Jaheim

Jaheim Hoagland, the new hip-hop balladeer on the block, hails from New Brunswick, NJ,
where he grew up in the 176 Memorial Parkway Homes public housing project. Misfortune
hit early, his father died in 1981 when he was only two years old. Coming from a musical family
helped him overcome the tragedy and the many pitfalls of his environment. His grandfather,
Victor Hoagland, sung with many top groups, including the Drifters, and their family reunions
were big songfests. Hoagland has two brothers: Tequan, and Tyrone -- who's a minister.
Singing at family reunions and local talent shows preceded a successful tryout at the Apollo
Theaters notoriously tough talent show. A piece a cake. The smooth crooner who sounds like
a hybrid of Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross won the contest three times when he was 15.
Two years later, he experienced more tragedy when his Mom died. But Hoagland kept the faith
and became a sensation in New Jersey at talent shows. He made a tape which led to a deal with
Divine Mill Records (a division of Warner Brothers) four years later. Hoagland has received good
reactions from two singles: "Could It Be" and "Lil Nigga Ain't Mine," on BET and other video
shows. Appearing with Hoagland on the album is an all-star crew of RL from Next, Blackstreet,
and Darren & Cliff Lightly. The multi-talented singer also raps, models, and acts and has appeared
in Source and other hip hop publications. Prior to getting his own deal, he worked with Mag
supplying backing vocals on the rappers' Hustlaz Heaven CD.