Artist description Is the millennium ready for the first openly gay, black male pop artist? Newark native Anthony Antoine (birth given first and middle name) is taking his music and mission to another level with the independent release of his latest CD Songs From My Closet: an innovative and provocative blend of pop, dance and hip-hop music. This talented Brother, is an artist who's music begs that very question ... Is the millenium indeed ready for the first openly gay, black male pop artist? Anthony Antoine, whose multitude of influences includes the songwriting talents of Babyface to the musicianship and courage of Meshell Ndegeocello, tackles a host of issues on this his 5th CD. From the opening refrain of the first song, it is clear that Anthony boldly promotes experiences often not addressed in popular music. A deep appreciation of diversity, taboo discussions, relationships, and gay sex are prevalent themes within Anthony's music which has been described as "a voice for a silenced and often time silent community".

Music Style Alternative blend of Pop, Hip-Hop & RnB

Musical Influences Sheila E, Meshell Ndeggeocello, BabyFace, Prince, Aretha Franklin

Artist History Anthony's first major grab for the brass ring was the Hardcastle produced Swing by "The Def Boyz featuring Tony Mac". Swing became an instant international dance club hit ... charting Top 40 on Billboards Dance Chart and breaking the Top 40 on numerous European music charts. Over the next few years, Anthony would record under several pseudonyms including Tony Mac and Truth Anthony ... becoming a recognizable artist on the European dance scene. During this period Anthony released two more singles: the self produced effort What's Goin' Down and the jazz influenced Under Your Spell with Ronny Jordan. In addition to having songs in heavy radio rotation, videos on MTV and a strenuous European tour schedule, Anthony soon won the role as the opening act for C&C Music Factory on their European tour. Similar to the spirit that energized James Brown, Aretha and so many voices that reflected the 60s Black struggle, Anthony's fourth release shouts of an awakening awareness of individual and collective pride and empowerment. Dante's Got a Man Too, released in 1999, became a gay club smash and Anthony's most ambitious and rewarding project to date. Dante's Got a Man Too, and the latest release, Songs From My Closet are both a part of a musical and spiritual growth for Anthony ... but more importantly, a part of a new and bold activist voice demanding to be both acknowledged and to be heard.

Group Members Anthony Antoine

Instruments Keyboards

Albums Swing: Deff Boyz Featuring Tony Mac; Under Your Spell: Ronny Jordan featuring Truth Anthony; Chain of Hits: Truth Anthony (EP); What's Going Down: Truth Anthony (Maxi Single); The Baby's Daddy Project (EP); Songs From My Closet (Ep)

Press Reviews Featured Artist at Gay Pride Atlanta 2002; Atlanta Black Gay Pride

Additional Info Member of The Adodi Muse: A Gay Negro Ensemble

Location Atlanta, Georgia - USA

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