Mayaeni

Last updated

Mayaeni
Birth nameMayaeni Strauss
BornDetroit, Michigan
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer-songwriter
  • Actress
  • Model
Instrument(s)Vocals, guitar
Labels
Website Official Mayaeni website

Mayaeni (pronounced Mah-yay-knee) is a singer-songwriter from Detroit, Michigan.

Contents

Early life

Mayaeni was born in Detroit, the daughter of a Sierra Leone mother and a Jewish father. [1] [2] Her father was a guitar player himself, who has worked with Carl Carlton and Jimmy Ruffin among others. [3] Mayaeni has a brother, musician D. Alie of the hip-hop band United States of Mind. [4] Through her father Mayaeni came in contact with a wide variety of music ranging from reggae to Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix. [5] She started recording her songs by the age of twelve and after finishing high school she moved to the United Kingdom and lived in a youth hostel while studying dance and working under the table at clothes markets in Camden. [5]

Career

Following her stint in London, she moved to New York where she started performing in open mics, [5] recorded demos for other artists, and recorded a self-titled album with producer Shaun Fisher. [6] While touring in Japan for her album she also gained herself an endorsement contract for Glad News Clothing, a local designer brand. [5] In early 2008 she co-wrote 5 songs with Toby Gad, while later in the year she signed a development deal with Custard Records. [7] She was featured in the Target/Converse "One Star" Ad-Campaign of 2010. [5] In early 2011 she co-produced her EP "Cold Love" with guitarist Steve Caldwell [8] while in September her song "Broken Glass" was prominently featured in the CBS smash hit Hawaii Five-0, (Season 2, Episode 2). [9]

In late 2011 she signed a contract with Sony/ATV Music Publishing. Her song "Nothing Inside" with DJ Sander Van Doorn (co-written with Justin Parker of Lana Del Rey's "Video Games" fame) hit No. 1 on Cool Cuts, the DMC Buzz Chart, and the Beatport Overall Chart in June 2012. [6] Performed for the first time at Ultra in Miami in March in front of over 20,000 people, [3] "Nothing Inside" became a breakout 2012 summer hit in numerous countries, including the Netherlands Top 40. [10] BBC Radio 2 added "Nothing Inside" to its playlist in June. In late 2012 Mayaeni signed a contract with Jay Z's label Roc Nation. [11]

She made "Black Jeans", a Pepsi/Complex Media release, in late 2014. [12] The song was selected as part of Pepsi's Pulse Artist Spotlight Program. [13]

In early 2016 Mayaeni released her "Basement Kid" mixtape Vol 1, covering songs of J. Cole and Jay Electronica. [14] She described the project as an effort to honour her past, when she recorded her own songs over other artists' instrumental tracks. [15]

Discography

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teairra Marí</span> American singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress from Michigan

Teairra Marí Thomas is an American singer-songwriter, dancer, and actress from Detroit, Michigan. At the age of 16, she signed with Def Jam Recordings and Jay-Z's Roc-A-Fella Records to release her debut studio album, Roc-A-Fella Records Presents Teairra Marí (2005). It peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 and was supported by the Billboard Hot 100-top 40 single, "Make Her Feel Good".

House of Krazees is an American hip hop group. Formed in 1992 in Detroit, Michigan, they are most associated with the horrorcore subgenre. The group consists of rappers The R.O.C., Mr. Bones and Hektic, the latter of which also perform as a duo under the name Twiztid. After a lineup change and a 14 year break-up, the original lineup reformed in 2013 and is currently signed with Majik Ninja Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vickie Winans</span> American gospel singer

Vickie Winans is an American gospel singer.

