Ahmir (band)

Last updated
Ahmir
Ahmir band.jpg
Background information
Origin Boston, MA
Genres R&B
Years active2006–present
Labels Robbins Entertainment, Manhattan Recording
MembersMr. Jones
Sing-Sing
Big Mike
KC Chadwick M
Past membersSING (Formerly Known As) 'Sing-Sing'
Website ahmirmusic.com

Ahmir is a group of four male R&B/pop singers who are based out of Boston, Massachusetts. The group is mainly known for their YouTube channel, with over one hundred million views, they are one of the most viewed R&B groups on YouTube. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] The band was originally named One Love, but changed to Ahmir for trademark reasons. [6] [7]

Contents

History

The formation of the band

The band began their journey in 2002 in Boston as the name "One Luv" or simplified "1Luv". Before the bands' formation, Mr. Jones, the only member originally from Boston, was a Northeastern University graduate, who honed his craft by singing in church choirs. Eventually he networked with Big Mike, who is a New York City native, and a previous member of the respected "The Boys Choir in Harlem", and continued his career at Boston University, majoring in music. [7] They Both decided to put together a male R&B vocal group that not only showcase talent, but a brotherhood. So they set out a search to build the band. KC, who was raised in Rochester New York, had just relocated to Boston in hopes of chasing his dream after taking risks with no formal vocal training other than singing in church choirs and had less financial support and found interest in auditioning for the group after viewing a flyer looking for band mates. Sing-Sing, a Philadelphia native, had passion for music and developed his skill from the Philadelphia High School for the Creative and Performing Arts, which led his path to attend Berklee College of Music where he eventually was approached to become the final addition into the band. [8]

One Luv's popularity rose by creating a buzz performing at various local open-mics and venues across the city. They persisted on getting a record deal from major labels and set out on a quest to serenade many record labels, but it became hard to secure a deal.

The bands' rise to fame

A few years later, they were discovered by Michael Cheung, who then became their manager and soon released their first hit single in 2006 titled "Welcome To My Party" from their album The Gift under the new stage name "Ahmir". The song peaked at #82 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. And also charted at #19 on the R&B Singles of the Year. Their breakout single from the album "The Wedding Song" went viral over the Internet, and was the most requested song to perform at wedding. "The Gift" won an Urban Music Award in New England, USA for Best Album as well the group received another award for "Best R&B Group".

After gaining some notable attention The group performed as contestants on the second season of NBC's America's Got Talent., [9] [10] with celebrity judge Sharon Osbourne considering them as a "Class Act"

In 2008, Ahmir competed on BET's 106 & Park's Wild-out Wednesdays and became the 1st place winners. Shortly after, the band started to generate more buzz by creating visual cover to the music industries most notable songs on YouTube which gained them the label as the "Most popular R&B Group on YouTube" as they were the most watched and subscribed during that time. They also became popular overseas, in particular most successful in Japan.

In the forthcoming years after, Ahmir has used their platforms to be philanthropists, helping communities and participating in benefit concerts and charities around the world and the through the internet.

In 2010, After years of striving to find a home for a record label, They were signed to Robbins Entertainment RED/Sony Music and a few years later they released the single "WAR" which aired on the Top 40 spot across the nation from various radio stations. [11] In 2013, the group made an appearance and performed "WAR" on the Jimmy Fallon show [2]

Ahmir was the winner on the YouTube music show Best Cover Ever on the episode featuring Demi Lovato. [12] The group was awarded with a special performance of "Stone Cold" with Demi Lovato. [13] [14]

In 2017, Ahmir released their commercially self titled album, Ahmir. With the lead single "My Love", which gained airplay on The Music Choice Network as well as a music video for the song which played in rotation on BET Soul.

The bands' decision for a new direction

With all the growing success of the gentlemen quartet, Ahmir made an announcement on their YouTube channel on May 17, 2018, that Sing Sing would be moving on from the band as he will continue to work on other projects, He states:

"In life, there are several points where you look at where you are and stop to evaluate and try to figure out where you've been and where you wanna go. And after some evaluation, I've enjoyed being a member of the group forever...and I figured at this time I would like to spend a little time investing in myself as an artist, and make no mistake these are my guys, these are my brothers in harmony. We made so many stories, so many memories, so much music and we're glad that you've all [the fans] been part of that. Thank you all for everything. The love and support is always going to be there, and this is by no means anything that is so sad because we're all continuing to make some wonderful music from this point, and we just wanted to take some time to share that"

The group added to say, they are happy to have had 'Sing' as a member and wish him the best in his new endeavors and will be rooting for him. They also stated that the group has not disbanded, it will continue as a Trio, or possibly seek a new member in the future and would hope the fans will continue to support. [15]

Prior to Sing-Sing's departure, he independently released an Alternative-Rock/R&B solo single titled "Don't Ever" under his new alias named "SING". [16] The music video gained over 5,000 views in over a month.

