Mahogany Jones

Last updated

Mahogany Jones
Mahogany Jones Promo Picture.jpg
Portrait of Mahogany Jones
Background information
Birth nameCharyse Lois Marshall (Bailey)
Born Mt. Vernon, New York, United States
Origin Detroit, Michigan, United States
Genres Hip hop, conscious hip hop, soul, gospel, inspirational music
Occupation(s)Musician, rapper, poet, songwriter, cultural ambassador, arts educator
Years active2001–present
Website mahoganyjones.com

Charyse Lois Marshall (born August 8, 1978), better known by the stage name Mahogany Jones, is an American inspirational female rapper, [1] singer, songwriter, community activist, [2] [3] and arts educator with InsideOut Literary Arts. [4] [5] Born in Mt. Vernon, New York, United States, she later moved to California as a child, then back to New York City before deciding to permanently reside in Detroit, Michigan in 2004. She is most noted for her appearance on BET's 106 & Park Freestyle Fridays as the first four-time undefeated champion in 2001. [6] She is also known around the world as a Hip-hop Ambassador having served as a cultural ambassador [7] with American Music Abroad [8] and other programs under the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs in 2012 [9] [10] [11] and 2013. [12] [13]

Contents

Freestyle Friday

The test of her skills as an emcee and her rise to notoriety came when Toni Blackman suggested that Mahogany Jones compete in a rap battle on the cable network BET's program 106 & Park in a new segment known as Freestyle Friday. Prior to Jones, there had been no female rappers that managed to compete without losing. Feeling the pressure, Mahogany made a bargain with God before appearing on the show to use her new emcee skills to glorify him if he allowed her to win. To everyone's amazement, but her own, she won her battle, not once, but four times in a row. However, to uphold her promise to God, Jones stepped away from the competition leaving the show as the only four time undefeated champion and first undefeated female champion. [14]

Music ambassador

January 2012, at the behest of her mentor, Toni Blackman, Mahogany Jones applied for American Music Abroad, a cultural diplomacy program built on the legacy of the Jazz Ambassadors program and facilitated by American Voices on behalf of the U.S. State Department. Jones assembled a four-person ensemble called Mahogany Jones- Live with Lauren "L Boog" Johnson on percussion, Rosalyn Welch as background vocalist, DJ Sean Blu, who is a Pepsi DJ, and herself as the headliner and main vocalist. The group was one of 12 ensembles selected out of nearly 300 applicants [15] [16] to travel abroad and represent the nation. Mahogany Jones-Live performed in Washington, D.C. as part of their tour before flying to Africa to perform in Botswana, Uganda, Rwanda, Zambia, and Ethiopia. While there, Jones taught workshops [17] with local artists, headlined the Amaka Arts Festival [18] in Zambia, appeared on radio shows, performed for students as Livingstone-Kolobeng College and National University of Rwanda, [19] [20] as well as for dignitaries and Vice President of Zambia and his family.

In 2013, American Voices asked Jones to serve as a performer - instructor with their Y.E.S. Academy in Iraq, Jones taught hip-hop theater and emceeing classes alongside Broadway performer, Michael Parks and break dancer, Cricket. [21] [22] The academy was located in the Kurdistan region of Iraq, however Mahogany also performed at the U.S. Embassy in Baghdad, Iraq during the trip. [23]

Discography

Albums

Compilations

Related Research Articles

Hip hop music has been popular in Africa since the early 1980s due to widespread African American influence. In 1985, hip hop reached Senegal, a French-speaking country in West Africa. Some of the first Senegalese rappers were Munyaradzi Nhidza Lida, M.C. Solaar, and Positive Black Soul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil' Kim</span> American rapper (born 1974)

Kimberly Denise Jones, better known by her stage name Lil' Kim, is an American rapper. She was born and raised in New York City and lived much of her adolescent life on the streets after being expelled from home. In her teens, she would freestyle rap, influenced by fellow female hip-hop artists like MC Lyte and the Lady of Rage. In 1994, she was discovered by fellow rapper The Notorious B.I.G., who invited her to join his group Junior M.A.F.I.A.; their debut album, Conspiracy, generated two top 20 singles in the United States and was certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Yo-Yo (rapper)</span> American rapper and actress

Yolanda "Yo-Yo" Whitaker is an American rapper and actress.

The music of Michigan is composed of many different genres. The city of Detroit has been one of the most musically influential and innovative cities for the past 50 years, whether in Michigan or anywhere else in the United States. Impressively, for 48 straight years (1959–2007) a greater Michigan-area artist has produced a chart-topping recording. Michigan is perhaps best known for three developments: early punk rock, Motown, and techno.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of South Korea</span>

The music of South Korea has evolved over the course of the decades since the end of the Korean War, and has its roots in the music of the Korean people, who have inhabited the Korean peninsula for over a millennium. Contemporary South Korean music can be divided into three different main categories: Traditional Korean folk music, popular music, or K-pop, and Western-influenced non-popular music.

