| ARTISTREE: The mature sound of R&B and hip-hop |
By Ashley G. Woodson |
Published
08/9/2006
|
Entertainment
|
Rating:  |
|
|
|
Group provides positive images younger listeners can look up to
ARTISTREE
This quintet of life-long friends, Darrell Jefferson, Sterling Copeland, Bey Johnson, Marquise McCrommon and Vinnie Booth, blend harmonies and hip-hop into a unique mix of R&B.
“Music is an art form,” said Darrell Jefferson. “We are still growing and developing; branching out the more we work together. This album reflects our growth and maturity.”
Artistree is the brainchild of Jefferson. The group began out of friendship, and music has always been his passion since he was six years old. Their album “Ride With Me,” is based on life experiences.
“We’ve gone through a maturing process from childhood to manhood,” said Jefferson.
If it is a ballad you want, they can sing it; if it is straight hip-hop you see, they can bring it. And if you can’t seem to make up your mind, they can integrate it all together to create something truly unique.
“I enjoy being around the guys, “ said Sterling Copeland, the newest member of the group. “I love the way we harmonized with each other. The love that we have for one another is incredible. People can look forward to great things.”
The many styles of Artistree, produced by Mindbender Productions, are heard in songs like “If the Time is Right,” a smooth ballad where the group displays singing abilities that would make any woman weak. For R&B and hip-hop lovers, “Let Her Go” is a jam showcasing their rhyming and singing styles.
“Music is a creative outlet and I feel like I’m at home when I sing. It puts me at ease,” said Bey Johnson. “The guys are my brothers and we have a strong unit.”
“I love all of the fellows very much,” added Marquise McCrommon. “We’ve earned each other’s respect. We continually work hard and persevere even though we don’t have things handed to us. I believe we were meant to do music, not just for the music, but to change the world.”
Artistree plans to continue providing positive images younger listeners can look up to. They feel they have a gift and want to share it with other people. Artistree is focused on their personal musical development, and they are striving to be a major force in the music industry.
“No matter what happens through our trials and tribulations we hold our heads up high because eventually our light will shine,” Vinnie Booth said with conviction.
Vinnie “Boots” Booth lends smooth vocals that are vocally diverse, fluent and strong. He is the group’s mediator, musical co-producer and songwriter.
Bey “La-Rue” Johnson brings vocals that are powerful, mature, soulful and rugged. He is the choreographer, clothing coordinator and lead songwriter.
Marquise “Bacardi” McCrommon blends controlled vocals with raw hip-hop lyrics. His talent is creating the arrangements/harmonies and songwriting.
Sterling “Ster” Copeland delivers strong, controlled, lead vocals that are spiritual & soulful. His talents include creating vocal arrangements, harmonies, song writing and choreography.
Darrell “Storm” Jefferson’s singing is heavenly and angelic; smooth and spiritual. He leads the group with his organizational and motivational skills. He is the group’s spokesperson, musical co-producer and songwriter.
You can catch Artistree Aug. 19 when they perform at Schenley Park.
|
