The PUB Report

by David Nobel

Here I am rattled because I am about to meet one of today’s most beautiful and talented artists - Amerie Rogers. In the world of Ashantis ,Tweets and Truth Hurts -Amerie blows me away with her stunning looks and sultry vocals. But with my favorite song of 2002 “Why Don’t We Fall In Love,”  I became instant fan. As I wait my turn in line, I converse with her personal/road manager Eddie Lopez who runs back and forth from the venue where she just headlined for Nelly back to her tour bus. Other journalists try to keep warm on this exceptionally chilly night. But when there is a big concert like Nelly all the ballers and “beautiful people come out because it’s like a club to socialize and be seen. My main objective was to grace the presence of Rise/Columbia Records newest  sensation … Amerie. Finally, it’s my turn and after I make it onto the tour bus she appears with a gleaming smile that was very genuine despite the fact there were five more journalist waiting outside. I figured she would be ready to get this over with after an exhausting performance but yet I saw strength and heard laughter from her exceptionally proper voice. “Hey! can you get a n extra plate of lobster tails?” she shouts loud but still feminine. As she laughs with her crew she adds “Have fun!!!, ladies all the men went to hunt a gather food.” she giggles.  As I introduce myself she extends her hand and all I hear is “Thank you” as I praise her work and give her knowledge on what I know about her new career.

Enter … the new breed of females and Murder Inc.’s princess of Hip-hop & R&B - Ashanti, flooded radio. Her sound was punchy and very radio-driven. It didn’t hurt she had a mammoth posse of Irv Gotti and Ja Rule behind her. Tweet with her racy single “Oops  … Oh My” created a mood and groove courtesy of Missy Elliott and beatmaster Timbaland. Dr. Dre’s protégé Truth Hurts got “Addictive” with her swarmy Indian inspired hit by DJ Quik. So with three new girls on the block, how did Amerie slip into success on radio, the clubs and retail?

“When people get to know you first …  they categorize you. After awhile, when they see your videos and hear your records they are able to make a clear distinction between you and other artists.” she explains.

The big explosion that burned the airwaves Spring of 2002 was originally meant to be an intro on the album. “Why Don’t We Fall In Love” leaked to mix shows from New York to LA and everywhere in between and generated a buzz. Hence, a hit was born and loved. The hard hip hop instrumentation had power and the soulful vocals pulled you directly into a Amerie’s world and made you fall in love (no pun intended). Many probably forgot that Amerie made her first appearance with labelmate Nas on “Rule” from the multi-platinum Stillmatic. Ludacris added a twist in the remix to “Why Don’t We Fall In Love.” Legendary heavyweight LL Cool J utilized Amerie’s steady vocals on the monster hit “Paradise.” With all these stellar collaborations amongst hip-hop’s elite, it makes you wonder who else Amerie would be interested in working with.

“Usher, Musiq, & Donell Jones would be nice collaborations for the future,” Amerie says. Amerie artistic side comes from being the product of a mother who is a painter, singer and classical pianist and a father who had an old soul with an extensive record collection. Growing up in a diverse military family (Amerie’s mother is Korean and dad is an African American from Philly), Amerie lived on bases from Alaska to Germany before heading back to the East Coast and finally residing in DC. Amerie passion for music continued as she entered various talent shows in the DC area and while doing this Amerie attended the prestigious Georgetown University, where she graduated with a degree in English and Fine Arts. Through a mutual friend Amerie met her creative link to her destiny and her love of music …  Richard Harrison. The brainstorming process sparked the foundation for her debut CD - “All I Have.” “Me and Rich we talked and vibed in the creative process.” she says. “Some of the songs are personal experiences and some are shared experiences from friends. With this combination we meshed together and developed a theme.” she adds. Later she met industry magnates Jeff Burroughs and Darryl Williams of Rise Entertainment (her imprint label) and Edwin Holmes of EHM (her management).

Late July 2002, “All I Have” was released to consumers with a diary filled with love sensibilities that were impactful and provided an edge with rigid beats to complement Amerie’s strong yet sweet vocals. “Talkin’To Me” the second single had the consistent guitars as the backdrop. “I Just Died”; “Nothing Like Loving You” is poignant offerings of dedication and love. In her burgeoning career, she cites a diverse and collective group of entertainers who have made an impact in her career thus far.

“The most influential artists in my life have been Sam Cooke, Marvin Gaye, Whitney Houston, Michael Jackson, Mariah Carey and Mary J. Blige.”she says. “During Thriller, Bad, and the Off The Wall period …  Michael was my favorite.”

Not only was Amerie touched by old school veterans and present day icons, she especially was moved by an artist who was definitely a superstar and One In A Million - the late great Aaliyah. “Aaliyah I would have to say was my favorite all-around artist. Not just musically but her style.” Amerie reflects. “Unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to meet her.” She adds.

The new year, 2003 has blossomed with an abundance of opportunities for Amerie to shine brighter. Her motion picture debut in the hip-hop flavored Bille Woodruff (Toni Braxton, R. Kelly), Honey starring Jessica Alba and a cast of hip hop heavyweights. Producer Rodney Jerkins scored the soundtrack that will hit theaters later this year. “I have a single on the upcoming soundtrack of Honey that Bille Woodruff directed and Rodney Jerkins produced the soundtrack for. I am going to be appearing in the movie as well.” Amerie reveals.

Congratulations!!! to Amerie on making good at the recent Soul Train Awards where she turned her three nominations into a win for Best R&B or rap New Artist. The triumphant win wasn’t the only thing that created excitement but her sexy and provocative dress she wore at the ceremony. Not only did it stun the crowd, (like Jennifer Lopez did several years ago at the Grammy Awards) but it gave Amerie the props for not just being gorgeous … but delivering edge to what many considered a wholesome “girl next door “image.

Recently, Amerie has become the host of her very own show BET show entitled “The Center!” It exudes Amerie’s stunning personality to her fans and viewers. Look out for her new video with Kay Slay “Too Much For Me!” This is the first single off his next album. Amerie wrote and collaborated with Nas, Baby aka Birdman and Foxy Brown for this single. Britain will get a special treat with Amerie releasing an UK only single “I’m Coming Out” which I am sure will make it to video outlets in the United States. Plus, she has achieved gold status for her debut “All I Have” and rapidly approaching platinum.

Being an astute student of the arts, from her early dance classes to her journey to grasping a dream and passion with being a vocalist. What other talents lie beneath this consummate creative. “I am a pretty good artist. I was thinking about art school when I was younger. I was into charcoal, pencil sketching and painting.” She remembers.

Throughout this natural and comfortable conversation with such an articulate and intelligent person, my nervous barriers were down enough to ask what guys wanted to know at this time …  was she attached. Without hesitation, she revealed “I am single.” My smile that was nonexistent went from ear-to-ear.

Destined for superstardom, with a level head and natural gifts that she was blessed with. The rise to fame will be one to appreciate and savor in the future … because she is committed and generous through her lyrical offerings giving all she has.   PUB

Of course as many of you know Amerie has completed her contract for The Center and is working on her new album as well. No details are available when it will be released Amerie is also featured on Bow Wow’s album “Unleashed” on a track entitled

“My Momma” which was produced by Lil Jon of the East Side Boyz!!   It’s a wonderful tribute to his mother!! Check out Amerie at www.amerieonline.net for more on Amerie.