Urban contemporary music, also known as urban music, hip hop, urban pop, or just simply urban, is a music radio format. The term was coined by New York radio DJ Frankie Crocker in the early to mid-1970s as a synonym for Black music. Urban contemporary radio stations feature a playlist made up entirely of Black genres such as R&B, pop-rap, quiet storm, urban adult contemporary, hip hop, Latin music such as Latin pop, Chicano R&B and Chicano rap, and Caribbean music such as reggae and soca. Urban contemporary was developed through the characteristics of genres such as R&B and soul.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tamia</span> Canadian singer and songwriter (born 1975)

Tamia Marilyn Washington Hill is a Canadian singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Tamia performed in various singing and dancing competitions as a child. In 1994, after signing a development deal with Warner Bros. Records, she was asked by veteran producer Quincy Jones to appear on his album Q's Jook Joint (1995), earning her Grammy Award nominations for their collaboration on "You Put a Move on My Heart" and "Slow Jams". Her self-titled debut album was released in 1998 and followed by a series of successful albums with Elektra Records, including A Nu Day (2000) and More (2004). Several songs from these albums became hit singles on the pop and R&B record charts, including "So Into You", "Stranger in My House", and "Imagination", as well as her collaborations "Into You", "Missing You", and "Spend My Life with You".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Proof (rapper)</span> American rapper (1973–2006)

DeShaun Dupree Holton, known professionally as Proof, was an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan. During his career, he was a member of the groups 5 Elementz, Funky Cowboys, Promatic, Goon Sqwad, and D12. He was a close childhood friend of rapper Eminem, who also lived in Detroit. Proof was often a hype man rapper at Eminem's concerts.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jim Jones (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1976)

Joseph Guillermo Jones II, better known by his stage name Jim Jones, is an American rapper and record executive. He is a founding member of the hip hop collective the Diplomats, which he formed in 1997 with fellow Harlem native Cam'ron.

The culture of Detroit, Michigan, has influenced American and global culture through its commercial enterprises and various forms of popular music throughout the 20th and 21st century. Its automotive heritage plays an important role in the city's culture.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Poseur</span> Someone who poses for effect

A poseur is someone who poses for effect, or behaves affectedly, who affects a particular attitude, character or manner to impress others, or who pretends to belong to a particular group. A poseur may be a person who pretends to be what they are not or an insincere person; they may have a flair for drama or behave as if they are onstage in daily life.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Shadia Mansour</span> British-Palestinian musical artist

Shadia Mansour, also known as "the first lady of Arabic hip hop" is a British-Palestinian rapper who performs in Arabic and English. Much of her music revolves around Middle Eastern politics.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Sean</span> American rapper (born 1988)

Sean Michael Leonard Anderson, known professionally as Big Sean, is an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan. He met Kanye West as a teenager, and signed with his record label GOOD Music, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings in 2007. He gained popularity following the release of his third mixtape, Finally Famous Vol. 3: Big (2010). His debut studio album, Finally Famous (2011) peaked at number three on the Billboard 200 and spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top 40 singles "My Last", "Marvin & Chardonnay", and "Dance (Ass)". His second album, Hall of Fame (2013) saw a matched chart position and was supported by the top 40 single "Beware".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hip-hop theater</span> Theatrical genre

Hip-hop theater is a form of theater that presents contemporary stories through the use of one or more of the four elements of hip-hop culture—b-boying, graffiti writing, MCing (rapping), and DJing. Other cultural markers of hip-hop such as spoken word, beatboxing, and hip-hop dance can be included as well although they are not always present. What is most important is the language of the theatrical piece and the plot's relevance to the world. Danny Hoch, the founder of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival, further defines it as such: "Hip-hop theatre must fit into the realm of theatrical performance, and it must be by, about and for the hip-hop generation, participants in hip-hop culture, or both."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">J Dilla</span> American record producer and rapper (1974–2006)

James Dewitt Yancey, better known by the stage names J Dilla and Jay Dee, was an American record producer, composer and rapper. He emerged during the mid-1990s underground hip hop scene in Detroit, Michigan, as a member of the group Slum Village. He was also a member of the Soulquarians, a musical collective active during the late 1990s and early 2000s. He additionally collaborated with Madlib as Jaylib, releasing the album Champion Sound. Yancey's final album was Donuts, which was released days before his death.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Music of Detroit</span> Music traditions in Detroit, Michigan, US

Detroit, Michigan, is a major center in the United States for the creation and performance of music, and is best known for three developments: Motown, early punk rock, and techno.

Bill Adler is an American music journalist and critic. Since the late 1960s, he has worked in the music business in a variety of capacities, including as a record store clerk, radio disc jockey, critic, publicist, biographer, record label executive, documentary filmmaker, museum consultant, art gallerist, curator, and archivist. He is known best for his tenure as director of publicity at Def Jam Recordings (1984–1990), the period of his career to which the critic Robert Christgau was referring when he described Adler as a "legendary publicist".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Boldy James</span> American rapper (born 1982)

James Clay Jones III, better known by his stage name Boldy James, is an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan, and member of the hip hop collective Griselda. Recognized for his deep voice and laid-back delivery of vivid stories, he often explores themes of drug trade and street life. After his debut album My 1st Chemistry Set (2013), James has since released 14 studio albums along with several mixtapes and EPs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dej Loaf</span> American rapper and singer (born 1991)

Deja Monét Trimble, known professionally as Dej Loaf, is an American rapper and singer from Detroit, Michigan. She is best known for her 2014 single "Try Me" and its 2015 follow-up, "Back Up". The latter received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) and served as lead single for her debut extended play ...And See That's the Thing (2015), which was released by Columbia Records. Both songs, along with her guest appearance on Kid Ink's 2015 single "Be Real", peaked within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut studio album, Sell Sole II (2020), was met with positive critical reception despite failing to chart.

