Mantronix

Mantronix were a hip-hop\funk group whose members consisted of DJ Kurtis Mantronix (born Kurtis el Khaleel on September 4, 1965 in Jamaica) and rapper MC Tee (born Touré Embden in 1966 in Haiti).

MC Tee was born in Haiti and emigrated with his family to the US, settling in the Flatbush section of Brooklyn, New York.

Mantronix was born in Jamaica, moved to Canada with his family when he was 7 years old and at the age of 15, his family settled in New York City in 1980.

While working for Downtown Records in Manhattan as the in-store DJ, Mantronix met MC Tee in 1984. The two made a demo and eventually got a record deal with Sleeping Bag Records.
In 1985, Mantronix released their debut album, "The Album" which peaked at #47 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
Their debut single, "Fresh is the Word" became a hit, peaking at #16 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.
Mantronik's second single, "Needle to the Groove" was moderately successful, peaking at #23 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart. Two more singles, "Bassline" and "Ladies" were also released.
In 1986, Mantronix released their sophomore album, "Music Madness" which peaked at #27 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. The album attracted more electronic dance and funk music fans than hip-hop fans.
The first single from the album, "Who Is It" peaked at #21 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles chart and #68 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 11 weeks. Two more singles from the album, "Scream" and "We Control the Dice" were also released.

During the time the group was signed to Sleeping Bag Records, Mantronix was individually employed by the record label in the A&R Department where he signed hip-hop group EPMD to Sleeping Bag Records' sister label, Fresh Records.

He produced music for other Sleeping Bag Records and Fresh Records artists & groups such as Nocera, KRS-One, T La Rock, Just-Ice and Joyce Sims. He shaped the original arrangement and production of Joyce's hit single, "Come Into My Life."
In 1988, Mantronix released their third album, "In Full Effect" which peaked at #18 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #108 on the Billboard 200 chart. This was the last album for MC Tee, who left to join the U.S. Air Force.
The only single to chart, "Simple Simon (You Gotta Regard)" peaked at #19 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #31 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

After MC Tee's departure, he was replaced by emcee Bryce "Luvah" Wilson (born in 1972 in New York City) and Mantronik's cousin, DJ D (born in 1969 in New York City). Mantronik met Bryce at Sleeping Bag Records while producing Bryce's solo project which was never released.
In 1990, the newly formed Mantronix released their fourth album, "This Should Move Ya" which peaked at #161 on the Billboard 200 and #61 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart. They were now signed to Capitol\EMI Records.
The first single from the album, "Got to Have Your Love" peaked at #4 on the UK Singles Chart. In the US, the song peaked at #82 on the Billboard Hot 100, #26 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart (staying on the chart for 12 weeks), #13 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #6 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart.
The follow-up single, "Take Your Time" peaked at #10 on the UK Singles Chart and in the US, the song peaked at #15 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart and #37 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

After their fourth album, DJ D was replaced by singer Jade Trini (born Jade Trini Goring in 1972 in Queens, New York) for their upcoming and last album.
In 1991, Mantronik released their last album, "The Incredible Sound Machine" which peaked at #36 on the UK Albums chart, but failed to chart in the US.
The only single released, "Don't Go Messin With My Heart" managed to peak at #22 on the UK Singles chart, but not in the US at all. After their European tour and promotion of their album, Mantronix split up. Kurtis Mantronix left the music biz for seven years.
In the late 90's, Mantronix came back to the music scene in Britain, producing music for house and techno musicians.

In 1998, Mantronik released his first solo album, "I Sing the Body Electro." Since then, he continues to be active in the music biz in electronic music today.
Bryce Wilson went on to be a member of Groove Theory with singer Amel Larrieux and produce music along with acting.

Jade Trini toured with Monie Love on her 1991 tour. In 1992, she became a born-again Christian. She currently lives in Ridgefield, Connecticut. In 2003, she independently released her first contemporary gospel album "The Devil Lost Another One."

As for MC Tee and DJ D's whereabouts, they are currently unknown.

To see a fan-made video for "Fresh is the Word," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HxnQ1vv_CW8

To see the music video for "Bassline," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DgD4x_SfyD8

To see a fan-made video for "Needle to the Groove," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LT4VgyfLPKk

To see a fan-made video for "Ladies," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6pjpfj3hZWE

To see a fan-made video for "Who is It," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2dQ8hdXhGE

To see a fan-made video for "Scream," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeaiZAoCFg8

To see a fan-made video for "We Control the Dice," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R_gAhgGoxEM

To see the music video for "Simple Simon," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t9TeOJnWeu4

To see the music video for "Got to Have Your Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7z_dNHwlBzM

To see the music video for "Don't Go Messin With My Heart," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdvvHsmz_7c

Charisse

Charisse was a female dance singer from the late 80's. Not much information is given on this singer.
In 1986, Charisse released her first single, "I Can't Face the Rain" on Zakia Records. It's unknown how or if the single ever charted at all.
In 1989, Charisse released her second single, "I Wanna Learn Ya" on Sutra Records. Once again, it's unknown how or if the single ever charted at all. After that, it seemed as if Charisse has faded into obscurity. Nothing's been heard from her since.

To see a fan-made video for "I Can't Face the Rain," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dtkJT_EKOSk&feature=player_embedded

To see a fan-made video for "I Wanna Learn Ya," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mXYr6LnoDmo

Illegal

Illegal was a short-lived hip-hop duo consisting of Jamal Phillips (born on April 26, 1979 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) and Malik Edwards. They were signed to Rowdy Records back in the 90's.
In 1993, they released their only album, "The Untold Truth" which peaked at #119 on the Billboard 200 and #19 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single, "Head or Gut" was released, but didn't appear to chart at all on the Billboard Hot 100, R&B, or hip-hop charts.
Illegal's second single, "We Getz Busy" became their biggest hit to date, peaking at #95 on the Billboard Hot 100, #27 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart, #57 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart (staying on the chart for 13 weeks) and topped Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart.
The last single from the album, "Back in the Day" peaked at #21 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart and #80 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

Nothing was heard from them until 1995 when they teamed up with rapper Too Short for the song, "Thangs Change" and Illegal disbanded.
During that same year, Jamal released his debut solo album, "Last Chance, No Breaks." The album managed to chart at #198 on the Billboard 200, #37 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart, and #10 on Billboard's Top Heatseekers albums chart.

His two singles from the album, "Fades Em All" and "Keep it Real" were moderately successful on the R&B and rap charts.
Malik released the single, "Malik Goes On" for his upcoming debut album, but the album ended up being shelved. Malik worked with Snoop Dogg, Warren G, and Tha Dogg Pound.

In 2005, Malik finally released his debut album, "The Game Needs Me."

In 2006, Jamal signed a record deal with rapper Yukmouth to be part of his record label, Smokes-A-Lot Records. A new album is yet to be released from him in the near future.

He appeared on albums by musicians such as Busta Rhymes, Coolio, Method Man, Bone Thugs N Harmony, Junior M.A.F.I.A, MC Breed, Young Zee and others.

He also helped produce Beanie Segel's 2005 album, "B.Coming." He also appeared on Malik's debut album. Today, he is known as "MallyG."

To see Jamal's MySpace page under the name "MallyG", go to:
http://www.myspace.com/mallygwarzone

To see the music video for "We Getz Busy," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jzKU-GQut-g

To see the music video for "Back in the Day," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eh4BSK8JmAc&feature=related

To see the music video for "Head or Gut," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAr3A1Mcv-M&feature=related

As a bonus, here are some music videos from Jamal's debut 1995 album:

To see the music video for "Fades Em All," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kYWyraqq9-g

To see the music video for "Keep it Real," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dm3SvSaM2-A&feature=related

As another bonus, here is the music video for Malik's single, "Malik Goes On,"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIkItj8P47w

The Whitehead Bros (Kenny & Johnny)

The Whitehead Bros were an R&B duo from Philly made up of brothers Kenny and Johnny Whitehead, the sons of the late John Whitehead (who was a songwriter and member of R&B duo McFadden & Whitehead).

In 1986, the Whitehead Bros released an album called "Kenny and Johnny" on Philadelphia International Records.  It's unknown how or if the album made the charts at all.

The first single from the album "I Jumped Out of My Skin" peaked at #79 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

The follow-up single from the album "Stylin" peaked at #79 on Billboard's Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 7 weeks.

In 1994, 8 years after their first album, the Whitehead Bros released their sophomore album "Serious" on Motown Records. Once again, it's unknown how well the album charted.
The first single from the album "Your Love is a 187," became their biggest hit to date, peaking at #76 on the Billboard Hot 100, #30 on Billboard's Rhythmic Top 40 chart and #15 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.
The second single "Forget I Was a G" peaked at #32 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The song was featured on the "Jason's Lyric" movie soundtrack. Another single "Sex on the Beach" was released, but didn't appear to chart at all.

In 1996, The Whitehead Bros released the single "Feel Your Pain" for their unreleased third album, but it went unnoticed.

