Growing up in New Orleans, La it's an accomplishment in itself for a young black male to see the age of twenty-five. One can only wonder how to balance being real while staying positive. Derick C. Braggs, formally of the group "Close Range", has done just that. Even after surviving a gunshot wound to the head during a failed robbery attempt in 2005, he continues to defy the odds by pushing his R&B style in a hip-hop driven area. Derick started singing at age four in church, talent shows, and anywhere people would listen. He adopted a smooth style singing and continues to develop his musical talent. His voice is simply unforgettable. Derick's talent has taken him to places such as Panama, Central America where he was the special guest for a 1995 USARSO (military) talent show. He has been featured in plays such as "Get your house in order" and "That's just my baby's daddy". He also sang the National Anthem for the Senate forum held at Harrah's Casino in New Orleans. Among his many CD features include Foundation Ministries, Gospel rap artists Governor, Var-G, and the Annointed Soulja, Pudge, Bspitta, Kassanova Brownn, and Smoke-a-lot. Derick is proud of his performances with Carol Allen Simmons, Kathy Taylor Brown, Malcom Williams, and the late Raymond Myles. This project, entitled "Voodoo" is Derick's final r&b CD. He is returning to his roots; Gospel music. On this CD Derick leaves everything for your entertainment. VooDoo drops in September 2008. It features a list of hit singles such as I'm leaving, Decisions, and Destiny. The CD deals with all areas of relationships; dating, being in love, making love, being fed up, and trying to move on. "These are my experiences I wanted to share. I wanted to sing about something everybody could relate to, Love is universal". Derick's influences are John P Kee, Daryl Coley, Carl Thomas, Usher, Tank, Anthony Hamilton and Jamie Foxx.