Chris Rob

Chris Rob brought a trunk full of energy to Blue Note on August 16th, 2010 that was downright funkafied and flamboyant. Usually, when you step into the realm of Blue Note, you brace yourself for a jazzy/soulful/mid-tempo flavor of a show. Well, not that night. Chris was armed with an arsenal that took the crowd aback and had them shouting his praises and raving at the end of the soiree.

The night begun with a great instrumental intro for the mellow “Take Time.” His brass section consisted of a sax and trumpet player, that sounded quite harmonious together. However, his trumpet player was on point. Never have I seen a trumpeter so animated. His balance fought with him step by step, as he blew and tried to control the tempo and power behind his spectacular solo. After the smooth intro, Chris figured everyone was warmed up and he was all set to bring the goods. He declared he was ready to have a good time as his guitar player started plucking, accompanied by a heavy drum line on “Code Word.” At this point, Chris announced to the audience, “I am not here for no smooth jazz! I am here to bring you the funk!” If that is not a declaration, I don’t know what is. And Chris stuck to his promise from beginning to end.

The tempo slowed down a touch with “Crazy Woman,” a track that was very reminiscent of Marvin Gaye’s “Trouble Man.” His piano solo was insane! Chris really comes alive when he is behind his instrument of choice. He speaks his own language of love, pain and funk when behind the ivories. And the band? Shawn Banks, Natahsa, Teddy Warner, Maurice Brown, Joe Blaxx, Solomon Dorsey, Chelsea Baratz, Jessie Fisher and Louis Cato could not have been any tighter than they were. Chris’ marvelous new single “Waiting 4 U” off of his new EP Mental Notes, dropped the same day as the show. It was only fitting that it be performed for us with such passion and flare. The track is a very Isley Brothers inspired vibe – airy, breezy, floating and drifting on a melody with Chris’ voice ushering the beat along. Everyone’s response was incredible after that song. The applause was long and deserving and it was obvious Chris and the band fed off of it.

To think the vivacity in the room could be any more intense that it was already was unfathomable, but Chris made sure it would come to be. He decided to make it funky from the hype response he had received off the latter track. He jumped into the spiraling funky upbeat madness that “Jessy Bell” is. The frenzy and festiveness that bounced off the walls of Blue Note was beyond insane. What an unbelievable instrumental breakdown! Chris and his band turned Blue Note into a party with old school call and response shouts of “oh yeah’s” and “raise your hand in the air.” It was exceptional.

“Check Out” slowed down the vibe and gave us all a rest. It was an instrumental more than anything, giving each of his band mates time to shine. It was an outstanding show of musicianship and vocalism all around. Chris gave his band a well deserved break, for an intimate and interactive solo. It was just Chris and the grand piano on “She Goes He Goes.” It was a beautiful ballad and the only time we were able to hear a pin drop in Blue Note.

The party continued with “Break Away,” which was supported by a great sax solo. The last song of the night, “Sexy, Money & Drugs” (if you haven’t listened as yet, do so here), oozes with an unmistakable Curtis Mayfield influence. The band rocked the hell out, playing as though they were covered with a cloak of funk ceremoniously placed over them by George Clinton himself. Not one person was sitting still in the venue and it was quite tempting to get up and get down. Dancing at Blue Note – who knew?

The night was definitely over and above everyone’s expectations, especially mine. And there was no question Chris was feeling the audience’s mojo and used it as ammo for his performance. It was a fantastic live show right from the beginning, straight to the end. And I attended the first show of the night, I remain absolutely jealous thinking about what the audience experienced during the second show. We all know that is always the show to attend! Instead of going around the piano on stage to take his seat, Mr. Wild Child climbed over the piano during his set. Chris simply leaned into the mic and stated with a smirk, “I’m a rock star…” and truly, after that performance, I agree unequivocally - yes you are. - Soulafrodisiac.com

Not too long ago, I wrote a review on Chris Rob’s show at Blue Note. He was energetic, passionate, soulful, spirited and I could go on. I received his new EP Mental Notes and may I say, it is stupendous. My first exposure to Chris Rob was while he was on tour with Laura Izibor last year. I met him, did some research and checked out out his album, The Official Bootleg Of Chris Rob Vol.2. Well ladies and gentlemen, this EP is giving me good face.

