Post by 3rd. on Aug 31, 2006 4:10:21 GMT -5
Evolution is the natural process of development. It is a continual process that applies to more than just change; it is our destiny. Without it, there is no growthÉno progressionÉno maturity. This can be said about R&B quartet CHAPTER 4 - the group formerly known as 3rd Storee. Their evolution from boys to men is a storied past filled with unexpected twists and turns.
Originally formed in South-Central Los Angeles in 1997 as 3rd Storee (initially named as a young group that was the natural successor to The Jacksons and New Edition), the then-trio got its first taste of recognition and success after being signed to Edmonds Entertainment. Almost immediately after the release of their first single, the young act began touring with pop superstar Britney Spears delighting audiences with their impressive vocal skills and polished performances. "It was an amazing experience for all of us," says Jay-R. "We never thought we'd be on a tour like that so soon, and we really saw what it took to be artists."
In 1998, following the release of their second single, lightening struck twice and 3rd Storee was asked to join *NSYNC on their sold-out US tour playing to over 50,000 young music fans every night! Once again, the group captivated audiences with their powerful vocals and irresistible pop-fuelled R&B winning legions of female fans along the way. This led to several performances overseas appearing on shows with, among others, Dru Hill and Usher. The following year, the trio's self-titled debut was released on Elektra Records. A savvy collection of urban-flavored street jams, the album featured the radio-friendly hits "If Ever," "Party Tonight" and "My Friend."
Despite their phenomenal early success, the group was eager to experiment with a more stylized and edgy sound. After adding a fourth member and signing with new label Def Jam, a hot new 3rd Storee (featuring Dante, Jay-R, Gavin, J'son and Kevontay "KJ" Jackson) emerged in 2002 with the ERG/Def Soul album Get With Me. A scorching blend of urban-laced party anthems ("Superstar," "All Aboard," "Clap Your Hands" and the Rodney Jerkins' produced hit title track) and sensual, sultry ballads ("Don't Lose Hope" and "I'm Sorry"), the album showcased a more confident and sexy group delivering a finely crafted collection rich with the classic r&b / gospel-inflected harmonies, funky hip hop undercurrents and infectious uptempo grooves that have become their signature.
The following year, 3rd Storee made a cameo appearance in the Universal motion picture Honey starring Jessica Alba, Mekhi Phifer and Lil' Romeo. And then, things went mysteriously silent. All the while, the group's devout female fans kept the flame burning, anxiously awaiting their triumphant return.
Fast-forward to 2006 - and the wait is over! After a career filled with surprising twists and turns, the successful group returns flipping the script again. Arising from the ashes of 3rd Storee, the newly reborn CHAPTER 4 - which includes Dante, Jay-R, Gavin and J'son (following the departure of Kevontay "KJ" Jackson) - re-emerges with a new name, a new label, a mature new sound and look, and a long-overdue new album.
Distinguishing themselves as premier contemporary soul balladeers, CHAPTER 4 recently inked a deal with legendary Clive Davis' J Records joining an esteemed family of R&B/soul/pop heavyweights like Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx, Babyface, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, Angie Stone, Aretha Franklin and Mario. Undaunted by the obvious pressures and challenges, the group has already begun work on their eagerly anticipated and as-yet-untitled debut.
Their forthcoming ERG/J Records full-length (tentatively scheduled for a fall release) will feature an "all-star" line-up of top producers in the genre including the Underdogs, Sean Garret, Scott Storch, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and St. Nick. Expect a potent collection of honest and sensual songs about love-life lessons and relationships with a ubiquitous sound that is distinctly modern yet deeply rooted in classic 70s soul and R&B, gospel and hip hop that will undoubtedly seduce female listeners with its mesmerizing gravitational pull. Showcasing their powerhouse vocals, undeniably smooth harmonies, sophisticated songwriting and rich musical diversity, the set promises to be a sizzling, groove-infused urban-pop songbook simmering with sultry romantic ballads and infectious funky grooves in the tradition of groups like Jodeci, Ideal, H-town and Boyz To Men.
