Hidden Beach Recordings
Encyclopedia
Hidden Beach is an American
independent record label
specializing in Urban Alternative, R&B, Soul, Inspirational and Contemporary Jazz music genres. Hidden Beach was formed in 1998 as the vision of its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Steve McKeever and currently holds a distribution deal with Universal Music Distribution Group.
After graduating from Harvard Law School, McKeever was hired by the law firm of Irell & Manella LLP in Los Angeles as an entertainment lawyer. While there, he discovered comedian Robin Harris, and helped him land a role in Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing. In 1991, McKeever joined Motown Records as senior vice president of artists and repertoire, where he expanded the label's line-up with people like Queen Latifah, while at the same time managing blockbuster acts like Boyz II Men and Stevie Wonder. He has also worked with Lionel Richie, Diana Ross and Zhane. The following year, he launched MoJAZZ Records, a subsidiary of Motown, where he launched a number of new artists. In 1993, McKeever played an instrumental role in the sale of Motown to PolyGram Records. McKeever left Motown in 1995 to work on his own projects, and in 1998, he founded Hidden Beach Recordings (HBR).
Charles Whitfield, Production and Artist Relations: A graduate of North Carolina Central University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Charles joined Hidden Beach for the date the label opened its doors as a paid intern with no record label experience but a passion for music. Charles had the foresight to introduce McKeever to Michael Jordan, one of the lead investors in Hidden Beach. Currently Charles oversees all production of content for the label and is the primary liaison between the artists and the label. Prior to joining Hidden Beach, Charles served as an assistant manager at a Fortune 500 consumer finance company where he became the leader in business development for his sales district.
Hidden Beach has four label imprints, which focus on a different genres of music.
-Hidden Beach is the primary label imprint and is used for R&B, neo-soul, jazz, instrumental and compilation releases
-Still Waters, a Hidden Beach Experience is the label imprint dedicated to inspirational music releases spanning the gamut from gospel music to motivational music to inspirational speeches. The debut release on Still Waters was nominated for a Grammy, a Dove Award and a Stellar Award.
-Hidden Beach Celebration Series focuses on specialty themed albums such as Christmas and Mother's Day releases. HBR's first Celebration Series released was Bebe Winans' My Christmas Prayer which topped 5 different Billboard Charts, was names as one of Oprah Winfrey's Favorite Things and became Starbuck's biggest selling holiday album in 2004.
, has sold 2.4 million units according to Nielsen, and was nominated for four Grammy Awards. Scott has gone on to release three studio and two live albums and currently stars in the HBO series the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
. Vol. 2 counts 91,000 units. Unwrapped, Vol. 3, which features 50 Cent
's "In Da Club" and Eminem
's "Lose Yourself
" as interpreted by keyboardists Jeff Lorber
and former Earth, Wind & Fire
member Larry Dunn
, Hidden Beach saxophonist Mike Phillips and others, was released July 13. It debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart and No. 4 on the overall jazz chart. To date, it has sold 32,000 units. Released on June 24, 2006, the fourth installment in the series, Unwrapped: Vol 4 peaked at number 3 on the Top Contemporary Jazz charts. Unwrapped, Vol. 5: The Collipark Cafe Sessions offers jazz instrumental covers of Southern hip-hop hits and was released June 24, 2008.
campaign. Obama inspired many artists to create songs of hope and the campaign felt it to be a good idea to compile these songs onto one project. McKeever had been in talks with the Obama campaign regarding such a project for a while. Artists on the project include Kanye West
, Stevie Wonder
and Sheryl Crow
and was released on September 18, 2008.
Following the election of President Obama, Hidden Beach produced the official inauguration collection commemorative CD-DVD set. Change Is Now: Renewing America's Promise includes 17 tracks by various artists and eight of President Obama's speeches. Artists include will.i.am
, Robin Thicke
, Maroon 5
and india.arie
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
independent record label
Independent record label
An independent record label is a record label operating without the funding of or outside the organizations of the major record labels. A great number of bands and musical acts begin on independent labels.-Overview:...
specializing in Urban Alternative, R&B, Soul, Inspirational and Contemporary Jazz music genres. Hidden Beach was formed in 1998 as the vision of its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Steve McKeever and currently holds a distribution deal with Universal Music Distribution Group.
