Dallas, TX. (Top40 Charts/ CJ Robinson Tsunami Group) - With the release of B-Hamp's debut album 'B Dash' on May 19, 2009, CKB is quietly becoming part of the skyline for Dallas.
Strength, resilience and determination are three words that best describe CKB Entertainment. Founder Rickey Booker named his company after his beloved younger sister Cassandra Kaye Booker was tragically killed in the Oklahoma Bombing on April 19th, 1995. Overcoming adversity turned out to be Rickey's strong suit as his journey into the music industry has been a rocky one.
In early 1994, Rickey, Maurice Barber, Tony Briggs and Roy Mims would start Wino Records, an independent label in Dallas but disbanded within a year after an unsuccessful run and each partner went their separate ways. During this time Rickey was also supporting the career of his younger cousin Tony Thomson, the lead singer of the hot R&B group Hi-Five and would experience the industry from the artist's point of view as well. Wanting to continue with music, Rickey found himself gaining the responsibility of assisting his own Mother in caring for his sister Cassandra's four children and his ambitions were put on hold.
Never losing his passion for music, Rickey dedicated his time to creating another situation for himself and partner Tony Briggs and CKB Records was formed in 1995. Their artist roster included Leticia Love, Baby Boo, Aqua Mann, 40oz Clique, Michael McIntosh and T-Spoon as well as in house producers Spoonfed Musik and Sounds of Life. Unable to gain the proper funding, the decision was made to shop 40oz Clique for a deal to Jive Records, Tommy Boy and 2000 Watts in which they landed a demo deal with 2000 Watts. Unfortunately 2000 Watts stuck a deal with Elektra Records and 40oz Clique's project was dropped.
Not to be defeated Rickey Booker once again focused on building a label only to be tried with another tragedy with the passing of his Mother in 2002 and was left to care for his sister's children as well as his own three children with his wife. Overcome with the need to focus on family, Rickey would depart once again from the music scene.
Several years would pass and Rickey could not give up on his dream and he ventured out one last time to start his own independent label, this time naming it CKB Entertainment in 2008. As fate would have it a young Dallas native by the name of Brandon Hampton would change everything for Rickey Booker and CKB Entertainment. Brandon also known as B-Hamp would write the now smash hit, 'Do The Ricky Bobby', bring the single to Rickey, who signed B-Hamp within days to the label. The single and accompanying dance would catapult B-Hamp and CKB Entertainment to the top of the music industry at lightning speed. Rickey Booker also secured a distribution deal for B-Hamp's debut album and CKB with Malaco Music Group headed by industry heavyweight Lionel Ridenour.
Surrounding himself with the top talent in the industry to head up marketing, public relations and booking, Rickey Booker knows he has the dream team, finally. "It has been a struggle to get my company to where it is now, but I have learned that with every defeat comes a bigger triumph and I have been blessed with the right people at the right time in the right situation", says CEO Rickey Booker.
Now making their mark with B-Hamp's album B Dash due for release on May 19th, 2009, CKB Entertainment is gearing up for a National and European tour for B-Hamp to support the album. CKB Entertainment is also signing new acts to the label to be groomed and developed into the stars of tomorrow.
