Archive for January, 2015


Exaltation

imageExalation were a freestyle\dance trio that consisted of members Alina, Steeve-N and D.M. Capri. Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to Cutting Records.
imageIn 1987, they released their only single “Heart’s Desire.” It’s unknown how or if it ever made the charts at all.

After that, it seems as if Exalation has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from them since.

To see a fan-made video for “Heart’s Desire,” go to:

Changing Faces

imageChanging Faces are an R&B duo that originally consisted of Cassandra Lucas and Charisse Rose.

For two years, the girls were back-up singers for singer Sybil. They later returned to New York where during the day, they worked at a dermatologist’s office and at night, they recorded demos with music producer Dinky Bingham.

The duo was signed to Big Beat Records after being discovered singing on the streets by a local record producer.
imageIn July of 1994, they released their debut single “Stroke You Up” which became a hit, peaking at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, #9 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #2 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #2 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 23 weeks. It was also moderately successful in the United Kingdom & New Zealand. R. Kelly wrote & produced the song (along with providing vocals as well).
imageIn August of that same year, Changing Faces released their self-titled debut album which peaked at #25 on the Billboard 200 and topped Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
imageThe second single from the album “Foolin’ Around” peaked at #38 on the Billboard Hot 100, #23 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #24 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #9 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

By October of 1994, the album was certified Gold by the RIAA with sales of 5,000 copies in the U.S.
imageThe last single from the album “Keep It Right There” peaked at #49 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.
imageIn 1995, Changing Faces released the single “We Got it Goin’ On” (which was featured on the soundtrack to the film “White Man’s Burden”) which managed to peak at #61 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.
imageA year later, they were featured on the soundtrack to the film “High School High” with the song “I Got Somebody Else” which managed to peak at #123 on Billboard’s Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #49 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
imageIn April of 1997, the duo released the single “G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T.” which became another hit for them, topping Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart for 4 weeks. It also peaked at #8 on the Billboard Hot 100, #7 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #48 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
imageIn June of 1997, Changing Faces released their sophomore album “All Day, All Night” which peaked at #21 on the Billboard 200 and #6 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
imageThe follow-up single “All of My Days” (featuring Jay-Z) peaked at #65 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #38 on Billboard’s Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks. It was also featured on the soundtrack to the film “Space Jam.”

The last single, a cover version of Cyndi Lauper’s song “Time After Time” managed to peak at #35 on the U.K. Singles chart. Changing Faces were also featured on O.C.’s song “Can’t Go Wrong.”
imageIn 1998, the duo was featured on the soundtrack to the film “The Players’ Club” with the song “Same Tempo” which peaked at #72 on Billboard’s R&B Airplay chart and #53 on the U.K. Singles chart. They were also featured on the “Dr. Doolittle” soundtrack with the song “Do Little Things” featuring Ivan Matias.
imageIn 2000, Changing Faces released the single “That Other Woman” which peaked at #64 on the Billboard Hot 100, #21 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #5 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Club Play Singles chart, #3 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #16 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.
imageIn October of that same year, they released their third album “Visit Me” which peaked at #46 on the Billboard 200 and #9 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart.
imageThe follow-up single “Ladies Man” peaked at #67 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

After that, nothing much was heard from Changing Faces until 2009 when their song “Crazy Luv” was leaked to the internet. In September of 2011, Cassandra announced on Kempire Radio & YouKnowIGotSoul.com that she & Charisse were in the recording studio, working on a new project, scheduled to be released in 2012.
imageIn April of 2013, they released the single “Hate Love” which is available on iTunes. A music video for the song was filmed, but never released.

By the summer of 2013, Cassandra left the duo to pursue a solo career. In September of that same year, she released her debut single “Damn” and is currently working on her solo album. Meanwhile, Charisse is currently touring with a new member as Changing Faces.

To see the music video for “Stroke You Up,” go to:

To see the music video for “Foolin’ Around,” go to:

To see the music video for “Keep it Right There,” go to:

To see the music video for “We Got it Goin’ On,” go to:

To see the music video for “I Got Somebody Else,” go to:

To see the music video for “G.H.E.T.T.O.U.T.,” go to:

To see the music video for “All of My Days,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Time After Time,” go to:

To see the music video for “Same Tempo,” go to:

To see the music video for “That Other Woman,” go to:

To see the music video for “Ladies Man,” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “Hate Love,” go to:

imageBlack Buddafly were an R&B duo that consisted of twin sisters Amina (full name Aminata) and Jazz (full name Safietou) Schmahl (born in 1983 in Hamburg, Germany). They were born to a German mother & a Senegalese father.

