Music for some, is a way to earn fast cash. For others, it’s the thrill of being a celebrity. Others fall into it by chance encounters. Although the ultimate goal is to generate enough wealth that leaves a legacy behind, Tommie B. is the epitome of music. Being crowned “ A musical genius” by Mogul Russell Simmons is something that he does not take lightly. In fact, it added that much more pressure to be great. You see, for Tommie B., that is what his life consists of. He lives and breathes music, it’s in his DNA one could say.
At the tender age of five (5) Tommie B. began his musical career. At that time he began singing in church doing his first solo. The church loved it, and his mother encouraged it. Being born on the West Side of Chicago and later moving to the South Side, he remembers his childhood neighborhood of Princeton Park. Though singing was his passion, he did not shy away from the arts. By the age of 11, he started writing songs for himself and others. His desire to entertain in front of audiences took him in a lot of different directions. He formed his first gospel group Evidence, who would go on to become a force to be reckoned with in the Chicagoland area, singing at churches and local talent shows. They continued to perform until their last year of High School at which point the group transitioned into singing R&B. Their name was changed to Nexx Level, rightfully so. The now grown men, Tommie, RJ Mitchell and Swift kept the focus on music and has continued to do shows together periodically when their schedules permit.
As soon as graduation was behind them, the group took off running and began studio recording while doing live performances across the country. Under the management team the group had, they were fortunate to have had meetings with the likes of Jay-Z, L.A Reid and Russell Simmons.
Tommie would later add to his resume, being a background vocalist for Ginuwine, Dave Hollister, Syleena Johnson & Tweet to name a few. He became known nationally as a major songwriter working on projects with Syleena, Willie Taylor and Day26.
Currently Tommie is partnered with his longtime friend Fred Taylor creating the production team Toxic Productions. The team recently received a Grammy and Diamond Selling Status for their work on Cardi B’s debut album; Responsible for songs like Bodak Yellow and Money Bag to name a few. To date, Toxic Productions is a multi-platinum and Grammy award winning production company.
Tommie B. has taken pride in creating opportunities for local artists in the city of Chicago by bringing live band open mic nights to the city. Celeb Open Mic was one of the most influential live band open mics in the city with regular appearances from celebrities all over the country. After creating this platform Tommie B. released his first solo EP in the summer of 2014, with features from Dave Hollister, Willie Taylor and others.
What’s next for Tommie B.? The artist is currently working on his sophomore album which promises to bring a new feeling and his own brand of music he’s coined trap and blues. That will also be the name of his album slated to be released early 2022. With this piece of artwork, he aims to create his own genre of music by merging sounds of today’s innovation with the soul of yesterday’s legends.