After that, it seemed as if Kenny and Johnny Whitehead have faded into obscurity. I haven't been able to find out what they've been up to lately.

To see the music video for "Your Love is a 187," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d83Va6JdslU

To see the music video for "Forget I Was a G," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bs_F0znoBGA

To see the music video for "Feel Your Pain," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rwJBlKbI--U

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

To see a fan-made video for "I Jumped Out Of My Skin," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9I9xKjkBQlc


[updated on 05\07\12]

Jamie Loring

Jamie Loring (born Jamie Loring Forhman from Highland Park, Illinois) was a young teenage pop singer from the early 90s. She shorted her name to "Jamie Loring" for showbiz.

In 1992, 16-year-old Jamie released her debut album "Love or Infatuation" on Smash\Island Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.
She released two singles "Crazy" and the title song "Love or Infatuation," but's unknown how or if they ever charted.

After that, it seemed as Jamie faded into obscurity, but according to the "Isle of Deserted Pop Stars" blog, Jamie has a Facebook page under her full name and I discovered she currently lives in Chicago, Illinois.

To see a fan-made video for "Crazy," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qzvkW4TjdhI

To see a fan-made video for "Love or Infatuation," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QHZq4zX1YOI

Tiggi Clay

Tiggi Clay were a New Wave\R&B trio from the 80's that consisted of members Debravon Lewis (also known as "Fizzy Qwick"), William "Billy" Peaches (born Hilary Leon Thompson) and Romeo "Breath" McCall (born DeWayne Sweet).

In 1983, Tiggi Clay signed to Motown Records' newly-formed rock subsidiary, Morocco Records.
In 1984, Tiggi Clay released their self-titled debut album. The album cover showed the trio in only a silhouette, possibly to create a mystique or to conceal their racial identity.

It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.
Their first single "Flashes" peaked at #86 on the Billboard Hot 100, making it their only chart appearance on the Billboard charts.
Their follow-up single "The Winner Gets the Heart" was released, but it's unknown how or if the single ever charted at all.

Despite positive reviews from trade publications including Billboard, the album wasn't successful. After that, the Morocco Records label shut down and it seemed that Tiggi Clay faded out of sight.

Fizzy Qwick went on to become a singer\songwriter, releasing her solo album two years after Morocco Records shut down. Her bandmates, Peaches and McCall co-produced the album.

In 1989, Peaches and McCall produced the song, "Trade Dreams" for Michael Jeffries' self-titled album. McCall appeared on Bobby Brown's "Don't Be Cruel" album, playing drums and keyboards on two songs.

These days, nothing much has been heard from Peaches or McCall.

To see the music video for "Flashes," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BlFMSJ6zk1w

Fizzy Qwick

Fizzy Qwick (born Debravon Lewis on February 9, 1953 in Solano County, California) is a female musician\songwriter who has recorded music in different styles from R&B to New Wave music.

Debravon grew up in the San Francisco Bay Area and started recording music under her own name either solo or as a member of R&B group, Bridge. She also contributed to the group as a songwriter. In 1981, she released the single, "The Little Things (That Keep Me Lovin' You)."

In the early 80's, Debravon started a new wave trio called Tiggi Clay (which'll be another blog entry after this one) and adopted the name "Fizzy Qwick." Tiggi Clay managed to chart on the Billboard charts in 1984, but they soon disbanded.
Two years later in 1986, Fizzy released her self-titled debut album on Motown Records. The first single, "Hangin' Out" was a Billboard "Pick of the Week," but it failed to generate any success on the charts.
The follow-up single, "You Want It Your Way, Always" also failed to chart, only receiving regional airplay. After that, nothing much was heard from Fizzy Qwick and seemed to have faded into obscurity.

In 2000, UK record label, First Experience Records released the CD, "Crying for Love" which included demo recordings of the R&B group, Bridge (where Fizzy was a member back in the day). Most recently, Fizzy has written music for female singer, U.Niq.

To see a fan-made music video for "The Little Things (That Keep Me Lovin' You)" under Fizzy's real name, Debravon Lewis, go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3QV3YqNxtCU&feature=related

Malaika

Malaika (born Malaika LeRae in Seattle, Washington) is a female dance\R&B singer from the early 90's who managed to have success on the Billboard dance chart.

Before her music career, Malaika was studying to be a nurse when her friend, singer Cece Peniston asked her to sing background vocals on her hit song "Finally." Soon after, she was signed a record deal.
In 1993, Malaika released her debut album "Sugar Time" on A&M Records. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.
Malaika's biggest hit song to date "Gotta Know Your Name" peaked at #74 on the Billboard Hot 100 & topped Billboard's dance chart in July of 1993.

