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Biography
 The streets are always talking and their disciples listen closely. However, there are few who can bear witness to its manifested truths and recount them like urban folklore to the world. It takes a musical apostle to give voice to gritty street tales of love and war through the gift of song. That voice of the streets is SHARISSA.
Much like the 70s urban griot Donald Goines, Sharissa's sophomore album - and Virgin Records debut - EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART unapologetically examines the joys and perils of inner city life and love. "This album is a diary of my life," says the songstress whose 2002 debut, NO HALF STEPPIN' and chart-topping, gut wrenching single "Any Other Night" was released on Motown Records. "I didn't talk about anything that I haven't experienced. I've been through it all and these songs have given me an opportunity to reflect on my life and learn from my mistakes."
Naturally, this melodic labor of love became an amazing collaborative effort by enlisting the production talent of major hitmen such as Wyclef Jean, Mario Winans, Tank, Tim & Bob and Eddie F. The musical autobiography begins with the mid-tempo duet "In Love With A Thug" featuring R&B kingpin R. Kelly, a conflicting confessional by a woman lamenting about the repercussions of falling in love with a drug dealer. "I admit that I have always loved tough guys, but I've realized that most of their characteristics and emotions are a facade because it's part of their survival. Now that I've matured, I know better and my priorities are different," she reveals. The melancholy torcher "You Can Do Better" featuring Tank, compares an unrequited love to a platonic friendship, which evolves into a budding romance, while the hip-hop infused "Take Me As I Am" featuring Wyclef Jean, pays a respectful nod to the beauty of unconditional love. The bass-heavy club banger "I'm Hot" featuring rapper The Game, is sure to be a bonafide club hit, while the sentimental "That's Enough," shuns materialism for the simplicity of love. Female anthems such as "I'm Through" featuring Millie Jackson (a spin on the Bobby Womack classic "I'm Through Trying to Prove My Love To You"), and "You'll Never Find" serve as an appropriate tandem to the cause-and-effect of ending a fledging relationship. Also in this sensuous aural mix is the ultra-sexy "Somethin' " and the heartfelt "I Got Love."
Raised in New York City's infamous Bronx borough, Sharissa's musical tastes were influenced by her mom's affinity for legendary greats like Sugar Hill Gang, Stephanie Mills, The Emotions and Denise Williams. At the tender age of seven, the diminutive songbird's vocals permeated her neighborhood street corners where she engaged in ciphers with local lyricists belting the Stephanie Mills classic "Something In The Way He Makes Me Feel." "My father called me 'Lil' Stevie' one day," recalls Sharissa. "After receiving his vote of confidence there was no stoppin' me." Despite her youth, the songstress developed a cult following in her Edenwald Projects neighborhood luring crowds with her soulful timbre. Like most singers, Sharissa once sang in a local church choir, but later ditched the pews for a local R&B band. It was among her peers that she coupled her vocal prowess with the beat of percussions. "I was the Sheila E of the band," she jokes. "It was the easiest instrument for me to play."
Although such musical endeavors prepared her for the career, it was her stomping grounds, schooling and experiences, that has made her eager to reach today's teenage girls. "When I was 13, my boyfriend at the time was killed," Sharissa remembers. "I don't want to be preachy, but if someone can learn from my mistakes, I've done my job. I hope that my songs will help young girls from the hood believe that they have better options than the ones society offers them. It took me a long time to learn that living the fast life - chasing money and men - rarely offers you a second chance. It's about self-love and humanity."
Indeed, the Sharissa brand of street soul is authentic and unconventional. Upon listening to EVERY BEAT OF MY HEART, one can learn the true essence of this woman. "I believe that when you try to be something that you're not, people can see that it's not real," the artist concludes emphatically. "That's how I feel about my music - I can't be anybody else because I'm not telling anyone else's story but mine. My goal is to share my heart and mind and hope it reaches someone."
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