Saturday, June 6, 2009

Tairrie B.

Tairrie B. (born Teresa Beth on January 18, 1965 in Anaheim, California) is a former female rapper from the 90s. She started her career as a member of the pop\dance trio, Bardeux, but left the duo after their debut single.

Tairrie B. signed to Ruthless Records' imprint, Comptown Records under the tutelage of late rapper Eazy-E.
In 1990, she released her debut album "The Power of A Woman" which didn't appear to make the Billboard charts. Tairrie claimed that she was assaulted by Dr. Dre at the 1990 Grammy Awards for not collaborating with him on her first album.
The first single "Murder She Wrote" peaked at #27 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart, but missed the Billboard Hot 100.
The follow-up single from the album "Swingin Wit 'T'" peaked at #28 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart.
Around 1992-93, Tairrie B. began working on her sophomore album, "Single White Female," but decided to change her musical direction away from rap music before releasing it. The album was never given an official release, but it was digitally released in 2010 on her Bandcamp page.

After being released from her record contract by Eazy-E (a few weeks before his 1995 death), Tairrie B. formed the rock group, Manhole (later renamed Tura Satana).

These days, Tairrie B. is in the band My Ruin and formed a spoken-word duo called The LVRS.

In December of 2008, she married her long-time partner & My Ruin guitarist Mick Murphy. She stated on the band's MySpace blog that she changed her last name to Murphy, but would continue to use the name "Tairrie B." in music.

To see My Ruin's official website, go to:
http://www.miruinaporvida.blogspot.com

To see the music video for "Murder, She Wrote," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdN-6ofz50w

To see a fan-made video for "Swingin' Wit T," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_uSypszFoP0


[updated on 05/28/13]

Friday, June 5, 2009

Bardeux

Bardeux was a dance/pop duo from Los Angeles, California that originally consisted of Stacy "Acacia" Smith and Tairrie B (born Theresa Beth on January 18, 1965 in Anaheim, California).
In 1987, the duo released their debut single, "Three Time Lover" which peaked at #10 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

After that, Tairrie B had a bad falling out and left Bardeux to pursue her solo career. She was replaced with Lisa "Jaz" Teaney.
In 1988, Bardeux released their debut album, "Bold as Love" which peaked at #104 on the Billboard 200 chart.
Their second single, "Magic Carpet Ride" peaked at #81 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #5 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The third single, "When We Kiss" became their biggest hit to date, peaking at #36 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #8 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
Bardeux's fourth single from the album, "Bleeding Heart" peaked at #30 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
The last single from the album, "Hold Me, Hold Me," failed to chart. In 1989, Jaz departed from the group and was replaced with Melanie Taylor.
In that same year, Bardeux released their sophomore album, "Shangri-La" which peaked at #133 on the Billboard 200 chart.
The first single from the album, "I Love to Bass" peaked at #68 on the Billboard Hot 100, #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play and Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #32 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.
The second single, "Thumbs Up" peaked at #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart, #39 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #59 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
The last single from the album, "Shangri-La" charted at #40 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

After that, Bardeux went their separate ways and seemingly faded into obscurity.

In 1995, Acacia resurfaced as a new incarnation of Bardeux with the single, "Be My Mine" on Thump Records. It was featured on the "Thump Retro Disco Volume 3" compliation album.

From 1993 to 2000, Melanie Taylor was a member of Bette Midler's backup troupe, The Staggering Harlettes. In 2000, she released a holiday album entitled "This Christmas."

Tairrie B went on to have a moderately successful rap career. In the late '90s, she became the lead singer and co-founder of the rap-metal band Manhole (later renamed Tura Satana for legal reasons) and currently the, band My Ruin.

