Cri$tyle
Jermaine Dupri predicted the year belonged to Cri$tyle and in the tenth month of 2008 it would appear JD's prophecy was right on target. In addition to the literary kudos, Cri$tyle wrote the much-talked about single "Elevator" on the Pussy Cat Dolls recently released LP (Doll Domination). She is also responsible for infusing a little soul into Natasha Bedingfield on her quickly advancing single "ANGEL" (Pocket Full of Sunshine). November and December should prove equally as celebratory as Cri$tyle has projects on the way with Beyonce and Brandy. The songwriter who admitted being addicted to music as a teen, has managed to get the entire industry addicted to her "ink", accomplishing in twelve short months the type of success many work years to attain.
Cri$tyle's 2008 began with Mariah Carey's E=MC 2, co-writing Mariah Carey's #1 single "Touch My Body" along with four additional songs including Mariah's recent release "Loving U Long Time". She followed up with urban/pop singles for Harlem's swaggerific Teyanna Taylor "Google Me" and R&B newcomer Tiffany Evans "I'm Grown feat. Bow Wow". She penned three records on Janet Jackson's 2008 release (Discipline)
Her first year off the bench and Cri$tyle "the ink" was responsible for eight singles (one of which hit #1), spent studio time with some of the biggest names on the charts and became one of the most requested songwriters with super producers such as Rodney Jerkins. To date she is one of the most in-demand songwriters in the country and she has yet to turn twenty-five. "This year has been amazing but I see it as something I've been working my entire life for," says the singer-turned-
In addition to working with producers, other songwriters and the artists, the Decatur-born songwriter has made it a priority to give back to the community. "I remember being younger and wanting this so badly. I know how much it would've meant to me to hear someone I could relate to encourage me to keep pursuing my dreams, so that's what I've been trying to do," she says. Cri$tyle spent the summer doing several non-profit events including speaking at several summer camps in Atlanta and DC. This month she will be a guest speaker at a youth event targeting teenage girls.
During a recent interview with singersroom.com, Cri$tyle admitted being a bit overwhelmed with her success, but insists she is extremely grateful to the team around her including ASCAP and EMI. "I've been blessed beyond what I could have imagine a few years ago." Though thankful for the accolades she's received thus far, her biggest celebration of the year will no doubt be in November when she marries the inspiration behind many of her love ballads, her sweetheart of six years Jamal Pompey. "This year has changed my life in so many ways. It will definitely be one I never forget," she says.
Photo:
http://www.prlog.org/
