 The Atlanta quartet is bringing Black male vocal groups back By // Quassan Castro |
2011-11-23
We sang along to the memorable melodies of Jodeci. Made love to the heartfelt deliveries of Jagged Edge. Danced with B2K and vibed with 112. At a time when Black male groups have become less dominant, Hamilton Park emerges as a force to be reckoned with.
Group members Anthony, Mr. Marcus Lee, Chris Voice and Royce P. all hail from Atlanta and landed a recording contract after winning “Superstar Soul Search” in there home town. Andre Harrell, the man responsible for helping to launch the careers of Diddy, Jodeci, Mary J. Blige and Heavy D, signed the group to his new label.
After speaking with the young men of Hamilton Park for just a few minutes, their emotional connection to music was evident. It’s that connection that prompted Jermaine Dupri to join them on the remix of the single Thing Called Us.
Myjet247.com sat down with Hamilton Park to discuss the groups self titled EP Hamilton Park, turn-offs in relationships and who inspires them to sing.
Q: In creating your EP, what inspired and influenced the writing?
Mr. Marcus: When the songs were being written, we were all dealing with different issues. We were dealing with issues with girls. We were dealing with the everyday grind of life. All of those issues came out through our songs. Our combination for music is like good soul food. We have fried chicken, mashed potatoes and sweet potatoes pie. The recipe of the writing is very southern and took time to make.
Q: Which song has been most popular with fans?
Royce P: The song Hard in the Paint was performed several times before it made the EP. Fans would look for the song on YouTube and other places. Everywhere we went fans were asking for Hard in the Paint. We decided to make the ballad a part of the song selections.
Q: Most of your songs deal with love and complicated relationships. What are major turn offs for you in love relationships?
Royce P: A major turn off is a young lady who doesn’t have understanding. Someone who is not aware that she lacks understanding is a big turn-off.
Chris Voice: Everybody is single. Some issues we dealt with in the past (were due to) females who didn’t understand our grind. You have to be able to understand that we are in the studio all night. We are dedicated to making music.
Anthony: Communication is key. You have to be able to talk and let me know what’s on your mind. I can’t read your mind.
Q: Children who are raised in a church with a singing voice are often pressured to use the voice for gospel music. Is that an unfair request, were any of you conflicted before moving into secular music?
Mr. Marcus: When you take the talent and say that regardless of doing R&B, I’m still going to have my relationship with God, you shouldn’t be conflicted.
Anthony: Gospel music delivers a message. In our music we are delivering a message from our hearts. Secular music touches the heart. As an R&B group, in all of our songs we are giving our hearts. We are delivering messages and stories, similar to gospel music.
Q: Looking back at prior male groups of the '90s and early 2000s, some of them had drama that caused the groups to split. What is the game plan for HP to do it differently?
Royce P: Our foundation is key. Before the record deal, we all had a foundation of respect and appreciation. We grew up in the church and prayer is the number one thing we look to in any situation. We know our purpose.
Anthony: I believe that a family that prays together stays together.
Q: Whenever you see a male group with some street edge and soulful vocals, they are compared to Jodeci. You actually work with Andre Harrell who played a major part in the success of Jodeci. Do you feel pressured to surpass the legacy of Jodeci to be recognized in your own right?
Mr. Marcus: We’ve surpassed a lot of the measuring that people have put on us. The fact that we are just getting started and people have high expectations on us, lets us know we need to continue working hard. When you’re prepared, the pressure is gone.
Royce P: To be mentioned with the likes of Jodeci already marks us for a level of success. The hard work that you put in is what you get out. We’re still planting our seeds; we’re just giving you a piece of our story and ask that you continue to follow us.
Anthony: We don’t think it's pressure. We think it's an honor and privilege to be tied into the legacy of Andre Harrell and to be considered among the level of Jodeci. It only further drives our success.
Q: What producers did you work with?
Mr. Marcus: D’wayne Wiggins, Teddy P., J Minor and Duke Williams.
Q: Artists can be inspired by a number of singing heroes, but it’s always that one person who strikes a cord every time. Who inspires you to sing?
Mr. Marcus: Jamie Foxx
Anthony: Luther Vandross
Chris Voice: Michael Jackson//
Visit Hamilton Park’s Web Page or follow them on Twitter: twitter.com/hamilton_park
