The Preacher’s Kid
It is often said religious families birth the worst rebels. This cross-cultured fact has become the creative fingerprint for Sir the Baptist, and the inescapable thought of religion worldwide explains why he is an emerging artist with a universal market. Sir the Baptist, the son of a preacher, is an indie American renaissance artist noted as “one of the chosen ones” by Universal Music. If 2Pac was our first urban Prophet, he’s our first glimpse at an urban hymnist with that same ghetto gospel. He is a religion rebel. In the 1950’s, Ray Charles was rebuked by the church for bringing gospel music to the secular/pop world with his hit song “I Got a Woman”. Sir is the second coming of that twisted faith. “Thank God real performers still exist”, says Sean Dale of Power 92.3fm. He’s a game-changing fusion of secular and sacred – with a message that is refreshingly progressive, delightfully innovative, and unapologetically necessary for today’s socio-political climate. He has hip-hop’s aggressiveness with a crooner’s charm that paints the provoking imagery of a sinner who juggles desire for salvation and plotted bad habits.

The centuries spent branding religion makes his target easy, limitless… sometimes reminiscent of the world renowned Broadway musical “Book of Mormon” with his church stylistic comedy, while other times referencing the serious and thought provoking fire and brimstone teachings from his upbringings. Jeff Vaughn, of Warner Music Group, says “Sir blurs the line between Saturday night at the club and Sunday morning at church. Simply incredible.” Sir’s willingness to invoke both humanity’s longing for redemption, and its lust for worldly practices is a surprisingly relatable exhibition of the human condition.
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Sir the Baptist was born William James Stokes at the “Gateway of Jazz Heaven” also known as Chicago’s historically artistic Bronzeville neighborhood, to Christian Apologist Dr. James Benton and Mission Ambassador Patricia Ann. The mystique of Sir’s artistry is connected to the memories of his father’s sermons and Chicago crime and drug infested ghettos. Dr. Benton had the great fortune of not only seeing the foundation of Bronzeville’s rich musical community, but also was a part of its economic engine that pushed Bronzeville to keep giving back to its community, even after his death. His neighbors’ residue was his inspiration. Ella Fitzgerald played at Bronzeville’s Sunset Café, which today is where Ace Hardware resides. Lena Horne, Duke Ellington and Josephine Baker, Louis Armstrong and Nat King Cole along with countless others also were regular performers at Sunset Cafe. In addition, their Bronzeville homes have been deemed historical landmarks. Being a part of the same community as those greats before him made Sir the Baptist the genius he is today. Brandra Ringo, of Universal Music, proclaims “Amen! One of the chosen has arrived. Save music!” .

The world, although it may not always seem so, is ready for new points of view. “This is It”, says Rex Rideout of Motown Records. Tunji Bungalow, of Interscope, simply states “Thank you for making good music”. When asked what genre his music is, Sir says “It’s Art Tatum boogie woogin’ on an old upright piano in a small tavern with a choir and Andre 3000 or Pac at the mic,” or simply put “church pub rap”. Although this isn’t remotely innovative, he has recorded with towering Steinway Composer Lee Musiker; who produced for the likes of Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra Jr. This type of diversity has him leaving the studio with a Sinatra to recording “Familiar” with Chance the Rapper on Surf alongside King Louie and Quavo. From finales with Joffery Ballet to taking that same 8-piece horn section to RAGE venues with Travis Scott at Chicago’s renowned venue “The Metro”, Sir the Baptist a new voice in music to be reckoned with. From Pitchfork features for his trap production with his collective StokFord, to composing the theme for Dysfunctional Friends, a major motion picture, now featured on Redbox, Netflix, and international film outlets Sir the Baptist is an accomplished and versatile artist. An extended version of the film’s theme also made it to Sir the Baptist’s “PK” album. Rated as “one of the most diverse records of the year, welcome to church” by Grammy Governor and multi-platinum artists representative Daryl Jones. .

Keith James is a multi-platinum songwriter whose distinctive mix of Pop, Hip-hop, and R&B has led to writing hits for top-selling artists such as Jeremih, Wale, and others. Now, his unique musicality and charismatic appeal have him stepping into the spotlight as the performer with his most recent masterpiece and debut single, “Not My Day” (Releasing Feb 9, 2015).

Born and raised in one of South Side Chicago’s most dangerous neighborhoods, James began performing at the tender age of nine, singing in his church choir and playing both piano and saxophone. Writing music nightly, James never allowed the harsh reality of his surroundings – or the sound of gunshots outside his window – to steer him from creating the positive, uplifting lyrics and melodies that have since become his trademark.