About the Owner
Steve McKeever, CEO, Founder and Chief Creative Officer has spent over 20 years in the music industry. McKeever was born in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from St. Ignatius High School, McKeever attended the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he graduated in 1982. From there, he attended Harvard Law School and earned his J.D degree in 1985.After graduating from Harvard Law School, McKeever was hired by the law firm of Irell & Manella LLP in Los Angeles as an entertainment lawyer. While there, he discovered comedian Robin Harris, and helped him land a role in Spike Lee's Do the Right Thing. In 1991, McKeever joined Motown Records as senior vice president of artists and repertoire, where he expanded the label's line-up with people like Queen Latifah, while at the same time managing blockbuster acts like Boyz II Men and Stevie Wonder. He has also worked with Lionel Richie, Diana Ross and Zhane. The following year, he launched MoJAZZ Records, a subsidiary of Motown, where he launched a number of new artists. In 1993, McKeever played an instrumental role in the sale of Motown to PolyGram Records. McKeever left Motown in 1995 to work on his own projects, and in 1998, he founded Hidden Beach Recordings (HBR).
Charles Whitfield, Production and Artist Relations: A graduate of North Carolina Central University with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. Charles joined Hidden Beach for the date the label opened its doors as a paid intern with no record label experience but a passion for music. Charles had the foresight to introduce McKeever to Michael Jordan, one of the lead investors in Hidden Beach. Currently Charles oversees all production of content for the label and is the primary liaison between the artists and the label. Prior to joining Hidden Beach, Charles served as an assistant manager at a Fortune 500 consumer finance company where he became the leader in business development for his sales district.
Hidden Beach has four label imprints, which focus on a different genres of music.
-Hidden Beach is the primary label imprint and is used for R&B, neo-soul, jazz, instrumental and compilation releases
-Still Waters, a Hidden Beach Experience is the label imprint dedicated to inspirational music releases spanning the gamut from gospel music to motivational music to inspirational speeches. The debut release on Still Waters was nominated for a Grammy, a Dove Award and a Stellar Award.
-Hidden Beach Celebration Series focuses on specialty themed albums such as Christmas and Mother's Day releases. HBR's first Celebration Series released was Bebe Winans' My Christmas Prayer which topped 5 different Billboard Charts, was names as one of Oprah Winfrey's Favorite Things and became Starbuck's biggest selling holiday album in 2004.
Early Success
Hidden Beach's first artist to sign to the label was Jill Scott, who, to date, is their best selling artist. The inaugural release, Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1
Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 is the debut album by American R&B-soul singer–songwriter Jill Scott, released in the United States on July 18, 2000 by Hidden Beach Recordings to positive acclaim...
, has sold 2.4 million units according to Nielsen, and was nominated for four Grammy Awards. Scott has gone on to release three studio and two live albums and currently stars in the HBO series the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency.
Unwrapped
The label has grown a following with their popular Unwrapped series- instrumental versions of rap/hip-hop hits by contemporary jazz artists. The summer of 2008 saw the latest installment in this series, Unwrapped Vol. 5: the Collipark Cafe Sessions. Since its debut three years ago, Unwrapped, Vol. 1 has sold 166,000 units, according to Nielsen SoundScanNielsen SoundScan
Nielsen SoundScan is an information and sales tracking system created by Mike Fine and Mike Shalett. Soundscan is the official method of tracking sales of music and music video products throughout the United States and Canada...
. Vol. 2 counts 91,000 units. Unwrapped, Vol. 3, which features 50 Cent
50 Cent
Curtis James Jackson III , better known by his stage name 50 Cent, is an American rapper, entrepreneur, investor, record producer, and actor. He rose to fame with the release of his albums Get Rich or Die Tryin and The Massacre . Get Rich or Die Tryin has been certified eight times platinum by...
's "In Da Club" and Eminem
Eminem
Marshall Bruce Mathers III , better known by his stage name Eminem or his alter ego Slim Shady, is an American rapper, record producer, songwriter and actor. Eminem's popularity brought his group project, D12, to mainstream recognition...
