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Avant
Biography
Hailed as the "new voice of ghetto soul" and acknowledged as the first act signed to NBA great Magic Johnson's Magic Johnson Music, Cleveland native Avant celebrated the MCA Records release of his debut album, My Thoughts, on May 2, 2000. Around the same time, the 22-year-old singer/songwriter was enjoying a Top Five Billboard R&B/Hip Hop hit single, "Separated." The video for the song was getting massive play on cable channels BET and The Box. Avant's style of modern soul owes heavily to singer R. Kelly. Originally, Avant's manager, Eric Payton, released "Separated" in January 1998 on his Payton Entertainment label. The single began getting airplay on top-rated radio station WGCI in Chicago before eventually being included on the 1999 MCA compilation Summer Heat. The singer/songwriter wrote "Separated" based on his feelings following a failed romantic relationship. Avant felt that the Lord had blessed him enough for being allowed to put his sadness down on paper. Recorded in Chicago, My Thoughts was produced by accomplished multi-instrumentalist Steve Huff. Huff and Avant's overall high-quality musicianship gives My Thoughts a refreshing depth.
Selected Discography