Blaque means Believing in Life and Achieving a Quest for Unity in Everything. And Blaque is Shamari Fears, Brandi Williams and Natina Reed. Blaque explores uncharted grooves with their self-titled debut album for Columbia Records. The innovative collection blends soulful R&B with a funky alternative vibe.Fashion Forward and musically advanced. That's the
philosophy behind Blaque. "We go where other groups are afraid to go. We're straight out of the year 2080," says Natina."We're a positive group. We
believe in peace and love," says Shamari.Blaque came to Columbia via one of contemporary music's pioneers, Lisa "Left Eye" Lopez of the group TLC. Blaque was conceived by Lopez and is signed to Left Eye Productions. The first single "808" a funk-driven tune written by Blaque, imparts a slow infectious beat with just the right mix of rhythm and rhyme."We're down to
earth but edgy. We're funky cool," adds Natina.Destiny brought the three members of Blaque together.Although Shamari and Brandi lived in the same Detroit neighborhood, their paths never crossed. Shamari became friends with Brandi when she hooked up with another group called Intrigue in Atlanta.Natina, originally from New York City, and Shamari attended the same school, meeting when both joined an urban country group called Butz.But it wasn't until an audition at Left Eye Productions that they all came
together.Each member of Blaque has a distinctive sound. Brandi's vocals are as sweet and pure as a flower. Shamari delivers powerful soul stylings while
Natina handles all of the rap installments.Brandi, 16, grew up surrounded by music. Her grandfather, Bobby Rogers, was a member of the legendary Motown group Smokey Robinson and The Miracles. Her father was a professional singer and her aunt is R&B songstress Cherelle. "I've always loved music. I never said I wanted to be anything else. I never said I want to be a doctor, a lawyer. I was always wanted to be a singer."Shamari, 18, has been dreaming of a music career since eighth grade, when she made up a story about a recording career. "I told everyone I had a deal and was looking for people to join my band," Dreams turned into reality for Shamari, who listens to
R&B, alternative rock, rap and gospel.Natina, 18, on the other hand, had numerous career goals as a child. "I wanted to be Miss America, a veterinarian, a movie star," Natina's father was a preacher and she often
played drums in church. As a youngster, she had a modelling career. When she got older, Natina began writing rhymes and making up jingles. "I had been
friends with Lisa [Lopez] but we never really talked about music until one day when she heard my jingle for Now & Later [candies]," Natina took Lopez's advice and pursued music.*
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