To see the music video for "When We Kiss," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YscwrO23hkc

To see the music video for "Magic Carpet Ride," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ugvGcB7c2PQ

To see the music video for "Bleeding Heart," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ebfnb1YWewQ

To see the music video for "I Love the Bass," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Ik2DWM5QXA

To see the music video for the remix version of "Thumbs Up," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dty1Z-_Y7Do

To see a fan-made video for "Three Time Lover," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sFezeypWhAU

To see a fan-made video for "Hold Me, Hold Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d9Y7erR3ZuA

To see a fan-made video for "Shangri-La," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rUoHe4Bo6d0




[updated on 05/28/13]

Misa

Misa is a former female rapper from the early '90s. She was a former dancer on "Soul Train" and danced underground for years. She was signed to Motown Records.
In 1990, her self-titled album was supposed to be released, but due to management issues, the album was never officially released, but promotional copies of the album were released.
Misa's first single, "Shake the House" didn't chart, but the music video was played on "Yo! MTV Raps."

After that, Misa ended up leaving Motown and the music business. These days, she resides in Wisconsin with her children, seemingly retired from the music business.

To see the music video for "Shake the House," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d3EgmMBboQU


[updated on 05/28/13]

Bobby Ross Avila

Bobby Ross Avila was a pop singer from the early 90's. He is the son of Bobby Ross Avila Sr. and has a brother, Izzy. Bobby has recorded and released numerous singles.
In 1989, Bobby released his self-titled debut album on RCA Records. It is unknown how or if the album ever charted.
The first single, "Music Man" peaked at #91 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 4 weeks.
Three more singles, "Merry Go Round," "Be Mine," and "I Won't Let You Go" were also released, but it's unknown how or if they ever charted at all.
In 1990, Bobby released the single, "I'm Your Puppet." He was nominated for "Favorite New Recording Artist" at the 12th annual Young Artists Awards.
In 1993, Bobby released his sophomore album, "My Destiny" on Perspective Records. It is unknown how or if the album ever charted.
His only well-known hit song to date, "La La Love" peaked at #86 on the Billboard Hot 100, #59 on Billboard's Hot 100 Airplay chart, #27 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, and #93 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 2 weeks.
In 1994, Bobby released his third album, "Que Pasa (What's Up?)" on New Prodigal Records, which didn't appear to make the Billboard charts.
The single, "What's Up? Que Pasa" was released, but it's unknown how or if the single ever made the charts.
In 1995, Bobby released his fourth album, "Into My Life" on Benson Records, which didn't appear to chart at all.
The single, "Let's Stay Together" was released a promo, but didn't chart. After that, it seemed that Bobby faded into obscurity.

Today, he still works in the music business with his brother, IZ Avila and they both go under the name "The Avila Brothers." They have written and produced music for artists such as Usher, Aretha Franklin, Yolanda Adams, Janet Jackson, and Mya.
In 2007, The Avila Brothers became the first American Latinos to received two Grammy Awards in the Urban\R&B category for their work on Chaka Khan's song, "Funk This." The brothers have also released an album of their own, "The Mood: Soundsational" on their own record label, ABX Records.

To see the Avila Brothers' website, go to:
http://www.ntelligentavilas.com/

To see the music video for "La La Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdL_Uc3VbrU

To see a fan-made video for "Let's Stay Together," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RY9Q1AWtSu0

To see a fan-made video for "Music Man," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RhWWMrCSpJ4

To see a fan-made video for "Merry Go Round," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xA3V-JFtoCo

To see a fan-made video for "Be Mine," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q2FOUWy_88U

To see a fan-made video for "I Won't Let You Go," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W_Ejto9efWg


[updated on 04\03\12]

Wednesday, June 3, 2009

Icy Blu

Icy Blu (born Laurel Urchik on June 1, 1974 in Austin, Texas) was a female rapper of the early 90's. She was dubbed as the "female Vanilla Ice."In 1991, Icy Blu released her self-titled debut album on Giant Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.
Her first single, "Pump It (Nice 'An Hard)" peaked at #78 on the Billboard Hot 100 which sampled Salt N' Pepa's "Push It."
Icy's second single, "I Wanna Be Your Girl" peaked at #46 on the Billboard Hot 100, #45 on Billboard's Hot Singles Sales chart, and #47 on Billboard's Hot 100 Airplay chart. The song is known as Icy Blu's only biggest hit to date.