Chris is known first and foremost for his prowess on the piano, as a classically trained pianist. His instrumentation on any of his projects, definitely encapsulates all of his influences – from Marvin Gaye, The Isley Brothers and Curtis Mayfield. The funky pimpalcious vibe of the intro “Not Guilty,” transports you right back to a blaxploitation film. It is a perfect segue for “Sex.Money. & Drugs” a song where it is evident Curtis’ inspiration and musicianship is called upon. The song that has my heart on this EP is “Waiting 4 You.” Hearing this song live, I knew I would have a problem trying to keep the song from being on repeat. The sweet melody, Chris’ vocals and the lyrics – just marvelous. Of course, the EP has to have the song you vibe out to. The coo of the horn in the background, Chris’ sexy ooh’s and ahh’s and just a simple repetition of “check out that body” all come together for – “Check Out That Body.” The co-produced DJ Spinna track “Take Time” reminds us to step back once and awhile to relax, relate and release if you will. “In time you’ll find all that you have been searching for…” is what Chris states. The delightful surprise for me, was the house influenced “Everyday.” The mid-tempo jam will illicit a steady soul clap from any house head! Chris began the project with an instrumental, only to send us off on a cloud of sweet-sounding melodies on “3 AM Sailing.”

This EP was too short for me. I was looking for more, once the EP was over. Nonetheless, it is cohesive and brilliant. Infused with funk and grand instrumentation, this is an EP for your collection. - Soulafrodisiac.com

By Bert Cambell

There’s no doubt a revolution is brewing on the music scene. A movement by many artists to turn the dial back to times when artistry was at the core of much music – in particular, soul and R&B. monikers have been given to the rise and sound - the one seemingly given the industry stamp of approval being, “neo-soul.” Like most labels, however, this one is limiting, perhaps even deceptive. For it doesn’t reflect wholly the depth, sincerity or outlook of the whole crusade. Case in point, singer/songwriter/multi-instrumentalist, Chris Rob. The talented Chicago native, who now calls the “big apple” home, weaves a funky, groove-filled sound that certainly exudes the wealth of his varied musical influences spanning the likes of James Brown and Prince to Bohannon, Steve Miller and Coltrane to name a few. But in the process he whips up a happenin’ fare with a bounce as well as approach that’s ripe for today. Rob’s recently released EP, The Official Bootleg Of Chis Rob Vol.1, is a glimpse at the brand he himself is reluctant to tab, but has deemed, “electric soul” - a name he believes speaks fittingly to the sound and the direction of his music. “It’s a futuristic sound”, he says. I’m still incorporating my influences, but I’m going a step further. So it’s not like just revisited. It’s not retro. It’s not neo. It’s going in a new direction.”

Rob has in fact been charting a musical course since he was a child growing up in Chicago - no doubt catching the music bug from musically inclined parents. Piano was the first love but he ultimately found his way to become adept at other instruments like guitar and drums as well with accolades and acknowledgement of his gift coming early on. One amongst many shining honors received by Rob as a kid and perhaps a “crystal ball” gaze at his musical future was the Sony Student Innovator Award. But what he admits may have solidified the pursuit of music as a career, was a movie with a Prince-ly star. “I knew for sure I would do something with music after I saw Purple Rain”, recalls Rob. That was pretty much it for me! From then I was drawn to that imagery – to the spotlight.” Needless to say he’s been doing his thing in pursuit of the goal ever since.

Upon making the move to New York Chris Rob has increasingly been making his presence known on the music scene, performing with an array of artists like Stevie Wonder, Roberta Flack, Patti Austin, Aretha Franklin, Jill Scott and Slum Village in addition to a host of emerging talent like the fabulous vocalist, Maya Azucena. They all must have recognized beyond his obvious skills, an almost chameleon-like ability to shift through a myriad of musical styles and sound always at home – always impressive - Be it soul, hip hop, or jazz - funked up or smoothed out. It is the same multi-flavored goodness that runs through his own musical brew that’s brought to a boil especially during live sets that often feature a full-scale band complete with righteous horns and Rob wooing the audience with “JB” type flair. Here he is in his element. “I like to really just make music”, says Rob. The overall feeling I like to leave the audience with whether I’m doing a side thing or doing my own thing is that they’re left with an experience. I like to leave people talking. I like to leave them with the feeling that they’re glad they came out. Whether I’m doing jazz or if I’m doing funk – something rocked out or something soulful.”

