 |
IJAGGED
EDGE
www.jaggededge.net
The platinum plaques, awards and pictures adorning the walls of
Jagged Edge's JOL Studios are testaments to the group's permanent
place in R&B history. And with one listen to "Put A Little Umph' In
It," the first single from Baby Making Project, their debut album on
So So Def / Island Urban Music, its clear they're also a part of its
future.
Signed by Jermaine Dupri to his So So Def imprint through Columbia
Records in the late 90's, the Atlanta, GA residents have enjoyed a
decade of now-classic hits, such as "Gotta Be", "Promise", "Let's
Get Married" and the club hit "Where The Party At?" with Nelly.
However, Brandon, Brian, Wingo and Kyle are now embarking on a new
journey. They have a new label, new outlook and are anxious to bring
what they feel is true R&B back to those thirsting for it. After
parting ways with their former record label and successfully
launching several businesses--a clothing line, soul food restaurant,
and a record label, 581 Musiz Group (through which this album is
being released)--they are back and ready to start anew with an old
friend, Grammy-winning producer Dupri, Def Jam's President of Island
Urban Music, who quickly signed the group to the venerable label.
Jagged Edge is excited about joining the Def Jam family ("We have a
dream team! L.A. Reid, JAY-Z and Jermaine Dupri! Def Jam is Hip-Hop
& R&B," says Brandon) and they are ready to show that their music
withstands the storms of fads and fickle tastes. They are true R&B
and the only group standing.
Baby Making Project is a first of its kind for the group: it's a
collection of ballads. "We originally wanted our first album to be
all ballads," continues Kyle, "but Jermaine was like, "What? Do you
know how slow your concert will be?' Everything now has a hip-hop
edge, but we have decided to go against the grain." But, don't
mistake this for an album only fit for the quiet storm. "We tried to
make this album fun, mood music," adds Brandon, who shares lead
vocals with Brian, his twin brother. "You put this album on with
your girl and it's going to be set for the next hour!"
Jagged Edge pulls inspiration not only from the classic performers
of the Motown era, but they are also motivated by the R&B greats of
the late 80's, such as Keith Sweat and Guy. "When we were growing up
their albums would put you in the right vibe with the girl you were
with," says Brandon. "Real, heartfelt R&B isn't tapered by trends."
With their devotion to true soul music coupled with the growth they
have experienced over the years, Jagged Edge knows that it's their
time once again. "We are all grown and mature men. When we came in
the game we were kids and we did a lot of childish and immature
things. We are better now and musically we are 10 times more
confident and competent. And as businessman, we are in a place now
to put our own record on our own label. There is no other act in R&B
that does that. We know that we can set goals and reach them.
Knowing that, you are unstoppable."
|
 |
|