Avant February 13, 2008

Chicago native Avant's big break came when his first single, 'Separated' was played locally on WGCI before eventually being included on the 1999 MCA compilation, 'Summer Heat.' The popularity of that led to Avant being hailed as the "new voice of ghetto soul" and acknowledged as the first act signed to NBA great Magic Johnson's Magic Johnson Music. Avant's debut album, 'My Thoughts' was issued in 2000. Avant's style of modern soul owes heavily to fellow Chicago-based singer R.Kelly. Singer/songwriter Carl Thomas made waves back in 2001 with his debut album 'Emotional.' After a three year break, his sophomore effort, 'Let's Talk About It,' entered Billboard's R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart at #2 and the Top 200 Albums chart in the #4 position upon its March 2004 release. Thomas delivers fresh but nostalgic sultry ballads with poignant lyrics and soulful vocals.