Christopher Richard Jones better known by his stage name Jonezen, is an American rapper, songwriter, actor and guitarist. Born in Detroit, Michigan, he now resides in Los Angeles, CA.

References

  1. ↑ "Mahogany Jones | New Music And Songs". MTV. February 4, 2014. Archived from the original on February 22, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  2. ↑ "Mahogany Jones to release 'Pure Volume 1' – The Michigan Citizen". Michigancitizen.com. January 30, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  3. ↑ Jason 'Conquest' Roberts. "Mahogany Jones: A Lover & Fighter With 'PURE' Intentions". Jam the Hype. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  4. ↑ "Writers-in-Residence – InsideOut Literary Arts Project". Insideoutdetroit.org. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  5. ↑ "Who Understands Me But Me? A Youth Voices Conference. – InsideOut Literary Arts Project". Insideoutdetroit.org. December 28, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  6. ↑ "Globe-Trotting Performer Mahogany Jones Calls Detroit Home » WDET 101.9 FM". July 30, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  7. ↑ "American Music Abroad Cultivates Next Generation of Voices". Washdiplomat.com. December 27, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  8. ↑ "U.S. Department of State Announces American Music Abroad Tour to Africa". State.gov. September 10, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  9. ↑ "U.S. Department of State and American Voices Announce 2012- 2013 American Music Abroad Participants". State.gov. March 9, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  10. ↑ Montemurri, Patricia. "Music | Detroit Free Press". Freep.com. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  11. ↑ "Mahogany Jones Returns From African Music Tour". Dearbornfreepress.com. November 28, 2012. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  12. ↑ "Yes Academy Iraq 20–30 June". Erbil Lifestyle. June 30, 2013. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  13. ↑ "Events | Consulate General of the United States Sao Paulo, Brazil". Saopaulo.usconsulate.gov. January 3, 2014. Retrieved February 12, 2014.
  14. ↑ "Globe-Trotting Performer Mahogany Jones Calls Detroit Home » WDET 101.9 FM". July 30, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  15. ↑ "Eastpointe Hip-Hop Artist Headed to Africa As State Department Music Ambassador – Deadline Detroit". Deadlinedetroit.com. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  16. ↑ "Mahogany Jones on Fox 2 Detroit Morning News - Zambia Videos". Firstpost.com. p. 14. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  17. ↑ "US Hip-hop group on Rwanda tour". In2eastafrica.net. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  18. ↑ "All set for Amaka Arts Festival". Smsmedia.co.zm. October 8, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  19. ↑ "American Hip Hop musicians in Kigali | Embassy of the United States Kigali, Rwanda". Rwanda.usembassy.gov. February 25, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  20. ↑ "US Hip-hop group on Rwanda tour - The New Times Rwanda". Newtimes.co.rw. October 24, 2012. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  21. ↑ "Yes Academy Iraq 20–30 June". Erbil Lifestyle. June 30, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  22. ↑ "Press Releases | Embassy of the United States Baghdad, Iraq". Iraq.usembassy.gov. July 8, 2013. Retrieved February 13, 2014.
  23. ↑ "Globe-Trotting Performer Mahogany Jones Calls Detroit Home » WDET 101.9 FM". July 30, 2021. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Morphed - Mahogany Jones - Songs, Reviews, Credits - AllMusic". AllMusic . Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  25. ↑ "Mahogany Jones". Amvoices.org. April 18, 2012. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  26. ↑ "Morphed by Mahogany Jones - CD Reviews And Information - NewReleaseToday". Newreleasetoday.com. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  27. ↑ "Mahogany Jones of The Yuinon 'Pure Vol. 1' Full Interview - Wade-O Radio". Wadeoradio.com. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  28. ↑ "Listen Free to Mahogany Jones - Pure (feat. Chris Lawson & Kris Johnson) Radio". IheartRadio. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  29. ↑ Shabazz, Sherron (February 27, 2017). "Mahogany Jones: Sugar Water | The Real Hip-Hop".
  30. ↑ "Mahogany Jones Releases 'Sugar Water' [LISTEN]". August 22, 2016.
  31. ↑ Floating by Mahogany Jones, November 27, 2020, retrieved June 29, 2022
  32. ↑ Sande, Shirquille (December 2, 2020). "Mahogany Jones - The Floating EP - Holy Culture". holyculture.net. Retrieved June 29, 2022.
  33. ↑ "Bridge Wars". Queensbridgerecords.com. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
  34. ↑ "Bridge Wars". Amazon.com. December 1, 2011. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.