Zakiya

Zakiya (born Zakiya Munnerlyn in Newark, New Jersey) was a female R&B singer from the mid '90s.

In 1992, Zakiya was the winner of Hal Jackson's Talented Teens and then went on to win Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater. After that, she was signed to Ric Wake's production company as part of a girl group called Faces and then started her solo career.

In 1997, Zakiya released her self-titled debut album which didn't chart at all on the Billboard 200 or R&B albums chart.

Her first single, "Love Like Mine" peaked at #60 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks.

The follow-up single, "My Love Won't Fade Away" became her biggest hit to date, peaking at #52 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 13 weeks.

After that, Zakiya was working on her sophomore album, but unfortunately the album was shelved. She released a 12" single, "I Like" which didn't chart at all.

After that, it seemed that Zakiya faded into obscurity. These days, she resides in Pennsylvania, retired from the music business.

To see the music video for "Love Like Mine," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L1zNDEwK8Wc

To see a fan-made video for "My Love Won't Fade Away," go to:
http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x35wzz_zakiya-my-love-wont-fade-away_music


[updated on 06\11\13]

Jordan Hill

Jordan Hill (born on April 17, 1978 in Knoxville, Tennessee) is a female pop singer who started her career in the mid-'90s. She was described as "the next Mariah Carey."

She has been performing since she was young, singing in community musicals. By the time she was about to start high school, Jordan was eager to pursue her music career and move to Los Angeles.

On a one-year basis, Jordan and her mother moved to L.A. while her dad stayed behind in Knoxville. Once she was settled, she attended L.A.'s Hamilton Academy of Music while singing in the school choir, a local gospel choir and maintaining her club gig schedule.

In 1994 while Jordan was performing at the Le Mondrian Hotel in Hollywood, she was invited to sing at a special party at the house of David Foster. She ended up being signed to David's record label, 143 Records.

In 1995, Jordan released her debut single "Remember Me This Way" which peaked at #80 on the Billboard Hot 100 and appeared on the "Casper" movie soundtrack.

A year later in 1996, Jordan released her self-titled debut album which peaked at #20 on Billboard's Heatseekers Albums chart.

The lead single "For The Love of You" peaked at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100, #40 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart, #9 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #52 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The follow-up single "How Many Times" was only released in Europe. It's unknown how or if the single charted.

The third single, a cover version of the Bee Gees' song, "Too Much Heaven" was also released in Europe. Once again, it's unknown how or if the single made the charts.

Due to lack of promotion and support, Jordan left the label.

In 1998, Jordan was featured on the song, "Love Shouldn't Hurt" featuring artists such as All-4-One, Michael Bolton, Stephen Bishop, Bobby Caldwell,  Gregory Curtis, Laura Davis, Owen Elliot, Olivia Newton-John, Emmanuel Officer, Stephen Stills, Chris Stills, Richard Stites, Tamia, Ann Wilson, Carnie Wilson & Wendy Wilson.

In 1999, Jordan appeared on Jim Brickman's album "Destiny" on the title song.

These days, Jordan is still active in the music business and working on a new album scheduled for release sometime this year.

In 2012, Jordan released a cover version of Stevie Wonder's "Someday at Christmas" which managed to peak at #11 on Billboard's Adult Contemporary chart. The single is available on iTunes along with her cover version of "This Christmas."

To see Jordan's official website, go to:
http://www.jordanhillonline.com/

To see Jordan's Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/JordanHillFans

To see Jordan's YouTube page, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/MissJordanHill/

To follow Jordan on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/JordanHillMusic

To see the music video for "Remember Me This Way," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gOFGa_4quiU

To see the music video for "For The Love of You," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0my1krqfPE0

To see a fan-made video for "How Many Times," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tVliV6eerfY

To see a fan-made video for "Too Much Heaven," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m98DEF_gGB4

To see the music video for "Someday at Christmas," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Ys1gH1b7Qg

To see the music video for "This Christmas," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhbY-L1wtP0

To see a fan-made video for "Destiny," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yI-9o60PXV4



[updated on 03/25/13]

Ms. Melodie

Ms. Melodie (born Ramona L. Parker in 1969 in Flatbush, Brooklyn, New York) was a female rapper from the 80s.

