Baltimore, MD. (Top40 Charts/ SRC/ Universal) - The pop music charts have been largely dominated by a blend of Hip Hop and R&B/Pop crossover artists in the past decade. From
Mary J. Blige and
Faith Evans to
Fantasia and Keyshia Cole, the marriage of gritty soul music over intense Hip Hop production has shaped the sound of today's popular music scene. Baltimore native Shire (Sha-ray) is bringing a fresh voice to fans with her new single "Miss My Love" and the new prelude album Baltimore's Daughter. She will be unleashing her debut solo album on SRC/Universal in conjunction with Hot City
Music Group and Midi Mafia's Family Ties Entertainment in 2008.
With multi-platinum production team Midi Mafia firmly behind her, Shire is carving a new niche in the realm of Hip Hop R&B. Her honest approach to songwriting lends heart-rendering passion to her work, as she pours her life experiences into each lyric. Blessed with a naturally strong voice, the smooth rasp of her tone meshes perfectly with Midi Mafia's stellar production. After seeing recent success with Fantasia's chart-topper "When I See You" and Jennifer Lopez' new No 1 European hit "Hold It Don't Drop It," Midi Mafia is poised to bring Shire to the forefront of the mainstream. Bruce Waynne of Midi Mafia and Family Ties has full confidence in the project. "The combination of Shire's vocal ability, beauty, work ethic and swagger makes her the complete package."
Far from a newcomer to the industry, Shire got her big break as a high school student when Sisqo of Dru Hill utilized her talents as the foundation for the girl group Lovher. In 2003, Lovher made a splash with their single "How's It Gonna Be" and the follow-up "Girlfriend," which Shire wrote. They were the first all-female group signed to Def Soul/Def Jam, however their debut album never transpired due to business issues between Lovher, Sisqo and the label. When the deal fell apart, Shire kept her groove by signing with Philadelphia-based label Hot City Music Group.
Charles "CK" King of Hot City Music Group was inspired by the young singer's drive and vision from the day he met her. "Shire epitomizes the old cliche' that 'Success is but failure turned inside out," CK says. "Just when most people would've given up on their dream, Shire fought even harder for hers. I knew that I had to sign her from the first time that I worked with her. She has 'it' - that rare blend of pure talent, drive, determination and the relentless work ethic that it takes to be a superstar in this business. My partner, Mike Floyd and I truly believe that she is destined for greatness."
In 2007, Hot City Music Group partnered with Midi Mafia's Family Ties Entertainment to find the right major label deal for Shire. Steve Rifkind made his move to sign the young talent to SRC/Universal, and everything has been moving toward the release of Shire's debut album. "I think she is outstanding, hard working and very driven," says Rifkind. "Plus, she has the voice of an angel."
In keeping with the assertive promotional campaigns that Steve Rifkind is famous for, Shire has made her prelude album Baltimore's Daughter available for stream/download at www.tygereye.net/shire. "With the help of my Hot City Music and Family Ties team and SRC, I have been blessed with a second chance to pursue my dream," explains Shire. "I was able to re-invent myself yet stay true to who I am. Baltimore's Daughter is not only the prelude to my album, but it symbolizes who I was and who I've become. I represent the girl next door - that "round the way" chic. I am the voice of the urban community. Stay tuned, I'm still picking up the pieces."
For more information on Shire, and to hear Baltimore's Daughter, go to www.tygereye.net/shire, www.myspace.com/shireuniversal, www.myspace.com/hotcitymusicgroup and www.myspace.com/familytiesent