Solo/Collaborative Ventures

Months after the hiatus of the band AHMIR, Mr. Jones, influenced by hip-hop, began showcasing his ability to rhyme with Rap music. Releasing 2 music videos for singles on various online streaming platforms ("Demolition Man" & "Twilight Zone - Rest In Power" ), along with displaying skills by participating on a YouTube freestyle challenge produced by Abstract Minor. During the run of the band, Mr. Jones added to his resume some songwriting credits on 8 tracks out of 17 on their 2017 self-titled album. Which later he was able to collaborate his skills by writing for New Edition/BBD member Mike Bivins' Sporty Rich Enterprises/Apparel album titled Stay Fly and he also provided the vocals, singing the comedic jingle for the "Sporty Rich National 'Bangled' Anthem". Since then in late 2020, he began collaborating with brother Chilla Jones of SMACK/URL fame as a rap/singing duo, Jones Ink , releasing their most notable and popular song in 2021 with Method Man titled "Day Ones" , which the music video went viral with over 700,000 views. [17] In 2022 the duo also released multiple independent singles including "Apart" , "Voodoo", "Cuban Cigars" and "Wins on Wins"

SING, has continued to pursue his independent solo career releasing an EP Album in 2021 titled "Dirty Truth" with singles such as ""I Need You" and "Traveling Mercies" as well as a standalone single in 2022 "The World Will Know Your Name".

As of 2022, there have been no updates and plans of AHMIR reuniting or new material although a refresher post may appear on their social media of flashbacks or promoting material of their group members respectively.

Albums

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demi Lovato</span> American singer (born 1992)

Demetria Devonne "Demi" Lovato is an American singer, songwriter, and actress. After appearing on the children's television series Barney & Friends (2002–2004), she starred in the Disney Channel short series As the Bell Rings (2007–2008). Lovato rose to prominence for playing Mitchie Torres in the musical television film Camp Rock (2008) and its sequel Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam (2010). The former film's soundtrack contained "This Is Me", her debut single and duet, which peaked at number nine on the US Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lovely Day</span> 1977 single by Bill Withers

"Lovely Day" is a song by American soul and R&B singer Bill Withers. Written by Withers and Skip Scarborough, it was released on December 21, 1977, and appears on Withers's sixth album, Menagerie (1977). Withers holds a sustained note towards the end which, at 18 seconds, is one of the longest ever recorded on an American pop song. The song was listed at No. 402 on Rolling Stone's "Top 500 Best Songs of All Time" in 2021.

"Don't Forget" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato, from her debut album of the same name. It was written by Lovato and the Jonas Brothers, who co-produced the song with John Fields. It was released as the album's third and final single on March 17, 2009, through Hollywood Records. The inspiration of the song came from Lovato falling in love with someone who later left her. According to Lovato, it is one of the songs on the album that she most relates to. Musically, "Don't Forget" is a midtempo glam rock ballad that features Lovato singing with breathy falsetto vocals. An accompanying music video was released on March 20, 2009. In 2023, the song was re-recorded for her first remix album Revamped.

<i>Here We Go Again</i> (Demi Lovato album) 2009 studio album by Demi Lovato

Here We Go Again is the second studio album by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on July 21, 2009, through Hollywood Records. Unlike her previous album, Don't Forget (2008), Lovato did not collaborate with the Jonas Brothers, as she wanted to work with different people and give the album a personal approach. Lovato collaborated for the album with established songwriters and producers, such as E. Kidd Bogart, Gary Clark, Toby Gad, John Mayer, Jon McLaughlin, Lindy Robbins and John Fields.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wouldn't Change a Thing (Camp Rock song)</span> 2010 Camp Rock song

"Wouldn't Change a Thing" is a song performed by Demi Lovato with Joe Jonas from the 2010 Disney Channel television film Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam. The song was released on July 23, 2010, as the fourth single from the album. It was written and produced by Adam Anders, Nikki Hassman and Peer Åström. The song has versions and adaptations in nine languages included in different editions of the official soundtrack.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skyscraper (song)</span> 2011 single by Demi Lovato

"Skyscraper" is a song recorded by American singer Demi Lovato for her third studio album, Unbroken (2011). It was released by Hollywood Records on July 12, 2011, as the lead single from the album. The song was written by Toby Gad, Lindy Robbins, and Kerli; the former handled its production. American singer Jordin Sparks provided background vocals for the track. It was inspired by a picture of the apocalypse, in which the world was in ruins and, among collapsed buildings, one skyscraper was standing.

