RaShaan Houston - Biography
A gifted vocalist, songwriter, and live performer, RaShaan Houston has garnered much praise as a rising star in dance music who combines equal parts gospel roots, jazz sensibility, and 70's soul with just a dash of rock influence. This product of a musical family began singing at the age of five in church choirs, performing musical theater, and entertaining within various professional groups, and hasn’t looked back since. In 1996, RaShaan began his recording career and long time collaboration with the Pound Boys/LAY Records. It was the 1998 anthem "The Right Way" (LAY Records USA/Slip N' Slide UK) that first brought RaShaan to the attention of the dance world. The worldwide dance community stood up and took notice of this now underground dance classic. Three solid groovers followed; the funky, soulful UK top pick, "Be With You" (LAY Records USA/Media Records-Heartbeat Italy), the uplifting, empowerment canticle, "Shine" (ROI Germany), and the personal, deeply introspective paean, "Power" (ROI Germany). After a fantastic six year run with the Pound Boys, RaShaan ventured out on his own via collaborations with DJ Oji, "I'm So Glad To Be Alive" from the "Underground Xperience" CD on Poji Records, Audiowhores and George Jackson, "Work it Out" (Peppermint Jam UK), and Magic Touch, "Happy" (Bumpin City Chicago). Throughout the past decade, RaShaan, who finds his best home live on stage, has performed consistently, and has left audiences from coast to coast clamoring for more. RaShaan has developed a strong supportive following, sharing the bill at times with dance greats Pepper MaShay, Ultra Nate', and Kristine W. He has opened shows for world-renowned DJS such as Hex Hector, Farley Jackmaster Funk, Julius Papp, Lady D. and Joe Bermudez. RaShaan continues to work tirelessly, honing his craft and inspiring his audience to dance. He believes his greatest work is yet to be heard and continues to strive toward musical excellence. In 2006, RaShaan released his most favorably reviewed track to date, “Its Alright" (Generate Music US). Co-written by music icon, Ce Ce Peniston and George Jackson with production by Dave "RedSoul" Wareing, and remixes from Soularis and DJ Meme, this funky and soulful bouncer has become a mainstay in the DJ crates of the dance music elite. Also in 2006 was "Warrior" on Ruff-N-Tuff Records, a tribal affair produced by George Jackson, featuring a spirited Ron Carroll remix and a must hear reworking by Grammy-nominated producer, E-Smoove. 2009 finds RaShaan working on new material and remaining in demand as a live solo performer. 2010 is the year the world will receive the highly-anticipated first full length RaShaan Houston album, "Must Be Present To Win"- Keep those ears to the underground.....