As far as the defining labels go Chris Rob has a simple solution. “I guess I’ll let the listener’s decide. To me, its just music.” Sounds like a good idea but in case you just really need something to call it, email him. The address? The New Day Sound. Of course.
- Ispysoul.com

Interview with Chris Rob
By John Freer

Q: Your Official Bootleg is available for some time now. How happy are you with the reactions? And when will you release a regular album?

Chris Rob: The whole point of the Bootleg was just to get out something, anything that highlighted me. I had been working on songs for years, and I got sick of playing them in the car or just for friends. So now that I'm doing interviews about it, I have to say I've gotten more reactions then I expected. I'm still working on the next project, but it's really shaping up now, and will be coming the beginning of next year.

Q: You've been on tour with John Legend, been a music director for Alyson Williams and Melissa Morgan, performed with Prince, Stevie Wonder, Michelle N'degeocello and a lot of other artists. What did you learn from the mentioned artists and how has this work influenced your music?

Chris Rob: I think the biggest thing I learned was to just be me on stage, to not really judge myself, or try to sastify everyone like emerging artists often do, but just to get out on stage and give my all, and to do the same while recording. The greatest music comes when you don't force it, you just allow the listener to respond to it.

Q: When did you realize it's time for you to step into the spotlight and spread the word about Chris Rob the solo artist?

Chris Rob: Right before I moved to NYC, I was working on a project with a group of artists in Chicago as a producer and songwriter. It was one of the first times that I could actually see success, and was moving toward it. The project never dropped, because of a major disagreement that occured. By that time I had contributed my own joints to the album that I wanted the world to hear. That's when I packed up my truck and moved to New York. One of the songs, 'Tell 'Em', is on the Bootleg, and the other one 'Dirty Movie' will be on this next album.

Q: On your bootleg there's also a live performance with Maya Azucena. Please tell me how you've met her and if you plan to record some songs with her.

Chris Rob: Maya came to one of my shows in Harlem, and we hooked up later through a mutual friend. I added some music to her album, and later on I sang back-up with her. I had no idea how impactful she would be in my career. She's one of the illest new artists. That's my girl.

Q: I guess New Day Entertainment is your own company. Please tell me why you've established it and what's the objective? Do you only want to release your own material through New Day or will you also sign other artists?

Chris Rob: The whole purpose of me starting New Day, was to acknowledge a new way of me approaching life and the way events occured in my life. I do want to produce my own artists in the future, but for now, I'm focused on my own projects.

Q: The bootleg CD has been released two years ago, in 2003. What does the Chris Rob of today sound like and where do you see your progress as musician?

Chris Rob: I've definitely grown as a vocalist, and songwriter and arranger. I incorporate more live instruments on my new album, and I invited other musicians, where as I did the last one by myself. And I'm writing about even more of my own personnal experiences this time. I'm telling the truth on all my joints!

Q: Your cdbaby site tells us that you even gave your bootleg CD to strangers on the New York City streets and subways just to get heard. Giving away one's records for free doesn't happen too often in a time when filesharing and homecopying is blamed for a decline in record sales. What's your opinion about peer to peer, file sharing and copying CDs for friends?

Chris Rob: I mean, with computers nowadays, who isn't compelled to just borrow your friend's CD they just bought and burn it in 5 minutes? I try to support artists as much as I can, and I also believe that the artist's first and foremost intention is to be heard. But if you really want your favorite artist to be around, I suggest you show that to their label by buying a CD. And it's always a cool gift for somebody.

Q: What can we expect from you in the future?

Chris Rob: Hot music.
For more info visit chrisrobonline.com, cdbaby.com and read my review of The Official Bootleg of Chris Rob Vol. I.

