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THE BLACK SPOTLIGHT
Shining A Light on African American Entertainment & Culture
(June 18) Representing for southeast Washington DC but now in North Carolina, King is
turning heads and attracting crowds with his neosoul melodies. Lighting the mic up with songs
like the Saturday night cruising Ride With Me to the give it my all, If That's Alright. Known to
his fans as King but on his birth certificate as Leroy Bess, he continues to pursue his Grammy
ambitions. Since the start of his music career, he has had the esteemed pleasure of singing
with great stars such as Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin and Cece Winans. King is also fulfilling
his second dream as well, dedicating his life to getting others fit and in shape as a personal
trainer.
The Black Spotlight (BSL) speaks with King about his love for music, how he stands out from
the rest and how to achieve that last minute beach body.
BSL Tell me about your musical background.
KING Actually, I’ve been singing all of my life. I’ve performed in glee clubs and singing groups
(imitating New Edition..(laughs) I’ve also sang in my High School choir and various stage
plays. I’ve also involved myself with performing arts. I’ve been a member of the Andrew
Cacho African Drummers and Dancers of Washington, DC since I was 7 years old. I am the
founder of The DC2NC Music Group (formally Royalty Entertainment) and am currently
working on the 2nd Annual DC2NC Music Festival and The 70’s/80’s Flashback Jam!
BSL What made you decide to pursue a career in music?
KING I’ve always loved performing. Music is my passion. Performing… is my passion. And
it’s so many different avenues you can pursue with music. Music is the one avenue that gives
me the opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings. There’s always someone that will
appreciate and understand what I express through my music.
BSL How involved are you when it comes to creating a song?
KING 100%. I write all of my songs and I have a great deal of input (at least 90%) in the
studio. It’s important to me to be very involved in the process because some producers and
engineers can change your song and take it in a direction that feels good or sounds good to
them.
BSL With the wide array of music available today, how does your music stand out
amongst others? How will I know I'm listening to a King track?
KING You have so many different styles of music now… you have your hip hop, R&B, neosoul,
rock, jazz, metal, inspirational, bubblegum…. But what I try to do is use LIVE sounds bringing
back that old school feel with music that can really hit your soul. As you listen to the CD, you’ll
be able to tell I don’t use any electronic altercations with the vocals… I try to keep it as plain
and raw as possible (DC Style). I love the sounds and effects of live band music… horns,
drums, keys,bass….. Anything you can add to the flavor, for instance, I play my DeJimbe while
performing. I don’t want to be a “studio artist. I love performing LIVE with LIVE bands and
giving that KING energy! When you meet me, you could never imagine what kind of performer
I am…. I go HARD on stage! When you walk away from a KING performance.. You’ll
wonder...”Where did he come from and where did all that energy come from?”
BSL How are you affected creatively with today's music?
KING One thing I’ve noticed is the music industry is changing and a lot of times I ask myself
“Why haven’t I had a chance to make it in the mainstream”… but I’ve come to understand that
my style is very different than the norm. I definitely have to give the respect to the B side
artists because they let me know there’s a place and an audience for my music.
BSL Who are some of your musical influences?
KING The Godfather…..Chuck Brown, Will Downing, Brian McKnight, Maxwell, Gerald
LeVert, Mary J. Blige, Kenny Latimore, Eric Benet, Luther Vandross (you can’t forget Luther),
Anita Baker, Lalah Hathaway, Mint Condition, Earth Wind and Fire, 911 (Go Go Band out of
DC) Joe Sample and Andrew Cacho just to name a few.
BSL I understand that you are currently working on a Gospel project. Can you tell me
more about it?
KING When growing up in South East, DC, I experienced a lot of “crazy madness” and have
been blessed to overcome it all. I recognize that this is only through prayers from my Mother
and acknowledging the Grace of God. I feel that it’s time for me to say Thanks. The Gospel
project is challenging because I want it to be sincere and true.
