why the Washington Heights, New York, rapper named his first album Music Is My Savior. The title carries additional weight, too. “If you think of Music Is My Savior as an acronym, it stands for my last name, which is Mims,” says the rapper, born Shawn Mims. “I wanted to be a little clever about it.”

Clever also describes MIMS’ smash single “This Is Why I’m Hot.” It makes a certain amount of sense that the cut — a skeletal, braggadocio club track that gives nods to classic New York rap, Midwest Hip-Hop, the Southern rap scene and the hyphy movement — has become so popular in clubs and on the radio. The song’s producers, the up-and-coming The Blackout Movement, double as DJs. “They understand what the mentality of a DJ is and that’s where we broke the record, the mixshows,” MIMS explains. “The DJs broke the record, and when a DJ creates a record and another DJ listens to it, they have a connection. I think that’s why a lot of DJs appreciated it.”

Fans have made “This Is Why I’m Hot” one of the biggest songs this century, selling over 5 million singles, earning an estimated $16 million dollars. Part of the song’s appeal comes from MIMS’ willingness to embrace and acknowledge rap from regions outside of New York. “For so long, I think that New York has had this arrogant approach to hip-hop and it’s always been, ‘We’re from New York. We are hip-hop,'” he says. “A lot of times, we don’t necessarily pay homage to those outside our market. We have every right to be proud because of hip-hop being created and started in New York, but we do have to pay homage that some of these areas are making great music, like Chi-town, the Dirty South, the West Coast.”

MIMS will keep the clubs rocking with the equally potent “Like This.” With heavy bass, a tempo ideal for dancing and a catchy chorus, the song is a perfect soundtrack for dancefloors. “I wanted to take a club approach and make a dance record,” he says. “I wanted to keep the lyrics semi-simplistic. I’m not lyrically overstepping myself. I’m keeping myself in a pocket to where I feel people are going to recite the words and be able to feel it.”

Thanks to his mother’s support of his interest in music, MIMS had the confidence to pursue his dreams. In fact, MIMS learned a number of valuable lessons from his mother: to learn from his mistakes and to be mindful of others and your surroundings.

These characteristics helped MIMS as he launched his DJ career at age 13. He wanted to follow in the footsteps of his father, who had a DJ set at his house. Once he started playing songs, MIMS became more interested in the creation of music, and his interests turned to engineering and producing. By the end of high school, though, MIMS became focused on MCing after his friends encouraged him to continue developing his lyrical skills. 

Today, as his buzz continues growing, he constantly impresses people because of his positive outlook on life despite the personal struggles he has endured.

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Carl Thomas

BIO

Grammy-winning R&B; singer renowned for his rich, emotionally resonant vocals and early-2000s classics such as “I Wish” and “Summer Rain.” Raised in Chicago, he was immersed early in the city’s deep soul and gospel traditions—an influence that continues to shape the warmth and honesty of his sound. Before achieving mainstream success, Thomas refined his artistry on the New York City open-mic circuit, where his raw delivery and heartfelt storytelling earned him a reputation as a vocalist of rare authenticity long before wider recognition followed. Today, he continues to captivate audiences worldwide and is also a member of The Chi, a powerful R&B; collective alongside Syleena Johnson and Dave Hollister, uniting three iconic voices to honor classic soul while pushing the genre forward through dynamic live performances and new music.

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Regina Belle

BIO

“I’m amazingly blessed. I will never ever say that I’ve lived the perfect life to be shown such favor with God or the people, but here I am,” declares the incomparable Regina Belle. The Academy Award-winning and Multi Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and actress, with a string of hits including “Make It Like It Was,” “If I Could,” “Baby Come To Me,” and “This Is Love,” Regina Belle has made a career following her heart and moving gracefully between the worlds of R&B, Gospel, and Jazz.

She is an entertainer of immeasurable musical talent. This New Jersey native has earned distinction as an international treasure. Her luminous vocals on the Peabo Bryson duet, “A Whole New World” (Grammy’s Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 1994) solidified her place as music royalty.

Belle’s vocal abilities were demonstrated at a young age, with her first solo at the age of 8, at Friendship Baptist Church in New Jersey, pastored by her uncle, the late Dr. Fred M. Belle, Jr. The entertainer’s natural gifts were further polished at Dwight Morrow High School and the Manhattan School of Music for Preparatory College, where she studied classical voice training with Inga Wolfe. Although having received a full scholarship to attend Manhattan School of Music, she opted to aim her sights on the elite Rutgers University to study both Africana Studies and Music.

