Music executive Clarence Alexander Avant II became one of the most successful music producers in the recording industry. He guided the careers of Bill Withers, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis Schifrin, and Jimmy Smith. Avant was born on February 25, 1931, in Greensboro, North Carolina … Read MoreClarence Avant (1931- )
The rapper and record producer best known by his stage name, Slick Rick, was born Richard Martin Lloyd Walters on January 14, 1965, in London, England. His parents were immigrants from Jamaica. His mother’s name is Veronica but his father’s name is unknown. Walters was … Read MoreSlick Rick/Richard Walters (1965- )
Balladeer Robert Peapo “Peabo” Bryson was born on April 13, 1951, in Greenville, South Carolina, to Marie Bryson. He has two sisters and a brother. His professional career began at 14 as a featured vocalist for the regional ensemble Al Freeman and The Upsetters. In … Read MorePeabo Bryson (1951- )
Legendary composer Barrett Strong, Jr. was born on February 5, 1941, in West Point, Mississippi, to Barrett Strong Sr. and Cloteal Gladney Strong. He grew up in Detroit, Michigan after his parents moved to the city. His siblings were Vera Mar Cole, Carolyn Ward, Lessie … Read MoreBarrett Strong (1941- )
Trevor George “Busta Rhymes” Smith is an American rapper and record producer. Smith was born May 20, 1972 to Jamaican immigrants parents Geraldine Green and Trevor Smith Sr. in New York City, New York. Smith attended George Washington Career and Technical Education High School with … Read MoreBusta Rhymes/Trevor George Smith Jr, (1972- )
Patrice Louise Rushen is an R&B singer and jazz pianist. She was born on September 30, 1954 in Los Angeles, California to Allen and Ruth Rushen. Rushen is a musical prodigy who began playing piano at the age of three. In 1958 her parents enrolled … Read MorePatrice Rushen (1954- )
Actor, vocalist, lyricist, arranger, producer, activist Lauryn Noelle Hill is one of the most influential hip-hop artists. She was born in East Orange, New Jersey, on May 26, 1975, to Mal Hill, a computer consultant, and Valerie Hill, an educator, and pianist. She has one … Read MoreLauryn Noelle Hill (1975- )
Clifford Smith Jr. is a rapper, producer, songwriter, and actor best known under the stage name Method Man. Smith was born on March 2, 1971, in Hempstead, New York to Clifford and Genola Smith. The couple share three children: Terri, Clifford Jr. and Althea. Smith’s … Read MoreMethod Man/ Clifford Smith Jr. (1971- )
Brandon Paak Anderson, better known as Anderson .Paak, is an American rapper, songwriter, producer, and drummer. Born on February 8, 1986, in Oxnard, California, Paak has become widely respected in the music industry as a multi-talented, up and coming artist. He is bi-racial, his father … Read MoreAnderson .Paak (1986 – )
Kendrick Lamar Duckworth is an American Rapper and record producer. Lamar was born to Kenny Duckworth and Paula Oliver in Compton, California on June 17, 1987. His parents named him after Eddie Kendricks, with the R&B music group, The Temptations. Growing up in Compton, many … Read MoreKendrick Lamar/Kendrick Lamar Duckworth (1987-)
