Artist description funky grooves laced with mellow vibes

Music Style Detroit Urban Soul

Musical Influences Prince,Micheal jackson, Teddy riley, luther vandross, sting, Brian McKnight, Stevie Wonder. Kirk Franklin, Fred Hammond, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Yolanda Adams, The Goads

Similar Artists same as above

Artist History Detroit-Long time Sun Messenger, trumpeter/vocalist William (Big Will) Elijah, releases his debut solo CD "Crowd Pleeza" on Tuesday, August 27, 2002, on his own Detroit-based 3B Records. The disc is a smooth collection of funk, R&B, and hip-hop. Calling his music "Detroit Urban Soul," "Crowd Pleeza" establishes Big Will as a formable solo artist with immense star power and superb songwriting skills. As a trumpeter and vocalist for the popular Metro Detroit based band, Sun Messengers, Big Will has proved to be a crowd favorite with his gravity defying performances, blazing trumpet licks and marvelous rap/vocal skills. The 12-track "Crowd Pleeza," was a natural progression from the Sun Messengers, as an outlet to showcase Big Will's abundant solo talents. In making "Crowd Pleeza," Big Will drew creative inspiration from the painful losses of his son's mother, Patricia Elijah, and the passing of his mother Carolyn Elijah, both within a six- month period. Before her death, Big Will promised Patricia "that no matter what happens you must see your dreams through and continue to raise (their now four year old) son William (Lil Will) Elijah." "Crowd Pleeza" is dedicated to the memories of Patricia and Big Will's wife Teresa's mother Ruby Bradford. The disc has been therapeutic for the ever-smiling Elijah. "Broken hearts mend," he says, "that's what music is here for, to ease our cares, mark our triumphs, celebrate our loves, and also to vent our frustrations with life." Five dollars from every CD sold at Big Will's shows (with and without the Sun Messengers) will be donated to the American Cancer Society in honor of Patricia and Ruby both whom fell victim to the disease. "Crowd Pleeza" is chock full of stand-out tracks, including the neck popping "Don't Stop", "Big Daddy Shake," a song that features great local talent in the voice of Kimberly Fairchild. Other highlights include the sexy ballad "Touch you," the funky club bouncing "Teddy Bear," and the motorcity anthem "Ride Wit Me" spotlights up and coming hip-hop mavericks, The Mystery Men. Big Will counts Michael Jackson, Luther Vandros, Brian McKnight, Ludacris, Mystical, Missy Elliot, P. Diddy, Prince, and The Neptunes as influences Utilizing grass roots marketing and new technology, Big Will has set his sites on the global music buying public. His site at www.mp3.com/bigwill is already heavily trafficked. "I've seen great response from Japan and the UK now with over 20,000 plays of my songs, and with numerous CD sales since signing on to this site" and with "Crowd Pleeza" tracks "Don't Stop" and "Teddy Bear" hitting MP3's top 40 rap charts (alongside DMX and Master P), Big Will is well on his way to bringing his Detroit Urban Soul to the masses.

Group Members William Elijah-singer,song writer,producer

Instruments trumpet, keys, drums

Albums Crowd Pleeza

Press Reviews Uncontrollable urge to move ! Reviewer: Carolann Manfredi When I downloaded Big Will's music I couldn't sit still. I had the uncontrollable urge to move with it in my chair. I even got up and grooved to it! I can't wait to receive the CD. The only thing better would be to see him in concert live!!! I wish him all the luck and success in the world!!! Carolann Manfredi-Staton Island,NY. Reviewer: Smith Enterprises (Kevin Smith Business Owner) There are not enough stars too rate this cd. you've out-done yourself with this one.Looking forward to more slammin music from an up and coming star of this industry. Thanks for keeping the dream. (PIECE) "CROWED PLEEZA PLEASES" Reviewer: MIZZJOAN23@HOTMAIL.COM THIS CD IS ONE OF THE BEST THAT I HAVE HEARD ALL YEAR.SINCE I HAVE GOTTEN IT,IT HAS NOT LEFT MY CD PLAYER.IT HAS R&B,HIP-HOP,JAZZ ANYTHING YOU NEED TO GET IT GOING.I AM TRULY PLEEZED;) Reviewer: Toni Basil "I saw him in a club one night and he stopped me cold. He’s a dynamite talent and a wonderful human being this CD is Great wonderful & deverse!" Toni Basil- (Hollywood Actress-choreographer for Bette Milder, lee Ann Womack Big hit of the 80's Hey! Mickey) Get this man a deal!!! Reviewer: Show Image The collection of songs on Crowd Pleeza is a refreshing spin on today's Rap game... songs that go somewhere in texture big beats to sweet beats, lyrics, production hyped and smooth cop this one today!!!! Reviewer: Tall Nancy Short This music is different than the typical in such a good way. It's the funkiest of funk, the best club style, and it's full of amazing lyrics. This music is so much better than 'the norm.' This is the new standard. PHAT AZZ HELL Reviewer: Chico Stevens/chicodapromoter@yahoo.com This cd is off da hook, the lyrics and the production will have your head banging from side to side, like your azz is in the club. This type of style will go along way in this industry...If you looking for radio play hit me up, we have connection to overseas....Once again..keep up the good work

Location Detroit, mi - USA

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