Latif

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LATIF
Birth name Corey Williams
Also known as LATIF
Born November 25, 1981 (1981-11-25) (age 26)
Genre(s) R&B, Hip hop
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter
Years active 2002–present
Label(s) Motown Records
Website Un-Official website

Corey Latif Williams (born November 25, 1981), sometimes known as simply LATIF, is an American R&B singer and Grammy nominated songwriter[1]. He was the winner of Teen People's Who's Next contest. He is a mentee of Teddy Pendergrass. He was once signed to Motown Records.

Contents

[edit] Biography

[edit] Early life

LATIF was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. His early passion for music came mainly from his parents, who, ironically, were not musically-inclined. This passion for music developed into an interest in singing for he and his older brothers. A close friend of LATIF's family, Teddy Pendergrass, served as a mentor for the young budding artist. It was this mentorship that taught LATIF how to "deliver" songs. This relationship was nurtured by LATIF being taken along with Pendergrass to various interviews and appearances. He would often be allowed to sing alongside Pendergrass. It was this that led to LATIF being noticed by the daughter of a label executive. Which brought about his first recording contract with Sony/550.[2]

[edit] Early Success

LATIF was given a demo deal, which helped him hone his writing skills, and gave him knowledge about the recording process. LATIF's vocals were featured in a highly popular commercial for a local bank. After LATIF graduated from high school, he enrolled in the Berklee College of Music, located in Boston. It was in Boston that he met Ryan Leslie. Together they produced a song and submitted it to a contest looking for young talent. This song would chosen the winner of Teen People's Who's Next contest. This win made it possible for LATIF to perform at the Apollo Theater.

[edit] Deal With Motown

In 2001, the buzz from winning the competition was enough to draw the eye of Kedar Massenburg. This actually worked out well for LATIF, because the "taste of spotlight" from the performance convinced him to tell his parents that he did not want to go back to school. He wanted work on his music fulltime. His mother gave him one semester to prove himself, or he had to go back to school. Massenburg became interested in LATIF, and signed him to Motown Records.[2]

[edit] Love in the First

LATIF's debut album on Motown was called Love in the First. Only one single, "I Don't Wanna Hurt You" was released. It was mainly written by LATIF, with production by Ryan Leslie, B. Cox, Adonis, Greg Charley, Andy C, Teddy Bishop, Mechalie Jamison, D "French" Spencer, and Sean Garrett. Due to poor promotion, the album did not do well.

[edit] After Motown

LATIF is no longer signed to Motown. He is currently in the studio working on his second album. He has garnered a large fanbase in Europe, with Germany leading the pack. One song that may be attributed to his international popularity is U Think U Know . He has also continued to work and write for different artists, such as JoJo, Cassie, The Roots, Jim Jones, Lil Scrappy, Tiffany Evans, Frankie J, Chris Brown, Cheri Dennis, Musiq Soulchild and Sonnie Carson just to name a few.

[edit] Discography

[edit] Singles

  • "I Don't Wanna Hurt You" (2003)
  • "Promise Me" (2008)

[edit] Albums

[edit] Unreleased Tracks

  • "B4 & After"
  • "It's Killin' Me"
  • "Last Year/This Year"
  • "No Mystery"
  • "Ridah"
  • "Slo Roc"
  • "Things Ain't The Same"
  • "U Think U Know"
  • "Where Did The Love Go?"
  • "Fix That"
  • "It's Over Now"
  • "Set It Off"
  • "Actin' Crazy"
  • "I Got Her"
  • "Stop Sayin'"
  • "What's Da Deal"
  • "Ride On"
  • "Play"
  • "Pretty Pink"
  • "Anything 4 Ya Love"

[edit] Collaborations

Title Artist Album Released
"My Life" Memphis Bleek M.A.D.E. 2003
"Why (What's Goin On?)" The Roots The Tipping Point 2004
"Lil' Daddy" Young City (aka Chopper) Hustle & Flow OST 2005
"Honey Dip" Jim Jones Harlem: Diary of a Summer
"Babygirl" SunN.Y. Overnight Celebrity
"Serve 'Em" Sonnie Carson Almost Famous 2006
"Paper Touchin" Red Cafe 2007

[edit] Selected Writer Credits

Title Artist Album Released
"I Love You" Cheri Dennis In and Out of Love 2006
"Like That" JoJo The High Road
"Ditto" Cassie Cassie
"G-S***" (Hook) Lil Scrappy Bred 2 Die Born 2 Live
"Teach Me" Musiq Soulchild Luvanmusiq 2007
"Damage" Chris Brown Exclusive
"Pretend" Cheri Dennis In and Out of Love
"Laid Back & Chill" Tiffany Evans Tiffany Evans 2008

[edit] Trivia

 Trivia sections are discouraged under Wikipedia guidelines.
The article could be improved by integrating relevant items and removing inappropriate ones.
  • Latif is sometimes incorrectly credited with the song "Sweet Misery," a song by Rashad.

[edit] References

  1. ^ Grammy Nominations: Best R&B Song Accessed December 11, 2007
  2. ^ a b Latif - Love In The First

[edit] External links