Big Lady K

Big Lady K (born Rosa Lee Chambers in Riverside, California) was a female hip-hop rapper from the late '80s/early '90s.

She got her start in the music business through hip-hop promoter Cliff Richey Jr. who helped her get her name heard around town through booking shows, promotions and other various events.

At the time, Big Lady K was attending La Sierra High School in Riverdale along with future hip-hop artist Robert "ODM" Gutierrez.

While attending high school, she introduced Robert to Cliff who teamed him up with two other local hip-hop artists who later formed music group Lighter Shade of Brown.

Big Lady K's exposure landed her a record deal with Priority Records in 1988. During that same year, she released her debut single "Don't Get Me Started."

In 1989, Big Lady K released her second single "Ffun" which managed to peak at #85 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 5 weeks.

A year later, she released her only album "Bigger Than Life." It's unknown how or if it charted, but it received moderate reviews.

Big Lady K's third single "Smiling Faces" didn't make any impact on the charts and after that, it seems as if she has faded into obscurity. Her whereabouts are unknown.

To see the music video for "Ffun," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5y4ObAhjaX0

To see a fan-made video for "Don't Get Me Started," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M_Xt1746q3Q

To see a fan-made video for "Smiling Faces," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9OsyYF69ygU

C.J. Anthony



C.J. Anthony (born in Newark, New Jersey) is an R&B singer from the late '80s. He moved to Martha's Vineyard when he was 8 years old.

He acted in a small family theater in New York. He was also background dancer in a Carly Simon music video.

His music career began after someone heard him sing and suggested that he send a demo tape to a music producer in California.

In 1988, C.J. released his debut album "Luv's Invitation" on KMA Records. It's unknown how or if the album charted.

The only single released was "You Are My Starship" which peaked at #80 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 5 weeks.

C.J. was a background singer on Vanessa Williams' debut album, "The Right Stuff" and was one of the writers & collaborators on Chuckii Booker's number-one R&B hit "Games."

He has appeared on talk shows such as Jay Leno, David Letterman and Arsenio Hall & performed on MTV, VH1 and B.E.T.

In 2005 (17 years after the release of his debut album), C.J. independently released his sophomore album "I Let Heaven Go" which is available on CD Baby. 

According to an interview with Soul Treasures.com, a new album from C.J. was planned to be released during the summer of 2008, but nothing much has been heard about the project since.

To see a fan-made video for "You Are My Starship," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IifSA9O-IgM

Apache

Apache (born Anthony Peaks on December 26, 1964 in Jersey City, New Jersey) was a hip-hop rapper from the '90s.

He started his career in the late '80s as a frontman for hip-hop group The Flavor Unit. He was also featured on albums by artists such as 2Pac, Fat Joe  and Naughty By Nature. Apache later signed to Tommy Boy Records.

In 1992, Apache released his only album "Apache Ain't Shit" which managed to chart at #66 on the Billboard 200 and #15 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

His only hit was the single "Gangsta Bitch" which peaked at #67 on the Billboard Hot 100, #11 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles, #4 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #49 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 20 weeks.

The follow-up single "Do Fa Self" failed to make the charts at all. After that, Apache continued to make appearances on various artists' albums & singles along with songwriting as well.

Sadly on January 22, 2010, Apache passed away from undisclosed causes in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania at the age of 45.

To see the music video for "Gangsta Bitch," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c8IP2UnSZfE

To see the music video for "Do Fa Self," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lZtQU5TzQ4o

Jeanna Cie

Jeanna Cie was a female pop/dance singer from the '80s. Not much information is given about her, but she was signed to MCA Records.

In 1987, Jeanna released her first single "Don't Believe in Love" which peaked at #23 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

Her follow-up single "Red Light, Green Light" failed to make the charts. After that, it seemed as if Jeanna faded into obscurity. Her whereabouts are unknown.

[There are no videos available for this entry]

Blak Panta

Blak Panta (born in Jamaica) was a male reggae/hip-hop singer from the mid-'90s. Not much information is given about him, but he was signed to Tommy Boy Records.