Intent on writing a bold new chapter for themselves while reclaiming their well-earned status at the forefront of the R&B/pop music landscape, CHAPTER 4 are poised to burn up the charts (once again) and bring back the main ingredient missing from many of today's R&B/pop groups - true singing... (as you will hear). Stay tuned.
Originally formed in South-Central Los Angeles in 1997 as 3rd Storee (initially named as a young group that was the natural successor to The Jacksons and New Edition), the then-trio got its first taste of recognition and success after being signed to Edmonds Entertainment. Almost immediately after the release of their first single, the young act began touring with pop superstar Britney Spears delighting audiences with their impressive vocal skills and polished performances. "It was an amazing experience for all of us," says Jay-R. "We never thought we'd be on a tour like that so soon, and we really saw what it took to be artists."
In 1998, following the release of their second single, lightening struck twice and 3rd Storee was asked to join *NSYNC on their sold-out US tour playing to over 50,000 young music fans every night! Once again, the group captivated audiences with their powerful vocals and irresistible pop-fuelled R&B winning legions of female fans along the way. This led to several performances overseas appearing on shows with, among others, Dru Hill and Usher. The following year, the trio's self-titled debut was released on Elektra Records. A savvy collection of urban-flavored street jams, the album featured the radio-friendly hits "If Ever," "Party Tonight" and "My Friend."
Despite their phenomenal early success, the group was eager to experiment with a more stylized and edgy sound. After adding a fourth member and signing with new label Def Jam, a hot new 3rd Storee (featuring Dante, Jay-R, Gavin, J'son and Kevontay "KJ" Jackson) emerged in 2002 with the ERG/Def Soul album Get With Me. A scorching blend of urban-laced party anthems ("Superstar," "All Aboard," "Clap Your Hands" and the Rodney Jerkins' produced hit title track) and sensual, sultry ballads ("Don't Lose Hope" and "I'm Sorry"), the album showcased a more confident and sexy group delivering a finely crafted collection rich with the classic r&b / gospel-inflected harmonies, funky hip hop undercurrents and infectious uptempo grooves that have become their signature.
The following year, 3rd Storee made a cameo appearance in the Universal motion picture Honey starring Jessica Alba, Mekhi Phifer and Lil' Romeo. And then, things went mysteriously silent. All the while, the group's devout female fans kept the flame burning, anxiously awaiting their triumphant return.
Fast-forward to 2006 - and the wait is over! After a career filled with surprising twists and turns, the successful group returns flipping the script again. Arising from the ashes of 3rd Storee, the newly reborn CHAPTER 4 - which includes Dante, Jay-R, Gavin and J'son (following the departure of Kevontay "KJ" Jackson) - re-emerges with a new name, a new label, a mature new sound and look, and a long-overdue new album.
Distinguishing themselves as premier contemporary soul balladeers, CHAPTER 4 recently inked a deal with legendary Clive Davis' J Records joining an esteemed family of R&B/soul/pop heavyweights like Alicia Keys, Jamie Foxx, Babyface, Anthony Hamilton, Fantasia, Angie Stone, Aretha Franklin and Mario. Undaunted by the obvious pressures and challenges, the group has already begun work on their eagerly anticipated and as-yet-untitled debut.
Their forthcoming ERG/J Records full-length (tentatively scheduled for a fall release) will feature an "all-star" line-up of top producers in the genre including the Underdogs, Sean Garret, Scott Storch, Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds and St. Nick. Expect a potent collection of honest and sensual songs about love-life lessons and relationships with a ubiquitous sound that is distinctly modern yet deeply rooted in classic 70s soul and R&B, gospel and hip hop that will undoubtedly seduce female listeners with its mesmerizing gravitational pull. Showcasing their powerhouse vocals, undeniably smooth harmonies, sophisticated songwriting and rich musical diversity, the set promises to be a sizzling, groove-infused urban-pop songbook simmering with sultry romantic ballads and infectious funky grooves in the tradition of groups like Jodeci, Ideal, H-town and Boyz To Men.
Intent on writing a bold new chapter for themselves while reclaiming their well-earned status at the forefront of the R&B/pop music landscape, CHAPTER 4 are poised to burn up the charts (once again) and bring back the main ingredient missing from many of today's R&B/pop groups - true singing... (as you will hear). Stay tuned.
