Mr. Cheeks

Prior to launching a solo career at the start of the 2000s, Mr. Cheeks first gained recognition as one of the Lost Boyz during the middle and later years of the 1990s. Together with his bandmates, he helped shape a sincere, literate, and non-sensational brand of New York hip-hop. That approach yielded only modest sales, yet it earned widespread critical praise and a loyal underground following. After Freaky Tah’s untimely death, however, the group quickly disbanded and fell silent. Mr. Cheeks returned to view in late 2001, bringing a more seasoned perspective that infused his lyrics with deeper insight and honesty. On his first solo effort, John P. Kelly, the standout track “Lights, Camera, Action!” appeared alongside beats from a wide array of producers such as Stephen Marley, Bink!, and Easy Mo Bee.