In 1995, he was featured on the movie soundtrack to "New Jersey Drive" with the song "Do What U Want" which peaked at #109 on Billboard's Bubbling Under Hot 100 Singles chart and #78 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

After that, it seems as if Blak Panta has faded into obscurity. Nothing much has been heard from him since.

To see the music video for "Do What U Want," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIPKm2TBFFo

Blancmange

Blancmange are an English synthpop duo from Harrow, Middlesex, England that consisted of singer Neil Arthur (born on June 15, 1958 in Darwen, Lancashire, England) and instrumentalists Stephen Luscombe (born on October 29, 1954 in Hillingdon, Middlesex, England) & Laurence Stevens.

The band was formed in 1979. Laurence left the band shortly after it was formed, leaving Neil and Stephen as a duo.

In 1980, they released their first EP "Irene and Mavis." The duo earned their first real exposure when they were featured on a track on the album "Some Bizzare Album" along with music acts Soft Cell and Depeche Mode. This later led to Neil and Stephen signing a record deal with London Records.

In 1982, Blancmange released the double A-sided single "God's Kitchen/I've Seen the World" which peaked at #65 on the U.K. Singles chart. Their second single "Feel Me" fared better, peaking at #46 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In September of 1982, Blancmange released their debut album "Happy Families" which peaked at #30 on the U.K. Albums chart. The album was certified Gold.

Their third single "Living on the Ceiling" became a hit, peaking at #7 on the U.K. Singles chart. In the United States, the song managed to peak at #52 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart (along with "Feel Me").

The song was certified Silver by the BPI for sales in excess of 200,000 copies. One of the lyrics in the song "up the bloody tree" was edited as "up the cuckoo tree" on BBC radio and when the duo performed the song on "Top of the Pops."

The last single from Blancmange's debut album "Waves" was moderately successful, peaking at #19 on the U.K. Singles chart.

In 1984, the duo released their second album "Mange Tout" which peaked at #8 on the U.K. Albums chart. The album become Blancmange's most successful album to date. It was certified Gold by the BPI for sales in excess of 100,000 copies.

The first single from the album "Blind Vision" peaked at #10 on the U.K. Singles chart. The song also peaked at #3 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

The second single "That's Love, That Is" peaked at #33 on the U.K. Singles chart. It also managed to peak at #16 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart (along with the song "Game Above My Head").

The third single from the album "Don't Tell Me" peaked at #8 on the U.K. Singles chart and #44 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

The last single from the album, a cover version of ABBA's single "The Day Before You Came" peaked at #22 on the U.K. Singles chart which was slightly higher than when ABBA's version was released two years earlier.

In 1985, Blancmange released their third album "Believe You Me" which peaked at #54 on the U.K. Albums chart and stayed on the chart for only two weeks. The lead single from the album "What's Your Problem" peaked at #40 on the U.K. Singles chart.

The follow-up single "Lose Your Love" peaked at a low #77 on the U.K. Singles chart, but managed to peak at #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #36 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart (along with the song "Ave Maria").

The last single from the album "I Can See It" peaked at #71 on the U.K. Singles chart. In 1987, Blancmange disbanded.

In 1989, Stephen released an album of Indian-influenced music entitled "New Demons" along with Pandit Dinesh, Peter Culshaw, Priya Khajuria and Asha Bhosle under the name "West India Company." In 1994, Neil released his solo album "Suitcase."

In 2011 (26 years after the release of their last album), Blancmange released their fourth album "Blanc Burn" which peaked at #163 on the U.K. Albums chart.

In July of 2013, Blancmange announced on their official website that they will be going on tour in November across the United Kingdom. They'll also be releasing a new album "Happy Families Too" that features updated recordings of their 1982 debut album.

Blancmange's new album will only be available on their tour, but a digital download will soon follow.