Nicholas Marcell Speed is an American rapper, record producer, and disc jockey from Detroit, Michigan, United States. He has produced tracks for 50 Cent, Mopreme Shakur, Lloyd Banks, M.O.P., Talib Kweli, Phat Kat, Musiq Soulchild, Bishop Lamont, Danny Brown and many more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Belly (rapper)</span> Palestinian-Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer

Ahmad Balshe, known professionally as Belly, is a Palestinian-Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in Jenin, Balshe was raised in Ottawa. His debut mixtape, Death Before Dishonor: Vol. 1 (2005) was followed by eight additional projects until the release of his debut studio album, The Revolution (2007). After an eight-year hiatus in favor of songwriting for fellow Canadian singer the Weeknd, Balshe signed with his record label, XO, as a recording artist in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Wale (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1984)

Olubowale Victor Akintimehin, better known by his stage name Wale, is an American rapper. He first became known for his 2006 song "Dig Dug ", which became popular in his hometown of Washington, D.C. and led Wale to gain further local recognition as he amassed a number of follow-up releases. He signed a recording contract with English DJ-producer Mark Ronson's Allido Records in 2007, which, after a three-label bidding war, entered a joint venture with Interscope Records for US$1.3 million the following year. During this time, Wale's mixtapes and singles saw national attention as he appeared on MTV and various Black America-focused magazines.

<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".

Roc Nation is an American entertainment company founded by Jay-Z in 2008. Headquartered in New York City, the company is a successor to his previous Roc-A-Fella Records label, with additional offices in Los Angeles and London. It serves as a record label, talent agency, media production firm and clothing line along with educational and philanthropic programs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bridget Kelly</span> American singer

Bridget Kelly is an American singer and songwriter from New York City. Kelly, an R&B recording artist, has written songs for Kelly Clarkson. In 2008, she secured a recording contract with American rapper and hip-hop mogul Jay-Z's record label Roc Nation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Tinashe</span> American singer (born 1993)

Tinashe Jorgensen Kachingwe, known mononymously as Tinashe, is an American singer, dancer, and actress. Born in Lexington, Kentucky, Tinashe moved to Pasadena, California as a child, where she pursued work in entertainment. Her notable roles include a motion-capture performance in the animated film The Polar Express (2004), Robin Wheeler in the Cartoon Network television series Out of Jimmy's Head (2007–2008), and a recurring role in the CBS series Two and a Half Men (2008–2009). From 2007 to 2011, she was a member of the girl group the Stunners. After they disbanded, Tinashe released her first musical project, the alternative R&B-styled mixtape In Case We Die (2012) to positive critical reception, and signed with RCA Records shortly after. Her second and third mixtapes, Reverie (2012) and Black Water (2013), received further praise.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rita Ora</span> British singer-songwriter (born 1990)

Rita Sahatçiu Ora is a British singer, songwriter, television personality, and actress. Born in Pristina, modern-day Kosovo, she rose to prominence when she featured on DJ Fresh's 2012 single, "Hot Right Now", which peaked atop the UK singles chart. In 2008, she signed with American rapper Jay-Z's label Roc Nation and released her debut studio album, Ora (2012), which debuted atop the UK Albums Chart and spawned the number-one singles "R.I.P." and "How We Do (Party)". The trio of hits made her the artist with the most number-ones on the chart that year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sabi (singer)</span> American singer

Jenice Dena Portlock, also known as Sabi, is an American pop singer, songwriter, dancer and actress from Los Angeles, California. She is best known for her guest appearance on Cobra Starship's 2011 single, "You Make Me Feel...", which peaked at number six on the Billboard Hot 100. Prior, she was part of the hip hop girl group the Bangz.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Rapsody</span> American rapper from North Carolina

Marlanna Evans, better known by her stage name Rapsody, is an American rapper. After signing with music producer 9th Wonder's music label It's a Wonderful World Music Group, she released a series of mixtapes and collaborated with Erykah Badu and Talib Kweli. Soon afterwards Rapsody released her debut album The Idea of Beautiful (2012). She would attain further prominence when she was featured on Kendrick Lamar's 2015 album To Pimp a Butterfly, on the track "Complexion ".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jahlil Beats</span> American record producer

Orlando Jahlil Tucker, better known by his stage name Jahlil Beats, is an American hip hop record producer. He has produced for artists such as Puff Daddy, Lil Wayne, Fabolous, Meek Mill, Chris Brown, Tyga, Rick Ross, Ace Hood, Bobby Shmurda, T.I., Jay Park and 50 Cent among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vic Mensa</span> American rapper (born 1993)

Victor Kwesi Mensah, known professionally as Vic Mensa, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Chicago, he was a member of the regional hip hop groups Kids These Days and Savemoney prior to releasing his debut solo mixtape, Innanetape (2013). As a solo artist, Mensa has been signed to Virgin EMI Records, Def Jam Recordings, Capitol Records, and Roc Nation.

