I just decided to do me...use the name I was given from birth.

Yes, I play for the Kentucky State University Concert Choir and Gospel Ensemble. I play the lead guitar for both groups. It's okay, and we usually have special concerts towards the end of each semester.

It brings music directly to the people.

I would like to...basically because it gives you the opportunity to spread your wings that much wider, as opposed to me trying to do everything on my own. I'm not saying it can't be done independantly, but with the fast growing internet capabilities, having a label behind you makes breaking into the industry far easier. Plus, I believe being on a label would expose me to various demographics and listeners across the globe that I necessarily would never have been able to reach on my own. However, I understand that label partnerships have their ups and downs, just as any relationship...especially business related. But I believe as long as I keep my focus right and my priorities straight, all the rest of the puzzle pieces will fall together eventually.

Prince. I used to watch him since as far back as I can remember. He appealed to me because he did everything...he sang, he danced, he played the guitar, piano, drums, etc. And it was the level of excellence that he did it with that drew me in. I saw how he controlled his audience...it made me want to be a performer. He's the reason I started writing, singing, performing, and playing instruments.

Tonex. Tonex is the greatest male vocalist in the gospel music industry period. He writes, produces, dances, directs, engineers...he does it all as well! These type of dependent artist appeal to me because it mirrors what I wanted to do as a child, and ultimately what I'm working towards now. But I mostly was influenced by Tonex because of his vocal ability. I trained my voice very hard to take some of his techniques and merge them with my own flavor.

Bilal. All I can say is soul. This man simply is soul. In my late teen years, I noticed I had vocal ability...especially after I was able to copy what Tonex could do in most of his songs. But what I noticed most is that I lacked depth...or as the older folks say...soul. So when I came across "First Born Second" my void was completely filled. I grasped a full consept of what soul was at that point. Feeling...pouring out your guts on a record so that the listener got goose bumps listening. That's what I learned from Bilal...and not only that, but Bilal constantly is evolving into a greater writer, vocalist, performer, etc...which ultimately pushes me to work harder.

Any place with a band and a microphone!