It's rare when a new voice emerges and reaches audiences across age brackets and cultures. More rare is when that voice is of a rap artist who creates urban hymns, which are true to the gritty streets that spawned rap music, yet contagious enough to dominate popular airwaves. Pair that level of talent with a southern charm, runway model looks and you have one of the most underrated artists of this era, TestMe.
Born in Dallas, but raised between Texas and Maryland, TestMe's sound is indefinable by a region. He has a slight southern accent with an east coast flavor. His light raspy voice floats over tracks, virtually hypnotizing listeners on each song - which he also produces, arranges, mixes and engineers.
TestMe's rap career started at the age of 12. His talent gained support from radio stations, industry veterans, A&R's, and major artists. Deservingly so, TestMe has released four successful mixtapes, released four radio singles, produced one regional radio hit, and has been featured on and headlined shows with several major recording artists. TestMe is no rookie.
In 2005, while TestMe's first radio release "What It Is" became a local favorite and earned consistent radio rotation. The success of that song initiated his relationship with then Virgin Records' artist, Bossman. Their connection led to TestMe accompanying Bossman to Miami to participate in a promotional tour - sponsored by Jermaine Dupree. The tour included Dem Franchise Boys, Nelly, Janet Jackson, and then soon-to-be-famous Rick Ross.
After the tour, TestMe released several mixtapes and singles. His mixtapes, titled TestMe Talk 1, TestMe Talk 2 and TestMe Talk 3 were successful. TestMe Talk 3 was a double-disc and hosted by DJ Kay Slay. His success with those mixtapes made him a featured guest on the Street Dreams Tour 2007 in Baltimore, featuring Young Jeezy, Lil Wayne, Jim Jones and Rich Boy. His forth mixtape, In a Lane By Myself, included the go-go inspired club banger, "Waiting on You". That single led to more shows with Beanie Sigel, Yo Gotti, and Shawty Lo.
TestMe is equally as talented as a producer. In addition to creating his own music, he produces for other artists. In 2008, TestMe co-produced the Washington D.C., Maryland and Virginia (DMV) area hit record "A Bit Too Much for Me" by Smash & Young Crip. The song received strong rotation on the east coast and the video, directed by Gearie "The Grench" Bowman, was featured on BET, MTV and other networks.
In a world of carbon-copy music, TestMe's unique combination of solid lyrics and hypnotic variety of music makes it apparent that audiences should expect to be hearing and seeing more of him in the future.