To see Blancmange's official website, go to:
http://www.blancmange.co.uk/

To see Blancmange's official Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blancmange/116356598425703

To follow Blancmange on Twitter, go to:
https://twitter.com/_blancmange_

To see the music video for "Living on the Ceiling," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aQ8qPOk0Zvc

To see the music video for "Blind Vision," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YAvhMTgE8o

To see the music video for "Lose Your Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N81UChK78WY

To see the music video for "That's Love That Is," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qadZXcN0brc

To see a fan-made video for "Don't Tell Me," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YS_dDg_Dx10

To see the music video for "The Day Before You Came," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wFNs_-LGgQs

To see the music video for "Waves," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IbMi1Wg3uQU

To see a fan-made video for "God's Kitchen," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gArgTD2PQB0

David Peaston

David Peaston (born on March 13, 1957 in St. Louis, Missouri) was an R&B/gospel singer from the late '80s/early '90s. He was the son of Martha Bass (who was a member of The Clara Ward Singers gospel group) and the brother of R&B singer Fontella Bass.

David attended the Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church with his mother as a child. He worked as a schoolteacher, but after being laid off in 1981, David moved to New York and began working as a background singer on recording sessions.

In the late '80s, David won several competitions of "Showtime at the Apollo," winning the audience over with his version of "God Bless the Child." He was later signed by Geffen Records.

In 1988, David released his debut album "Introducing... David Peaston" which peaked at #113 on the Billboard 200, #7 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart and #66 on the U.K. Albums chart.

The first single from the album "Two Wrongs (Don't Make It Right)" peaked at #84 on the U.K. Singles chart and #3 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 17 weeks.

The second single "Can I?" peaked at #14 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 15 weeks.

The third single from the album "We're All In This Together" peaked at #91 on the U.K. Singles chart, #45 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #11 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 14 weeks.

The last single from the album "Take Me Now" peaked at #77 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

In 1990, David won the Soul Train Music Award for "Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist." He toured with Gerald Alston in Europe and Gladys Knight in the United States before moving to MCA Records in 1991.

During that same year, David released his sophomore album "Mixed Emotions" which peaked at #80 on Billboard's R&B Albums chart.

The first single from the album "String" peaked at #69 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for only 4 weeks.

The follow-up single "Luxury of Love" peaked at #41 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 10 weeks.

In 1993, David recorded a gospel album with his sister and mother entitled "Promises: A Family Portrait of Faith." He was later diagnosed with diabetes and had his legs amputated, forcing him to use prostheses.

In 2006, David released his last album "Song Book: Songs of Soul & Inspiration." Sadly on February 1, 2012, he passed away from complications of diabetes. He was 54 years old.

To see a video of David performing "Two Wrongs (Don't Make it Right)" on "Soul Train," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SLN-C-qzjyU

To see the music video for "Can I?," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OF0WBfiwm4w

To see the music video for "We're All in This Together," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PqRC_Y1URcI

To see a fan-made video for "Take Me Now," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1E3zvHmvIJo

To see the music video for "String," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kgv0UE9SXn4

To see a fan-made video for "Luxury of Love," go to:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YRlDg5kUrYw

Tag

Tag was a British pop/dance trio from the '90s that consisted of keyboard programmer
Gareth Young and singer Treana Morris.

Not much information is given about them, but they were signed to Scotti Bros. Records.

In 1991, the duo released their only album "Contagious." It's unknown how or if the album made the charts at all.

They scored a minor pop hit with the song "The Way I Feel" which peaked at #63 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Their follow-up single "Love and Money" failed to make the charts at all and it seemed as if Tag faded into obscurity.

These days, it appears as if Treana is still active in the music business. She was a former member of the band Wire Daisies.

Gareth has produced and written music for various artists such as Danni Minogue, Appleton and Sugababes.

[There are no videos available for this entry]

Nia Peeples

Nia Peeples (born Virenia Gwendolyn Peeples on December 10, 1961 in Hollywood, California) is an actress and singer.

