RAII - Rhythm. Alternative. Instrumental. Inspirational. 

These are four of the elements that combine to form singer-songwriter and producer, RAII.

 

Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, RAII has been singing since the age of three. Like many of the great soul singers of our time, RAII began his musical journey at his grandmother’s church. By the age of seven, he was playing for the church choir and developing an understanding of the true power of music. He would spend the following years cultivating his vocal, performance and piano virtuosity.

 

Before graduating from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, RAII served as President of the Black Chorus. In addition, he was the Director of Soul Premier, a musical ensemble that performed traditional and contemporary music from the African American experience.After graduation, RAII packed everything that he could fit into his car and drove to New York City to pursue his dream of entertaining. He was immediately cast in an off-Broadway musical, Katrina: A Whole Lotta Water. Soon to follow were parts as a performer and Musical Director in the off-Broadway productions of Dreamgirls, The Wiz, The Grandpa and Men on the Downlow.

 

Following these productions, RAII accepted a position singing with the world renowned Queen Esther and the Harlem Gospel Singers in 2007. This took him on a European Tour that included over 50 shows in more than six countries. The tour was such a success that he was brought back for a second time, adding the title of Assistant Choreographer to his resume. RAII was then asked back for his third and final tour with the group, this time further adding the responsibility of Choir Director to his growing list of titles. RAII became the youngest ever to hold that position in the Harlem Gospel Singers’ rich history.

 

As his performing and touring resume continued to grow, RAII then joined Grammy Award winning recording artist, Estelle, as a background singer in 2010. In addition, he has also been a supporting vocalist to various artists including Chrisette Michele, Joan Jett and Cheryl Pepsi Riley, amongst others.

 

In 2012, RAII joined his wife, singer-songwriter Whitney Keaton, as a supporting vocalist for international megastar, Alicia Keys. Whitney had already been a supporting vocalist in the Alicia Keys band for several years prior. While in the process of touring, RAII is finding time to work on his solo career. He is currently writing and recording original music for his debut project that he hopes will uplift and inspire the world.  RAII’s faith, passion, and persistence has brought him this far on his journey and he is excited for what lies ahead.