<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.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Cuppy</span> Nigerian disc jockey and record producer (born 1992)

Florence Ifeoluwa Otedola, professionally known as DJ Cuppy or simply Cuppy, is a Nigerian disc jockey, musician and producer. She is the daughter of Nigerian businessman Femi Otedola. She grew up in Lagos and moved to London at the age of 13.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Omar Grant</span> American music executive

Omar Grant is an American Music executive. He serves as the Co-President of Roc Nation Records. Grant has worked as an A&R for EMI Group Limited, Epic Records and Roc Nation. In A&R, Grant worked with artists including Kelly Rowland, Rihanna, DJ Mustard, Kylie Minogue and others, many of whom, with Grant's efforts, have sold recorded music in vinyl, CD and digital form in excess of 100 million copies/digital sales.

Njomza Vitia, known professionally as Njomza, is an American singer and songwriter. She is currently signed with Capitol, Motown, and SinceThe80s. Since 2013, she has released one mixtape and three EPs.

India Ambré Perkins, known mononymously as Ambré, is an American singer and songwriter. She is currently signed to Roc Nation. She has released three full-length projects with Wanderlust (2015), 2090's (2016), and 3000° (2022). Her debut major label EP, Pulp, was released in November 2019, by Roc Nation. She first gained recognition after collaborating with Kehlani on a cover of Drake's "Preach" in 2015. She also co-wrote two tracks which featured on H.E.R.'s 2017 self-titled album, which was nominated for multiple Grammy Awards.

References

  1. ↑ "The Official Mayaeni Site". Mayaeni.com. Retrieved March 20, 2016.[ permanent dead link ]
  2. ↑ Kingo, Lola. "Unplugged Soul (Part 1)". MIMI Magazine. Retrieved March 19, 2016.
  3. 1 2 "Mayaeni". Roc Nation . Retrieved March 19, 2016.
  4. ↑ Kurlyandchik, Mark (September 26, 2011). "Local Songwriter Mayaeni's High Hopes" . Retrieved March 19, 2016.
  5. 1 2 3 4 5 Callwood, Brett (September 29, 2010). "Hippie chic". Metro Times . Retrieved March 19, 2016.
  6. 1 2 "Mayaeni". Detroit Music TV. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  7. ↑ "Emily Scott + Good Weather Girl + Robert CArey + Mayaeni". remotegoat.com. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  8. ↑ "Mayaeni: Cold Love". Sonic Hits. Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Hawaii Five-0: Staffel 2 – Die Tracklist" (in German). musikradar.de. May 29, 2012. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  10. ↑ "Nothing Inside". acharts.co. Retrieved March 21, 2016.
  11. ↑ Morris, Jessie (August 19, 2015). "Premiere: Watch Roc Nation's Mayaeni Cover A$AP Rocky's "L$D"". complex.com. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  12. ↑ White, Caitlin (November 8, 2014). "Watch Roc Nation's Mayaeni Channel Detroit Soul In Her 'Black Jeans' Video". MTV. Archived from the original on November 20, 2014. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  13. ↑ Hampp, Andrew (November 4, 2014). "Pepsi Debuts New Music Videos From Sebastian Mikael, Mayaeni For Artist Spotlight Program". Billboard . Retrieved March 30, 2016.
  14. ↑ Cuevas, Jasmina (February 7, 2016). "Mayaeni Makes Roc Nation Proud With New Mixtape 'Basement Kid'". Music Times. Retrieved March 20, 2016.
  15. ↑ McKinney, Jessica (February 26, 2016). "Roc Nation's Mayaeni Premieres Soulful Mixtape 'Basement Kid'". Vibe . Retrieved March 20, 2016.
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.