2015 Grammy Award Nominee ANTONIQUE SMITH singing National Anthem at Lakers vs. Clippers Tonight

LOS ANGELES - Jan. 7, 2015 - PRLog -- Grammy Award Nominee ANTONIQUE SMITH, who is nominated in the "Best Traditional R&B Performance" category for her debut single "Hold Up Wait a Minute (Woo Woo)" will be singing the National Anthem tonight, Wednesday, January 7, 2015 at the Lakers vs. Clippers games at The Staples Center.  Game starts at 7:30.

From Kickstarter to the Grammys! Touted as "The Little Indie That Could", ANTONIQUE SMITH received a Grammy Award nomination of "Best Traditional R&B Performance" for "Hold Up Wait a Minute (Woo Woo)", the retro meets future, soul pleaser that is best described as a liberation song. The rousing anthem showcases ANTONIQUE's dynamic voice which channels the soulfulness of Aretha Franklin with a pop sensibility à la Celine Dion - two of her biggest influences alongside the legendary Whitney Houston. While the song focuses on a tumultuous relationship ANTONIQUE SMITH is quick to point out the universal appeal of its message. "It's time to take the power back for all the injustices in our lives - from Mike Brown to the kidnapping of innocent Nigerian girls and all the demoralizing issues in between. This is an anthem for people worldwide that demand respect. Hold Up Wait A Minute!"

The accompanying video, directed by renowned actor/director LARENZ TATE and co-starring actor Lance Gross and Vine star King Bach made its debut on Tuesday, December 2, 2014.  The single leads the much anticipated full length set “Love is Everything” on 9:23 Music Group is due early 2015.  This critically acclaimed singer/songwriter is set to become one of the leading artists of our era.

ANTONIQUE SMITH is currently involved in UNICEF “Every Voice Counts” campaign alongside David Guetta, Angelique Kidjo, Katy Perry and several other superstars. UNICEF new campaign, #IMAGINE, was establishedto draw attention to the challenges children face around the world and help raise money for the organization. Yoko Ono,  Hugh Jackman and ABBA member Björn Ulvaeus presented it to the UN General Assembly at the 25th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20th.

Love Is Everything arrives in early 2015 via independent label 9:23 Music Group and boasts production from Toby Gad (Beyoncé,Fergie), Danja (Justin Timberlake, Usher), Jukebox (Willow Smith, Eve) and the elusive icon Dr. Dre. "It's an album that walks you through the full Love Experience." says ANTONIQUE SMITH. "Hold Up Wait A Minute", is the “Love Empowerment Experience”, it charges you to Love one's self, and put your foot down on your own injustices. While other songs show Love in different forms, Humility, Compromise and a bit of Tough Love too! I've experienced quite a few things and gained a little bit of wisdom. I'm trying to drop some jewels for both women and men as we navigate our way through Life and Love."

ANTONIQUE SMITH will also be heard on the album HOME, a project presented by the Hip Hop Caucus to raise awareness about climate change and "expand the climate movement". ANTONIQUE SMITH recorded a version of Marvin Gaye's “Mercy Mercy Me”, which serves as the album's lead single. The collection is currently up for pre-order and is available on iTunes today with additional contributions from Common, Ne-Yo and Elle Varner.

ANTONIQUE SMITH, a native of East Orange, NJ, first garnered attention in her buzz-worthy leading role in "RENT" on Broadway as Mimi Marquez. She is most known for her portrayal of Faith Evans in the hit film of the life of the Notorious B.I.G., "Notorious" where she received rave reviews and universal critical acclaim. ANTONIQUE SMITH also starred in the 2011 indie drama "Yelling To The Sky" opposite Zoe Kravitz and Gabourey Sidibe and the action film "Abduction" opposite Taylor Lautner and Alfred Molina.

For interviews or press inquiries, please contact Steven Littles, Senior Publicist, ZEPHRA Agency at 323/678-6921 or zephraagency@yahoo.com.

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