* En anglais uniquement
R&B artist
Shaliek Rivers, who counts
Stevie Wonder and
Donny Hathaway among his influences, was briefly signed to Universal, where he released the single "Get 2 Know Ya" (featuring
Juvenile) in 2005. Studio time was spent collaborating with
Alicia Keys and
Rockwilder, as well as with
Jimmy Jam and
Terry Lewis, but the label deal did not pan out for the Bronx native.
Rivers subsequently wrote songs for
Day26 and
Jordan Knight, and he eventually signed a solo deal with the Pendulum label. In 2012, publications such as Essence and Billboard took notice and included
Rivers -- who, by then, was going by his first name only -- in features about upcoming artists. The following year,
Rivers released the soul-baring ballad "The Past" in advance of Blood Sweat Tears, his debut album. ~ Andy Kellman