In 1998, Miami rapper Trick Daddy released a million-selling bouncy single, “Nann Nigga,” featuring a sexy voice. Her vocals usher in an assertive, semi-brash and aggressive female MC as his counterpart. Her laid back, sassy bars are a regenesis of Millie Jackson-esque laments about lavish things: expensive furs, designer clothes, gaudy jewelry, foreign cars, being the dominant half in a relationship, a fierce sexual bravado and of course – money. The single peaks at #3 on the Billboard Rap Singles Charts. Now 12 years later, the world has come to know; respect and love Katrina Laverne Taylor (aka Trina).

Clockwise starting @ top left (Wingo Dollar, Quick, Case Dinero, and Brasco)

Many R&B and soul groups endure the rise and downfall associated with fame and success: strings of hit singles, hit albums with the plaques to show for it, sold-out shows, heavily rotated music videos, screaming fans, high-profile break-ups, financial troubles, drug addiction and solo careers.

Grinding His Way to The Top 

Maff’s name pretty much speaks for itself – “They call me MAFF cause I clock that, TEST is what life is and you can tell I pass that every time the light hit and my shit’s gotta add up”.

A self described “individual with the soul of an old man”,    Rapper/Songwriter/Businessman Maff Test came from the poverty stricken streets of Harvey, Illinois  and took his life by the horns, morally and financially to create a better situation to negotiate his talent by creating Lockout Records to move his music.

Whitney Houston
Arista Records/Legacy Recordings
Release date January 26, 2010

“This album is very unique – it heralded a talent that would be with us all over the world for many years to come. The challenge was finding the right material; the right arrangements; production; the hits for [Whitney]. That began the adventure; that began the odyssey. It didn’t have just one classic; it had many.”

It's no surprise Beyonce was going to grab a few nominations but the Diva surprisingly received ten nods while 19 year old Taylor Swift received a total of eight. I don't believe anyone her age has ever received that many award nominations from the Grammys so clearly she will walk away with a few. Akon's artist Lady Gaga was also nominated for a total of five with “Best Album” nomination for her debut CD “The Fame”.