They were originally a trio with their older sister Sophie, who was with the group until 2006. Their father played various instruments such as the saxophone & guitar.

In 1997, the Schmahl sisters signed a record deal with BMG Germany and released their first single “Choyce.” In 2002, they relocated to New York City to pursue their music career. In 2004, they met Russell Simmons and were signed to his record label, RSMG.
imageIn 2005, Black Buddafly released their debut single “Rock-A-Bye” which peaked at #70 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks. During that same year, they began working on their debut album.
imageIn 2006, they released their second single “Bad Girl” (featuring rapper Fabolous) which was featured on the soundtrack to the film “Waist Deep.” The song flopped on the charts and after that, not much was heard about their upcoming album.
imageIn 2011, they released a mixtape called “Worst Of…. Black Buddafly: The Forgotten MP3s.”

After Black Buddafly broke up, Jazz went back to Germany to start a family while Amina stayed in the United States to pursue a solo career.
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imageThese days, Amina (now Amina Buddafly) is continuing her solo career & in 2013, she starred on the VH1 reality show “Love & Hip-Hop.” During that same year, she released the albums “I Am,” Part 1 and 2.

To see the music video for “Rock-A-Bye,” go to:

To see the music video for “Bad Girl,” go to:

Mpress

imageMpress was a female girl group from the 2000s that consisted of Lauren Hart (from St. Petersburg, Florida), Marissa Clark (from Ocala, Florida) and Zoraida Rosario (from Orlando, Florida).

Lauren was the first member to join the group after answering an audition call from Big3Records in 1999. Marissa was the next member to join. At the time, she sang at Disney and was finishing up her first year at the University of Tampa. Zoraida was the last member to join. She also sang at Disney and was invited to try out for the group.

imageIn 2001, they released their debut (and only) album “Suddenly” on Big3 Records. It’s unknown how or if the album ever charted at all.
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imageThe first single “Maybe” managed to peak at #9 on Billboard’s Hot 100 Singles Sales chart, but the follow-up single “Time Out” failed to make any impact on the charts at all.

Mpress opened up for Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake. By 2002, a new singer Brooke Stauder joined the group & it appeared as if Lauren either left the group or was replaced.

After that, it appeared as if Mpress disbanded. Marissa Clark went on to pursue acting, appearing in the reality show “Outback Jack” and guest-starred in the series premiere of the FX Network series “Rescue Me.”

It’s unknown what the other members of Mpress are up to these days.

To see a fan-made video for “Maybe,” go to:

[updated on 08-30-2016]

imageDream was a pop\R&B girl group from Los Angeles. The original line-up consisted of Ashley Poole (born Ashley Nicole Poole on May 10, 1985 in Blythe, California), Holly Blake-Arnstein (born on August 3, 1985 in Hollywood, California), Melissa Schuman (born Melissa Amber Schuman on August 21, 1984 in San Clemente, California) and Alex Chester (born on December 28, 1984).

The group was formed in 1998 by talent scout Judith Fontaine and their original name was First Warning, but was later changed to Dream. Later, the girls left Judith and were signed by Sean “Diddy” Combs to Bad Boy Records. In 1999, Alex was replaced by new member Diana Ortiz (born on September 23, 1985 in San Fernando Valley, California). Judith sued Diddy, Holly, Melissa and Ashley, but she lost her case.
imageIn September of 2000, Dream released their debut single “He Loves U Not” which became a hit, peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart, #5 on Billboard’s Top 40 Tracks chart, #47 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #9 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #33 on Billboard’s Latin Tropical\Salsa Airplay chart and #15 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The music video for the single peaked at #2 on MTV’s TRL (Total Request Live) and became the first video by an all-female group to be retired on TRL after spending 65 days on the show’s countdown.
imageIn January of 2001, the group released their debut album “It Was All a Dream” which peaked at #6 on the Billboard 200, #11 on Billboard’s R&B Albums chart and #15 on Billboard’s Top Internet Albums chart.
imageIn May of 2001, Dream released their follow-up single “This is Me” which peaked at #39 on the Billboard Hot 100, #13 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart, #17 on Billboard’s Top 40 Tracks chart, #5 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #80 on Billboard’s Hot R&B\Hip-Hop Singles & Tracks chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks. The remixed version of the song featured rapper Kain and Diddy.