In 1985, Belle left Rutgers University her senior year, just 15 credits shy of completing her degree, to go on the road with the Grammy Award, World Renown Group, THE MANHATTANS. She remained with them for two years before being springboarded into her own career.

Thirty years after leaving Rutgers and 10 albums later, Belle started taking online courses, which earned her a Bachelor’s Degree in Africana Studies and a Minor in Music. Belle walked the stage with her ‘new class’ from Rutgers in May of 2015. She states, “This achievement of finishing my degree which I started almost 30 years ago and finally being done was a bittersweet moment and rates as high as my Grammy Awards.”

Her life is a constant, eventful journey purposeful but not without misfortune. After releasing her first Gospel album in 2008, “Love Forever Shines,” with the hit single “God Is Good,” she was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This devastating news came at the height of her gospel career. After two surgeries and 10 months of rehabilitation, Belle found herself back at the top of her game, ready to take on the world.

Belle’s life experiences and health challenges have made her a champion in the area of caregiving, affording her opportunities to wear different hats. Additionally, she cared for her father and brother all at one time until their passing, and she continues to be a caretaker for her mother. She was honored to have represented AARP as an Ambassador for Caregivers. Belle has enjoyed career success for which many entertainers can only pray.

She can also give thanks for a blessed personal life. She has been married to former NBA player John Battle since 1991. The couple has raised five children and is blessed to have four grandchildren. Bishop John Battle serves as Senior Pastor and Belle, working alongside him as an ordained minister, First Servant, and Minister of Music of their two churches: New Shield of Faith Worship Center in Atlanta, Georgia, and Spread the Word Ministries in College Park, Georgia.

Her latest release, “My Colorful Christmas,” features timeless holiday classics, from the definitive “Silent Night” and “The First Noel” to the spiritual hymns “O Come All Ye Faithful” and “Hark the Herald.” But what Belle does is sprinkle her signature magic and personal touch on each track, which adds an unforgettable emotional depth guaranteed to warm the soul.

In addition to her music career, Regina Belle graduated in the top 5 of her class with a Master of Divinity (MDIV) at the Interdenominational Theological Center (ITC) in May of 2024. She has starred in several movies including “Deadly Sexy,” “The Brewster Project,” “The Walk,” and the Kirk Franklin movie “A Gospel Christmas.” Regina also celebrated 37 years in the music industry on Mother’s Day weekend of 2024.

Regina Belle was recently inducted into the National Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in Cleveland, OH-an honor that recognizes her indelible impact on music and culture. This monumental achievement is a testament to her incredible talent, dedication, and lasting legacy.

Regina’s goal is simple: “If I cannot identify with the songs, and if the music does not move my soul, make me feel better, take me up when I’m down or higher when I’m up, then I don’t want to record it, play it, or sing it!”

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Slum Village

BIO

Emerging from the dynamic streets of Conant Gardens in Detroit, Slum Village is not just a music group, but a close-knit brotherhood tied together by friendship and their shared musical passions. Established in the early 1990s by T3, Baatin, and the iconic J Dilla (also known as Jay Dee), the group quickly became a cornerstone in Detroit’s hip-hop scene.

JDilla’s, enduring influence continued to shape the group, with his protégé and Grammy-nominated producer Young RJ stepping in as a rapper in 2009. With T3 and Young RJ’s stewardship, Slum Village has continued to innovate, producing revered albums such as “Trinity” with the standout track “Tainted,” and “Detroit Deli,” featuring the popular single “Selfish” with Kanye West and John Legend.

T3 and Young RJ have been instrumental in preserving and expanding the group’s legacy, leading to later albums like “Villa Manifesto” and”YES,” which includes posthumous productions by Dilla. Today, Slum Village remains a celebrated name in the world of Detroit hip-hop. With over a decade of collaboration, T3 and Young RJ stay true to the group’s founding ethos while introducing new vitality and a contagious zest.

Their recent works, including singles “Request,”“Factor,” “So “Superb,” and the acclaimed album“F.U.N.” featuring artists like Cordae, Larry June, Elijah Fox, and Eric Roberson, highlight their continued commitment to breaking new ground and thrilling audiences globally. Explore their musical journey and experience the sounds that have established them as hip-hop royalty.

 

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Sleepy Hallow

Hip-Hop + R&B

BIO

One of the leading voices of Brooklyn drill, known for blending melodic hooks, introspective storytelling, and street-rooted authenticity into a sound that has helped define a generation of New York hip-hop, Sleepy Hallow, emerged alongside longtime collaborator Sheff G as a pioneer of the borough’s drill movement, helping bring the genre from local streets to mainstream audiences. 