- Jazz Not Jazz Review

“Chris Rob is not one to place his music in a niche. [He] carries on the tradition set forth by the musical greats before him. Chris progressively pushed forward to redefine soul and create new sounds. With intricate vocal arrangements and gut bucket grooves, Chris set a high bar for indie soul. This guy is going to be a legend. ‘The Official Bootleg of Chris Rob, Vol. 1’ is going to be a collector's item and comes highly recommended. ”

- ArthausNYC.com

By Donna Marbury

Chris Rob’s resume reads like a compilation of the best in popular music. He has performed with powerhouse artists including Stevie Wonder, Prince, Roberta Flack, Aretha Franklin, John Legend, Lauryn Hill, and Jill Scott, to name a few. While his piano playing ability is an industry standard, Chris Rob says he is ready for people to recognize him for more.

With a sound that encompasses a blend of rocker Lenny Kravitz and old soul James Brown, the Chicago native took that influence to the Chicago Musical College at Roosevelt University to earn a degree in Music Business. Yearning for the spotlight, Chris Rob decided to compile old, new, studio-recorded and live music. In 2003, he released The Official Bootleg of Chris Rob, Vol. 1, thinking only of attaining local acclaim. Eventually, international deejays began hitting him up, and now more than 70 countries are still spinning his debut.

His behind-the-scenes work has varied from being a music director for Alyson Williams and Meli’sa Morgan, a keyboardist for Swizz Beatz, and singer opening for Black Eyed Peas and Kanye West. The buzz he’s receiving isn’t bad for a kid who used to be scared to take center stage. Sailing on his underground success, 27-year-old Chris Rob is touring the U.S. before embarking on a tour in South Africa. In this exclusive interview, he tells AllHipHop.com Alternatives about the feeling behind his music, the benefits of not being a college drop out and how Chicago inspired him to be more than a typical R&B cat.

AllHipHop.com Alternatives: Most singers from Chicago have a smooth, R&B-type vibe. How did you develop the sound that you have?

Chris Rob: I grew up just listening to everything, you know. I’ve always been more of a musician, mostly a keyboardist [because] that was my first instrument I focused on. That added to the so many different types of music. I was playing Jazz, playing Gospel, Funk and Hip-Hop, playing House music here in Chicago. My sister used to play Prince. My father used to play James Brown. The mix of that music kinda moved me vocally. Even though I love legends like Luther Vandross, Jodeci and groups that came out of that vein when I was a kid, I was still kind of drawn back to the stuff of back in the day.

AHHA: Does being a non-traditional-type R&B artist make it harder for you to get out there?

Chris Rob: I wouldn’t say that, because people who love music love all kinds of music. People that buy my music appreciate it for what it is. I feel like every artist should be a little different and not just stick to one category. If I was just one person who sounded like a lot of people, I think it would be more difficult to get out and do the kind of music that I want to do in this format. I do music where I can bring live instruments to the stage, I can incorporate Jazz, I can incorporate Gospel. People hear it and they talk about it because it’s something unique…it’s coming back but it’s still rare among musicians and singers today.

AHHA: On your CD I noticed a whole different vibe with the live cuts versus the studio-recorded songs. What’s the difference between performing in a studio and on stage?

Chris Rob: It’s like night and day. In the studio, you’re by yourself and on stage it’s straight live. It could be three people or 3,000 people, but they’re sharing the moment with you. So it definitely hypes you up. But I don’t think it’s that much different to me, personally. When I listen back to it, especially the songs I chose to do live, ‘Said You’d Never Leave Me’, the same spirit is coming out it’s just more hyped. In the original recording we had minimal rehearsal. If you listen to it, there are different mistakes that the bass player made, and the keyboardist. I didn’t even know the band that played that, but I thought it was hot. That’s the beauty of live performance - you never know what you’ll get.

AHHA: When did you know you were a singer?

Chris Rob: Wow, that’s something I kinda learn everyday, over and over again. Growing up, I sang everyday. I was mad shy because the piano was like my first forte. I used to really hide behind the piano, and I kept getting stuck there. I had to grow more and more confident over the years.

AHHA: So did you start getting out there and getting over your shyness?

