The release of "Jazz Funk Hip HoPoetry"-Phaze 2 marks the debut of the spellbinding group S.O.U.L.S.---Sounds of Urban Life Soldiers, which promises to inspire the listening public with its dynamic sound, as it raises social consciousness on such issues as black-on-black crime, gun violence, education, relationships, economic and social responsibility, the need to elevate self-esteem, and preserving the environment. "JFHP-Phaze 2" is the much-anticipated sequel to the highly-acclaimed album "Paradise Presents Jazz Funk Hip HoPoetry." S.O.U.L.S. has taken this new genre of music to a new level which will set a precedent for all great hip hop and spoken word to come that is set to music.
RAQUEL RAMSEY has credits that read like a Who's Who in the world of the performing arts. Having studied with many world-renowned musicians and attended the prestigious Berklee College of Music in Boston, she is an accomplished vocalist who received her foundation in classical music, performing operettas as well as chamber, chorale, and French quintet music. Her versatility also includes traditional jazz, the sultry ballads of R&B, spirituals, and gospel music. She has studied under Madeline Eastman, David, Stroud, Dena DeRose, Faye Carol, Kitty Margolis, Mark Murphy, Ellen Hoffman, Maggie Scott, and Charlie Sorrento. She has performed with Roy Hargrove, Walter Beasley, Kito Gamble, Ben Ball, Reuben Roger, Karriem Riggins, and Dave Ellis, to name a few. This devotion to words, melodies, rhythms, colors, and sounds, brought Ms Ramsey to the open arms of spoken word and short story writing. The phrasing of her spoken word pieces shows the extent to which music has influenced them. Ms. Ramsey learned the business side of the music industry when she worked for record labels such as Tabu and A&M Records. In addition, she has worked as a band leader, headlining vocalist, producer, road manager, and in artist promotions. She holds a B.S. Degree in Environmental Studies from California State University, East Bay and works as an educator at Chabot Space and Science Center. The Berkeley, Ca. native has been taking spoken word venues by storm with her often sultry, but thought-provoking style of poetry which covers a myriad of social issues.
PRESIDENT L. DAVIS was born in Richmond, one of California's most violent cities plagued by drug trafficking and homicides from gun violence. According to Davis, the youngest member of S.O.U.L.S., "I've been spittin' poetry for over two years, but I was on the block since I was 13." My 'HYPHY' (which refers to the Bay Area hip hop culture movement) lifestyle energy can be felt in my voice and heard in my art," he adds. And indeed Davis is bound to thrill those who have been waiting to hear an artist with an insightful critique of street life while maintaining its alluring swagger. "Everyday I experience new things, and it's these experiences that I express creatively in my art," he maintains. As a rising star on the poetry scene, budding entrepreneur, and young scholar studying sociology at Oakland's Laney College, Davis' amazing growth as an individual has placed him in a position that only a handful of people in the industry reach. He currently serves as host of Dorsey's Locker Blue Candle Poetry series in North Oakland, as well as hosting Love Jones Music and Poetry showcase and Eastside Arts Alliance Holla Back showcase in East Oakland. In addition, he has performed at and hosted events such as 'HYPHY' dance battles, car shows, talent shows, and the East Bay's Malcolm X Jazz Festival Youth Court. Davis grew up listening to artists such as E-40, Too Short, and Mac Dre, whom he cites as some of his early influences. "My parents gave me my name for a reason---to be a president is to have honor and respect---to do that you have to connect with people while remaining a leader of the community." he concludes.
KELDAMUZIK is a vibrant hip hop artist whose talent will not be denied. Her lyrical ability, coupled with her charisma and seductive charm, puts her on an artistic plateau that most artists never reach. Although she is still very young, she is already a well-seasoned professional. Keldamuzik exudes self-confidence with her radiant style and dynamic stage persona. Being a native of San Jose, Ca. she was in the entertainment spotlight at an early age and won a talent show at Sacramento's Arco Arena when she was only 12 years old. "It was then that I knew I had a place in entertainment," she reflects. Since then Keldamuzik has modeled for online fashion magazines and appeared in advertisements, performed as a singer with several R&B groups, done numerous recordings singing and rapping with various groups and as a solo artist, and established a successful entertainment business. A turn of events and experiences led her to transition from singer to hip hop artist. After graduating from high school, the dedicated artist moved to Oakland to attend school at the University of San Francisco and officially pursue her career as a hip hop artist. She has performed regularly and been in constant demand at a lot of venues in the Bay Area and beyond. Considered one of the premiere hip hop artists in the San Francisco Bay Area, she hosts a reality TV show called "Diva TV", which is aired on a number of cable TV stations throughout the region
KEITH THOMPSON was born in Altadena, Ca. near Los Angeles where he recalls "I was raised by a single mom and TV." At an early age, Thompson continues, "I decided to sponge every opportunity and excel way beyond the failing Black stereotype and become the bionic man." He moved to the Bay Area and graduated from the University of California at Berkeley, where he earned a B.A. Degree in African American Studies. He subsequently dedicated himself to work for a series of non-profit organizations. During that time music and writing were only hobbies. But after spending several years helping others to realize their dreams, he discovered his own calling and found it necessary to pursue it. He later took classes in scriptwriting and joined writers' groups to develop as an artist. He has performed his poetry at a host of Bay Area spoken word venues and developed a highly regarded reputation and following among his peers. Thompson, who is multi-talented and also works as an audio visual production specialist for the public sector, is also a graphic artist and designed most of the "JFHP"-Phaze 2 album. A belief of his that is related to his artistry is his contention that "the self-awareness of my community is necessary to bring about positive change and I know it's achievable." He is inspired by the wisdom of young people, despite their mis-education. He is also inspired by the strong spirit of people who have overcome their circumstances in broken families.
SHAVONE PICKETT, better known by fellow artists and fans just as Shavone, has been one of the best kept secrets that the San Francisco Bay Area has produced. Born at San Francisco's Presidio Naval Base, she first began singing at Providence Baptist Church, located in the city's Hunters Point district, where she sang gospel music at the age of 8 years old. That proved to be an invaluable experience which helped her hone her musical gifts, which later expanded to secular music. She won her first talent show at an elementary school contest at the age of 9, when her family had moved to Vallejo, Ca. Shortly, afterwards she wrote her first song. "It was then that I knew that music and I would never part, and that we're together for life," the talented vocalist/songwriter recalls. Shavone's musical influences include Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu, Alicia Keys, and Keysha Cole. "I need to sing, just like I need to breath. That's my calling," she adds. And indeed she has been singing background on numerous recording sessions with Bay Area artists. Having paid her dues, this budding songstress is more than ready to step up to take her rightful place as a featured vocalist on the national scene.
Location: AMERICA NORTH: USA: California (CA)
Sound Like: Hip-Hop