KASHIEF

KASHIEF was born September 18, 1987 in Memphis, Tennessee. He grew up in a deeply religious family, and listened strictly to Gospel music. His grandfather preached the gospel at churches around Memphis and Kashief attended service regularly. It was in church where he discovered an extraordinary gift, he could sing. He performed such a powerful rendition of "If Anybody Ask You Who I Am" at only 5 years old, that he left the congregation on its feet, shouting and praising the Lord. Kashief soon became the youngest member of the choir at his grandfathers' church.

As Kashief grew into adolescence, he was exposed to other genres of music. He quickly grew to love R&B, Neo Soul, and Pop. In 1999 he performed at the legendary Apollo Theater and shortly thereafter began singing for McDonalds as a "McDonalds Apollo Kid" at different locations throughout the United States. In 2000 Kashief met and performed with powerhouse J Records recording artist Jazmine Sullivan at an NAACP awards banquet dinner.

Kashief attended Overton High, a performing arts school in Memphis where he sang bass in the schools award winning show choir. Overton High School produced a host of successful performers before him such as Elise Neal, Wendy Moten, and one of the producers on Kashief's upcoming album Jerel Allen, formerly of So So Def Records. After high school he attended the University of Memphis, and majored in Music. It was in college that he began to sing at venues and events around town.

In 2007 Kashief auditioned and made it to the final rounds of P. Diddy's Making the Band 4. "Participating in Making the Band 4 was a great experience. Although I didn't make the band, I walked away with greater momentum to sing professionally". Kashief continued to sing at venues and events in Memphis, but also starting recording demos in search of a record deal.

In August, 2009 Kashief was performing at a ceremony where the president of Connection Records, Kimberly Roberts was in attendance. "Kashief sang a song that blew me away! He has a soulful sound far beyond his years", “When you hear him, you hear a little Jamie Foxx, Tyrese, K-Ci, and Sam Cooke”, said Mrs. Roberts. A few months later the two met and Kashief signed with the label. Kimberly Roberts notes, "R&B is on its way back and Kashief will be one of the pioneers in the movement".

Some of Kashiefs' musical influences include Darryl Coley, John P. Kee, Donny Hathaway, Musiq Soulchild, and Usher. He would love to explore Hip-Hip too and work with rappers like Yo Gotti, Drake; they both share his Memphis roots and other rappers like T.I., Gucci, Mack Maine, and Jae Millz. A duet with Jazmine Sullivan, Melanie Fiona, Keyshia Cole K. Michelle, or Lil Rounds of Memphis is also something Kashief is hoping to accomplish, because of their soulful performances.

Kashief is releasing his debut album worldwide 09.07.10. The album will be filled with R&B and Neo Soul hits written especially for his powerfully soulful vocals. “I want everyone to be my audience, I want everyone to be able to relate to my music”, says Kashief. The album deals with love ranging from one night stands, love loss, and love while dealing with the current state of the world. In the year 2010 there will most definitely be something for everyone coming from Kashief.