In order to promote the album, Dream toured with *NSYNC on their “No Strings Attached” tour and on the MTV TRL Tour with artists such as Destiny’s Child, Jessica Simpson, 3LW, Eve and Nelly. They also made appearances on television shows such as “Good Morning America,” “Live With Regis & Kelly,” “The Rosie O’Donnell Show,” “The Early Show” and “TRL.”

The group was also featured on the MTV show “Cribs” and even had dolls made by Play Along Toys.

The songs “Miss You” and “In My Dreams” were planned to be released as the third & fourth singles from the album, but they were cancelled due to the events of September 11, 2001.

In April of 2002, Melissa left the group to pursue acting and was replaced by Kasey Sheridan (born on December 28, 1986). The group began working on their sophomore album and in the summer of 2003, they returned to the music scene with a more sexier image.
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During that same year, Dream released the lead single from their second album “Krazy” (featuring rapper Loon), but the single & music video failed to make any impact at all. The follow-up single from the album “That’s OK” was shelved.
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Dream’s second album “Reality” was scheduled to be released in the fall of 2003, but it kept being postponed. Later on, their record label dropped the group & Dream broke up, even though it was never formally announced. The album was digitally available through French Virgin Megastores in September of 2005.

In May of 2008, it was released on iTunes in the United States. During that same month, two albums by the group: “Daddy’s Little Girl” and “Dream Never Land” were digitally released. The albums consisted of songs that featured original member Alex Chester.

In an MTV News article in April of 2006, Holly noted that the sexier image of Dream that was pushed by Diddy and their management wasn’t a welcome change and she & the other girls were no longer enjoying the experience and the music.

In January of 2008, Melissa announced that she and Ashley were starting a new band under a new name after a failed attempt to reunite the original line-up of Dream. It was also announced that there would be a reality show documenting their auditions for new members to add to the group.

In July of 2008, the band’s name was revealed to be Lady Phoenix. A month later, Diana joined the band. Nothing much was heard about Lady Phoenix until 2012 when Melissa confirmed that they had disbanded after Ashley left the band and their reality show wasn’t picked up by any networks.

These days, Melissa is married with a child. As an actress, she appeared in films such as “Love Don’t Cost a Thing” and “The Hollow.” After leaving Dream, she had plans to release a solo album, but they were scrapped. In November of 2010, her unreleased album “Stereotyped” and a single “Don’t” was released on iTunes.

Ashley is pursuing a solo music career. Diana is a food & beverage manager (according to Bustle.com). Holly joined a band called Whirl Magnet and these days, she reportedly lives in San Francisco, is married and works as an occupational therapist.

Alex Chester is still active as a performer. It’s unknown what Kasey Sheridan is up to these days.

To see the music video for “He Loves U Not,” go to:

To see the music video for “This is Me,” go to:

To see the music video for “Krazy,” go to:

LSO

imageLSO was an R&B singer from the 90s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to Bellmark Records.
imageIn 1994, she released her only album “What’s a Girl to Do.” The album didn’t appear to chart at all, but it featured saxophonist Gerald Albright and singer Smokey Robinson.
imageThe only single released from the album was “Get It Right” which also failed to make any impact on the charts. After that, it seems as if LSO has faded into obscurity. It’s unknown what she’s up to these days.

To see a fan-made video for “Get It Right,” go to:

imageCindy Rae was a freestyle\dance singer from the late ’80s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to Skyyline Records.

In 1988, she released her only single “You’re My Devotion.” It’s unknown how or if the single made the chart at all. After that, it seems as if Cindy Rae has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from her since.

To see a fan-made video for “You’re My Devotion,” go to:

Mikaila

imageMikaila (born Mikaila Dominique Enriquez on December 15, 1986 in Edmond, Oklahoma) was a teen pop singer from the 2000s.

She started singing when she was only four years old. At the age of nine, Mikaila & her family moved to Dallas, Texas where she sang the National Anthem at sporting events & Texas Rangers games.