<i>Unbroken</i> (Demi Lovato album) 2011 studio album by Demi Lovato

Unbroken is the third studio album by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on September 20, 2011, by Hollywood Records. Primarily a pop record, Lovato described the album as "more mature" and with more R&B elements than her previous material, citing Rihanna as the major influence. While some of the album's lyrical content was heavily influenced by Lovato's personal struggles, it also deals with lighter subjects, such as love and self empowerment. Contributions to the album's production came from a wide range of producers, including Toby Gad, Ryan Tedder, Timbaland, Jim Beanz and Rock Mafia.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pentatonix</span> American a cappella group

Pentatonix are an American a cappella group from Arlington, Texas, consisting of vocalists Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Matt Sallee, and Kevin Olusola. Characterized by their pop-style arrangements with vocal harmonies, scat singing, riffing, vocal percussion, and beatboxing, they produce cover versions of modern pop works or Christmas songs, sometimes in the form of medleys, along with original material. Pentatonix was formed in 2011 and subsequently won the third season of NBC's The Sing-Off, receiving $200,000 and a recording contract with Sony Music. When Sony's Epic Records dropped the group after The Sing-Off, the group launched its YouTube channel, distributing its music through Madison Gate Records, a label owned by Sony Pictures.

<i>Demi</i> (album) 2013 studio album by Demi Lovato

Demi is the fourth studio album by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on May 10, 2013, by Hollywood Records. Looking to transition from her self-described "generic" third album Unbroken (2011), Lovato wanted her fourth album to "have songs that excited her". Demi is primarily a pop record with elements of synth-pop, and bubblegum pop.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Let It Go</span> Song from Disneys 2013 film Frozen

"Let It Go" is a song from Disney's 2013 computer-animated feature film Frozen, whose music and lyrics were composed by husband-and-wife songwriting team Robert Lopez and Kristen Anderson-Lopez. The song was performed in its original show-tune version in the film by American actress and singer Idina Menzel in her vocal role as Queen Elsa. It was later released as a single, being promoted to adult contemporary radio by Walt Disney Records in January 2014. Anderson-Lopez and Lopez also composed a simplified pop version which was performed by actress and singer Demi Lovato over the start of the film's closing credits. Disney's music division planned to release Lovato's version of the song before Menzel's, as they did not consider Menzel's version a traditional pop song. A music video was released separately for Lovato's version.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Confident (Demi Lovato song)</span> 2015 single by Demi Lovato

"Confident" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on September 18, 2015, by Hollywood and Island Records as the second single from her fifth studio album of the same name (2015). Lovato co-wrote the song with Savan Kotecha and its producers Max Martin and Ilya Salmanzadeh. Commercially, it reached number one in Israel and the top 30 in Canada, the Czech Republic, New Zealand, Scotland, and the United States. The song has been certified quadruple platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<i>Confident</i> (album) 2015 studio album by Demi Lovato

Confident is the fifth studio album by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on October 16, 2015, by Hollywood, Island and Safehouse Records. While Lovato co-wrote most of the songs on the album, she worked with writers and producers such as Max Martin, Ryan Tedder, Steve Mac, Rami and Stargate, among others. Musically, Confident is primarily a pop, dance, electropop, and power pop record with influences of R&B, soul, EDM and urban. The album features guest appearances from Australian rapper Iggy Azalea and American rapper Sirah.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stone Cold (Demi Lovato song)</span> 2016 single by Demi Lovato

"Stone Cold" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato from her fifth studio album Confident (2015). The song was co-written by Lovato with Laleh Pourkarim, who also served as the song's producer, and Gustaf Thörn. It was released to digital retailers on October 9, 2015, through Hollywood Records and Island Records as the first and only promotional single off the album, one week prior to the album's release. The song was initially premiered on radio via 97.1 FM on February 6, 2016. It was sent to contemporary hit radio on March 21, 2016, as the third and final single from the album. On April 8, the song was sent to hot adult contemporary radio.

"Fix a Heart" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato, from her third studio album, Unbroken (2011). Priscilla Renea co-wrote the track with producer Emanuel Kiriakou. It is a pop piano ballad that Lovato and some critics described as a break-up song, while other authors noted references in the lyrics about the singer's issues with self-harm.

<i>Tell Me You Love Me</i> (album) 2017 studio album by Demi Lovato

Tell Me You Love Me is the sixth studio album by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on September 29, 2017, by Island, Hollywood, and Safehouse Records. The album serves as her final project to be released through Hollywood Records, with whom she released six studio albums. Primarily a pop record, the album also incorporates elements of R&B. Lovato described the album as having a more "soulful" side than her previous work, and named Christina Aguilera, Aretha Franklin, and Kehlani as its major influences. Contributions to the album's production came from several producers, including Mitch Allan, David Massey, Oak Felder, Stint, and John Hill.

