| Heather B. Gardner | |
|---|---|
Gardner at a book signing for Common's 2011 memoir in Manhattan, September 13, 2011. |
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| Background information | |
| Also known as | Heather B. |
| Genres | Rap, hip hop |
| Occupations | Singer, actress, reality television personality |
| Years active | 1992–present |
| Labels | Elektra, Pendulum Records, MCA Records, Sai Records International, GIWOM Entertainment |
| Associated acts | Boogie Down Productions, M.O.P. |
Heather B. Gardner, billed professionally as Heather B. (born 1971), is an African American hip hop artist who first gained fame as a cast member on The Real World: New York, the first season of MTV's reality show The Real World.[1]
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From February 16 to May 18, 1992, Gardner filmed The Real World: New York, the first season of MTV's reality television series, The Real World, on which she appeared as a cast member.[2] The series premiered May 21 that year. On the show, she was depicted as a hip-hop artist with the group Boogie Down Productions, on the verge of getting her big career break[3] During the season, she is seen recording her album, The System Sucks.[3][4] According to MTV's biography for her: "She has a lot of drive and dedication to whatever she is doing. She makes friends quickly and always speaks her mind regardless of the consequences."[3]
Gardner was affiliated with the rap group Boogie Down Productions,[1] and was signed to Pendulum Records in 1995. In 1996 she released her first album, Takin' Mine. The single "All Glocks Down", an anti-gun violence anthem, received moderate radio play, as did the follow-up single "If Headz Only Knew."[5]
In 1997, Gardner signed with MCA Records and in 1998 she released a two track single called "Do You".
In 2002 Gardner produced her second album, Eternal Affairs, with production from Pete Rock and DJ Premier. The album met with positive reviews despite not charting on Billboard.[6]
Outside her music career, Gardner has appeared in various projects and television specials related to The Real World. She also appeared in the film The Wedding Video directed by Real World alum Norman Korpi, and a 2005 television commercial for America Online anti-virus software.[7]
Heather B's third studio album, Open Bar, which was executive produced by DJ Premier.[6]