You can check out what’s going on with me and updates about upcoming shows at
www.Myspace.com/KingLPHMusic1. You can also purchase my first single Ride With Me at
MajestiqueEvents.com under Music.
turning heads and attracting crowds with his neosoul melodies. Lighting the mic up with songs
like the Saturday night cruising Ride With Me to the give it my all, If That's Alright. Known to
his fans as King but on his birth certificate as Leroy Bess, he continues to pursue his Grammy
ambitions. Since the start of his music career, he has had the esteemed pleasure of singing
with great stars such as Anita Baker, Aretha Franklin and Cece Winans. King is also fulfilling
his second dream as well, dedicating his life to getting others fit and in shape as a personal
trainer.
The Black Spotlight (BSL) speaks with King about his love for music, how he stands out from
the rest and how to achieve that last minute beach body.
BSL Tell me about your musical background.
KING Actually, I’ve been singing all of my life. I’ve performed in glee clubs and singing groups
(imitating New Edition..(laughs) I’ve also sang in my High School choir and various stage
plays. I’ve also involved myself with performing arts. I’ve been a member of the Andrew
Cacho African Drummers and Dancers of Washington, DC since I was 7 years old. I am the
founder of The DC2NC Music Group (formally Royalty Entertainment) and am currently
working on the 2nd Annual DC2NC Music Festival and The 70’s/80’s Flashback Jam!
BSL What made you decide to pursue a career in music?
KING I’ve always loved performing. Music is my passion. Performing… is my passion. And
it’s so many different avenues you can pursue with music. Music is the one avenue that gives
me the opportunity to express my thoughts and feelings. There’s always someone that will
appreciate and understand what I express through my music.
BSL How involved are you when it comes to creating a song?
KING 100%. I write all of my songs and I have a great deal of input (at least 90%) in the
studio. It’s important to me to be very involved in the process because some producers and
engineers can change your song and take it in a direction that feels good or sounds good to
them.
BSL With the wide array of music available today, how does your music stand out
amongst others? How will I know I'm listening to a King track?
KING You have so many different styles of music now… you have your hip hop, R&B, neosoul,
rock, jazz, metal, inspirational, bubblegum…. But what I try to do is use LIVE sounds bringing
back that old school feel with music that can really hit your soul. As you listen to the CD, you’ll
be able to tell I don’t use any electronic altercations with the vocals… I try to keep it as plain
and raw as possible (DC Style). I love the sounds and effects of live band music… horns,
drums, keys,bass….. Anything you can add to the flavor, for instance, I play my DeJimbe while
performing. I don’t want to be a “studio artist. I love performing LIVE with LIVE bands and
giving that KING energy! When you meet me, you could never imagine what kind of performer
I am…. I go HARD on stage! When you walk away from a KING performance.. You’ll
wonder...”Where did he come from and where did all that energy come from?”
BSL How are you affected creatively with today's music?
KING One thing I’ve noticed is the music industry is changing and a lot of times I ask myself
“Why haven’t I had a chance to make it in the mainstream”… but I’ve come to understand that
my style is very different than the norm. I definitely have to give the respect to the B side
artists because they let me know there’s a place and an audience for my music.
BSL Who are some of your musical influences?
KING The Godfather…..Chuck Brown, Will Downing, Brian McKnight, Maxwell, Gerald
LeVert, Mary J. Blige, Kenny Latimore, Eric Benet, Luther Vandross (you can’t forget Luther),
Anita Baker, Lalah Hathaway, Mint Condition, Earth Wind and Fire, 911 (Go Go Band out of
DC) Joe Sample and Andrew Cacho just to name a few.
BSL I understand that you are currently working on a Gospel project. Can you tell me
more about it?
KING When growing up in South East, DC, I experienced a lot of “crazy madness” and have
been blessed to overcome it all. I recognize that this is only through prayers from my Mother
and acknowledging the Grace of God. I feel that it’s time for me to say Thanks. The Gospel
project is challenging because I want it to be sincere and true.
You can check out what’s going on with me and updates about upcoming shows at
www.Myspace.com/KingLPHMusic1. You can also purchase my first single Ride With Me at
MajestiqueEvents.com under Music.
IN THE BLACK
SPOTLIGHT: KING
Get the royal treatment
SPOTLIGHT: KING
Get the royal treatment
Recording Artist/Personal
Trainer KING
Trainer KING