Biography of Harold A. Simmons (Phatibread) Harold A Simmons Jr is a new face to the R& B scene. Bread as he prefers to be called, was born in Baltimore, Maryland in 1976. Bread comes from a generation of vocalist such as his mother, Denise G Gamble and his father, Mr. Harold Simmons. Through their love and passion for music, Bread developed his own passion and love for the music. In addition, to his parents he also has several other influences within his family. Harold graduated from Hillside High School in 1995 During his attendance at Hillside, Bread participated in numerous school choirs such as the gospel, concert and show choirs. In addition to these choirs he also found time for the city choir Spotlight as well as active membership in Hillside’s Drama club where he took on leading acting roles. During Harold’s last 3 years of high school, he became acquainted with Ronald King (DJ Skaz) which began a continuous friendship and business relationship. Under the influences of many of the great local DJ’s such as DJ’s Skaz, Scholar, Brorabb & Whitted who had been heavily involved in the music industry, Harold decided to become a writer. Moving up to date, Harold is now heavily involved in the new sound that you will hear today as an artist, writer, and composer. This is a new being for Harold and his counterparts for they are all trying to bring forth new original music. Storm (Supreme Technique Of Rhyme Mastery) and “Necessity”, a.k.a. the “Drama Queens are two young female MC’s who specialize in bringing the ruckus. They have blessed many mics and stages and have left both on fire. Individually the two possess lyrical prowess and the ability to get the crowds “crunk” through high energy performance. Storm was born Cherita Evans in Rocky Mount, NC. Being raised in a strict Christian household, Storm started out singing in the choir but could not be vocal about her love for rap music due to her parents disapproval of that “type” of music. Storm remained quiet about her growing talent as she secretly sharpened her skills and became an avid freestyle battler. After graduating high school Storm was finally able to put her skills to the test. Several battles and defeated opponents later, Storm caught the eye of 18 wheeler records where she met Necessity, the one female whom she respected as an artist, and decided to form an alliance. Necessity was born Mitchelett Angel Graham in Brooklyn, NY. She was raised in the hard streets of Bedford Styvesant and began writing rhymes at the age of 8. MC Lyte and Queen Latifah are a few of her influences. At the age of nine she and her family relocated to North Carolina where she met and later married a local producer by the name of Willo. Now having a producer at her disposal, she was able to develop her skills and eventually became a part of 18 Wheeler Records, a company started by her husband and father. Once she met Storm she knew that Storm’s ability to freestyle and battle coupled with her ability to write witty punch lines and stories would make a hitmaking combination. These two rep for all the “big girls” of the world when they rip stages at any venue they can. Their versatility is evident with their installment, “Santa’s Real” for the Flavor Fruit Christmas project. Be on the look out for these future stars. They surely will not be hard to find! Falicia Renee Joseph was born in St Johns, Antigua and began singing in the church choir at the age of 4. Falicia and her family came to the US when she was five years old and resided in New York. Falicia spent her adolescence developing her craft by way of church and any other talent showcase she could find. Being the godchild of r-n-b sensation, the late Phyllis Hyman also provided many opportunities to develop and show her skills while singing background for her godmother. At the age of 16, Falicia entered and won a talent show that would land her a record deal with the singing group Assorted Flavors who were produced by industry heavyweights Eddie F and Dave “Jam” Hall. While with the group, Falicia’s writing and ear for harmony were realized as she served as both writer and arranger for some of the group’s songs. What should have been Falicia’s ticket to success quickly turned into a harsh learning experience when situations led to her leave the group to pursue a solo career. This would prove to be a blessing in disguise. Falicia never left her gospel roots remaining in her church choir where her members included singing sensations Kelly Price and Faith Evans. Falicia went on to work with such gospel greats as Hezekiah Walkier, Timothy Wright, and r’n’b heavy weights like Joe, Brian Mcknight and Anita Baker with whom she co-wrote the hit I Apologize. Falicia would go on to perform at many venues both stateside and abroad and quickly established herself as one of the most seasoned vocalists in the business. Being a “plus size” female kept her from winning the “industry’s approval” of what an artist should look like but won her national and international loyal fans. In 2003 Falicia moved to North Carolina and entered a talent show where she caught the attention of independent entertainment conglomerate 18 Wheeler Records where she would eventually call home and be one the company’s premier artists. Under the management of the Blayz’n Anjewl Consultant Group,Falicia found her way to FlavaFruit Studios where production greats Skaz Daddy and Mike Blayz commandeer her soon to be released album that is already garnering rave reviews. Her contributions to FlavaFruit projects can be heard and seen at future FlavaFruit venues so be on the look out! Language Arts Biography: With over 12 years of combined experience, Language Arts came together in 2002. Durham native Emcees Aden and Pierce have performed all over the Triad and various cities in North and South Carolina, Virginia, Georgia and the District of Columbia. This politically conscious and thought provoking Hip-Hop group released their self-titled debut album in March of 2004. The CD was met with widespread critical acclaim, including a 5-star review in Chapel Hill’s Daily Tar Heel; “Original, innovating... vocals and poetic lyrics that educate” (Chapel Hill’s DTH). In less than eight months, over 2,000 copies of this release have been sold, without the benefit of mainstream distribution channels or a record label. The album features beats from North Carolina producers Chan Diesel, Hollin, NAV and Bashore Productions. Language Arts is currently unsigned, but still on the grind. For booking information or if you want a copy of the album, e-mail booking@languageartsmusic.com with your contact information. Language Arts has performed with the world-renowned hip-hop pioneers, The Last Poets, 5-time Grammy nominated Jazz vocalist, Nnenna Freelon Durham legend Chuck Davis and have hosted and performed with Dead Prez and the legendary Grand Master Flash. Language Arts also co-hosts the Fantastic 4: Celebrating the 4 elements of Hip-Hop (w/ Zayd Malik) and Jambalaya Soul Slam, a monthly poetry slam at the Hayti Heritage center. In addition to Hip-Hop performances, Language Arts also engages in Hip-Hop residencies. The Hip-Hop curriculum, developed by Pierce Freelon and Dr. Genna Rae McNeil (UNC-History Dept.) teaches African American Studies through Hip-Hop music and culture. They have done residencies through Durham School of the Arts, Duke School for Children, 100 Black Men of America, Hip-Hop Against Racist War, Partners for Youth and are scheduled for future residencies at Durham Academy, The Williston Northampton School, UNC Chapel Hill A&T State University, and the Hayti Heritage Center. Pierce is the 21-year-old son of 5-time Grammy nominated jazz vocalist Nnenna Freelon. Aden is the 23-year-old son of Blues performer Sandy Darity and nephew of award-winning poet Harryette Mullen. It’s in the blood.