| Atlanta
songwriter/producer/lyricist/singer JAHAH is the definition of authentic
soul music that reflects the magnetic era of the 70's and the preeminence
of contemporary hip-hop. His music pulsates with hard hitting drumbeats
and intoxicating melodies, which function as the backbone for his
lyrical adroitness. "I grew up listening to funk, R&B,
and a taste of jazz," explains JAHAH. "By the age of twelve
I was into many different genres of music?especially hip-hop."
Seattle,
Washington and Baumholder, Germany were JAHAH's place of residence
before he migrated to Atlanta, Georgia in 1993. "I originally
moved to the dirty south to attend The Art Institute of Atlanta
and pursue a career in music engineering but that didn't work out.
I ended up taking classes at Clark Atlanta University and graduating
from Morris Brown College in 1999." During his four and a half-year
matriculation at the AUC (Atlanta University Center), JAHAH interned
for the once glorified LaFace records. "LaFace was definitely
an inspiration for me because I was able to see the music business
from the inside out and take notes." While amongst the LaFace
milieu, JAHAH befriended another young and aspiring artist named
Alicia Moore (now known to the world as the multi-platinum artist
Pink). "I haven't seen Pink in many years but I know what she
had to go through to get where she is now. She's proof that dreams
can come true." After recording a couple songs featuring Pink,
JAHAH decided it was time for him to make his presence felt in the
music industry. "I started performing and doing gigs where
ever I could be heard. I rhymed on three of Speech's (Arrested Development)
EMI-Japan releases and finally saved up enough money to make my
own album."
From
the roots of hip-hop and jazz, to the wonder years of rhythm and
blues, JAHAH (a.k.a. Mama's Only Son) is a unique talent of honest
soul and organic hip-hop. His influences range from musical icons
such as Bob Marley, The Crusaders, Michael Jackson, Prince, Barry
White, Al Green, Run-DMC, and Big Daddy Kane to contemporary artist
like De Angelo, Musiq Soulchild, Common, The Roots and Little Brother.
JAHAH's music is a gumbo with incredible flavor and amazing musicianship.
His songs paint vivid pictures of feelings and emotions most of
us have all encountered but rarely submit to. He sings with the
raw emotion of the O'Jay's and the joy and emotion of Mary J. Blige.
When JAHAH showcases his emceeing abilities, he reminds you of the
young and hungry Lyricist Lounge artist Mos Def. The combinations
of his many talents go unmatched in today's market of shallow artist
who consistently bore us with their mundane stories of pimped out
vehicles, iced-out watches and promiscuous vixens.
The first single
off of Mama's only Son, "OOOH", is a mid-tempo jewel and
prime example of what good R&B is supposed to sound like. "My
cousin J-Hen (219 Productions) crafted the music to this song with
me in mind. As soon as I heard the music I knew I could bless the
track vocally. I wrote and recorded the song the very next day."
Another stellar moment on Mama's Only Son is the song "Official"
which reminds you of the Chi-Lites with a modern day twist! "I
wanted to do something I'd never done before. I thought a song sung
in falsetto would be perfect. I actually wrote and co-produced this
song in California with my cousin J-Hen. At the time, everyone one
the west coast was using the word official. Like, that chic is official.
That's how we came up with the idea." JAHAH's emceeing abilities
shine through lyrically on songs like "Afrodeziac" and
"No Time to Front" which bounces along like a 6.4 with
hydraulics. More introspective songs on Mama's Only Son are "It's
For You" and "All I need." Here JAHAH bares his soul
and speaks to the most important women in his life. "I try
to write songs that say something. My mother and my girl were with
me through out the entire making of this album and I wanted to let
them know how I feel. What you hear is what was on my heart at the
time."
Combined with
multiple talent and creative vision beyond his years, JAHAH delivers
powerful and meaningful music that'll please listeners of all ages.
His production skills reflect the early years of Gamble and Huff
and the infectious hip-hop beats of Dr. Dre'. Armed and equipped
with infinite rounds of soul ammunition? Mama's Only Son is arguably
one of the most amazing producer/artists of our time. JAHAH is our
modern day Marvin Gaye.
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