- Latif
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This article is about the singer. For other uses, see Latif (disambiguation).
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Latif Background information Birth name Corey Latif Williams Genres Contemporary R&B, Hip-hop, Pop Occupations Singer, Songwriter, Producer, Actor Years active 2003–present Labels Universal Motown Records, H.U.R.L. Corey Latif Williams, also known as simply Latif, is an R&B singer and Grammy nominated songwriter.[1] He was the winner of Teen People's Who's Next contest. He is a mentee of Teddy Pendergrass. He was once signed to Universal Motown Records.
Contents
Biography
Latif was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His early passion for music came mainly from his parents, who, ironically, were not musically-inclined. This passion for music developed into an interest in singing. A close friend of Latif's family, Teddy Pendergrass, served as a mentor for the young budding artist. It was this mentorship that taught Latif how to "deliver" songs. This relationship was nurtured by Latif being taken along with Teddy to various interviews and appearances. It was this that led to Latif being noticed by the daughter of a label executive. Which brought about his first recording contract with Sony/550.[2]
Latif was given a demo deal, which helped him hone his writing skills, and gave him knowledge about the recording process. Latif's vocals were featured in a highly popular commercial for a local bank.
In 2001, the buzz from winning the competition was enough to draw the eye of Kedar Massenburg. This actually worked out well for Latif, because the "taste of spotlight" from the performance convinced him to tell his parents that he did not want to go back to Berklee College of Music. He wanted work on his music fulltime. His mother gave him one semester to prove himself, or he had to go back to school. Massenburg became interested in Latif, and signed him to Universal Motown Records.[2]
Latif's debut album on Universal Motown was called Love in the First. Only one single, "I Don't Wanna Hurt You" was released. It was mainly written by Latif, with production by Ryan Leslie, Bryan-Michael Cox, Adonis Shropshire, Greg Charley, Andy C, Teddy Bishop, Mechalie Jamison, D "French" Spencer, and Sean Garrett. Due to poor promotion, the album did not do well.
Latif is no longer signed to Universal Motown. He is currently in the studio working on his second album. He has garnered a large fanbase overseas.[citation needed] One song that may be attributed to his international popularity is "U Think U Know". He has also continued to write for other artists, such as JoJo, Cassie, The Roots, Jim Jones, Lil Scrappy, Tiffany Evans, Frankie J, Chris Brown, Cheri Dennis, and Musiq Soulchild to name a few.
Discography
Singles
- "I Don't Wanna Hurt You" (2003)
- "Think U Know" (2006)
- "Promise Me" (2010)
- "Don't Wanna Be" (2010)
- "One Kiss" (2011)
- "Crazy Love" (2011)
Albums & Mixtapes
- Love in the First (2004)
- Breath of Fresh Air (Mixtape) (2010)
- Love Is Love (2010)
- LATIF - The Leaks - H.U.R.L. & Love Songs Vol. I (Mixtape) (2011)
- Love Life (2011)
- Dealing wit life (TBA)
Unreleased tracks & Leaks
- "B4 & After" (produced by Ryan Leslie)
- "It's Killin' Me"
- "Last Year/This Year" (produced by Ryan Leslie)
- "No Mystery" (produced by Ryan Leslie)
- "Ridah" (produced by Ryan Leslie)
- "Slo Roc"
- "Things Ain't The Same" (produced by Ryan Leslie)
- "Where Did The Love Go?" (produced by Ryan Leslie)
- "Fix That"
- "My Dove" (Produced by StarGate)
- "It's Over Now"
- "Set It Off"
- "Actin' Crazy"
- "I Got Her" (produced by Ryan Leslie)
- "Stop Sayin'" (produced by Ryan Leslie)
- "What's Da Deal" (produced by Ryan Leslie)
- "Ride On"
- "Play"
- "Pretty Pink"
- "Ur Tha 1"
- "So Cold"
- "Anything 4 Ya Love"
- "Feel Good"
- "All I Never Wanted" (Produced by StarGate)
- "So Real" (Produced by StarGate)
- "Do Ya?"
- "Look" (produced by The Runners)
- "Love or Lust"
- "I Can Make Ya..."
- "Lately"
- "Brain Freeze"
- "Clouds"
- "Forever And A Day"
- "Listen"
- "E.F.F. Love"
- "Reason Why Ur 1st"
- "Rocket Science"
- "Never Looked Back"
- "Juices"
- "Heart Break Season"
- "Nowhere"
- "Camera Shy"
- "Wasteland" (produced by Harvey Mason, Jr.)
- "I Won't Let You Go"
- "Kiddin' Me"
Features
- - * hooks written by Latif
Title Artist Album Released "My Life"* Memphis Bleek M.A.D.E. 2003 "Why (What's Goin On?)"* The Roots The Tipping Point 2004 "Lil' Daddy"* Young City (aka Chopper) Hustle & Flow OST 2005 "Honey Dip"* Jim Jones Harlem: Diary of a Summer "Babygirl" SunN.Y. Overnight Celebrity "Serve 'Em"* Sonnie Carson Almost Famous 2006 "Paper Touchin"* Red Cafe 2007 "I Want You More"* Akay Comfort Zone 2008 "Confessions"* Brittany Street Confessions of A Martian "Strippin in the Club" DJ Diamond Kuts (Feat. Nicki Minaj & Ron Browz) Her-Story In The Making 2009 "What Should I Do"* Young Chris The Network 2 2010 "Dream Me There"* Audio Push The Backstage Pass (Hosted by DJ ill Will & DJ Rockstar) "S.S."* Sir Mikey Rocks (The Cool Kids) TBA "We Keep It Rockin"* Maino (Feat. Swizz Beatz, Jadakiss, Jim Jones & Joell Ortiz) TBA 2011 "Everything To Me"* Mansion T.U.T.T. TBA "Cant Pimp Forever"* Sonnie Carson TBA "One Two Many"* Sir Mikey Rocks (The Cool Kids) The Rocks Report "So Close" Dannie Phantom Feat. BrandUn Deshay & Latif DANIMAL : Tiger Tales Selected writer credits
Title Artist Album Released "I Love You" Cheri Dennis In and Out of Love 2006 "Like That" JoJo The High Road "Ditto" Cassie Cassie "G-S***" (Hook) Lil Scrappy Bred 2 Die Born 2 Live "Teach Me" Musiq Soulchild Luvanmusiq 2007 "Rewind" (iTunes bonus) Musiq Soulchild Luvanmusiq "Damage" Chris Brown Exclusive "Pretend" Cheri Dennis In and Out of Love "Laid Back & Chill" Tiffany Evans Tiffany Evans 2008 "Homework" Prima J Prima J "Deserveumore" Musiq Soulchild OnMyRadio "Qu'est-Ce Qu'on Attend" Sheryfa Luna Vénus "Someday" Elliott Yamin Fight for Love 2009 "Il Y A Des Jours" Sheryfa Luna Si tu me vois 2010 "Gone Already" Faith Evans Something About Faith References
- ^ Grammy Nominations: Best R&B Song Accessed December 11, 2007
- ^ a b Latif - Love in the First
External links
- Latif on Myspace
- Latif on Twitter
- (French) Corey "Latif" Williams interview for SoulRnB.com
Categories:- 1981 births
- Living people
- African American singers
- American rhythm and blues singers
- People from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Motown artists
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