After breaking through with early releases such as “Flows” and the viral hit “Deep End Freestyle,” Sleepy Hallow quickly became one of the most recognizable names in modern rap. His signature combination of laid-back delivery, melodic versatility, and emotionally driven lyrics propelled songs like “2055,” “Anxiety Freestyle,” and “Die Young” to hundreds of millions of streams and widespread acclaim.

A cornerstone of Winners Circle Entertainment, Sleepy Hallow has consistently expanded his sound beyond traditional drill, incorporating elements of R&B, melodic rap, and Caribbean influences while maintaining the raw honesty that first connected him with fans. His projects, including Don’t SleepSleepy for PresidentStill Sleep?, and Boy Meets World, showcase an artist equally comfortable delivering street anthems, reflective narratives, and crossover hits.

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MILLI VANILLI Feat Fab Morvan

BIO

Paris-born Fabrice Morvan first met his future partner, Rob Pilatus, in Munich at a local club. The two penniless teenagers—17 and 19 years old—jumped at the chance to sign a contract with German producer Frank Farian. Within months, they had created a captivating stage show that would go on to amaze millions.

Milli Vanilli sold more than 7 million copies of their debut album, Girl You Know It’s True, in the U.S. alone. The duo quickly rose to MTV stardom, becoming one of the biggest musical acts of the late 1980s and early 1990s, with worldwide sales exceeding 30 million singles and 10 million albums. Along the way, they became embroiled in a notorious lip-synching scandal, which ultimately led them to publicly return their Grammy Award for Best New Artist.

For decades, Fab Morvan has been at the center of one of pop culture’s most infamous controversies. With his recent Grammy nomination, his journey of resilience and reinvention has entered a powerful new chapter. Today, his story resonates more than ever—one of redemption, honesty, and the courage to reclaim his own voice.

fabmorvanofficial.com

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Brother Ali

BIO

Brother Ali is a respected Hip Hop artist, speaker, and community leader. His two-decade resume includes ten critically-acclaimed albums, mentorships with iconic Hip Hop legends Chuck D and Rakim, and performances on late night shows with Jimmy Fallon and Conan O’Brien.

His provocative and uplifting brand of Hip Hop has earned him coveted press features like Rolling Stone’s 40th anniversary edition and Source Magazine’s “Hip Hop Quotables”, while his outspoken social justice message has landed him on government watch lists. He’s also lectured at universities from Princeton to Stanford and delivered the keynote address at the Nobel Peace Prize Forum.

When he’s not rocking the mic at Coachella or being arrested for civil disobedience in support of marginalized communities, Brother Ali travels the world learning and teaching Islamic Spirituality under some of today’s most renowned teachers. In addition to leading worship services and classes, he co-founded The Gemali Project, an organization that helps Muslim converts and spiritual seekers access the beauty of the Islamic tradition. Brother Ali recently launched The Travelers Podcast from his new home in Istanbul, exploring life’s journey with cultural, spiritual, and thought leaders from across the globe. 

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The Blackbyrds

Known as The Prince of Sophisticated Soul, Downing’s repertoire consists of signature interpretations of R&B classics to the likes of singles “I Go Crazy,” “Wishing On A Star,” and “I Try.”

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Estelle

BIO

Gospel, Soul and Reggae. Dance, Hip-hop and R&B. Those are the building blocks of Estelle’s unique sound, all blended into one– slowcooked over the fire of a masterful two-decades-long career as an international pop star.

Her music mirrors the sound of her West African and Caribbean upbringing. Born in West London to her Senegalese mother and her Grenadian father– they prophetically named her “Estelle” in honor of her grandmother. The Latin root of her name translates to star– a direct foreshadowing of how her art would shine in the world.

As one of nine children– Estelle spent her childhood discovering music through the ears of her family members. Gospel through her mother’s love, reggae through her father’s records, soul through her aunt’s collection, and hip-hop through her uncle’s sensibility.

Since committing to pursue a career as a recording artist in her early twenties– Estelle’s success includes 6 studio albums, 3 Billboard Hot 100 hits and three MOBO Awards (Music of Black Origin). Her resume also boasts a GRAMMY® win, one World Music Award, and a selection for the prestigious Mercury Music Prize among various other accolades and nominations.

After the success of her 2004 debut studio album The 18th Day…, Estelle was determined to make her mark on the industry on a global scale. Through a serendipitous trip to Los Angeles, she wound up meeting her future collaborator Kanye West, and R&B singer/songwriter John Legend at the Hollywood Roscoe’s Chicken and Waffles restaurant.