Chris Rob: I started going to college when I was 16, and I started focusing on being an artist. I’m an emcee as well, so I just wanted to incorporate all of that…Hip-Hop, singing, playing instruments and a lot of elements. I always wanted to do that, and I really pushed myself to do it. As a soloist, I never started jumping up on stage until I was like 18. I used to get shot down, because I was so shy about my vocals, I would never really go for it like I should have. Over the years, I had to grow and I met people who really pushed me to another level. Especially when I got to New York, it was like a training ground. I got booed and got laughed off the stage. Then there were times when people gave me a lot of love. But I kept on doing it until I got to the point I am now.

AHHA: I’m not sure too many artists now have degrees…

Chris Rob: Me either. [laughs]

AHHA: How does that help you as an artist?

Chris Rob: It helps me with my game plan a lot more. I have a little more information and more knowledge on how to use that information. So, I guess on the business end I know how to handle more stuff. As an artist, if you don’t know how to handle your business, you’re going to end up getting screwed, for real. If you can’t handle yourself and your business, you’re out of luck. Knowing what to do with my money has really allowed me to focus on how to market myself, how to promote myself, how to present myself to any person in any industry. I’m respected as an artist and a businessperson.

AHHA: You’ve performed with a lot of people, what have you learned from those experiences?

Chris Rob: I have this thing that I think artists and musicians are really powerful. There is a certain type of energy that comes across when you meet them. That’s why people are drawn to rock stars. I try to grab that from certain people. I’ve worked with some of the greatest musicians you can work with in the industry. If you get a chance to see how people get down, and not even how they are as musicians but how they are as a person and how they treat other people; that has helped me out a lot. It has helped me to be more at ease when I bring my music to the stage or to the studio. I really relax and let the music flow out of me.

When I worked with Lauryn Hill - that was probably a perfect example. She knew what she wanted, and she knew how to tell you what she wanted. She sat me down at the piano and told me how she wanted me to play this one song, told me all the different elements she wanted me to put in. And at the same time I felt like I just flowed through it when I was sitting in the studio with her, man it was crazy. You learn how to get that flow from a lot of artist.

AHHA: Tell us a little bit about the process of putting together the album.

Chris Rob: When I put together the Official Bootleg, that was just different stuff I was working on in the studio, here and there. Some of it I did in my bedroom in my parents’ house. Some of it I did when I was living in the Bronx… living in Brooklyn. I really didn’t know I was about to put out a CD. What made me want to do that is, I got a hold of Dwele’s first bootleg, and that really inspired me. He had an underground vibe, and it was making noise. I wanted to get my music out like that as well, but you never know how music gets out there. If I had to do that over again, I probably would have done the same thing, but I wonder how much more focused I would have been if I knew how many people around the world would hear the CD. I was kind of thinking that people in New York and Chicago would hear it. I wasn’t thinking in the long run, I just wanted to get it out.

AHHA: What is your reaction when people from other countries know all the words to your songs and are big fans of your work?

Chris Rob: That’s a trip. When people say they felt it, I guess I’m not shocked that they felt it, because that’s what it was. I felt it. I put it out and I liked it. I guess it’s more knowing that people overseas…people in Australia have been checking it out, London, Norway, Amsterdam…will come up to me with my CD wanting autographs. It’s really cool and I’m thankful of that.

- AllHipHop.com

"A blossoming seed...well on the way to serving the world a rich gift" - Leon Ware, legendary songwriter-recording artist

"His sound has the 'good' vibration. His music is a reflection of who he is, a beautiful person." - Meshell N'Degeocello

"Chris Rob is a much better keyboardist than I am!" - John Legend, Grammy Award winning recording artist

By Matthew Asheru

Chris Rob's bootleg album has influences taken from Dwele to Eric Roberson, to Lauryn Hill and Erykah Badu. With the help of his New Day Entertainment team in America I managed to set up an online interview to help promote this undiscovered talent.

Matthew: Who would you consider your musical hero?

Chris Rob: My mother. She's one of the greatest musicians, and she taught me to appreciate all styles of music, and just to be the best at it.

Matthew: Does your music reflect your personality and mentality?

