NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Atlantic Records) - With over 21 million in radio audience with chart-climber "Cupid Shuffle" and over 1 million MySpace profile views, Lafayette's "King of Down South R&B," CUPID, is primed to release his major label debut, Time For A Change, on Atlantic Records on 9/11.
"Cupid Shuffle," which debuted at No 10 on BET's 106th & Park Countdown, is about to crack the Top 20 for a 2nd time on Billboard's "Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs" chart, where it has retained a presence for over 3 months. Fans of all ages have flocked to the "brand new dance" with 100's of versions peppering YouTube. The song was also featured on Acclaim Games online game DANCE! Online, a free-to-play multiplayer online dancing game. CUPID is currently bringing it to them live as part of the Russ Parr Morning Show "Russ Bus"Tour, and select promo and paid dates.
Time For A Change finds CUPID teaming up with a variety of gifted producers, including Grammy-winner Rich Skillz (Ludacris' smash, "Ultimate Satisfaction"), Dewayne Swan, the LA-based team Stereotypes (Marques Houston, Ne-Yo, Keyshia Cole), and his longtime friend/collaborator Brandon Nezey - aka Mr. Phat. The album showcases CUPID's musicianship and songwriting skills, along with his unique combination of southern musical styles, and his unstoppable energy and range. Highlights include "Say Yes," "The Let Out" featuring T-Pain, "Do Yo Dance," and the raucous party anthem "369."
"Lafayette is such a big melting pot," he says. "You got the screw coming from Texas, the bounce and party music of New Orleans, the krunk in Atlanta. I heard all of that and I wanted to collaborate those flavors into one. When you put all these things together, it's a Down South R&B movement."
CUPID, born Bryson Bernard, discovered a passion for music while signing and learning to play piano at age 15 in the church where his father served as pastor. After a brief stint as part of vocal group, he decided to go it alone and earned the moniker "Cupid" for his show-stopping rendition of 112's 1996 hit of the same name.
CUPID scored a regional hit in 2001 with "Do Ya Thang" and released his self-titled debut CD in early 2002. CUPID's second self-released album, 2005's THE KING OF DOWN SOUTH R&B - which included another regional smash in "Swing Around The Rosey" - saw him adding elements of country and blues to his musical gumbo, resulting in a further widening of his already diverse audience. CUPID rang in 2007 with yet another burner,"Cupid Shuffle," and an invitation to sign with Atlantic Records. CUPID's Atlantic Records debut, Time For A Change, will be released on September 11.