Legend eventually signed her as his first artist to his HomeSchool Label through Atlantic Records where she released her critically acclaimed second album, 2008’s Shine. The album’s second single “American Boy” became a top 10 pop hit, won the 2009 GRAMMY® for best rap/sung collaboration, and launched Estelle as an international pop star.

Building on that momentum, her next three albums were critically acclaimed.

“Thank You,” the second single from her 2012 album All of Me, received a GRAMMY® nomination. “Conqueror” off her 2015 album, True Romance, became a top 50 pop hit, landed her a guest appearance on Fox’s original hit tv series, Empire, and drove the show’s Original Soundtrack to No. 1 on the Billboard 200. In 2018, after nearly a decade-long plea from fans to drop a reggae project– Estelle released her fifth studio album, Lovers Rock. The intimate project is an ode to the African and Caribbean sounds of her childhood and a pilgrimage back to herself, back to her lineage, and back to love.

Now, after a six-year musical hiatus, Estelle is back with her sixth studio album 2024’s Stay Alta. The project shines with gratitude after being birthed in one of the darkest times in global history– the COVID-19 Pandemic.

“My new album, Stay Alta, comes to you from ‘My Version of Home” says Estelle. “I hope you feel at home—a place that seeks the light in you as much as I see its possibility in myself.”

She channels the soul and disco of musical icons like Diana Ross, Donna Summer, and Melba Moore to deliver a project that drips with the same kind of joy that fueled their legendary careers.

“It honors the artists on whose shoulders I stand and reflects the experiences and places that have brought me here,” she continues. “I aim to move music forward into an intentionally joyful space. I hope you love it here and find your own understanding and connection. Stay Alta is my sixth album, created especially for you, just as much as I need it for myself.”

Estelle’s generational ear has certified her as a respected curator and tastemaker which has manifested in concerts, event activations, and curated playlists.

The former reached a new height with her first ever “Dancehall & Afrobeat Link Up presented by Estelle” at the 2019 Essence Festival.

The latter manifested a proud moment with Estelle joining the Apple Music Radio family and bringing the world The Estelle Show.

The Estelle Show is a daily opportunity to invite listeners into Estelle’s home and heart to celebrate the diverse sounds and cultures that music provides. Within a year of the show’s debut, Estelle won the esteemed Gracie Award for “Women In Media”.

With a career that spans twenty years in music and entertainment, the genius of Estelle is defined by her infinite curiosity and eternal desire to creatively challenge the boundaries of what Black music is and to reimagine what it can sound like.

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Chingy

BIO

Chingy who single handedly influenced cultural slang with “thurr” and “hurr” following the smash Billboard Hot 100 hit “Right Thurr”, achieved superstardom success with seven other Hot 100 hits, including “Holidae In,” “One Call Away” and many more. An actor and philanthropist, Chingy, achieved rapid mainstream success with the release of his triple-Platinum RIAA certified debut album, Jackpot and knocked himself out of the No. 1 position with his second platinum album Powerballin’, featuring Hot 100 hit “Balla Baby” as well as a collaboration with Janet Jackson on “Don’t Worry.” Chingy followed up with another RIAA-certified Gold record, Hoodstar, which also reached the Billboard 200 all-genre Top 10 albums chart, and spawned Hot 100 singles “Pullin’ Me Back” featuring Tyrese and “Dem Jeans.” The eighth song from his album, “I Do,” is featured on the soundtrack for the video game “Need for Speed: Underground 2.” The album also featured guest appearances from R. Kelly, Bun B, Lil Wayne, Lil’ Flip, David Banner, Nate Dogg, and Get It Boyz. That same year Chingy was featured on Houston’s Hot 100 single “I Like That” featuring Nate Dogg and I-20. Chingy’s fourth studio album, Hate It or Love It, also landed in the Billboard 200, and produced Hot 100 hit “Fly Like Me,” featuring Amerie. The LP also featured appearances by Ludacris, Bobby Valentino, Steph Jones, Trey Songz, Rick Ross, and Anthony Hamilton. CHINGY is conquering 2023 with more new music, including his new album CHINGLISH, as he celebrates the 20th anniversary of “Right Thurr,” which ascended to the top of the charts on August 9, 2003. CHINGY’s non-stop touring continues with dates across the U.S. and Canada, as well as performances for men and women service members in Guam, South Korea and Japan as part of an Armed Forces Entertainment tour.

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