Mikaila was discovered by manager Marty Rendleman (who has worked with LeAnn Rimes) and she later started performing nationally and even sang at Carnegie Hall. After the Oklahoma City bombing, she sang a song called “Not Too Far From Here” in churches in Oklahoma City.
imageIn 1997, Mikaila released a gospel music album called “This Little Light.” The proceeds from the album were to benefit the children who lost their parents in the Oklahoma City bombing. She even starred on the PBS series “Wishbone.” As she reached her teen years, Mikaila signed with Island Records.
imageIn 2000, 14-year-old Mikaila released her debut single “So In Love With Two” which peaked at #25 on the Billboard Hot 100, #29 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #27 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart, making it her only charting song to date.
imageIn 2001, she released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #20 on the Billboard 200 chart.

Mikail toured with Britney Spears as one of the opening acts of the North American leg of her “Oops… I Did It Again” tour and even appeared in the 74th Annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, riding on the Fox Family Channel (now ABC Family) float, performing “So In Love With Two.”
imageA follow-up single “It’s All Up to You” failed to make any impact on the charts at all. After that, it seems as if Mikaila has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from her since the 2000s.

To see the music video for “So In Love With Two,” go to:

Romeo And

imageRomeo And was an R&B singer from the ’90s. Not much information is given about him, but he was signed to Elektra Records.

In 1993, he released his debut and only album “Romeo and You” which didn’t appear to make the Billboard album charts.
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imageThe two singles released from the album “For You (I’ll Do Anything)” and “All I Have to Do” failed to make any impact on the music charts at all.

After that, it seems as if Romeo And has faded into obscurity. It’s unknown what he is up to these days.

To see a fan-made video for “For You (I’ll Do Anything),” go to:

To see a fan-made video for “All I Have to Do,” go to:

ATC

imageATC (short for A Touch of Class) was a pop music group from Germany whose members consisted of members Joseph “Joey” Murray (from New Zealand), Sarah Egglestone (from Australia), Livio Salvi (from Italy) and Tracey Packham (from the United Kingdom).

In May of 2000, the group released their debut single “Around the World (La La La La La)” (which is a cover version of the 1998 Russian hit song “Pesenka.”)

The song became a hit, topping the charts in Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Romania. It was also moderately successful in other countries, reaching the Top 40 in the United Kingdom.
aroundtheworldIn the United States, “Around the World” peaked at #28 on the Billboard Hot 100, #24 on Billboard’s Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #34 on Billboard’s Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #12 on Billboard’s Top 40 Mainstream chart and #40 on Billboard’s Latin Tropical\Salsa Airplay chart.

In early 2002, it was featured in a commercial for General Electric. The song was certified Gold in Switzerland & Austria, Silver in France and Platinum in Germany.

In 2010, singer Auburn sampled the song for her single “La La La” which was moderately successful on the Billboard Hot 100. Girl group Girlicious sampled the track in their single “2 in the Morning” which was also moderately successful in Canada.

imageIn 2001, ATC released their debut album “Planet Pop” which peaked at #73 on the Billboard 200.

imageThe follow-up single from the album “My Heart Beats Like a Drum (Dam Dam Dam)” peaked at #3 on the German music charts and was certified Gold.

imageThe third single “Why Oh Why” peaked at #16 on the German music charts and was moderately successful in Austria, Belgium and Switzerland.

imageThe last single from the album “Thinking of You” peaked at #46 on the German music charts and #51 in Switzerland.

imageIn July of 2001, ATC released the single “I’m in Heaven (When You Kiss Me)” which peaked at #22 on the German music charts and was moderately successful in Romania, Switzerland and Austria.
imageAnother single “Set Me Free” peaked at #44 on the German music charts, but failed to chart anywhere else.
imageIn March of 2003, ATC released their sophomore (and last) album “Touch the Sky” which peaked at #97 on the German Albums chart.
imageTheir last single “New York City” peaked at a low #81 on the German music charts and after that, ATC disbanded & went their separate ways.

These days, Livio Salvi is a creative director & choreographer. Joey Murray has pursued acting. Tracey Packham sings & dances occasionally, but only at private occasions. It’s unknown what Sarah Egglestone is up to these days.

To see a music video for “Around the World (La La La La La),” go to:

To see the music video for “My Heart Beats Like a Drum (Dam Dam Dam),” go to:

To see the music video for “Thinking of You,” go to:

To see the music video for “Why Oh Why,” go to:

To see the music video for “I’m in Heaven (When You Kiss Me),” go to:

To see the music video for “Set Me Free,” go to:

To see the music video for “New York City,” go to: