At a time when the world of hip-hop and R&B is saturated with mediocre, semi-talented singers and rappers who think they can blow just because their mama said so, a duo of unlikely heroes have emerged to take us back to the old while bringing us into the new. With their eclectric blend of hip-hop smooth R&B and jazz, 1plus1 is proving that all it takes is to make it in the music biz is a little hard work and a lot of heart.
1plus1, Stacey Mcbroom, a.k.a. MAC. and Tommy Saunders, A.K.A. Smoove, met while they were both singing and promoting themselves as solo artist in and around the Triad. When they met, the chemistry was instant. They had the talent. They had the drive, and now all they needed was a record deal, which they stagged with an independent label in 1995. But as the story goes for many new artist, their first deal didn't go according to plan. They pretty much didn't hold up to their end of bargain.
They held the record too long and breached the contract, said McBroom.
Did this apparent turn of bad events stop McBroom and Saunders from pursuing their dreams of becoming R&B super-stars? Of coarse not, in label-- T&S Entertainment.
"After going through a few things with other people, we decided it would be best to start our own label, because you never know who you can trust. We trust each other so that's the route we decided to take", said McBroom.
With the new label in the works, everything was in place.
After going through the new artist routine-- forming the group, perfecting the sound and finding the right management---1plus1 has made it out on the other side, stronger and better. Their first album, I wanna Be The One, full of original, heart-wrenching and booty shaking tracks, was released in mid-November. The first single, "Bounce," is definitely a club banger, but don't worry old schoolers, there is something on this album for you too. It's a mixture of everything for everybody, young and old, said McBroom.
Although Wanna Be The One is a record for everybody, the ladies will definitely like it. With songs on the radio dissing and dismissing females, Wanna Be The One has a couple of songs on it that are as refreshing to females as ice water on a hot day. We have a lot of songs out right now that don't have love in them.
So what we try to do is put love in our music. Love for women, love for life, just love period.
As far as making sure that they stand out from the crowd, 1plus1 has a simple yet underrated plan--- be different. We plan on bringing a different feel, a different style. That's what makes us different, said McBroom.
With the completion of the new label, the group and the new album, 1plus1 seem to be well on their way to making all their dreams come true. It was a long road, but the hard work finally paid off. said Saunders.