Jaheim Hoagland (born May 26, 1978) is an American R&Bsinger and former rapper, better known by his stage name of Jaheim. He was signed by Naughty by Nature's Kaygee to Divine Mill Records in 2000, and released his debut album Ghetto Love in 2001. His second effort, Still Ghetto (2002), contains the hit "Put That Woman First" (2003), both of which achieved platinum success.[1] Jaheim's third album, Ghetto Classics, was released on February 14, 2006, debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, and selling over 153,000 copies in its first week.
Early life
Jaheim grew up in New Brunswick, New Jersey, in the Memorial Parkway Homes public housing. His father died in 1981, when he was only three years old. His grandfather sang with many top groups, including The Drifters, and their family reunions were big songfests. Singing at family reunions and local talent shows preceded a successful tryout at the Apollo Theater's talent show. He won the contest three times when he was fifteen.
Music career
Two years later, he experienced tragedy when his mother died. Four years after her death, he recorded a tape that led to a deal with Divine Mill Records (a division of Warner Bros. Records). Hoagland received good reactions from two singles "Could It Be" and "Lil' Nigga Ain't Mine" on BET video shows. Appearing with Hoagland on his first album was RL (from Next), Blackstreet, and Darren and Cliff Lighty. His second album, Still Ghetto, was released on November 5, 2002. Another Top Ten hit, it placed two singles in the Top 40, "Fabulous" and "Anything" (released November 13, 2001). Ghetto Classics followed in early 2006 and became his first number one album. In 2007 Jaheim signed to Atlantic Records and released his fourth album The Makings of a Man in December 2007. In late 2009 the single "Ain't Leavin Without You" preceded his 2010 album Another Round. In 2013 Jaheim returned to the music industry with a new single titled, "Age Ain't a Factor" and new album. His sixth album Appreciation Day was released in September 3, 2013. In February 2015, Jaheim signed a new record deal with BMG Records after parting ways with Atlantic Records.[2] In June 2015, Jaheim released a new single called "Back In My Arms" and revealed that his seventh album is titled Struggle Love to be released in either Fall or Winter of 2015.[3] To date Jaheim has sold 5 million records worldwide along with 3 Grammy nominations.[2]
^Deak, Michael. "R&B singer Jaheim can appeal drug conviction", Home News Tribune, February 20, 2008. Accessed March 30, 2008. "Jaheim Hoagland, a Hillsborough resident best known for his double platinum album "Ghetto Love," was found guilty on Sept. 20, 2005, on charges of possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana, resisting arrest, possession of marijuana in a motor vehicle and the use of an unapproved tinted window in Hillsborough. (Fact) Jaheim did Appeal & win his decision all charges were reversed & Dismissed. Jaheim was represented by Thomas R. Ashley. "
