Mashonda
Mashonda |
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Mashonda Tifrere, professionally known just as Mashonda,(born January 9, 1981) is an R&B singer signed to Full Surface/J Records.
Biography
She was born January 9, 1981 in Massachusetts and raised in Harlem, New York.
In 2004, she married music producer Swizz Beatz. In January 2007 their son Kasseem Dean, Jr. was born. In April 2008, the couple announced their plans to divorce the four years of marriage as a result of Swizz's year long affair with singer Alicia Keys. [1].
Music career
In 1998 Swizz Beatz—one of hip-hop's most influential beatmakers[citation needed]--recognized Mashonda's talent and took her under his wing. She wrote the rap/RB songs for her close friend rapper Eve (rapper)'s song "Gotta Man"; Jay-Z's "Girl's Best Friend", and Mýa "The Best of Me (Mya song)" featuring Jay-Z.
A full-length album, January Joy, was eventually recorded. However due to poor radio reception to her singles "Blackout" (featuring Snoop Dogg) and "Back of the Club"; the album was only released in Japan. The album was scheduled for a 2005 U.S. release, but has since been shelved indefinitely.
Mashonda is the chorus voice on her close friend rapper Eve's song "Gotta Man"; Jay-Z's "Girl's Best Friend", and Mýa "Best of Me" featuring Jay-Z.
Mashonda, ex-husband Swizz, and rapper Cassidy (rapper) founded Full Surface records. Mashonda is featured on Cassidy (rapper)'s song "Get No Better" from his 2004 album Split Personality. She is also featured on Fat Joe's song "Listen Baby" from his 2005 album All or Nothing.
Mashonda has stated that she is currently in the studio working on her new record. Originally titled Back to Business, it has now been changed to The Renovation Series. There was a buzz single released in 2009 titled "No Panties". The official first single will be released later this year.
Mashonda stated on June 30, 2010 that her new album "The Renovation Series" will be released summer 2011
Other Ventures
In a statement released concerning her recent separation from rapper Swizz Beatz, it was announced that Mashonda would be starting several business ventures. She has plans for
- a luxury swimwear line called January Joy Intimates;
- a brand new EP consisting of about 4-5 brand new songs in order to build up anticipation for her new album;
- a new album called The Renovation Series with the lead single being "No Panties".
In addition Mashonda is planning to open an arts based school for children located in her hometown of Harlem[2].
Discography
Albums
- 2005: January Joy
- 2011: The Renovation Series
Singles
- 2005: Back Of The Club
- 2005: Blackout [Feat. Snoop Dogg]
- 2006: Used To (Promo Only)
- 2009: No Panties (Buzz Single)
- 2009: Dirty Laundry (Buzz Single)
Guest appearances
- 1998: Gotta Man (with Eve)
- 1999: Girl's Best Friend (with Jay-Z)
- 2000: Best Of Me (with Mýa featuring Jay-Z)
- 2001: Be Me (with Eve)
- 2001: You Could Be Blind (with DMX)
- 2002: Party In The Rain (with Eve)
- 2003: This Is Who I Am Lil' Kim
- 2004: Get No Better (with Cassidy)
- 2005: So Long (with Cassidy featuring Raekwon)
- 2007: Dance Floor (with Eve)
- 2007: Take A Trip (with Cassidy)