's "Lose Yourself
Lose Yourself
"Lose Yourself" is an Academy Award winning song by American hip-hop artist Eminem, released as the first single from the original soundtrack to the movie 8 Mile on October 22, 2002. It was written and produced by Eminem himself, along with longtime collaborator Jeff Bass, one half of the...
" as interpreted by keyboardists Jeff Lorber
Jeff Lorber
Jeff Lorber is an American Grammy Award-nominated keyboardist, composer, and record producer.After leading his own group, The Jeff Lorber Fusion, he went on to pioneer the smooth jazz genre....
and former Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire
Earth, Wind & Fire is an American soul and R&B band formed in Chicago, Illinois, in 1969 by Verdine and Maurice White. Also known as EWF, the band has won six Grammy Awards and four American Music Awards. They have been inducted into both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal Group Hall of...
member Larry Dunn
Larry Dunn
Larry Dunn is a keyboardist, musical director and one of the founding members of the music group Earth, Wind, & Fire. Dunn, along with other members of Earth, Wind & Fire were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2000.-Career:...
, Hidden Beach saxophonist Mike Phillips and others, was released July 13. It debuted at No. 3 on the Billboard Contemporary Jazz chart and No. 4 on the overall jazz chart. To date, it has sold 32,000 units. Released on June 24, 2006, the fourth installment in the series, Unwrapped: Vol 4 peaked at number 3 on the Top Contemporary Jazz charts. Unwrapped, Vol. 5: The Collipark Cafe Sessions offers jazz instrumental covers of Southern hip-hop hits and was released June 24, 2008.
The Obama Campaign
Hidden Beach was tapped as the label to release the Yes We Can: Voices of a Grassroots Movement compilation CD, with proceeds to benefit the Barack ObamaBarack Obama
Barack Hussein Obama II is the 44th and current President of the United States. He is the first African American to hold the office. Obama previously served as a United States Senator from Illinois, from January 2005 until he resigned following his victory in the 2008 presidential election.Born in...
campaign. Obama inspired many artists to create songs of hope and the campaign felt it to be a good idea to compile these songs onto one project. McKeever had been in talks with the Obama campaign regarding such a project for a while. Artists on the project include Kanye West
Kanye West
Kanye Omari West is an American rapper, singer, and record producer. West first rose to fame as a producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, where he eventually achieved recognition for his work on Jay-Z's album The Blueprint, as well as hit singles for musical artists including Alicia Keys, Ludacris, and...
, Stevie Wonder
Stevie Wonder
Stevland Hardaway Morris , better known by his stage name Stevie Wonder, is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, record producer and activist...
and Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Crow
Sheryl Suzanne Crow is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, musician, and actress. Her music incorporates elements of rock, folk, hip hop, country and pop...
and was released on September 18, 2008.
Following the election of President Obama, Hidden Beach produced the official inauguration collection commemorative CD-DVD set. Change Is Now: Renewing America's Promise includes 17 tracks by various artists and eight of President Obama's speeches. Artists include will.i.am
Will.i.am
William James Adams, Jr. , better known by his stage name will.i.am and occasionally by his other stage name Zuper Blahq, is an American rapper, musician, songwriter, singer, actor and producer...
, Robin Thicke
Robin Thicke
Robin Charles Thicke is an Award-winning American R&B singer-songwriter, musician, composer, and actor. Thicke's albums, which he previously released under the moniker Thicke, are noted for their feature of a predominantly R&B sound. Robin Thicke has penned hits for popular artists such as...
, Maroon 5
Maroon 5
Maroon 5 is an American pop rock band from Los Angeles, California. While they were in high school, lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Adam Levine, keyboardist Jesse Carmichael, bass guitarist Mickey Madden, and drummer Ryan Dusick formed a garage band called Kara's Flowers and released one album...
and india.arie
India.Arie
India.Arie is a Grammy Award-winning American singer-songwriter and record producer . She has sold over 3.3 million records in the U.S. and 10 million worldwide. She has won four Grammy Awards from her 21 nominations, including Best R&B Album.-Background:Simpson was born in Denver, Colorado...
.