She was a former member of the Boogie Down Productions and the ex-wife of the group's member, KRS-One. Her younger sister, Harmony was a member of Boogie Down Productions.
In 1988, Ms. Melodie released the mini-album "Hype According to Ms. Melodie" on Jive Records. It's unknown how or if the album made the charts.

In 1989, Ms. Melodie released her full-length debut album "Diva" which didn't chart at all on the Billboard charts.

The first single "Wake Up, Wake Up" which peaked at #20 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart.  Another single "Live on Stage" was also released, but didn't chart.

After that, it seemed as if Ms. Melodie had faded into obscurity. On July 17, 2012, she passed away from unknown causes at the age of 43.

To see a fan-made video for "Wake Up, Wake Up," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bUhZSXTeIR0

To see the music video for "Live on Stage," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dFCsUJazN4I


[updated on 08\12\12]

Def Dames

Def Dames were a female rap duo from the late 80s/early 90s that consisted of Marilyn "Kandy Kane" Sumlin (from Bakersfield, California) and Yolanda "Special T aka Ace Senorita" Sugart.

Marilyn began singing, acting and playing instruments at a young age and due to her exposure of music in her life, she formed a group called Klass Act which generated a local buzz that caught the attention of hip-hop music producer DJ Sparkle. She joined Def Dames and they signed a record deal with Sedona Record Company.

In 1989, they released their debut album, "2-4-The Bass" which peaked at #76 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single, "976-Boom" peaked at #19 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart, becoming their highest chart appearance to date. The follow-up single, "Set It Off" peaked at #20 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart.

In 1991, the duo released their sophomore album, "2-Large" which didn't appear to make the Billboard albums chart.

The only single to chart was "The King of Romance" which peaked at #26 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart. Another single, "Whip It" was released, but didn't chart at all.

After that, it seemed as if Def Dames faded into obscurity. Marilyn Smith now goes under the name Touch, but it's unknown what Yolanda Sugart is doing today.

To see Marilyn "Touch" Smith's MySpace page, go to:
http://www.myspace.com/giftrap2

To see the music video for "The King of Romance," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=COIMNMrlEek

To see the music video for "Whip It," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xZvIju-tXLc

[updated on 05/22/13]

Icey Jaye

Icey Jaye (born Renita Johnson) was a female rapper from the 80s. Not much information is given about her.
In 1988, Icey Jaye released her first single, "It Takes a Real Man" which was an answer record to Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock's hit song, "It Takes Two."
In 1989, she released her second solo single, "Icey (She's Bad)" which didn't appear to chart at all on the Billboard charts.
A year later in 1990, Icey Jaye released her third single, "It's Just a Girl Thing" which didn't chart, but a music video was made for the song.

It wasn't until 2004 that Icey Jaye's debut album, "It's a Girl Thing" was finally released. It's unknown how or if it ever charted. After that, it seems that Icey Jaye has faded into obscurity.

To see the music video for "It's Just a Girl Thing," go to:
http://www.artistdirect.com/video/icey-jaye-it-s-just-a-girl-thing/51595

To see a fan-made video for "It Takes a Real Man," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DwHi8Zwcnvs


[updated on 05/22/13]

Ice Cream Tee

Ice Cream Tee (born Bettina Clark in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was a female rapper from the late 80s.

In 1986, she released the sequel to the Fresh Prince & D.J. Jazzy Jeff's song, "Girls Ain't Nothing But Trouble" entitled "Guys Ain't Nothing But Trouble."

In 1989, Ice Cream Tee released her only album, "Can't Hold Back" on UNI Records. It's unknown how or if the album charted.

The only single from the album to chart was "Let's Work" which peaked at #18 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart and #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. Another single, "Can't Hold Back" was released, but didn't chart.

After that, it seemed that Ice Cream Tee has faded into obscurity seeing as how she never released a second album.

To see a fan-made video for "Guys Ain't Nothing But Trouble," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PNSmmUIevTk

To see the music video for "Let's Work," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vof6wkWHl7M

To see a fan-made video for "Can't Hold Back," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ap46-EnZm98

[updated on 05/22/13]

Sweet Tee

Sweet Tee (born Toi Jackson in Queens, New York) is a female rapper who started her career in the mid 80s.

