Jennifer E Kemp

http://onemediaglobal.com/
- http://onemediaglobal.com/

Jennifer E. Kemp may become the next superstar to hit the music scene if sales of her soon-to-be-released CD skyrocket. Contributed Photo


Mariah Carey. Mary J. Blige. Jennifer E. Kemp?
You may not know Jennifer E. Kemp’s name now, but she’s trying to change that.
The Lincolnton, NC native will soon release her debut album. It’s an accomplishment a lifetime in the making. Kemp was born in Georgia, but grew up in Lincolnton. Singing was a part of her life from an early age.“I started singing when I was about five in the church choir at Providence Baptist,” said Kemp. “I also sang around the house.” At home, Kemp’s mother, Brenda, noticed her daughter’s talent. She liked her daughter’s voice, but wasn’t so sure about the contemporary music she liked to sing. Kemp remembers trying to hit notes like Mariah Carey and her mother telling her to quiet down. But, when she started singing the old standards, Mom was onboard. “If I was singing Mahalia Jackson, it was okay,” Kemp said.
By the time she was in the sixth grade, Kemp knew she wanted to make music her career. She drew inspiration from her older brother Ronald, who liked to rap and DJ. His death from a gunshot in 1995 would rip the musical siblings apart, but Kemp would keep the memory of her brother and his influence close to her heart.
When Kemp was in the seventh grade, her neighbor, a local singer/former songwriter for Jodeci named Broadus Brown began helping with her music. “He basically took me under his wing as a singer and songwriter,” said Kemp. By age 13, Kemp had a group named Struxure with her best friend Raina Foster and two other girls. Brown helped the girls get into a Gastonia recording studio. At that point, Kemp realized she could have a professional career as a musical artist. Along with Struxure, Kemp participated in talent shows throughout high school. When she and Foster headed to college at North Carolina State University, they both continued singing, as well as dancing – something Kemp says had always been a part of her repertoire. Together, the two friends worked on their music and choreography and danced with hip hop artists concerts featuring Heltah Skeltah, Cocoa Brovaz and A+. Eventually, the two began going to New York on weekends to record with major producers. It seemed these Lincolnton ladies were heading for stardom. But Foster decided to get married instead. Everything changed for Kemp.
“I was used to writing for a group,” Kemp said. “It was like we were a team. I started changing my way of thinking.” Kemp also changed the way she worked. She started recording all the vocal parts of songs. She came into her own.
A few new mentors were also on the horizon, as Kemp began writing for New York producer Sha Money, a producer for hip hop superstars G Unit. Along with Sha Money, Kemp began working with producers Big Self, Bink and Mr. Fingaz.
“They took me under their wings as an artist,” said Kemp.
The fiercely independent artist worked even harder. She spent every weekend for a year-and-a-half in New York City, all while still in college and working a day job, too. Kemp often slept on people’s floors and once had a notebook containing hundreds of her songs stolen in the Bronx.
All the hard work and sacrifice paid off, as Kemp got to meet and work with numerous renowned hip hop artists, such as DMX, Onyx, Craig Mack, Jane Blaze, Biz Markie and members of Lost Boyz. Despite all her talent, experience and connections, and major record deal offers, Kemp remained unsigned. Yet she remained true to herself. “I don’t regret it because it taught me so much,” Kemp said. “The reason I’m not signed is because I did not choose to take certain deals. I didn’t want to sell my soul or lose myself.”
Next month, all the hard work, dedication – and patience – will finally pay off. Kemp’s debut album, “The Break-Up,” will be released nationally.
Far from being just an artist, Kemp has also gotten into the business side of music, starting her own label, named Rodek Music after her late brother Ronald Decarlo Kemp.
Although Kemp has performed over 100 shows with her band in the past year and recorded plenty of songs, releasing an album is uncharted territory for Kemp. “Honestly, it feels like the beginning again because I don’t know what to expect,” Kemp said. “This is new.”
But no amount of uncertainty can detract from the joy Kemp feels in finally seeing her dream come to fruition. “It feels good for me to get a chance to get my message out,” said Kemp.
Her music deals with love and relationships, and Kemp says others will find it relatable. She describes the sound as R and B/Neo-Soul, but is quick to point out that her music cuts across racial and cultural lines.
Although Kemp could soon find herself becoming a household name, it isn’t likely that she would let fame go to her head. Kemp is someone who knows what her priorities are.
“The key to my success is that I keep God first,” Kemp said. “It helps - Allyson Levine

