If, like me, youve grown tired of hearing DJs spin the Notorious B.I.G.s hip-hop hit One More Chance, you should check out the man who provided the musical foundation for this and other tunes: El DeBarge.
Over the years, rappers like Biggie and Rich Boy (of Throw Some Ds fame ... see video below) have sampled classic songs by El and the DeBarge family. But, as he battled drug addiction, the legendary vocalist pretty much disappeared from the spotlight. (In a recent interview, El told me: It took me 22 years to get hooked on drugs and 25 years to get off.)
Now, however, hes back with a brand-new album (Second Chance), and a smooth new sound (According to El, Polow Da Don, the producer of Throw Some Ds that features a snippet from the beloved track I Call Your Name by the first DeBarge family group, Switch recently created some tracks for his new album. While in the studio El said to Polow: I like what you did for Rich Boy. Now lets see what you can do for me!), which you can hear live when he makes a stop in Charlotte tonight to perform new, and vintage, material.
$35-$65. 7:30 p.m. CPCCs Halton Theater, 1206 Elizabeth Ave. For more information, visit www.thesolkitchen.com.