Electronic Press Kit

ML The Truth

The winner of the national “Here I Am” Talent Search Competition presented by Coca-Cola was onstage with R&B star Monica at Birthday Bash 15 in Atlanta – one of the largest hip-hop concerts in the South. Of the top 10 finalists who submitted an original, fully produced track of their music, Monica selected one lucky person, ML from Jackson, MS, to perform with her in front of thousands of fans. More than 600 entries were submitted for a chance to win the spotlight with Monica.

Behind the Lens:

Coca-Cola gave teenagers nationwide the exclusive opportunity to go “Behind the Lens” alongside Monica and hip-hop rising star Roscoe Dash. After a nationwide search, 12 teens received backstage pass to Birthday Bash 15 in Atlanta, GA to capture Monica and Roscoe Dash’s concert experience on film, interview the stars, capture their live performances and every exciting moment in between.

R&B/Soul artists from all across the country entered in the “Here I AM Talent Search With Monica” Competition in hopes of earning this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. As the one artist “Still Standing” ML “The Truth“ can shout “Here I Am” at the biggest birthday celebration in Atlanta, Birthday Bash 15, while he burns up the stage with Monica.

With a silky smooth sound, this Jackson, Mississippi-based R&B sensation has been burning up the OurStage charts for quite some time. His most recent single “First Time,” is a dazzling display of how he has grown as a writer, singer, composure and producer since his debut album I Will, which was released independently in 2005. As both an artist and individual, ML “The Truth“ typically uses his songwriting as a coping mechanism and communication tool. He boasts a refreshing blend of truthful lyrics and refreshing soul, evident with every note he passionately sings.

Lou Writer sings with his back-up dancers, Christopher Washington (left) and Cornelius Daniels (right). Meet Lou Writer. With a voice that is at once silky then electric with operatic agility, it’s no surprise that Writer is BET’s first 106 and Park Wild Out Wednesday All-star Champion, garnering thousands of votes at the finale. This triumph comes on the heels of a momentous season for the R&B crooner. After touring as a background singer for Lyfe Jennings and opening for acts like Musiq Soulchild and Robin Thicke, the soon-to-be Jackson State graduate tempers his zealous drive with authentic connection to his growing fanbase.

“My passion is for people,” Writer said. “My heart goes out to those who have never had people to invest time, concern, and love into them. I want to inspire them especially. They have to know that it’s cool to go to school and pursue your dreams simultaneously. I keep this in mind at all time because I know that my life is bigger than me and my dreams to sing, write, and act.”

R&B duo RecognitioN is also becoming a household name throughout the country. Their lead singles “Last

Popular local music group, Recognition, performed. They have recently been signed to Capitol Records. Song”, “Give Her to Me” and their newest hit “Scratches” are propelling group members Rico and J’Rod further into heartthrob stardom. Pairing uptown style with downtown mélange, the duo attributes their success to their faith in God, old-fashioned hard work, and authentic networking.

“We’re working towards establishing ourselves as a real entity in the industry,” Recognition said. “We want to deliver a real message, so we’re keeping our focus on things that mean the most like family, really connecting with people, and maintaining our values within the group. If you know what your values are, then your decision-making becomes very responsible. So we’re always conscious of where we come from and making a good lasting impression.”

From the small neighborhood of Greenview Drive in Jackson to the current music scene of Atlanta, the Hip-Hop group Lavage is enjoying the fruits of their labor. Group members Lil’ Reese, Sean B, and Hype Man Lucky have managed to transform their love of dance and music into a national movement. Their hit single “Hula Hoop” has spread like wildfire and has even landed them a spot on the legendary Apollo Theatre’s Amateur Night stage.

Counting unwavering persistence and high energy as two of their signatures, the group has taken their craft to the next step.

“When we were in Mississippi, we were knocking at the door of success,” Lavage said. “Now that we’re in Atlanta, we’re ringing the doorbell. If you keep knocking, people will eventually open the door. We know we can handle it once our foot is in the door.”

“The Atlanta music scene is totally different from Mississippi’s. There’s of course a lot of competition. But still, it’s all about standing out. If you have a wild energy, you’ll stand out from the crowd. And Lavage has that. When we moved to Atlanta, people tried to get us to change our sound, but we didn’t. Even in Atlanta, we will always be Mississippi artists.”

