Download: Shaliek Rivers Romantic Ballad “Love On Christmas”

[audio:http://urbanbridgez.com/ubgblog/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/LoveThisChristmas_Shaliek-Rivers.mp3|titles=Love This Christmas – Shaliek Rivers]
[Download] “Love On Christmas”

Born and raised in Bronx, New York, Shaliek Rivers embodies the establishment of a new vibe, and building on the vision of having a legacy. With influences like Stevie Wonder, Donnie Hathaway, Michael Jackson, and Sam Cooke, Shaliek’s sound is one with old school passion, yet new age flavor. Shaliek comes from a music driven family. His father plays the drums and his mother is a singer. These elements served as early roots to Shaliek’s love for music. As time went on, his love and passion for music continued to grow as he won countless school talent shows and won multiple times at Showtime At The Apollo.

It wasn’t long before industry notables started to take notice. Universal Records signed Shaliek Rivers to a record deal. Immediately, he was put to work and released the buzz worthy single “Get 2 Know Ya” featuring Cash Money/Universal Records Juvenile. The attention the single received allowed for him to begin creating a fanbase and create a certain level of respect and appreciation from industry insiders alike. “I remember dreaming of working with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis and the next thing you know I’m in the studio with these guys working on my debut album. It was magical”, says Shaliek.

As Shaliek continued to prepare for the release of his debut album, he collaborated with the likes of Alicia Keys, Bryan Michael Cox, and The Underdogs, just to name a few. While the anticipation of the upcoming album began to build, Shaliek had to face an unexpected hurdle. A strained relationship between his close team members made it very difficult for Shaliek to fulfill obligations with his record label resulting in the album never seeing the light of day. “I felt like everything I worked so hard for was suddenly taken away from me. I remember feeling lost”, he adds.

Always one to roll with the punches, Shaliek decided to focus on his other passion, ‘songwriting’, and he teamed up with fellow East Coast penman “Cashus C.R.E.A.M.” and Derrick Thompson, former VP of Sony BMG and formed the now reknowed songwriting team, The Hitterzz. The Hitterzz have coined hits for DAY26, Jordan Knight and many others.

Though successful with his “songwriting team”, Shaliek’s passion for performing music never ceased. He decided to pick up where he left off. “I owe it to myself and the people that were riding for me and supported my every move. This is for us”, he cheers. Shaliek is now on the road to fulfilling his dream to touch the world through his music. “I want my music to do what music did back in the day. I’m going for timeless”.

This past summer, Shaliek was featured on the chart topping single “Regular Guy” from hip hop recording artist Skillz VA. The video went on to premiere on BET’s 106 & Park as “New Joint of the Day” and it continues to receive airplay on MTV2 as well as BET. Fast forward to the Fall of 2011, Shaliek teams up with Producer Chino Stringss to create a clear direction on where to take the new project and that is where “I Don’t Wanna Be Famous” was born. On November 8, 2011, the much anticipated EP “I Don’t Wanna Be Famous”, will be released online and available for free everywhere.

“I Don’t Wanna Be Famous” includes collaborations from multi-award winning songwriter/producer Andrea Martin (Toni Braxton, Monica, Leona Lewis), Grammy nominated producer Kwame’ (Fantasia, Mary J Blige, Pussy Cat Dolls), Cheri Dennis, Fred The Godson and many more. Led by the soultry single, “Spoke Too Soon” featuring Fred The Godson, the “I Don’t Wanna Be Famous” EP will take listeners on an emotional rollercoaster ride.

A few highlights include the edgy remake of Michael Jackson’s hit “Beat It”. “I loved writing this song as I kept elements of the original hook and re-wrote the verses”, says Shaliek. Another highlight is the infectious, sassy and aggressive vocal delivery of “Love Don’t Believe” featuring Cheri Dennis. On “Can We Go Back” reflects on two people who are drifting apart, yet are still in love.

Shaliek is currently on the road in support of the “I Don’t Wanna Be Famous” EP on a promotional tour mirroring the same name. Look for him to visit a city near you.