Chris Rob: Yeah, I make my music from within, it's all the vibe I'm feeling at the time. And whatever's on my mind, I try to get into that as far as lyrics are concerned. I tailor my music to fit my thoughts and to invite listeners in, so they have to be open to me. And I believe I can identify with all people on some level, so there probably is something for everybody to relate to in my sound.

Matthew: What do you think of commercialized artists and bands, and how they usually are promised instant success?

Chris Rob: I like some commercial music, and some not so commercial. As long as you are making music that's hot, me and you are cool. When people start putting out trash for quick cash, that's when I'm not feeling you. This whole industry is a trip. I pray that anybody that gets success in this game knows how to handle it no matter how quick it comes. No one is promised anything, so if you get a chance to make history with your sound, more power to you.

Matthew: Which bands in the USA do you like the sound of?

Chris Rob: Currently, I check out the Detroit scene a lot, with Dwele and Slum Village. Maroon 5 is cool, Little Brother, Gorillaz, and my ears are everywhere right now.

Matthew: Do you think it is important for the band/artist to sound better live than just a good studio album?

Chris Rob: What good is a rock star who can't rock the stage? Yeah, you gotta bang it out even better live, cause it's live. No excuses.

Matthew: When you come down to the Jazz Café shall we link up?

Chris Rob: That will be soon, no doubt. I'm looking forward to another show in London. I performed at the Ten Rooms a while back.

Matthew: What would you like to do in the future of your music career?

Chris Rob: Keep making good music for more and more ears to hear. I've got a lot of surprises.

Matthew: Do you listen to any other music apart from Black/Soul Music?

Chris Rob: Yeah, r & b soul music comes from all styles of music, so if its hot, I check it out. Why not? When people come to my shows, they get a good dose of musicology from me.

Matthew: Who do you respect in the music industry and appreciate them in your vision?

Chris Rob: As far as the industry itself, I respect people who don't let it change them, people who know how to treat people everyone as equals, because you never know who will be the man tomorrow.

Matthew: Have you met any soulful legends like Leon Ware or Aretha Franklin?

Chris Rob: Well, I've shared the stage with Ms. Franklin a couple of times, actually one time just this past year. I'm always running into different people who are still around. I try to get words of wisdom everytime I do. Probably the coolest was Stevie Wonder. I didn't really get a chance to speak to him while we were rehearsing for his gig, but when I did, he was everything you would expect him to be, just happy and sh*t. I'm trying to get use to people recognizing me in different places, so meeting these legends, they're cool with it all, so I should be alright.

Matthew: What is the recipe for a GOOD song?

Chris Rob: That all depends, but for this moment, let's say a pop song. A memorable melody, words people can relate to, a nice groove, and a good feeling. You should try different sounds to make it fresh, but be honest with yourself if they don't work.

Matthew: What advice could you give to me, as I want a career in the USA in Atlanta in the Soul Scene?

Chris Rob: Do it! You'd be surprised what happens when you truly pursue something. Just go with an open mind and follow through when you get opportunities.

Matthew: And any advice to other people, writers, players, singers?

Chris Rob: Make hot music, make sure it's heard, and make sure it represents who you truly are.

Matthew: Do you feel that you have reached your dream, having an album released, or do you feel the need for more?

Chris Rob: I feel like I've made some steps and done some of the things I wanted to do, but hell yeah I want more. I want the top. I want to be free to do anything I ever dreamed of doing, and have the tools to get it done. You should never stop dreaming.

Matthew: What is the best song from your album and why?

Chris Rob: That's hard for me to say. All of those songs were done under different circumstances, and they are all very special to me. I will say that "Make Love Tonight" was a song where I felt I truly stepped outside of myself, and tried something different from what I normally do. A lot of people feel that joint too, and I think it's a necessary message in the song.

Matthew: Thank you. I hope to meet you when you come to London, the city of great music!

Chris Rob: No doubt! UK, I'm coming for ya'll.