The group is currently preparing for their performance in BET’s 106 & Park Wild-Out-Wednesday competition on November 10th.

ML The Truth croons to a young lady. ML The Truth is yet another Mississippi artist who is becoming quite the force to reckon with in the industry. Best known for bridging old school flavor with a new school freshness, ML The Truth has been on a winning streak. He’s been voted the best Male Vocalist by the Jackson Music Awards Association and has recently won the Cellular South Emerge Listener’s Choice contest and was selected as recording artist Monica’s Here I Am National Talent Search winner, sponsored by Coca Cola.

Amidst producing hit songs for several other artists, the singer/ song-writer has also engineered his own arsenal of music, an album entitled The Truth, slated for release later this season.

“I’m always working to help other Mississippi artists to resources that I wasn’t exposed to,” ML The Truth said. “We need more people behind the scene. I’m trying to make sure everyone can prosper. We also need longevity in our careers.”

Newest to the scene is Aarin Chase, a fresh-faced, 18-year-old balladeer from Jackson who revels in the

Artist Airan Chase sings Usher’s “There Goes My Baby”. legendary talents of old school icons like Anita Baker, Luther Vandross, Mariah Carey and Stevie Wonder. After helping launch the Teen Talk radio show under the direction of Sonya Norwood, R&B singer Brandi’s mother, at 97.7 WRBJ, Chase took his piano playing and songwriting skills to the stage, performing in a slew of weddings and club performances.

“I feel that I’ve matured a little faster because I was always held to higher standard and made to be a leader,” Chase said. “I try to put my passion and the emotion of what I’m going through into my music. I’ve listened to music and lyrics on the radio. I understood what they were saying, but often times I didn’t feel it. I want to create the type of music where you feel it and where it sometimes doesn’t need any background vocals..

With a keen ear for classical instrumentation, Chase pens his original compositions with a form of pure romanticism, illustrated through songs like “On the Wings of an Angel” and “Your Worth”.

While these guys balance droves of screaming fans with maintaining personal endeavors, they also find time to service their community. Most recently, ML The Truth and Lou Writer teamed up with Recognition to donate their talents to Hinds County Circuit Court Judge candidate Ali ShamsidDeen’s Promote the Vote held at Freelon’s Bar and Groove on October 10th. The fundraising event gave voters a chance to connect with the artists while encouraging voter participation.

“We wanted to raise awareness among the young people about the importance of judicial races,” said Kathy Sykes, who coordinated the event. “A lot of times, young people feel like our public figures are out of touch with them. We’re trying to encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote, not just in some elections, but in all elections. That fact that Judge ShamsidDeen reached out to these artists shows that he’s able to connect with matters that affect them. The artists that performed for the Promote the Vote event represent wholesomeness and everything wonderful about the Hip-Hop generation.”

As the winner of last week’s BoomDizzle.com Battle Ground Contest!

LL Cool J believes that his creative torch lights yours. Through your dedication and hard work you have been acknowledged as an emerging hip hop group. Because of this, LL is rewarding you with a pair of BoomDizzle ear buds.

Special shout out to Jennifer Davis, the BoomDizzle fan that voted for her favorite track. She has also won a pair of BoomDizzle ear buds! Thanks for your support!

In the upcoming months select members of the BoomDizzle.com Artist and Fan communities will be selected to use the Virtual Producer Studio. By signing up at www.BoomDizzle.com/Revolution you may be one of the first artists to produce tracks online and distribute them instantly. Go today, get registered and be sure to invite all of your friends to hear your tracks and experience the Virtual Producer’s Studio. We are going to Change Music 4Ever!

Thank to all those who participated and congratulations to the Battle Ground winners. Be sure to check back tomorrow (11/23) at http://www.BoomDizzle.com/contest when the next two trax go head to head in the Battle Ground!

Listen to ML the Truth’s track “Love Games” Also check out the runner up track, Chris STAR’s “Rock with me”

Williams, an R&B artist who goes by ML “The Truth,” entered and won the “Here I Am Talent Search with Monica” earlier this month. The website OurStage.com featured the competition to give undiscovered artists a chance to get recognition.

His single, “First Time” quickly rose to the top of the competition, and as the winner, he had the opportunity to perform with Monica in Atlanta at the Phillips Arena.