Roster
- Al B. Sure!Al B. Sure!Albert Jason Brown III is an American singer, songwriter, and record producer. He grew up in Leonia, New Jersey and Mount Vernon, New York. During the late 1980s under the stage name Al B...
- The Tony Rich Project
- Kindred the Family SoulKindred the Family SoulKindred the Family Soul, also referred to as Kindred, are an American R&B, soul, and neo soul duo consisting of the married couple of Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon...
- Mike Phillips
- Jeff Bradshaw
Hidden Beach on the charts
- 1 R&B Album- Jill ScottJill ScottJill Scott is an American soul and R&B singer-songwriter, poet, and actress. In 2007, Scott made her cinematic debut in the films Hounddog and in Tyler Perry's feature film, Why Did I Get Married? That year, her third studio album, The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3, was released on...
: Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2 is the second studio album by American R&B-soul singer–songwriter Jill Scott, released in the United States on August 31, 2004, by Hidden Beach Recordings... - 1 R&B/Hip Hop Female Artist of the Year Billboard Year End Review 2001- Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1Who Is Jill Scott? Words and Sounds Vol. 1 is the debut album by American R&B-soul singer–songwriter Jill Scott, released in the United States on July 18, 2000 by Hidden Beach Recordings to positive acclaim...
- 1 Heatseeker's Album ChartTop HeatseekersTop Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical...
- Darius RuckerDarius RuckerDarius Rucker is an American musician. He first gained fame as the lead singer and rhythm guitarist of the rock band Hootie & the Blowfish, which he founded in 1986 at the University of South Carolina along with Mark Bryan, Jim "Soni" Sonefeld and Dean Felber...
, Back to ThenBack to ThenBack to Then is the title of a solo album released by singer/songwriter Darius Rucker, lead singer of Hootie & The Blowfish. The album was a departure for him as this project was a contemporary R&B album, as compared to his group's pop/rock efforts.... - 1 Contemporary Jazz Album- Hidden Beach Recordings Presents: Unwrapped Volume 1
- 1 Top Catalog Album - BeBe WinansBeBe WinansBenjamin "BeBe" Winans is a gospel and R&B singer. He is a member of the noted Winans family, most members of which are also gospel artists.-The PTL Club:...
, My Christmas Prayer - 1 Top Contemporary Christian Catalog Album- Bebe Winans, My Christmas Prayer
- 2 Top R&B/Hip Hop Album- Jill Scott: The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3The Real Thing: Words and Sounds Vol. 3 is the third studio album by American recording artist Jill Scott. It was released in the United States on September 25, 2007 by Hidden Beach Recordings to positive reviews from music critics. On certain editions of the album, recordings of live performances...
- 3 Contemporary Jazz Album- Hidden Beach presents: Unwrapped Volume 5 The Collipark Cafe Sessions
- 3 Billboard Top 200 Album- Jill Scott: Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2Beautifully Human: Words and Sounds Vol. 2 is the second studio album by American R&B-soul singer–songwriter Jill Scott, released in the United States on August 31, 2004, by Hidden Beach Recordings...
- 3 Contemporary Jazz Album- Hidden Beach presents: Unwrapped: Volume 2
- 3 Contemporary Jazz Album- Hidden Beach presents: Unwrapped: Volume 4
- 4 Contemporary Jazz Album- Mike Phillips, You Have Reached Mike Phillips
- 5 Contemporary Jazz Album- Hidden Beach Presents: Unwrapped Volume 3
- 7 R&B Album- Jill Scott: Experience: Jill Scott 826+
- 7 R&B/Hip Hop Album- Kindred the Family SoulKindred the Family SoulKindred the Family Soul, also referred to as Kindred, are an American R&B, soul, and neo soul duo consisting of the married couple of Fatin Dantzler and Aja Graydon...
: The Arrival - 8 Contemporary Jazz Album- Jeff Bradshaw, Bone Deep
Discography
| Artist | Album |
|---|---|
| BeBe Winans BeBe Winans Benjamin "BeBe" Winans is a gospel and R&B singer. He is a member of the noted Winans family, most members of which are also gospel artists.-The PTL Club:... |
My Christmas Prayer |
| BeBe Winans | Dream |