The pop music charts have been largely dominated by a blend of Hip Hop and R&B/Pop crossover artists in the past decade. From Mary J. Blige and Faith Evans to Fantasia and Keyshia Cole, the marriage of gritty soul music over intense Hip Hop production has shaped the sound of today's popular music scene. Baltimore native Shir (Sha-ray) is bringing a fresh voice to fans with her new single "Miss My Love" and the new prelude album Baltimore's Daughter. She will be unleashing her debut solo album on SRC/Universal in conjunction with Hot City Music Group and Midi Mafia's Family Ties Entertainment in 2008.
With multi-platinum production team Midi Mafia firmly behind her, Shir is carving a new niche in the realm of Hip Hop R&B. Her honest approach to songwriting lends heart-rendering
passion to her work, as she pours her life experiences into each lyric. Blessed with a naturally strong voice, the smooth rasp of her tone meshes perfectly with Midi Mafia's stellar
production. After seeing recent success with Fantasia's chart-topper "When I See You" and Jennifer Lopez' new #1 European hit "Hold It Don't Drop It," Midi Mafia is poised to bring Shir
to the forefront of the mainstream. Bruce Waynne of Midi Mafia and Family Ties has full confidence in the project. "The combination of Shire's vocal ability, beauty, work ethic and
swagger makes her the complete package."
Far from a newcomer to the industry, Shir got her big break as a high school student when Sisqo of Dru Hill utilized her talents as the foundation for the girl group Lovher. In 2003,
Lovher made a splash with their single "How's It Gonna Be" and the follow-up "Girlfriend," which Shir wrote. They were the first all-female group signed to Def Soul/Def Jam, however their
debut album never transpired due to business issues between Lovher, Sisqo and the label. When the deal fell apart, Shir kept her groove by signing with Philadelphia-based label Hot City
Music Group.
Charles "CK" King of Hot City Music Group was inspired by the young singer's drive and vision from the day he met her. "Shir epitomizes the old cliche' that 'Success is but failure turned
inside out," CK says. "Just when most people would've given up on their dream, Shir fought even harder for hers. I knew that I had to sign her from the first time that I worked with her.
She has 'it' -- that rare blend of pure talent, drive, determination and the relentless work ethic that it takes to be a superstar in this business. My partner, Mike Floyd and I truly
believe that she is destined for greatness."
In 2007, Hot City Music Group partnered with Midi Mafia's Family Ties Entertainment to find the right major label deal for Shir. Steve Rifkind made his move to sign the young talent to
SRC/Universal, and everything has been moving toward the release of Shir's debut album. "I think she is outstanding, hard working and very driven," says Rifkind. "Plus, she has the voice
of an angel."
In keeping with the assertive promotional campaigns that Steve Rifkind is famous for, Shir has made her prelude album Baltimore's Daughter available for stream/download at www.myspace.com/shireuniversal, www.myspace.com/familytiesent