http://www.rebelvision.net/jennifer-e-kemp.html
- Rebelvision

http://www.lincolntimesnews.com/archives.asp?Story=14501&Sect=56&Y=2007&M=11&D=5
- Lincoln Times News

http://www.rebelvision.net/jennifer-e-kemp.html
- Rebelvision

http://www.musesmuse.com/pressrelease.20071010.1192051384.html
- Muse Muse

http://www.lincolntimesnews.com/archives.asp?Story=12927&Sect=55&Y=2007&M=4&D=16 - Lincoln Times News

http://www.musesmuse.com/pressrelease.20071010.1192051384.html
- Muse Muse

http://www.gangstasparty.com/usa/rap/news2414.html
- Gangsta Party

Here's another one. I like it from the first drum beat. This girl is a star. Listening to the vocal range and style, I am in love!
Reviewed by: mosmulotto from Lafayette, Indiana

Very interesting intro and sample tracks and then to come in that strong with the drum tracks was dead-on Phunky Phat & Slamming ! I'm really feeling the direction you're going with these music tracks. Very original, innovative, and professionally polished. The female vocalist is also polished. She is super strong and articulate in a Mary J Blige kind of way and that's my girl so these words don't come lightly. I truly enjoyed her powerful performance. I'm thinking that she did her background vocals also which are very tight in harmony and delivery. The lyrics are well written and intelligently thought out. I really can't find anything remotely wrong with this song. Word of advise, ..... Take this one to the major syndicated stations for the hourly rotation format and to the bank to get paid ! I'm adding this one to my GB song list. Overall, Production, Performance, Hook, Lyrics, Vocals, Music Tracks, etc, etc.... Five Stars !!!!!
Reviewed by: AndreJones from Detroit, Michigan

i thought that this pretty soulful...you have a voice that should or could go on alot of hip hop soul trax..like Mary J. Blige..- By: jayjandari
Kapolei, Hawaii
November 6th, 2005

good dance beet.clubing/$$$$ girl gots pipes. tight harmony the production sounds real clean,good job great vox.
RTB
- RhettBales from Puyallup, Washington on 4Nov2005

I'm feeling the overall sound. It's like Chaka Khan meets hip-hop. The lead vocalist has a nice voice. The hook is strong. Verses are good too, I thought the lyrics were cool. I know I would be interested in buying the single.
MORGOMusic Group.
By: Doni64 from Bronx, New York on 4Nov2005

This track sounds really pro. This has got a really good uptempo beat to it. Some dope Neo Soul for sure. This singer is reminding me of Jill Scott or Angie Stone, maybe even a little Mary J in there. Or maybe that's the Mary J in me.
By: jtjames from Canada on 31Oct2005




Track of the Day on 2Oct2005 in R&B
Track of the Day on 18Oct2005 in Hip Hop
Best Female Vocals in R&B, week of 3Oct2005
Best Female Vocals in R&B, week of 7Nov2005
Best Drums in R&B, week of 17Oct2005
Best Bass in R&B, week of 10Oct2005
Best Programming in R&B, week of 26Sep2005
Best Programming in R&B, week of 3Oct2005
Best Lyrics in R&B, week of 10Oct2005
Best Lyrics in R&B, week of 17Oct2005
Best Melody in R&B, week of 17Oct2005
Best Beat in R&B, week of 10Oct2005
Best Beat in R&B, week of 7Nov2005
Best Mood in R&B, week of 10Oct2005
Best Mood in R&B, week of 17Oct2005
Most Original in R&B, week of 10Oct2005
Most Original in R&B, week of 7Nov2005
Best Love Song in R&B, week of 10Oct2005

GarageBand.com Awards:

Best Programming in R&B, all-time
Best Lyrics in R&B, all-time
Best Beat in R&B, all-time
Rocking Track in R&B, all-time
- GarageBand

http://www.gangstasparty.com/usa/rap/news2414.html
- Gangsta Party