<i>Snacks (Supersize)</i> 2019 studio album by Jax Jones

Snacks (Supersize) is the debut album by British DJ and record producer Jax Jones, released on 6 September 2019 through Polydor Records. The album expands on his previous release, his 2018 EP Snacks as part of an experimental release strategy that involved new singles being added to the EP as they were released before the addition of six new songs for the release of the full album. In the weeks preceding the release, a brand new collaboration with Tove Lo titled "Jacques" was released as the lead single whilst the Ella Henderson collaboration "This Is Real" was promoted during the week of release. It was released as the album's second single on 21 October 2019.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">I Love Me (song)</span> 2020 single by Demi Lovato

"I Love Me" is a song by American singer Demi Lovato. It was released on March 6, 2020. The track was written by Lovato alongside Anne-Marie, Jennifer Decilveo, Sean Douglas, Alex Niceforo, Keith Sorrells and Warren "Oak" Felder, with production being handled by the latter three. It is an midtempo pop and R&B song, with lyrics about struggles with self-image. The song was originally intended to be the lead single off of Lovato's seventh studio album Dancing with the Devil... the Art of Starting Over, but was ultimately scrapped from the final tracklist. The song was later included on the digital expanded edition of the album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Demi Lovato videography</span>

American singer and actor Demi Lovato has released two video albums and appeared in various music videos, films, and television shows. From her debut album Don't Forget (2008), she released music videos for its eponymous single as well as "Get Back" and "La La Land". Lovato released her second album Here We Go Again in 2009, producing music videos for the eponymous single and "Remember December". Her third studio album Unbroken (2011) spawned music videos for "Skyscraper", which won Best Video with a Message at the 2012 MTV Video Music Awards, and "Give Your Heart a Break". She then released her fourth studio album Demi (2013), which was accompanied by music videos for "Heart Attack", which was nominated for Best Female Video at the 2013 MTV Video Music Awards, "Made in the USA", "Neon Lights", and "Really Don't Care".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OK Not to Be OK</span> 2020 single by Marshmello and Demi Lovato

"OK Not to Be OK" is an EDM and dance pop song by American music producer Marshmello and singer Demi Lovato. It was released on September 10, 2020, via Island Records and Joytime Collective, in partnership with the Hope For The Day suicide prevention movement. The song was later included on the expanded edition of Lovato's seventh studio album Dancing with the Devil... the Art of Starting Over.

References

  1. "AGT's most wanted returning contestants: #20: Ahmir". Examiner.com.{{cite web}}: Missing or empty |url= (help)
  2. 1 2 "Robbins Entertainment's Ahmir Perform Tonight On Late Night With Jimmy Fallon". All Access Music Group. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  3. Golding, Shenequa A. (2012-12-20). "R&B Group AHMIR Sings "Silent Night" Like Never Before". The Urban Daily . Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  4. Platon, Adelle. "Ahmir Gives Back Through Song". The Torch . Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  5. "Share16 Tweet20 Ahmir - Jealous (Nick Jonas Cover)". Singersroom. 2015-01-19. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  6. "Ahmir: Climbing to new heights". The Star Scoop. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  7. 1 2 Carter, Lauren. "The perfect 'Gift': Ahmir welcomes fans to its party at Harpers Ferry". Boston Herald . Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  8. AHMIR (2010-12-31), The Story of AHMIR - Part 1 of 2. , retrieved 2018-05-18
  9. Jibrail, Merna. "12 YouTube Musicians Who Deserve Your Love". ANDPOP . Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  10. "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard.com. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  11. "R&B Group Ahmir Signs to Robbins Entertainment". Billboard.com. 2010-10-07. Retrieved 21 October 2015.
  12. "Demi Lovato canta "Stone Cold" com grupo vencedor de concurso de covers". POPLine (in Brazilian Portuguese). Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  13. "Demi Lovato, Katy Perry & Jason Derulo help discover the "Best.Cover.Ever" today on YouTube". WJBD Radio. 20 November 2017. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  14. "Youtube Original Series BEST.COVER.EVER. Premieres Today to a Global Audience". BWW News. Retrieved 21 November 2017.
  15. Ahmir official YouTube Video: "Is Ahmir Breaking Up??! Not Quite, But..."https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xc_WGaG_m10
  16. AHMIR (2018-04-06), "Don't Ever" - Original Song by SING , retrieved 2018-05-17
  17. Blistein, Jon (2021-06-21). "Method Man Links Up With Rap Duo Jones Ink for New Song 'Day Ones'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 2022-08-21.