She is known for her roles on television as Nicole Chapman on "Fame," Karen Taylor Winters on "The Young and the Restless," Sydney Cooke on "Walker, Texas Ranger" and Pam Fields on "Pretty Little Liars."

In the '80s and early '90s, Nia scored moderate hits on the Billboard charts.

Nia and her family moved to West Covina, California as a child. When she was 8 years old, she began performing with her family, giving concerts for community groups & conventions and did dances of different cultures.

Nia attended West Covina High School where she was an "A" student and involved in the marching band, cheerleading, tumbling, volleyball, student government, choral singing and sang in a rock 'n roll band.

She attended UCLA on a music scholarship along with performing as Liberace's opening act in Las Vegas on the weekends.

Nia took one semester at UCLA as a voice major, dropped out of school and took three jobs in order to pay for acting lessons.

She studied singing with Gloria Rush and while attending Playhouse West, she learned the Sanford Meisner acting technique.

One day, Nia went to a rehearsal with a friend and was spotted by the producers who cast her in a play called "Music Shop" which lead to guest appearances on television shows such as "Hardcastle and McCormick" and "T.J. Hooker."

Nia earned her first starring role portraying a deaf girl in the 1981 HBO television movie "A Single Light." She later auditioned for and won the part of Nicole Chapman on "Fame." Nia stayed on the show until 1986.

During that same year, Nia made a music video entitled "All You Can Dream" which was made for the purposes of promoting the values of UCLA and appeared in the music video for Prince's song "Raspberry Beret." In 1987, Nia hosted the American version of "Top of the Pops" which only lasted a year.

In 1988, Nia released her debut album "Nothin' But Trouble" on Mercury Records which peaked at #97 on the Billboard 200 chart.

The first single from the album "Trouble" peaked at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100, topped Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart for a week in June of 1988, #2 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart and #71 on Billboard's Hot Black Singles chart, staying on the chart for 8 weeks.

The second single "High Time" peaked at #10 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #31 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart.

The last single from the album "I Know How (To Make You Love Me)" peaked at #28 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart.

 In 1989, Nia appeared on the "Sing" movie soundtrack with the song "You Don't Have to Think Twice."

In 1991, Nia released her second self-titled debut album on Charisma Records. The album didn't appear to make the Billboard charts at all.

The first single from the album "Street of Dreams" peaked at #12 on the Billboard Hot 100, #24 on Billboard's Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart and #73 on Billboard's Hot R&B Singles chart, staying on the chart for 6 weeks.

The song became Nia's highest appearance on the Hot 100 and was featured in the 1992 movie "The Cutting Edge."

The second single "Kissing the Wind" peaked at #76 on the Billboard Hot 100 and also managed to chart in Canada.

The last single from the album "Faces of Love" peaked at #88 on the Billboard Hot 100. The song featured vocals from singer and then-husband Howard Hewett.

Nia hosted a short-lived dance variety TV show called "The Party Machine with Nia Peeples" which aired on the CBS network.

In 2007, Nia released the album "Songs of the Cinema" independently. The album is available on CD Baby and Rhapsody.com.

These days, Nia continues acting along with other various projects. She currently resides in Malibu, California with her husband Sam George and her two children: a son named Christopher (born in 1990) from her marriage to Howard Hewett and a daughter named Sienna (born in 1998) from her marriage to Lauro Chartrand.

In July of 2013, the family appeared on an episode of "Celebrity Wife Swap" in which Nia traded places with former teen singer Tiffany.

To see Nia's official Facebook page, go to:
https://www.facebook.com/niapeeples

To see the music video for "Trouble," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4nq9WIYPiQ

To see the music video for "High Time," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=opQktwXB71w

To see a fan-made video for "I Know How (To Make You Love Me)," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kXVngI_qBho

To see the music video for "Street of Dreams," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdwS8wlbKjM

To see the music video for "Kissing the Wind," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feovE-ylHRE

To see a fan-made video for "Faces of Love," go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jPrqW2li-F4