Teaming with multi-platinum producer and musical genius Mick Schultz in 2008, James co-wrote the platinum smash “Birthday Sex” with recording artist (and childhood friend) Jeremih. The song peaked at number four on the Billboard Hot 100 and topped the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs. The trio then collaborated on the hit record “Imma Star,” which reached gold status, and a publishing deal with Universal followed.

Colleagues have described James’ music as a contagious mix of Pharrell Williams, Bruno Mars, and John Legend, and his voice as a soothing mix of Teddy Pendergrass and Barry White – a sound that is magnified by the warmth and positive energy reflected in James himself.

“Keith James is an incredible songwriter but has always been a true artist at heart,” says Schultz. “It’s now time for the world to know that!”

Realizing that they share a special bond, James and Schultz continue to work together to change the face of music, and have written a large catalogue of songs together that the world has yet to hear. With his producer firmly by his side, the career of Keith James is history in the making.

“At the end of the day, Q.B.’s clever wordplay, entertaining subject matter and unusual character are what will open the world’s eyes and allow him to introduce himself”-Tory Fredricks ( Source Magazine, Unsigned Hype 2005.)

His reputation for having one of the best live performances in Chicago, as well as his ability to pack crowds into venues with no record deal or radio play has set the stage for Que B.I.L.L.A.H. ‘s entrance onto the global Hip-Hop scene.

In 2005 he was recognized by Source Magazine’s Unsigned Hype. Joining the ranks of Mobb Deep, Notorious B.I.G., and Common, he became the first Unsigned Hype from Chicago since Common. Fueled by this newfound notoriety, Que decided it was a no-brainer and began pursuing his music career full time. In the years following, he has sold over 20 thousand mixtapes and has performed at nearly every concert venue in Chicago. After getting looks from Ludacris’ DTP Records, Que joined Luda on a national tour opening for Rich Boy, Twista, David Banner, Chingy, Rah Digga, Nocturnal, Shyne and many others.

Que B.I.L.L.A.H.‘s aesthetic can be attributed to his love for Hip-Hop and Comedic legends. Redman, Busta Rhyme, Common, Outkast, KRS One, PE and The Roots, Eddie Murphy, Martin Lawrence, Dave Chappell, Bernie Mac, and Dick Gregory all equally influence Que’s thought process. The result is the perfect formula for feel good music which has the uncanny ability of organically connecting with the masses while presenting to the youth an alternative way to live and love Hip-Hop.

Both the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune have written articles commenting on Que Billah’s performance prowess and on wax he’s able to ‘bottle’ his live show’s energy, a quality that has been picked up on by the video game industry. In 2006 Que’s music was featured on the highly anticipated video game Scarface: The World Is Yours, and in 2008 on Midway Games Blitz the League.

Recently, Que Billah collaborated with national recording artist KRS One and fellow Chicagoans The Cool Kids on songs which have since garnered massive internet buzz worldwide. And Billah’s buzz grows stronger every day as his 2010 projects near release. An all-video mixtape/DVD titled You Can’t Do That On Television (mixed by Chicago legend DJ 33 1/3) is on deck for July 2010 and his 1000 Words video project is slated for Fall 2010.

ULTIMATE GOAL: revolutionize the perceptions of RAP and mold it with a new generation of ART. TAKE THE JOURNEY WITH ME!!

HEY…IM $PENCE​R…#N​ewDeal​Crew #Straylife

Da$H was born in the heart of Chicago. He grew up playing sports, but would soon begin to channel his thoughts and energy into poetry. After years of practice and writing, Da$H knew that he wanted to create poetry for the rest of his life. He began experimenting with music and fell in love. Hard. Since that moment, he Da$H has done everything in his power to continue to advance and develop his skills, and the proof is in the pudding.

In 2011 he assembled his first band that would consist of drums, guitar, piano, bass, trumpet, saxophone, violin, and a female vocalist to accompany him: Da$Htone was born and their music was unheard of. Drawing influence from artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Immortal Technique, John Legend, Lauryn Hill, Jack Johnson, Citizen Cope, Amy Winehouse, and Blu; their melodies were honest and pure promoting love, peace and understanding. “If violence is the answer, than the question, it was wrong anyway. Let’s build something great. There’s never been a limit on what love will create” –Felix by Da$Htone.