Houston

Belize native Houston distinguishes himself as an R&B vocalist who infuses his work with hip-hop energy, while also taking pride in his accomplishments as a master painter and tailor. After his family relocated to Los Angeles, he attended Hamilton High School and Academy of Music, where he sharpened his musical abilities. He took part in countless spontaneous street-corner singing circles, yet unlike his classmates who delivered rehearsed rap verses, Houston began freestyling vocally long before his peers developed the ability. Observers were struck by these displays, which encouraged him to enter a series of singing competitions. A videotape from one appearance found its way to Capitol Records, resulting in an immediate offer and contract. In March 2004 the label sent the single I Like That—featuring guest raps from Chingy, Nate Dogg, and I-20—to radio, where it quickly rose on both R&B and mainstream charts. McDonald’s subsequently chose the track for a television commercial that included an on-screen appearance by Justin Timberlake. The spot received heavy rotation just as Houston’s debut album, It’s Already Written, arrived in August 2004.