She first started her career with the recording "One for the Treble" with music producer/D.J. Davy DMX. Not long after that, she met music producer Herby "Luv Bug" Azor. She joined the Idol Makers camp and began work with Luv Bug to record her first single.

In 1986, Sweet Tee released her first single, "It's My Beat" featuring rapper Jazzy Joyce, which peaked at #98 on the U.K. Singles chart, but didn't chart in the U.S.

In 1987, she released her second single, "I Got Da Feelin'/It's Like That Y'All" which peaked at #31 on the U.K. Singles chart and #48 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.

In 1988, Sweet Tee released her debut album, "It's Tee Time" which peaked at #169 on the Billboard 200 and #31 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

Sweet Tee's third single, "On the Smooth Tip" peaked at #36 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 12 weeks.

The fourth single, "Let's Dance" peaked at #79 on the U.K. Singles chart and #40 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. Sweet Tee's fifth and last single from the album, "Why Did It Have To Be Me" didn't appear to chart, but a music video was made for the song.

In 1995, Sweet Tee released the single, "What's Up Star?" under the name "Suga" which peaked at #72 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks. Today, Sweet Tee is back to using her original name and continues to be active in the music business.

To see Sweet Tee's official Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/officialsweettee

To see a fan-made video for "It's My Beat," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M3MyvP5Au6M

To see a fan-made video for "I Got Da Feelin'," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFAMhMi95Hg

To see a fan-made video for "It's Like That Y'All," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jau-DPP_WMY

To see the music video for "On the Smooth Tip," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYuZrfHMWn8

To see a fan-made video for "Let's Dance," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2h0T0qRdPf4

To see the music video for "Why Did It Have To Be Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5pe5xQd5xy0

To see the music video for "What's Up Star?," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hXl9d4jSe98

[updated on 05/22/13]

Finesse & Synquis

Finesse & Synquis (from Staten Island, New York) were a female rap duo from the mid 80s. Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to MCA Records.

In 1987, the duo released their first single, "Bass Game." It's unknown how or if the single ever charted at all.

A year later in 1988, Finesse & Synquis released their one and only debut album, "Soul Sisters" which managed to peak at #61 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The second single, "Soul Sisters/Soft But Deadly" was released, but didn't appear to make the charts at all, but the title song was made into a music video. The last single from the album, "I'll Be There" didn't chart.

In 1990, Finesse & Synquis released the single, "Straight From the Soul" on Uptown Records, but it didn't chart. After that, it seemed as if they faded into obscurity.

To see the music video for "Soul Sisters," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S17wQE8XA-Q

To see a fan-made video for "Bass Game," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FxkJE3uLYB0

To see the music video for "Straight From The Soul," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hP8leeXDrtU

[updated on 05/22/13]

Tamika Patton

Tamika Patton (born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) was an R&B singer from the late 80s.

She attended the prestigious Philadelphia High School for the Creative Arts and also spent 5 years in the gospel musical "Hallelujah Mahalia" as singer Mahalia Jackson. Tamika also toured overseas for the Armed Forces overseas in Japan and South Korea.

In 1989, Tamika released her debut album "#1" on Orpheus Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.

The first single "Your Precious Love" featuring R&B singer, Eric Gable, peaked at #20 on Billboard's Hot Black singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album "Number One" peaked at #75 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

In 1999 (10 years after releasing her first album), Tamika released her first gospel album, "Born Again."

These days, Tamika is continues to sing gospel music along with acting in theater. She was voted "best Inspirational Singer in America" in 2011 by Radio One and Praise 103.9; she has an upcoming tour with James Fortune & FIYA.

In 2011, she released the single, "More Than Faithful" which has received rave reviews and is currently available on iTunes, Amazon, and CD Universe.

Her next album "Presence" is yet to be released.

To see Tamika's official website, go to:
http://www.tamikapatton.com/

To see the music video for "Your Precious Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0tIupDxFzf4

To see a fan-made video for "Number One," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-rbug_UA3pM


[updated on 05\08\12]