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Each member of Blaque has a distinctive sound. Brandi's vocals are as sweet and pure as a baby's breath. Shamari delivers powerful soul stylings while Natina handles all of the rap installments. The first single, the R. Kelly-produced "808," is just a taste of the Blaque expression. A funk-driven tune written by Blaque, "808" imparts a slow infectious beat with just the right mix of rhythm and rhyme. "Working with R. Kelly was an experience," says Brandi. "He'd give us lectures about the music business," says Shamari. Track Masters, Michael Anthony and Sadiq "The Beat Freak" provided additional production wizardry to Blaque.
"We're down to earth but edgy. We're funky cool," adds Natina, who originally wrote the track "I Do" with Alanis Morrisette in mind. The track flows shamelessly from hip-hop into an R&B mode accessorized by a chorus that possesses a healthy dose of '60s retro-activity. Natina also wrote and performs "Mind of a King," a track that moves to an alternative vibe. Brandi, 17, was always surrounded by music while growing up. Her grandfather, Bobby Rogers, was a member of the legendary Motown group Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. Her father was a professional singer as well and her aunt is R&B songstress Cherelle. "I've always loved music. I never said I wanted to be anything else. I never said I want to be a doctor, a lawyer. I was always wanted to be a singer." Natina, 19, on the other hand, had numerous career goals as a child. "I wanted to be Miss America, a veterinarian, a movie star," says Natina who often played drums in her uncle's church. Her father was also a preacher. As a youngster, she modeled and as she got older Natina began writing rhymes and making up jingles that led to her recording career. "I had been friends with Lisa [Lopez] but we never really talked about music until one day when she heard my jingle for Now & Later [candies]," says Natina, who took Lopez's advice and pursued music. Natina's also written jingles for Sprite. Dreams of a music career filled Shamari's mind. So much so that while in eighth grade, she drummed up a story about a recording career. "I told everyone I had a deal and was looking for people to join my band," says Shamari, 18, who listens to R&B, alternative rock, rap and gospel.
Managed by Wright Entertainment Group, Blaque is ready for group comparisons. "Listeners will know the difference. Blaque is more urban/pop alternative. It's a totally different vibe," explains Natina. Says Brandi, "Nobody looks like us. We're very futuristic." Fashion Forward and musically advanced. That's the philosophy behind Blaque. Three young women out to make history. |