After that, Icy had seemed to have faded into obscurity, but these days, she lives in her hometown of Texas, seemingly retired from the music biz.

To see the music video for "Pump It (Nice 'An Hard)," go to:
www.dailymotion.com/video/x4rx7pm

To see a fan-made video for "I Wanna Be Your Girl," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6tNFmoS5AsU

[updated on 09\11\2016]

Angelica

Angelica (born Angelica Garcia on May 21, 1972 in El Monte, California) was a pop singer from the 90's.

She grew up in a family of musicians including her uncle, Eusebio Garcia, who was the director of Mexico's Marachi Toluca.
In 1991, Angelica released her debut album, "Angel Baby" on Quality Records, which peaked at #37 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart.
Her cover version of Rosie & The Originals' 1960 song, "Angel Baby" which peaked at #29 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January of 1992, becoming her only appearance on the Hot 100.
Her next single, "Next To You" didn't reach the same success as her debut single. Angelica starred on the Spanish-language variety show, "La Hora Feliz" for two years and won "Best New Artist Honors" in the Mexican national talent contest, "Juguemos a Cantar."
In 1997, Angelica released her self-titled Spanish-language album on Atlantic Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever made the charts.

The first single from the album, "Vaya" was successful in Central and South America, but it's unknown how it made the charts.
The follow-up singles, "Mira," "Lloro / Enviandome Angeles," and "Quando M'en Vo" were released, but once again, it's unknown how it made the charts at all.

These days, Angelica is married to an Episcopalian priest and has a daughter, who is in college. She used to live in East Los Angeles, but according to comments from YouTube & the Isle of Deserted Pop Stars, she now resides in Virginia.

To see the music video for "Angel Baby," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjscSyhecU0

To see a fan-made video for "Next to You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktb41LCO_Uc

To see a fan-made video for "Vaya," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LxlcLwoFxak


[updated on 04\07\2016]

A'me Lorain

A'me Lorain (born Amy Trujillo on May 11, 1967 in Simi Valley, California) is a former pop singer from the early '90s.
In early 1990, she released her first single, "Whole Wide World" which peaked at #9 on the Billboard Hot 100 and Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart, and #37 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The song was featured on the "True Love" movie soundtrack and later on her debut album.
During that same year, A'me released her debut album, "Starring in...Standing in a Monkey Sea" under the name A'me Lorain & the Family Affair.

The album didn't sell so well and it didn't chart at all on the Billboard 200. The reason is mostly likely because the rest of the album had ABSOLUTELY nothing to do with A'me's hit song.
In mid-1990, A'me released her second single, "Follow My Heartbeat" which was unsuccessful, peaking at #72 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Soon after that, it appeared as if A'me had faded into obscurity, but these days, she is still active in the music business & has switched to the dance/electronic music genre.

To follow A'me on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/amelorain

To see A'me's Facebook fan page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/amelorainfan

To see the music video for "Whole Wide World," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rktXEdp0hg

To see a fan-made video for "Follow My Heartbeat," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZIU_XAgDlnE


[updated on 05/21/13]

Cece Peniston "Above Horizons" Song for National PTA


CeCe Peniston, National PTA Release Inspirational Song "Above Horizons" Is a Tribute to Children, Parents and Teachers (from pr.inside.com)

CHICAGO, IL -- (Marketwire) -- 06/02/09 -- Honoring the billions of children and child advocates around the world, international multi-platinum recording artist and Billboard star CeCe Peniston and National PTA made PTA's new song available for download today at www.PTAmusic.org : .

To celebrate the release of the song, called "Above Horizons," Peniston is performing the song live today at a Chicago Public School (O A Thorp Scholastic Academy: 6024 W Warwick).

"I'm definitely happy to be part of an organization that helps children reach their dreams. When I was younger, my parents always dared me to dream and I haven't stopped. So this is my tribute to the families, teachers and communities who help children reach their dreams through PTA," said Peniston.

