Interviewed by Peggy Menard
Written by Doug Wade

       

“Accelerate Your Life” is the slogan advertised by the United States Navy to win over new recruits, offering them hope and opportunity for a better future. For some, the phrase is an axiom that many officers and sailors can attest to. But for R&B singer LeMarvin Harris, his former stint in the maritime branch of the military was less rewarding than what he originally intended.

Prior to his time in the Navy, LeMarvin had always been interested in music, with hopes of one day landing a record deal. But like some parents whose children have musical aspirations, his mother thought that he should find a more stable line of work in case his music career didn’t pan out. After spending two and a half years as an E3 level Seaman, in which LeMarvin spent many nights drinking and quarreling with Petty Officers (despite LeMarvin’s feuds with his commanders, the term refers to their rank, not their behavior), life at sea began to take its toll on the Inglewood, Ca. native, influencing his decision to go AWOL (he was discharged from the military for his actions, but not before serving two months in military jail and time at a halfway house).

During the stretch of abandoning his military duties, LeMarvin revisited the place where he knew he would find the most comfort: the studio. He used the songs he recorded at those sessions to shop himself as an artist, eventually leading to deals with Tracey Edmonds’ Edmonds Record Group, and Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis’ Flyte Tyme Records. Although nothing ever materialized from those deals, it didn’t hinder LeMarvin from pursuing his dream of becoming a professional singer. Instead of letting the setback deter him, he brushed himself off, recorded new material, and proceeded to solicit labels with his music again, resulting in him signing with Universal Motown.

Unfortunately, LeMarvin’s time at the label was just like the previous others—a big letdown. “Oh I gave up, but kept finding myself in the studio,” says the singer. “I went through depression and all; I don’t know what kept me at it.” Luckily, LeMarvin got another chance when Eric Nicks, the former Senior VP of A&R that originally signed him to Universal Motown, acquired a distribution deal with Universal Republic to form his own imprint, Brookland Entertainment, which LeMarvin is currently signed to.

Gearing up for the release of his debut album, Confusion, scheduled to drop sometime in the spring, the West Coast representative decided to tap into his past to build upon his future. “It’s a mix of a lot of experiences: relationships, growing up in Inglewood. Basically trials and tribulations within my crazy life,” says LeMarvin. The lead single off the album, “Too Many Patrons,” is a testimonial song about the results of overindulging in Tequila, while “Around My Way,” which features The Game and Dr. Dre’s classic “California Love” sample, capture the everyday occurrences of life in the ‘hood for LeMarvin.

Indirectly, maybe the Navy lived up to its mantra and actually “accelerated” LeMarvin’s life, forcing him to choose the career path that he was supposed to pursue: music. With a sultry voice, a story to tell, a never give up attitude, and an executive behind him that continues to support his talent, LeMarvin is beginning to look more like the captain of his own ship, as opposed to being just another sailor.

 

On June 10, 2008, New York City’s premier music showcase, R&B Live, celebrated its one-year anniversary at its regular Times Square habitat of Spotlight Live. The featured guest on hand to help commemorate the special night was Akon and his roster of Kon Live artists.

Produced by 1st Class Entertainment co-founders and music executives Shanti Das (Executive VP of Urban Marketing and Artist Development for Universal Motown) and Eric Nicks (former SVP of A&R for Universal Motown and current manager of the Trackmasters); Lenny “The Barber” Hansen (LTB Entertainment), and DSA Media, the show’s existence is resonating throughout the industry. Speaking on the significance of the occasion, Shanti Das stated: “I think it’s really a monumental day for us because I can remember when my partner and I first started talking about this concept about three—three and a half years ago, and now I feel like R&B Live is the staple for the music industry; and in New York it’s very exciting for us because we were able to accomplish something that hasn’t been done in a very long time.”

This exclusive, invite-only event has become a haven for music executives, recording artists, actors, and other notable entertainment personalities. A major attraction of the event is the venue’s supper club style seating, which enables patrons to dine and watch urban music’s top performers of past and present showcase their talent, creating a casual atmosphere for members of the music community to relax, socialize amongst peers, and be fans on the night.

There were a number celebrities in attendance to observe the milestone, including: Ne-Yo, Lil’ Kim, Busta Rhymes, Michelle Williams, Nina Sky, Yung Berg, DJ Clue, DJ Scratch, The DJ Twinz, Monami Entertainment’s Mona Scott, Czar Entertainment’s Jimmy Henchmen, Imani Entertainment Group’s Manny Haley, Upfront Entertainment’s Devyne Stephens, Hot 97 Program Director Ebro Darden, Hot 97’s Asst Program Director/Music Director Jill Strada, MTV Director of Music & Talent Buttahman, VH1’s Sr. Director of Music Programming Breeze, VH1’s Music & Talent Relations Manager Angela Fisher, BET producer Candida Boyette, actor/comedian Tony Rock, and choreographer Laurie Ann Gibson.

Comedian and host, Drew Fraser, warmed up the audience with an assortment of jokes, establishing the mood before the start the show. The first act to hit the stage was new artist Colby O’Donis, performing his debut single, “What You Got” featuring label boss Akon. Next up was Ray Lavender singing his hit record “My Girl Gotta Girlfriend,” much to the delight of the female patrons. While the first two acts fit nicely into the R&B theme, the night was sparked by the hip-hop acts in Akon’s camp. Brooklyn MC Red Café set the tone for the rest of the evening when he performed his street anthem, “Paper Touchin’,” causing the VIPs to bob their heads and mimic the rhymes in excitement.

Following the great performances by the artists from the States, R&B Live went international, bringing the Caribbean to 49th Street and Broadway. Performing for the first time in New York City was Akon’s group from Saint Thomas, Virgin Islands—Rock City. In opening their set, the brothers showed their appreciation for hip-hop by playing a medley of classic rap songs: “Eric B. Is President,” “Luchini aka This Is It,” and “Hip-Hop Hooray,” immediately winning the support of the crowd. After performing their catchy debut single “Losin’ It,” Rock City elevated the energy level in the building to high, turning the showcase into Carnival with a Calypso inspired routine that forced celebrity guests like Busta Rhymes, Mona Scott and other notable attendees to participate in the revelry by merrily waving their table napkins in the air.

Anchoring R&B Live’s lineup of Kon Live acts was the touted Toronto rapper Kardinal Offishall. The artist of Jamaican heritage started things off with his rendition of “The Tide is High” featuring Rihanna (she wasn’t in attendance), originally made by rocksteady group The Paragons, and later remade by Blondie during the ‘80s. For the finale, Akon joined him onstage, lending his voice to Kardinal Offishall’s single “Dangerous,” before the CEO closed the show with his Kon Live family in tow, serenading Spotlight Live with a few of his featured hits including, “We Takin’ Over,” “I Wanna Love You,” and “Soul Survivor.”