The Original Go Girl
Before I get started, allow me to share with you all a very well-known secret (please pardon the oxymoron); I love women. I don’t necessarily mean sexually, though. I mean I admire and appreciate women. But, let me make myself very clear. In my eyes, just because you are a female, that does not make you a woman; just like being a male does not make you a man. When I hear or see the word “woman”, I generally think of a female who is mature (meaning an adult who has grown-up mentally, emotionally and maybe even spiritually, if that’s her thing; she doesn’t behave like a teenage girl in high-school anymore). I think of a female who is strong, beautiful (inside or out or both), intelligent, loving, compassionate, and takes care of the home-front. For example, I remember when my mother used to work two jobs and would give anything for my father, my brother and I. I admired her selfless devotion to our family. When I look at the fairer sex in the entertainment industry, I’m sad to say, I see a lot of females and very few women. But then, this young singer from California was brought to my attention. The mother of a three year old child has been able to overcome obstacle after obstacle, both personal ones from her childhood and professional ones as an entertainer. This young lady, in my eyes, is indeed what a woman is about to me. The Bay Area-bred singer and songwriter in question, is none other than Ms. Jimmie Reign.
Jimmie Reign hails from the city of Oakland, California; hometown of hip-hop stars such as MC Hammer, Too Short, Mistah F.A.B., Digital Underground and comedian, Mark Curry. Jimmie was raised in a broken home that forced her to grow up before her time. Her parents divorced when she was 13 years old, her mother was on drugs and Jimmie’s father and the family were estranged for a while. This left Jimmie to step-up and take responsibility, not only for herself, but for her younger sisters as well. Her upbringing was rough on her, but Jimmie was able to find an outlet in writing poetry. She had been singing and writing songs since she was 14 years old, and one she finally got her shot. One of Jimmie’s cousins invited her to a studio session to lay down some vocals on one of his songs. She continued writing songs for herself and other artists, including an opportunity to write for a major Japanese recording artist. While making moves on the music circuit around The Bay Area, she got down with Mprint Music. From that point on her journey to prominence was underway.
Jimmie Reign’s story alone is nothing less than impressive. But her music has helped her gain the attention and the respect of some of the industry’s heavy hitters. She has been heard on dozens of mixtapes from some big name DJs like Whoo Kid, Juice and Erock. Her cute face and slim silhouette has been featured in magazines such as Right ON!, Stash, Hood and Revenge Fashion. Her voice has earned her the 2007 honor of R&B Vocalist of the Year at the South Bay Music Awards. She is not just respected for what she does with a pen or in the booth, but Jimmie is also a much respected performer as well. Jimmie has been seen opening up for artists like Keyshia Cole, Jagged Edge and Goapele. Jimmie has been hard at work getting ready to drop her debut album Pretty Girl. The album will feature singles such as “Different Person” and “Make You Wait”. Pretty Girl is a highly anticipated album, especially around The Bay, and is slated to be released later this year. Jimmie Reign is getting ready to show the world, exactly what she is made of.
Like I said before, I admire women. I can appreciate a woman who stands tall regardless of what comes against her. Beauty, strength, talent; Jimmie Reign is the total package. If Jimmie has made it through her childhood, I’m sure the music industry is no going to be able to break her. With her debut album on the way, a very impressive list of co-signers, Jimmie has a promising career ahead of her. I’m a believer; they can’t stop the Reign!
For more information on Jimmie Reign, please visit www.myspace.com/jimmiereign1.