He takes your urban perception, twists its around and throws it back at you with a vocal acuity and cleverness that begs you to forget everything you thought music was. Chris, who labels himself a “sophisticated mess” of sounds and fashions, has valor that most with his musical roots are too self-conscious to embrace. Raised on Isaac Hayes, Donnie Hathaway and Ray Charles, he has stylized his R&B croonings to adopt everything from pure pop ballads, classical violins, alternative guitars and rock duets. His voice has enough soul to bring a gospel church to its knees, and is versatile enough to blend perfectly with Peter Ceterra , lead singer of Chicago, as he did on his recently recorded single, “Heaven Lost An Angel.” Born July 22, 1980 in the Bronx, NY, he was raised by two highly educated, Trinidadian parents. His father studied Mathematics at Fordham University and his mother, English, at Lehman College. Growing up an only child, his early years were frequented with adult conversation, which gave rise to the articulacy and poetic repertoire, potent in his songs. His parents recognized the potential he exemplified at a young age and so moved to Spring Valley, NY; a safer neighborhood that would grace him with a brighter future. His creativities surfaced early on and heightened in grade school when he began landing lead parts in plays, flooring audiences with each performance. He later moved to New Jersey where, by choice, he commuted 3 hours a day, to a school in a better district. He quickly excelled in football and track and became the social organizer for dances and events. “I was very resourceful and found ways to bring music to the forefront in all I did.” He was the only student in his school with a strong musical proclivity. One of Chris’ teachers, Father Lou Molinelli, shared the same penchant and so quickly took him under his wing. He made certain that Chris sang at all school assemblies and religious masses, held on and beyond campus. Chris was honored the award of “Who’s Who Among American Highschool Students”, granted to those who demonstrated excellence in academics and extra curricular activities for four consecutive years. Chris ventured on to Binghamton University for college, joining a number of activities, the most prominent being the nationally ranked a cappella group, The Crosby’s. He won the Best Soloist Award at the Nationals, outperforming the finest vocalists from both the US and Canada, at Lincoln Center in Manhattan. By age 20 he joined a neo soul based music group entitled SOUL CRI, with two other members; a rapper and keyboardist. Chris was the lead singer. They performed at venues throughout Manhattan, attracting industry executives in route. Major record labels, such as SONY, recruited SOUL CRI for consideration. While the group received strong feedback, the labels were predominantly interested in signing Chris as a solo artist. At the time, his loyalty to his group prevented him from taking the next, inevitable step. Eventually, he would branch out on his own. Along the way Chris met currently signed recording artist, Ryan Leslie, at D-Dot Studios. D-Dot, one of P. Diddy’s top producers, was in the process of recording New Edition’s latest album, “One Love”, and asked Chris to reference songs for the project. Over the course of the following year he worked closely with Bad Boy Entertainment, turning heads in the process. Clive Davis’ son, Doug Davis, an entertainment lawyer, caught wind of Chris’ talents and quickly took him on as a client. Chris was soon introduced to his current manager and world renowned Producer, Rick Bacchus, who has written chart- toppers for The Backstreet Boys, American Idol and Jessica Simpson. Chris tried out for Rick’s boy group at the time, Last Call, and worked with them for a month, performing at highly publicized events such as the Miss America Pageant. It again became evident that Chris’ voice deserved to stand on it’s own. Rick expressed strong interest in working with Chris as a solo artist and eventually signed him to his record label, Bacchus Music, in February 2005. Together they have already written and recorded six songs, dubbed by music executives as being future hits. They will continue to work on the album and then distribute to the masses. Rick Bacchus explains, “Chris is a boundless singer with an excess of heart, whose voice can easily adapt to any style of music. Without a doubt, he will make his mark on the world.” So, whatever your definition of R&B music; erase it. Spit out your pop music along with your gum. Brush that rap dirt off your shoulder. Chris Sheappard has arrived to eliminate the segregation of sounds and disprove the notion that in order to be successful, you must be predictable.