Introduction
Taral Hicks is an R&B legend who deserves more recognition for her contribution to the music industry. Born on September 21, 1974, in Queens, New York, Taral had a passion for music from an early age. She began singing in church and school and was discovered by a talent scout when she was only 15. Taral Hicks has an impressive musical career spanning over two decades, yet many people are unfamiliar with her music.
In this post, we will explore the life, music, and legacy of Taral Hicks. We will delve into her childhood, her rise to fame, and the challenges she faced along the way. We will also discuss her discography, her influence on the R&B genre, and why she deserves more recognition.
Childhood and Early Life
Taral Hicks was born and raised in Queens, New York. She was the youngest of three siblings and grew up in a musical family. Her mother was a singer, and her father was a drummer, which meant that music was always playing in the Hicks household. Taral’s parents were supportive of her musical ambitions and encouraged her to pursue her passion.
Taral started singing in church at a young age and later joined her school’s choir. She realized her talent while singing at a talent show when she was only 11. Her powerful voice and stage presence caught the attention of her music teacher, who encouraged her to pursue music seriously.
Rise to Fame
In 1992, when Taral was only 15, she was discovered by a talent scout who introduced her to rapper MC Lyte. Lyte was impressed by the young singer’s talent and signed her to First Priority Music. Taral recorded her debut album, This Time, which was released in 1995. The album was a success, and the single “On the Side” became a hit, peaking at #3 on the R&B charts.
Taral went on to collaborate with several artists after the release of her debut album. She appeared on the soundtrack of the movie “A Bronx Tale” and sang on Wyclef Jean’s hit single “Gone Till November.” She also acted in a few movies, including “The Preacher’s Wife” and “Belly.”
Challenges she faced
Despite her success, Taral faced several challenges in her career. One of the biggest was her record label’s financial struggles, which led to the delay of the release of her second album. Taral was also pregnant and had to take time off from her music career to focus on her family.
In addition, Taral struggled with the music industry’s expectations of her as a female artist. She once said in an interview, “I knew I had a good voice, but people always wanted to see the visual. They want to see the eye candy.” She refused to conform to these expectations, which made it difficult for her to get the recognition she deserved.
Discography
Taral Hicks has released two studio albums in her career. Her debut album, “This Time,” was released in 1995 and featured the hit single “On the Side,” which peaked at #3 on the R&B charts. Her second album, “Verticle,” was released in 1997 and featured collaborations with several artists, including Missy Elliott. Despite the critical acclaim, the album failed to achieve commercial success. Taral also appeared on several soundtrack albums, including “A Bronx Tale” and “Belly.”
Influence on the R&B genre
Taral Hicks’ music is a blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop. Her music is characterized by her powerful vocals, and unique style. She is known for her ability to convey emotion through her music and lyrics. Taral’s music inspired a generation of R&B singers who looked up to her as a role model.
Why she deserves more recognition
Despite her undeniable talent and impressive musical career, Taral Hicks is not as well-known as she should be. She has been underappreciated and overlooked in the industry, which is a shame considering her contribution to the R&B genre. Taral’s voice is powerful, her lyrics are meaningful, and her style is unique. She inspires many artists today, and her music deserves more recognition.
FAQs
Q: What kind of music does Taral Hicks make?
A: Taral Hicks makes R&B music that is a blend of soul and hip-hop.
Q: What is Taral Hicks’ most popular song?
A: Taral Hicks’ most popular song is “On the Side,” which peaked at #3 on the R&B charts.
Q: What challenges did Taral Hicks face in her career?
A: Taral Hicks faced several challenges in her career, including her record label’s financial struggles and the industry’s expectations of her as a female artist.
Q: How many albums has Taral Hicks released in her career?
A: Taral Hicks has released two studio albums in her career.
Q: Who has Taral Hicks collaborated with in the past?
A: Taral Hicks has collaborated with several artists in the past, including Wyclef Jean, Missy Elliott, and MC Lyte.
Q: What movie did Taral Hicks act in?
A: Taral Hicks acted in the movies “The Preacher’s Wife” and “Belly.”
Q: What is Taral Hicks’ influence on the R&B genre?
A: Taral Hicks’ music has inspired a generation of R&B singers who looked up to her as a role model.
Conclusion
Taral Hicks is an unsung R&B legend who deserves more recognition for her contribution to the music industry. Her music is a blend of R&B, soul, and hip-hop, and her powerful vocals and meaningful lyrics have inspired many artists. Despite facing several challenges in her career and the industry’s expectations of her as a female artist, Taral remained true to herself. Her music is timeless and deserving of more recognition. We hope her story inspires future generations to appreciate her musical legacy.