ML grew up in west Jackson, and while attending Blackburn Middle School, he sang with the school’s quartet. He credits this experience for his musical ear. A graduate of Jim Hill High School, he later pursued his bachelor’s degree in music and graphic design from Jackson State University.

I’ve never had any formal (voice) training. Everything I pretty much pick up and teach myself," ML says. “My range is still pretty high; from my low notes to falsetto, which is a blessing.”

He says R&B groups such as Take 6 and Boyz II Men have been the biggest influences on his music.

The real R&B groups were my main focus. I wanted to be like those guys who could actually sing together and last," he says.

In his own music, he sings about his experiences with relationship and love. “What people don’t realize is that most women just want you to listen. That’s why I have such a huge female fan base,” ML says.

His first single, “I Will,” hit the radio in 2003. He says he believes in longevity instead of living for the moment, making his music relevant now and in the future.

It can always be put on as a classic. It can still be brand new and fresh to someone hearing it for the first time," he says.

ML says he stays busy, not just with performances, but he also produces music for other artists as well as working as a songwriter and engineer. In 2006 he started a production company, 100 Drums Productions in Jackson.

I’ve gotten a major response from people here from day one. That was the main reason why I didn’t want to leave," he says. “I want to make (music) for my city, to shine some real light on Mississippi and expose the hidden talent that’s here.”

The great individuals that made it were major artists," he said. ML plans to attend the February awards show to support other artists and to make new connections.

ML grew up in west Jackson, and while attending Blackburn Middle School, he sang with the school’s quartet. He credits this experience to his musical ear. A 
graduate of Jim Hill High School, he later earned his bachelor’s degree in music and graphic design from Jackson State University.

I’ve never had any formal (voice) training. Everything I pretty much pick up and teach myself," ML says. “My range is still pretty high, from my low notes to falsetto, which is a blessing.”

He says groups such as Take 6 and Boyz II Men have been the biggest influences on his music. “The real R&B groups were my main focus. I wanted to be like those guys who could actually sing together and last,” he says.

In his own music, he sings about his experiences with relationships and love. “What people don’t realize is that most women just want you to listen. That’s why I have such a huge female fan base,” ML says.

His first single, “I Will,” hit the radio in 2003. He says he believes in longevity instead of living for the moment, making his music relevant now and in the future.

It can always be put on as a classic. It can still be brand new and fresh to someone hearing it for the first time," he says.

ML entered and won the “Here I Am Talent Search with Monica” last year. The website OurStage.com featured the competition to give undiscovered artists a chance to get recognition. His single, “First Time,” quickly rose to the top of the competition. As the winner, he had the opportunity to perform with Monica in Atlanta’s Philips Arena.

ML says he stays busy, not just with performances, but he also produces music for other artists as well as working as a songwriter and engineer. In 2006, he started a production company, 100 Drums Productions in Jackson.

I’ve gotten a major response from people here from day one. That was the main reason why I didn’t want to leave," ML says. “I want to make (music) for my city, to shine some real light on Mississippi and expose the hidden talent that’s here.”

You are holding the 10th edition of the annual Best of Jackson reader’s choice awards. Every fall for a decade now, the Jackson Free Press has asked readers to vote for your favorite local businesses, people, institutions and organizations. Thank you to all who took time to fill out the long ballot to help point this positive spotlight where it needs to shine. Note that we will honor Best of Jackson winners and finalists this Sunday, Jan. 29. If you or your organization is a finalist and you have not received an invitation, please email marissa@jacksonfreepress.com to get on the guest list.

MUSIC & NIGHTLIFE

Best R&B Artist (tie): ML ‘The Truth,’ Kerry Thomas ML “The Truth” has a goal to “bring back real music with real meaning.” He writes, sings, composes tracks and produces. ML has opened for or performed with artists that include Monica, Trey Songz, Letoya Luckett (of Destiny’s Child fame), Silk, Trina, Recognition and many more. Some of his most popular tracks are “Love Games,” “The Girl is Bad,” featuring Fiend, and “First Time.”

After learning to play the guitar, Kerry Thomas began to attend as many open-mic nights as possible and began to receive offers to do hooks (choruses) for local rap artists. This led to Thomas deciding to do his own project. He includes artists such as Stevie Wonder, The Isley Brothers, Chaka Khan and Luther Vandross as some of his earlier influences. —Shameka Hayes-Hamilton

Second: Recognition Third: Akami Graham Good Showing: Taylor Hildebrand