- JustSoul.net

by Janielle Edmonds

Chicago-born Chris Rob is a singer, songwriter and musician extraordinaire. This young artist is no stranger to the studio or the stage. He has worked with Grammy-Award winner Lauryn Hill and alongside mega-producer Swizz Beatz. Chris Rob has performed with everyone from Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin and Roberta Flack to Slum Village, Faith Evans and Jill Scott. With a degree in Music Business from Roosevelt University, this skilled talent is now ready to take center stage. Now is the time for Chris Rob to show the world that he is not just another familiar face, but a star in the making.

This up-and-coming R&B sensation always knew that music would to be an integral part of his life. With his mother as a piano teacher and with his father as an acclaimed musician, music was a family affair, which was virtually instilled in Chris Rob's veins. At the tender age of 4, Rob began singing in the church choir. It wasn't long before Rob followed in his mother's footsteps by playing the piano and then adding the guitar, bass and drums. Within a couple of years, Rob was performing in talent shows. After college, Rob moved to New York City, where he performed in various famous clubs, such as Blue Note.

As a music instructor, Chris Rob's mother made sure to expose musical diversity to her son. Even Rob's sister can be partially credited for her brother's musical growth. "My sister played a lot of pop and R&B music from the late 80s and early 90s. I listened to a lot of Mary J. Blige and Jodeci." Chris Rob also received inspiration from superstars such as Prince and of course, the legendary Stevie Wonder.

So what was it like when Chris Rob got the opportunity to meet the legend? He describes meeting Stevie Wonder as a blessing. "I had just got to New York a month or two before, I was homeless and it was a good experience that helped me a lot. He is one of the greatest of all time."

In Chris Rob's perspective, he believes that music is making a turn for the better. "Many people say that they don't feel the music that is going on today. Since the 1970s, there have always been good artists and bad artists. It's all about which artists can stand the test the time."

Chris Rob gives much respect to rappers such as Kanye West, Common and break-thru artist J. Ivy, who are making hip hop the way it's supposed to be. "Anything can happen in hip hop and you should be able to do whatever you want to do. The fact that those people are on top right now is a good thing. They are talking about positive things, such as God, love, education and living it up. Also, artists like The Gorillas, Coldplay and Maroon 5 are bringing soul back to rock."

Music is taking a spin and black people are feeling this type of music more than ever before. Great R&B, pop and rock groups are finally getting the recognition that they deserve. Artist development is the only was for an audience to grow. Chris Rob encourages musicians of the next generation to learn how to grow as an artist.

"Every time I wake up in the morning, I ask myself if I would rather go through life wondering what it was like for the whole world to hear my music or not. If you make moves, good things are going to happen. If you don't make moves, nothing will happen. By learning to grow as an artist, people will appreciate you more and you will appreciate yourself. That is my mission."

As a striving artist, Chris Rob knows that nothing is more important than having a team of supporters that have your back. For Chris Rob, his support team included his mother and brother. "My mother and brother were the biggest supporters of my career. They never had a negative word to say. There were always people who don't see your hunger of your passion. My brother pushed me and my mother opened my eyes to different types of music."

What would this musical genius be doing if he weren't doing music? "I would be a psychologist. Every now and then, people come to me about their problems and that's what attracts me." In one of Chris Rob's songs, he speaks about a girl who is having a bad day, yet she still manages to enjoy herself. He tells her that they should kick it and be cool and that they don't have to fight. "Most of my songs have an uplifting message. So I would either be a psychologist or a motivational speaker."

It's satisfying to know that regardless of Chris Rob's profession, his daily doses of inspiration would still be spread to an extended audience. Chris Rob's lyrics portray a positive message to everyone, regardless of one's background or beliefs. Rob's music is like comfort food on a lonely night, it just makes one feel good. It's about living one's life to the fullest. "God is good. Love life, enjoy yourself, have fun, enjoy every moment and live life like a rock star."

Chris Rob is currently on tour with multi-platinum artist John Legend as a background vocalist and keyboardist. Rob continues to promote his album, The Official Bootleg of Chris Rob. He is also finishing his debut full length LP, which will be released through New Day Entertainment in the near future. Rob's first single, "Dirty Movie", will be showcased soon along with the completed music video. Chris Rob recently performed alongside John Legend and Common at FedEx Field in Washington, DC this past October. Be sure to show your support when he comes to your town.
- Raw Magazine