It also peaked at #17 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart & #68 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.
Another single "So Much Love" peaked at #5 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart.

Malaika has performed live for Steve Harvey and "Showtime at the Apollo." She sang the National Anthem at the Staples Center and opened for Chris Rock in Boston.

She was the lead role in "God's Trombone," appeared on the "Meteor Man" soundtrack and has volunteered talents to numerous charities.

These days, Malaika is still active in the music business and is currently looking for a record deal.

To see Malaika's MySpace page, go to:
www.myspace.com/malaikaleraes

To see the music video for "Gotta Know Your Name," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oufBu9dDatc

Maureen Steele

Maureen Steele was a female singer from the 80's. In 1979, she moved to Southern California to start a singing career.
In 1984, Maureen released the single, "Boys Will Be Boys." The song was featured on The Flamingo Kid movie soundtrack. The song managed to peak at #18 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Club Play chart by 1985.
During that same year, Maureen released her only album, "Nature of the Beast." It's unknown how or if it ever charted.
Maureen's biggest hit to date "Save the Night For Me" which peaked at #77 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. In 1986, she released the single "One More Saturday Night," but it's unknown how or if it charted at all. Maureen appeared on Apollonia's 1988 album and after that, she started a family.

In 1989, Maureen went into real estate where she still works today. According to "The Isle Of Deserted Pop Stars" blog, she now goes by the name Maureen Steele-Volante and continues to work in real estate in California with her husband.

To see Maureen and her husband, Mike's real estate website, go to:
http://www.mikevolante.com

To see the music video for "Boys Will Be Boys," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=338Z3c58FPY

[updated on 05\24\14]

Carrie McDowell

Carrie McDowell (born on May 11, 1963 in Des Moines, Iowa) is a female pop\dance singer from the mid 80's.

In the early 70's, Carrie was a child singing sensation, gaining attention at Bill Riley's "Talent Sprouts" contest when she was 8 years old. On October 11, 1974, she appeared on "The Tonight Show" with Johnny Carson and appeared with the late George Burns on the show.

Carrie recorded a version of the song "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," sang on Jerry Lewis' MDA Telethon & opened a show with Danny Thomas in Reno, Nevada. She even performed with Liberace at the Hilton International Hotel in Las Vegas for three weeks.

Carrie's singing career took a break when her mother brought her back to Iowa to attend school. When Carrie was 18 years old, she left for New York, then Los Angeles and signed a record deal with Berry Gordy's record label, Motown Records.

In 1987, Carrie released her self-titled debut album. It's unknown how or if the album ever charted.
Her one and only single, "Uh Uh, No No Casual Sex" was moderately successful, peaking at #38 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music\Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #65 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 9 weeks.
After her one and only album, Carrie left Motown Records and married guitarist Michael Hodge in 1989. In 1991, the couple settled in Nashville, Tennessee and they have a son named Gabriel.

Together, Carrie and Michael are Christian country\gospel musicians, performing under the name "Two Hearts." In 2002, they performed in Kenya and South Korea & released two albums "Give 'em the World" & "Stand Your Ground."
Carrie and Michael also released a Christmas album called, "The Heart of Christmas." Carrie released a solo album called "Never Forget." She returned to her hometown of Des Moines for club dates and to perform on the Variety Club Telethon, making 25 appearances with the charity. In 2004, she was inducted into the Iowa Rock n' Roll Music Association Hall of Fame.

These days, Carrie is working on a new cd and an autobiography.

To see the music video for "Uh, Uh, No No Casual Sex," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iUhG2sAMqGU&amp

Lushus Daim & The Pretty Vain

Lushus Daim was a female R&B singer from the mid-80's. Not much information is given on her, but she was on the Motown\Conceited Records label and released only one album.
In 1985, she released the album, "More Than You Can Handle" under the name "Lushus Daim & The Pretty Vain" which managed to peak at #52 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.
The first single, "The One You Love" was released and managed to peak at #65 on Billboard's R&B charts. The title song was also released as a single, but it's unknown how well it did. After that, it seemed as if Lushus Daim has practically seemed to fallen off the face of the earth and into obscurity.

(Update: 09\17\10) Here's a post about the latest update about Lushus Daim:
http://musicrareobscure.blogspot.com/2010/09/lushus-daim-update.html

To see the music video for "The One You Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z-CROlkvmf0