Jaz-O is an emcee and record producer active in the late 1980s through the 1990s, best known for being the mentor of Jay-Z. Jaz is also known as the Originator and had a song called "The Originators" that featured a young Jay-Z in 1990. As The Jaz, he had success with his 1989 single "Hawaiian Sophie" from his debut album Word to the Jaz. He has been featured on some of Jay-Z's songs, (such as "Bring it On" from Reasonable Doubt), "Ain't No Ni**a", and the single "Ni**a What, Ni**a Who (Originator 99)" from Vol. 2: Hard Knock Life, where he was credited as Big Jaz. He also produced the single "Ain't No Ni**a" from Reasonable Doubt and the song "Rap Game/Crack Game" from In My Lifetime, Vol. 1. The album "Kingz Kounty (2002) - with The Immobilarie Present" marked the last time Jay-Z and mentor Jaz-O would ever collaborate. Besides being an emcee, he has produced songs for several hip hop artists other than Jay-Z, such as Group Home, M.O.P, Ras Kass, Rakim, Kool G Rap and others. The long standing feud between him and Jay-Z started when Jay-Z started Roc-A-Fella Records and he tried to convince Jaz-O and fellow rapper Sauce Money to sign with the label. They both refused. It is rumored that they didn't trust Roc-A-Fella records CEOs Damon Dash and Kareem "Biggs" Burke. In addition, they weren't satisfied with what they were to be receiving had they signed the contract, 300,000 dollars in Jaz-O's case.
A woman is the full
circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture and transform.”
This mantra is one that author Skyy Banks embodies. She is a
native of Arkansas and a staunch advocate for HIV/AIDS awareness for women and
girls. Banks is driven to educate and empower others on positive life style
behaviors. She currently serves as the board chair for Aniz Inc. She enjoys
reading, writing, traveling, and spending quality time with family. Using her
writing as a platform, she encourages her readers to explore taboo subjects and
engage in dialogue to find solutions. On any given day, Skyy is sure to be
somewhere impacting lives through mentoring and other civic engagement. As a 2013 Rising in Community Excellence
Award (R.I.C.E) recipient, Skyy was recognized for her work of raising
awareness and empowering others in the metro Atlanta area about HIV (The Red
Pump Project). The Rising in Community Excellence Award is given to individuals
who exemplify professional excellence while edifying the community. RICE Award
nominees are innovative and charitable visionaries who recognize the importance
of their presence and contribution to the community.
Melanie Durrant is a seasoned veteran who embodies real
artistry through her very unique, edgy and soulful music style. Born and raised
in Toronto, Melanie attended the Earl Haig School of the Arts. She trained at
the Royal Conservatory of Music and worked on an eclectic array of projects
before she became an “alternative hip-hop soul” artist. Citing influences that
range from the soulful swoon of Minne Ripperton to the hard-knock of Aerosmith
to the “mercy me” melodies of Marvin Gaye, the radiant singer/songwriter has no
problems crashing through the wall of sound.
She has received multiple accolades though out her career
including a Much Music Video Award nod for her single “Where I’m Going” and
Stylus Awards winner for Single Of The Year for her song “Bang Bang” ft
Kardinal Offishall. In 2013, Melanie Durrant's reggae influenced lovers rock
single "Made For Love" was nominated for Reggae Single of the Year at
the Juno Awards. Recently in February 2014, she received the 2nd Juno nomination
of her career for R&B/Soul Recording of Year for her single
"Gone". In addition to
performing her own shows for audiences across Canada and the U.S., Melanie
Durrant has shared the stage alongside Jay Z, 50 Cent, Jill Scott, Cissy
Houston, Common, Sean Paul, Kardinal Offishall as well as many of Canada’s top
artists. She has graced such magazines as Honey and Coco. Melanie has performed
and done interviews with MuchMusic Canada, MTV Canada, Star Daily, CTV Network,
GlobalTV to name a few. She has had a variety of video production releases
under her belt aired nationally on MuchMusic Canada. Her songs have been in
high rotation on toronto’s Flow 93.5 fm, G98.7 fm as well as other radio
stations across Canada. Melanie Durrant’s music has been featured on numerous
compilation releases and DJ mixtapes around the world. Currently Melanie
Durrant has been working diligently on new material for her sophomore album.
Full of melodic surprises heavenly harmonies and bold direction, Melanie
Durrant embodies the voice, attitude and sound that have blessed Canada and the
whole world has been waiting for.
