Promise (rapper)

Infobox Musical artist


Img_size = 150 |
Name = Promise
Background = solo_singer
Birth_name =
Alias =
Born = birth date|1982|9|16
Died =
Origin = Toronto, Ontario
Genre = Hip hop (Conscious/Spoken Word/Soul)
Occupation = rapper/poet, singer/songwriter, producer
Years_active = 2000–present
Label = DFS Records, Inc.
Associated_acts =
URL = [http://www.myspace.com/promisemusic www.myspace.com/promisemusic]

Promise Shepherd (born on September 16) is a Canadian Hip hop/Soul artist known for his conceptual songwriting and potent lyrical content that focuses primarily on life, love and the consciousness of mankind. Managed by artist management firm S4 Entertainment Promise's world premiere boasts guest appearances by Rhymefest, Tonex, Montell Jordan, Elzhi of Slum Village, Royce Da 5'9, Really Doe, GLC, Award-winning poets J. Ivy, Malik Yusef and many more.

Biography

Determined to break down musical barriers and live outside of society's box, Promise rises up with skill and confidence that is incomparable. Simply doing what he was destined to do, he makes music that makes a difference and even Talib Kweli has called Promise's work "fly… mad heartfelt and inspirational."

It was during his mid teens that he entered the hip-hop game with a small street release entitled “What I Know Is the Truth.” Soon after he made himself known on a local scale he was picked up by indie label DFS Records, and in late 2002 he introduced himself to the world with the delivery of his official premiere “The Promise That Heaven Kept.” As his debut album quickly gained momentum, won several awards and garnered much attention this aspiring artist was busy working on his sophomore album which he hoped would be in the hands of his fans the following year. Unfortunately things did not go as planned but Promise did not stop working.

In 2004 Promise hooked up with local producer Amir out of Toronto to surprise fans with themixtape, “Amiracle.” A year later and still no second album in sight he hit his supporters with another mixtape; this time it was the highly successful online release “Kanye West Presents Promise Volume 1.” Just when it seemed everything was in place to release the album, the emcee’s hopes were dashed once more when things didn’t work out and the project was put on hold yet again. In his true fashion he reminded the industry he was still around with the 2006 “Music” mixtape, a gem that displayed a more developed and refined artist. As we entered 2008 Promise and his team remained optimistic about seeing his follow-up album surface; however, the people wanted more and they didn’t like his “Coming Soon” responses! Understanding that the streets were hungry for his work and tired of waiting once again, he dropped the “Kanye West Presents Promise Volume 2” online mixtape and gave us his word that we were going to see the album this year!

Ladies and gentleman, the wait is over and the eagerly expected, highly anticipated sophomore album has gone to press! Mark your calendars because on 08-08-08 Promise will finally unveil this musical masterpiece and history will be made. The project, appropriately titled, “More Than Music” boasts special guest features such as Elzhi of Slum Village, Royce Da 5'9", Calvin Richardson, Lathun Grady, Rhymefest the co-creator of Jesus Walks and renowned singer Montell Jordan in addition to many others. This project will display Promise’s thought provoking approach over the skillful production of Dan “DFS” Johnson, Tony Stone, and SoulSearchin’ just to name a few.

As he fuses slight traces of R&B, soul, and old school sound together over the typical hip-hop vibe Promise comes with raw lyrical intensity and musical dexterity that rivals some of the industry’s best. Assembling a bridge between music and life, hip-hop and truth Promise has become the epitome of which he intended to create.

Discography

*2000: "What I Know Is The Truth"
*2002: "The Promise That Heaven Kept"
*2004: "Nifty - The Preface"
*2005: "AmiRacle Mixtape"
*2005: "Roshana - Roshana
*2006: " Mixtape"
*2006: "Music Mixtape"
*2006: "Nifty - The Candidate"
*2006: "Manafest - Glory"
*2006: "Mark J - Soulutions"
*2006: "Tonex - The London Letters"
*2007: "Blake Carrington - Music Travels Mixtape"
*2007: "AmiRacle 2 Mixtape"
*2007: "Quest - Untitled Mixtape"
*2007: "GoOoD Music Mixtape"
*2008: "Cash Hollistah - The Hunger Mixtape"
*2008: "Montell Jordan - Untitled"

Awards

*2002 Tropicana's Youth Day at Mel Lastman Sq. Winner of Hip-Hop/Rap Category
*2002 CGMA Covenant Award for best Hip-Hop/Rap Song of the Year
*2003 Kardinal Offishall Strength In Numbers Award for Best Performance
*2003 Vibe Award Nominee for Best Hip-Hop/Rap Album of the Year
*2003 UMAC Award Nominee for Best Gospel Recording
*2003 Maja Award Nominee for Best Male Artist of the Year
*2003 Maja Award Nominee for Best New Artist
*2003 Maja Award for Best Urban Gospel

External links

* [http://www.myspace.com/promisemusic www.myspace.com/promisemusic]
* [http://www.dfsrecords.com www.dfsrecords.com]

Persondata
NAME= Shepherd, Promise Jason Jamal
SHORT DESCRIPTION= Rapper from Toronto, Ontario
DATE OF BIRTH= September 16, 1982
PLACE OF BIRTH= Toronto, Ontario