MULTI-PLATINUM R&B SUPERSTAR JAHEIM GOES TOP 15 AS URBAN RADIO EMBRACES NEW SINGLE “NEVER” ATLANTIC RECORDS READIES LABEL DEBUT, THE MAKINGS OF A MAN, DUE OUT DECEMBER 18
New York, NY (November 21, 2007) – “Never,” the first single from multi-platinum R&B superstar Jaheim’s forthcoming Atlantic Records debut album, The Makings of a Man, cracks the Top 15 at Urban AC Radio this week. The tender track – which is virtually guaranteed to soundtrack countless engagements and weddings though 2008 and beyond – was produced by Daniel Farris for Earfull Music/Woodworks.
The track is a nod to the age-old adage, “You should never say [never],” says Jaheim. “It’s about that relationship you thought you would never find.” It’s the perfect record to reintroduce the originator of the genre dubbed “thug R&B.” Jaheim recalls, “After we did the song, it was incredible. I felt it as a singer and as the first single I think it’s a good choice. To come back in the ballad mode, I’m filling in that gap” left by departed pioneers like Luther Vandross, Gerald Levert and Barry White.
The Makings of a Man finds the New Brunswick, New Jersey-born Jaheim joining forces with a variety of today’s most innovative studio hitmakers. Among the stellar line-up of producers are the one-and-only R. Kelly, longtime collaborator KayGee (Naughty By Nature, Zhane), Ivan Barias and Carvin Haggins of Karma Productions (Musiq Soulchild, Bilal, Jill Scott), and Jasper Cameron (Nelly, Christina Aguilera). Among its expected highlights will be a duet with Keyshia Cole, as well as a tribute to Jaheim’s hero, Luther Vandross, recorded with the dearly departed soulman’s former producer, Nat Adderley Jr.
In its sixty year history, Atlantic Records has been home to the most ground-breaking and enduring artists in urban music, from soul and R&B to hip-hop and jazz. Atlantic is proud to welcome Jaheim to its world-renowned roster and will release The Makings of a Man, the label debut of this multi-talented, multi-platinum singer/songwriter/producer, on December 18th.
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Like so many great R&B superstars before him, Jaheim has turned the trials and tribulations of inner city life into sweet, soul music. The New Jersey native instantly burst to the forefront of modern R&B with 2001’s acclaimed “GHETTO LOVE.” Fueled by the breakthrough singles, “Could It Be” and “Just In Case,” the album reached the Billboard 200’s top 10 on its way to earning RIAA platinum for sales exceeding 1 million. In addition, Jaheim was honored with a number of award nominations, including the Soul Train Music Award for “Best R&B/Soul Single” (for “Just In Case”); and the BET Awards for “Best Male R&B Artist.”
In April 2002, Jaheim unveiled his second album, “STILL GHETTO,” fulfilling his debut’s promise and repeating its commercial and critical success. The collection, which featured a pair of hits in “Fabulous” and “Put That Woman First,” hit Billboard’s top 10 and was quickly certified RIAA platinum. This time, Jaheim could not be denied and was duly honored with the 2003 BET Award for “Best Male R&B Artist.” What’s more, the singer received an American Music Awards nomination for “Favorite Male Artist – Hip-Hop/R&B.”
2004 saw Jaheim hitting the top 5 on Billboard’s “Hot 100” with his featured role on Nelly’s hit, “My Place.” The single was a worldwide smash, topping the charts in Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom. A nomination at the 2nd Annual Vibe Awards followed, acknowledging “My Place” as one of the year’s “Coolest Collaborations.”
In 2006, Jaheim returned with the third chapter of his “Ghetto” trilogy, “GHETTO CLASSICS.” The album – which featured the singles, “Everytime I Think About Her” and “Chosen One” – was an out-of-the-box sensation, debuting at #1 on both the Billboard 200 and the “Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums” charts.
Along the way, Jaheim has made countless TV appearances, including performances on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, and Late Night with Conan O’Brien; BET’s 106 & Park; It’s Showtime At The Apollo; and Soul Train.
