Artist description Real funky, no filth, all about the words.

Music Style Hip-hop, R&B

Musical Influences Rakim, Jimmy Jam, L.L. Cool J., Thomas Whitfield ...

Similar Artists Will Smith, Musiq

Artist History In a Vibe magazine interview, Quincy Jones was asked if he thought a rapper would come along who has a major effect on this generation. He answered, [Its going to happen with somebody who comes and has that same musical genius as Stevie Wonder in them. And he will have been indoctrinated by hip-hop, and so thats how his genius will come out.] Steve META! Burks, one of many prodigies from Gary, Indiana, is a music educator, composer, pianist, vocalist, saxophonist, drummer ... and emcee. For years he has had to explain himself, to justify his love for rap to people whose attitude is, [You could do anything, why rap?] Meta gets amped. [Why not?] His niche is found in raps 1st and 2nd generations, who grew up with it and are eager to embrace it when it speaks from an adult point of view. Ask Meta and hell sum it up with a quote from Cedric the Entertainer: [I'm a grown a$$ man!] Steve is a husband and father of three, two daughters and a son who passed away in 2002.

Group Members META - writer, producer, performer

Instruments Piano, saxophone, drums

Albums Truth Is Harder Than Diamonds (2003)

Additional Info Meta was a top-five finalist in the 1994 Vibe/ Levi's 501 Talent Search, a top-ten finalist in the 2003 NARAS/ ASCAP Demo Review Panel and Contest, and he's an alumnus of the prestigious Indiana University School of Music.

Location Gary, Indiana - USA

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