London 'Man of My Word' album

It's almost impossible to engage a city like London and not be in awe. There's an unmistakable beauty and mystique that surrounds the place. Its' unique fashion sense transcends far beyond the city limits. Its' rich history and tradition tell a story of days past and of present glory. And, its' worldly, yet sophisticated, vibe has a way of influencing anyone and anything it encounters.

Now, travel west across the Atlantic Ocean to Atlanta, Georgia and Map Quest your way to Key Players Music. It is there that you may introduce yourself to London. Not the city...the singer/songwriter. At first glance, his unassuming frame would have you believe he's the second coming of your favorite teen heartthrob. His camera-ready smile and graceful swagger evoke cover images of Word Up! Magazine. But, beyond the euro-denims and Cartier shades lay a true R&B crooner. If you peek into his eyes, you'll see a sincerity and emotion reminiscent of Carl Thomas and Teddy Pendergrass. London's story begins innocently but follows a path of struggle, survival, and ultimately triumphs.

Born Noel Franklin Jr, London, was the middle of three siblings. The place he called home: Oakland, California. Out west, hip hop was the music of choice and that sound was the backdrop of his upbringing. He started off rapping in an 8-man rap collective called Keep It Clean. At that time, his birth name and stage name were one and the same. The group enjoyed moderate success on the local scene but something was missing. So, to keep up with what was hot in the mainstream, he began to sing the hooks of K.I.C's rap songs. Once he saw how the ladies' gravitated toward his fiery vocals, the transformation from Noel to London began.

In 2002, at the urgings of his mother, the young rapper/singer made a cross-country trek from Oakland to Atlanta. Not to pursue music, but to continue his education at the prestigious Morehouse College. While his head knew that his education was of the utmost importance, his heart was dedicated to music. So, 3000 miles away from his closest relatives, he made the decision to follow his heart. If he succeeded, he'd make his family and friends very proud. If he failed….

It wasn't easy. Skipping classes to make studio sessions, using tuition money to enter talent showcases, spending dorm fees on clothing. That pattern eventually led to expulsion from school and nowhere to live. But, fate and destiny would shine upon, the then homeless, Noel in the form of Universal/Motown A&R Shaun Harris and Corporate Thugz Entertainment's own, Demetrius “Kinky B” Ellerbee (co-CEO of CTE and business partner of Young Jeezy). During a chance late night encounter at Patchwerk Studios, Noel's talents would emerge. He penned and performed a record entitled “What If” that immediately caught the two executive's attention. “This wasn't your modern-day Hip-Hop/R&B. This was real music. His words and his talent took me to another place”, says Kinky B. That feeling of being somewhere new and exciting combined with that euro-look (a style he had long before it became popular) birthed LONDON!!! Kinky B instantly signed the singer to Key Players Music (KPM) roster and took him under his wing.

Now, armed with a catalog of classic love songs, many of them written or co-written by London, that forecasted glory is drawing near. Odes like “My Diamond” and “Sometimes” are just examples of the timeless music that lives in his heart. So what's left? London says, “I'd still like to work with Pharrell and Raphael Saadiq”. The addition of those two would complete an opus which is almost assuredly a classic. London has already worked with some of the industry's biggest and brightest stars including Grammy Award winners like Babyface, Ne-Yo, ERIC HUDSON, Neff-U, and Mike City.

The mystique, the style, and the story all in one artist. It doesn't take a plane ticket to experience London. Let London's music take you there.

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London - Man of My Word