This is the first official PTA song released from the organization's recording label, National PTA Recordings. Peniston began recording "Above Horizons" when she became a National PTA Ambassador in October 2008. Since then, she's visited with hundreds of children across the country to reinforce the importance of an arts education and pursuing your dreams. She's also performed at the U.S. Department of Education during PTA's Reflections Gallery opening in February this year.

PTA's message of parent involvement and student success is captured in the chorus:
We are the shoulders you can stand on, when you reach for something higher.
These are the arms that you can count on, when your dreams have been
delayed.
We are the parents, we are the teachers, you are the eagles that fly above
horizons.
Young conqueror;
You're never alone.

The release of the song coincides with National PTA's unofficial announcement of DownloadFundraiser.com as a PTA National Member Benefits Provider, and the "category exclusive" digital music retailer for National PTA. DownloadFundraiser.com will help PTAs around the country with their fundraising efforts by offering them their own customizable digital music store which will offer downloadable music, ringtones and music videos. DownloadFundraiser.com and Neurotic Media are managing the sale of "Above Horizons," which is available at www.PTAmusic.org : .

It's available in three different mixes: "Above Horizons (Original Mix)"; "Above Horizons (Status Mix)"; and "Above Horizons (Aaron Carl Mix)." The cost is $1 per download or all three mixes are available in a 'bundle' for $2.25. Ringtones of each mix are available for $2.49.

About PTA

As the nation's largest volunteer parent organization, PTA comprises more than 5 million members, including parents, students, educators, school administrators, and business and community leaders. With more than 25,000 local units, PTA flourishes in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Department of Defense schools in Europe and the Pacific. PTA is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Membership in PTA is open to anyone who is concerned about the education, health, and welfare of children and youth.

About DownloadFundraiser.com

DownloadFundraiser.com is the country's first digital music retailer that donates 50% of ALL download AND advertising profits to participating schools, churches, and other charitable organizations. With online music, video and ringtone downloads enjoying mass appeal and projected to grow exponentially over the next decade, DownloadFundraiser.com's : easy, no hassle, fundraiser is a great way to safely and legally enjoy online music, ringtones and videos while simultaneously enhancing an organization's year round fundraising efforts.

To download the song, go to:
http://www.ptamusic.org/.

PS: Support the National PTA!!!

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Tyka Nelson

Tyka Nelson (born in 1960 in Minneapolis, Minnesota) is a female R&B singer and the younger sister of the one and only Prince.

She grew up listening to Mahalia Jackson records, wrote her first song when she was 10 years old and plays numerous instruments such as piano, guitar, bass and clarinet.

Prince offered Tyka the use of his Paisley Park Studios & money to fund an album, but she wanted to get a record deal on her own. After attending attending college & having two children, she signed a record deal with Chrysalis/Cooltempo Records.
In 1988, Tyka released her debut album, "Royal Blue." It is unknown how or if the album ever charted.
She released her first single, "Marc Anthony's Theme" which peaked at #33 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. The song also peaked at #99 on the U.K. Singles chart and became a hit in Holland that summer.
Her second single, "L.O.V.E." peaked at #52 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.
In 1989, Tyka released her sophomore album, "Yellow Moon, Red Sky" which was moderately successful in the Netherlands, Europe, and Spain.

After the failure of her second album, her life took a downward spiral. In the early 2000s, Tyka did an interview with "The National Enquirer" claiming that she had a crack addiction, sold her body for sex to support her habit & her children and claimed that Prince didn't do anything to help her out.

In 2006, Tyka resurfaced with a new look and a commitment to God, claiming that God, her children and Prince helped her kick her drug habit and get her life back in order. In 2008, she released her third album, "A Brand New Me" which is now available on CD Baby. She even published a book entitled "Mama Never Taught Me How To Sing."
These days, Tyka appears to still be active in the music business. In 2011, she released her latest album to date "Hustler."

To see a fan-made video for "Marc Anthony's Tune," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4RCDFnzw0U

To see a fan-made video for "L.O.V.E.," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AWfIaVCl8t4


[Updated on 04\21\2016]