From London’s bio:

LONDON
Among the many hopefuls who attempt to make it big in the music industry, only a chosen few obtain the goal. Even more elusive are those who exceed it. They’re the ones who have that elusive “it” quality – the ones whose genuine talent and ability to engage an audience and deliver a song with a matchless style sets them apart from the masses. The ones like London. Armed with years of preparation and an abundance of talent, this burgeoning singer-songwriter is destined to stand out in a sea of “next big names” in R&B music via his Universal/Motown debut, Man of My Word.

A native of Oakland, California, London’s talent for singing was initially discovered as a child. He sang in his church choir and he eventually joined them. As an adolescent London set his sites on a career in music but like many of his peers in the hip-hop generation, singing didn’t strike him as a particularly masculine hobby. Instead, he opted to make his professional foray into the industry as a rapper as a member of the eight-man crew Keep It Clean. The group had begun to see moderate success but sought to add an element that would give them that unique edge.

It was then that London tapped into his innate vocal talents and began singing and writing the hooks for the group’s tracks. This time, a mature London welcomed the accolades his singing talent earned him with open arms (as well as the female fans). In addition to filling the missing void in that eventually gained Keep It Clean a strong local following, London’s new musical endeavor had ignited his true passion. Although he was making headway in his professional aspirations, London relocated to Georgia. In an effort to respect his mother’s wishes that he continue his education, he enrolled at Atlanta’s Morehouse College. While it hadn’t been in his personal plan, he did his best to embrace college life and even settled on majoring in business. With his heart still in music, London hooked up with a fellow aspiring artist to from the duo B.O.F. (Best of Friends).

Soon, they were performing regularly at campus parties and other Atlanta University Center events. Without the financial means to continue his education, London was more determined than ever to see his dreams of becoming a recording star materialize. Now in pursuit of a solo career, the tenacious talent took advantage of his presence in the city that birthed some of music’s biggest-selling artists and began making the rounds at various recording studios. Even in lean times – when he occasionally found himself forced to take refuge in abandoned buildings when he had no where to stay, he stood in the face of impossible odds and persevered by staying focused on his vision. He eventually completed a demo on which he worked with producers/songwriters Ron ‘Neff-U” Feemster, Mike City & Ne-Yo. The project found its way to Universal/Motown A&R executive Shaun Harris and Demetrius “Kinky B” Ellerbee, CEO of Corporate Thugs Entertainment, who were so impressed with what they heard that Ellerbee immediately signed London to his Key Players Music imprint, launching his journey to legitimate stardom.

London’s fun-filled lead single, “One Too Many,” is a club track that speaks to the regret that can follow a wild night of partying. It represents his boisterous, jovial side. But there are deeper layers to be revealed. Having co-written the better part of the album, London’s songs also offer an intimate look at the timeless subject of love and relationships. His musical antenna is acutely in tune with women and the issues they face. “I’m saying what women need to hear and men need to hear these days, about relationships and life situations that we all go through.”

The impressive list of producers on Man of My Word is a testament to the promise of London’s career. Rodney Jerkins produced “She’s Gone,” a song London describes as “‘Billie Jean’ on steroids 2008” that speaks to women on a wayward path. And he’s sure to have a hit on his hands with the Ne-Yo-helmed “Keep You Company.” Other beat-smiths who wisely got in on the action include Eric Hudson, Adonis Shropshire and up-and-coming music makers K- Fam & Jevon “DUVAL” Hill.

Sonically, Man of My Word reaches far beyond the scope of what is typically considered R&B music. Its pop sensibilities place London in a class by himself. The romantic track “No Words” features just a piano, allowing his vocal talent to truly shine on its own. And his crossover appeal is undeniably evident on the alternative-tinged “Old Things New,” which offers a message of encouragement in the midst of trying times. London hopes the exhilaration and energy he’s been infused with while recording his debut disc transfers to music fans. “I’m a new artist so I want them to be able to dive into this experience that I’ve gone through.” And he promises to continue to keep the ride interesting and always original. He explains, “Luther Vandross didn’t do what Michael Jackson did; Michael Jackson didn’t do what Marvin Gaye did; Lionel Richie didn’t do what Babyface did. That’s why all those people are distinctive and have their own name. I wanna be a stamp instead of ‘he’s like someone else’ or ‘he’s the next.’ I wanna be London.” Fortunately for the music industry, that’s exactly who he is.

Thanks to Tracye Bryant/Kind of a Big Deal LLC

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