BLACK & MYLD
Birmingham, AL.
The group, BLACK & MYLD originated the summer of 1995. The members that make up this unique trio are Christinay Bogan, Leisa Collins, and Sharron Collins. All of the members are from the Birmingham area.
Christinay attended Talladega College where her major was vocal performance, Sharron attended the University of Montevallo where her major as well was vocal performance, and Leisa attended Grambling State University and Miles College, from which she received her bachelor's degree. Christinay and Sharron were both working on solo projects at the time the group was formed. Leisa who is sister to Sharron joined the group later that summer.
Not having a name before a performance forced the group to choose a name that describes what they have to give to the music industry. Black and Myld is the name of a popular cigar, but the description described the group exactly. It's described as a smooth, harmonious, and intoxicating blend of flavor. This group continues to be praised for the vocal capacity and ability to sing with heartfelt soul as well as belt out a number of their songs a Capella. Over the years, this group has opened for a number of artists. They've opened for headline artists such as: Eric Essix, Brownstone, Kut Klose, Soul For Real, Da Brat, Lattimore and Bobby Blue Bland just to name a few.
This group is currently working to complete their first project with 431 Productions (Atlanta GA). "It's taken hard work and dedication to have 14 songs ready for distribution", said Leisa Collins. The first single the group will promote will be "Can't Miss". This Hip-Hop track is laced with sultry R&B vocals, which has become a characteristic of their music. "The way their vocals merge with the music takes it to another level," said Jermaine Garrett, a long time friend and promoter.
BLACK & MYLD has won numerous talent shows, received the key to a number of cities, and most recently won Birmingham's 2002 Amateur Night at the Apollo where they won $1000.00 and round trip tickets to the Big Apple to perform at the original "Showtime at the Apollo". The group was successful again in November, when they won first place in New York on Showtime at the Apollo. They will go to defend their title in the beginning of the year. BLACK & MYLD, has proven that they have the talent and versatility to take the world by storm. They continue to write their own lyrics, as well as for other local artists. "God has given us patience and determination to keep striving", says Christinay. All they need is a chance the rest will speak for itself. The beginning of 2003 found them in popular demand with performances at Jacksonville State University Black History Scholarship Pageant, LoMo Magazine 's "All Diva" Showcase and the Alabama State Fair Spring Fling at the Birmingham Fairgrounds and the Diamond Divas & Ghetto Queens shows organized by Bama Hip Hop. To be continued...
