Stop, Look, & Listen

Every artist should have integrity, and should be defined by their sound and their contribution to culture. The music industry and the economy are currently in shambles and everyone is pinching the penny or stretching the dollar looking only to make "safe" or "wise" investments in things that are trendy and not that of lasting quality. The average consumer or music lover has a hard time distinguishing between what is really good or what is artistic, based on the way music is presented today. It has also become cliché for people to think or say, that there is no "real" music these days. Please allow me to introduce you to someone you should really get familiar with, c'beyohn.

His sound is like no other. He masterfully fuses hip-hop together with multiple genres of music like jazz, funk, rock, soul, and electro creating a progressive yet timeless sound that he calls: Alternative Hip-Hop Soul or simply put, Cool Music. c'beyohn not only plays the part but he also looks the part, so much so that Grammy award winning artist Cee Lo Green gave him the nick name Shitti Sharp after meeting him and hearing his music. c’beyohn is an innovative and forward thinking artist that understands the power and responsibility that the "one" with the mic should possess. He's a colorful lyricist that takes song writing and performing very seriously and feels like that is what separates the average rapper from a true hip-hop artist. He not only sets himself apart in his music, but he sets himself apart in demeanor and dress , because he is just as stylish as his music-which happens to be a far cry from the baggie, or skinny jeans that most emcee’s wear.

Born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee, home of many great soul legends, c’beyohn’s approach to music is naturally rooted in soul, but his diverse musical training allows him to compose various arrangements. Mr. Sharp is a seasoned performer who has been developing his talents for many years. He has a natural ability that was shaped early on when he learned to play the drums, trumpet and the piano. Because of his background, c’beyohn takes his time to create music that is uniquely consistent and far from what is typical or expected in today's music. He also credits a lot of his training and musical development to his former group since high school, DaShiki, who helped him hone his performing, producing, and writing skills.

In 2001, c’beyohn moved to Atlanta and started working as a solo artist, and later formed the collective, The Fresh Air Foundation and founded the indie label Upper Echelon Innertainment. In 2003, he released his first solo album ,Now Open, from the Keep It Cool Collection, which has become an extended body of work separated into six chapters: Now Open, 2nd Bass, 1st Class, Life's A Ladder, The Significant Other, and #thewonderingi. The Keep It Cool collection is autobiographical in nature and reflects love, life, and the pursuit of happiness.

Many of his fans appreciate the sincerity in his music and his creative ability to inspire and craft songs that really speak the language of the common person who works, pays bills, and likes good music.

If you had to sum up c’beyohn in three words, you would say he is “Raw, Regal and Rare”. “Raw”, because he is a bold and an honest artist; “Regal”, because he has a “richness” to his character and makes hip-hop with class; and “Rare”, because of his outlook and unique way of making music that is progressive and timeless. Allow him, the visionary, the songwriter, the producer, and the performer, to inspire ,to entertain and to enlighten you. Introducing c’beyohn aka Shitti Sharp: a great investment for your time, money, and mind. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.