Artist on the Rise - Brandon Hines

Are you looking for a new sound in R&B? If you haven't heard of Brandon Hines, he's been on the grind for many years, swept up by the modern frenzy to get big the underground (although not necessarily unpopular) way of getting attention - through such mediums like Myspace and YouTube. Why go through middlemen like big record labels when you can gain exposure through your own way? That's big business without the business suit. A native of Detroit, he's no stranger to the DMV area - having graduated from Howard University and even becoming crowned as Mr. Howard back in 2005-06. Check out his pageant performance here.

Just because you haven't heard of Brandon Hines doesn't mean he's a rookie to the industry. With the help of his production/writing team Heavyweight Ent., Brandon has hooked up with the likes of Trey Songz, Cassie, and Estelle (he's in her new video for "American Boy"). After dropping his first record, "Overdose," a single that amassed him an incredible following whose thirsts were finally quenched when Brandon dropped his first album - Love Music: Falling In, Falling Out - his music and grind has only gotten stronger, maintaining that level of great music he's continued to seek after over and over again. You can easily gather from his demeanor and growth that he's become a heavy student of this business, with countless hours being devoted to learning about the tricks and trade of this industry. I still remember when he dropped this video for "10", a nostalgic reminder of those dorm days when I messed with making beats and random songs. (Of course, he's the one with the better skills.) More than for his music, though, I respect this dude for being so humble; a couple of years ago, he gave his Myspace fans a chance to receive a phone call from him. I relayed this message to a lady friend of mine who I put on Brandon, and she pursued the opportunity by messaging Brandon via myspace. Sure enough, not only did she receive a phone call from him, but he also serenaded her over the phone with her favorite B. Hines song.

For more information about Brandon Hines, check out his myspace page. If you want a little taste of his music, check out that page or find a way to get his songs "Overdose," "Just Do It," "What Do I Have to Do," "Confused," "When a Girl Cries," and his latest drop "Cuttin' U Off."

In addition, check out his appearance on TRL several days ago: