Mateo (singer)

Mateo
Background information
Born Cincinnati, OH
Origin Los Angeles, CA
Genres Pop, R&B, Soul, Alternative
Occupations singer, songwriter
Instruments vocals, piano
Years active 2006–present

|associated_acts = Kerry Brothers, Alicia Keys, Swizz Beats }}

Mateo (born Iman Jordan, August 13, 1986), is an American Pop/R&B singer/songwriter from Cincinnati, Ohio. He was formerly signed to MySpace Records, but parted ways with the label in 2010.[1] Mateo is now signed to Krucial Noise, label imprint of Alicia Keys producer Kerry "Krucial" Brothers.[2]

Contents

Early life

Mateo was born in Cincinnati, Ohio into a musical family. His grandfather, Freddy Jordan was a jazz and session guitarist at the historic King Records where he played for the likes of James Brown, Freddie King, and Charles Brown.[3][4] His grandmother was a singer who toured Canada and the northeastern United States. Mateo started singing at an early age and playing classical piano at age 5. Mateo attended Morehouse College, majoring in music and business.[1][4] After graduation, Mateo moved to New York, NY where he briefly worked as a strategy consultant.[4]

Music career

Mateo eventually moved to Los Angeles, CA to pursue a career in the music industry where he met with former MTV VJ, Quddus Philippe.[5] Quddus, who was working at MySpace Records quickly took interest and brought Mateo over to the label which signed him nearly on the spot.[6][7] While on MySpace records, Mateo released a three part mixtape series entitled "Underneath the Sky", which garnered critical acclaim. The mixtape series included features from Kardinal Offishall, Teairra Mari, Fashawn, and Shawn Chrystopher.[8][9][10] On August 13, 2009, Mateo recorded a live EP entitled "Get To Know Me: Live at Swing House". His video, "Get To Know Me", from the live EP was featured by MTVU, Fuse, and Music Choice. After a year and a half stint at MySpace Records, Mateo decided to part ways with the label in 2010.[1][6][11]

In September 2010, Mateo signed to Krucial Noise, the label imprint of Alicia Keys longtime producer and songwriting partner, Kerry "Krucial" Brothers. Kerry met Mateo through Quddus during the MySpace Records days. Mateo released his fourth mixtape "Love & Stadiums" on March 30, 2011 to critical acclaim. [11] The mixtape serves as his first release under Krucial Noise and includes features from Goapele, Pusha T, Ab Liva, Gilbere Forte, and Kardinal Offishall.[2][4][12]

Mateo released his debut single, "Say It's So", on September 21, 2011 off his upcoming EP Love & Stadiums II which is due to be released December 6, 2011. The single is produced by Kerry Brothers and features additional vocals from Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz. [13] It was predicted as a Future Hit by This Must Be Pop.[14]

Discography

Underneath the Sky Mixtape Ch. 1: Presented by Mick Boogie (2009) [8]
Underneath the Sky Mixtape Ch. 2: Presented by DJ Felli Fel (2009)[9]
Get To Know Me: Live at Swing House EP (2009) [6]
Underneath the Sky Mixtape Ch. 3: Presented by Tapemasters Inc. (2010) [10]
Love & Stadiums Mixtape: Presented by Krucial Noise (2011) [2]
Love & Stadiums II EP (2011)

References

  1. ^ a b c Jackson, Eboyne.The Method: Mateo, HoneyMag, July 29, 2010, accessed June 18, 2011.
  2. ^ a b c New Music: Mateo – ‘Love & Stadiums’ [Mixtape], Rap-Up, March 30, 2011, accessed June 18, 2011.
  3. ^ Tracy, Steven. "Going To Cincinnati: A History of the Blues in the Queen City". University of Illinois Press, 1993, p. 148.
  4. ^ a b c d Salaam, Khalid. Kerry Brothers’ Newest Signee Steps To The Plate, XXL Magazine, June 3, 2011, accessed June 18, 2011.
  5. ^ MTV VJs, MTV, accessed June 18, 2011.
  6. ^ a b c Angel. ARTIST SPOTLIGHT: MATEO, ConcreteLoop, September 11, 2009, accessed June 18, 2011.
  7. ^ Marie, Michelle.YH Buzz Meter: Mateo, YoungHollywood, accessed June 18, 2011.
  8. ^ a b Shake. Mick Boogie Presents Mateo – Underneath the Sky (Mixtape), 2DopeBoyz, March 5, 2009, accessed June 18, 2011.
  9. ^ a b Shamz. Mateo – Underneath The Sky Chapter 2 [Mixtape], Okayplayer, June 10, 2009, accessed June 18, 2011.
  10. ^ a b Angel. NEW MUSIC: MATEO RELEASES HIS NEW MIXTAPE, “UNDERNEATH THE SKY, ConcreteLoop, March 3, 2010, accessed June 18, 2011.
  11. ^ Mateo Moves Forward With 'Sky Mixtape' Post Myspace Split, SingersRoom, March 4, 2010, accessed June 18, 2011.
  12. ^ [1], Vibe, March 24, 2011, accessed June 18, 2011.
  13. ^ FRESH MEAT: Mateo's "Say Its So" Ft. Alicia Keys, TheYBF, September 22, 2011, accessed September 22, 2011.
  14. ^ http://www.thismustbepop.com/2011/11/this-must-be-pop-brings-you-future-pop_14.html

External links