Brian Alben Is ~ The Prince of the A!

Brian Alben is the Atlanta, GA. music sensation making a name for himself as one of the industry's rising stars.

At just 15, the early comparisons to Chris Brown have been made. Chris Brown was also just 15 when he entered the game, and Brian's parents knew they had a musically gifted child when he first put his hands on a microphone at age 9.

Like so many young singers who would be considered R&B crooners a decade ago, R&B and Hip-Hop have now become a single genre in music today. Once, the two genres were long independent styles, each with their own unique sound and melody that explored and discussed different subject matters. Today’s Hip-Hop and R&B are practically the same genre.

Almost every R&B track has a rap verse and many rappers have incorporated singing into their style.

The once romantic, sentimental ballads of yesteryear’s R&B have been replaced by club-styled tracks that are nearly indistinguishable from hip-hop. Brian Alben is an artist who has mastered this blend of genres at an early age.

Brian is a four time nominee in the Pop/R&B category at this year's Georgia Music Awards, and was nominated for 'Video of the Year' with his single, "It's Over".

He is also a nominee in the R&B category for the Atlanta Underground Music Awards (AUMA), and has performed live on FOX TV, and at the Legendary Awards for Teddy Riley this past March, 2016.

Atlanta of course has produced some of the industry's most influential R&B/Hip-Hop groups and artists over the past two decades. People like Andre 3000 and Big Boi of Outkast, Ludacris, Ceelo Green and Goodie Mob, Janelle Monae, Lil John, Young Jeezy, Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Scrappy, TLC, Monica, Regina Belle, Usher and so, so many others.

"If hip-hop's early days were informed by New York, and its '90s heyday involved a vacation to Cali, for the past 10 years it's been influenced more by the capital of Georgia than any other place in the world," says an industry source that published the '50 Best Atlanta Rap Songs'.

That industry source goes on to say, "Atlanta's Hip-Hop community engenders a fierce pride, and it's a scene that's both insular and accepting. Where one song may be a hit on the radio, there's another song that's even bigger in the clubs. Where an artist may be known in industry circles, there's also an underground champion with just as much—sometimes even more—clout."

So, how does a young artist navigate his way to becoming his self titled persona, 'Prince of the A' in such a sea of talent?

Great management of course, and having the guidance of those in the industry who helped Atlanta become the music mecca it is today.

I am referring to legendary Funk and Soul / R&B group, The S.O.S. Band, and group member, Celia Georgie-Doughty. Celia manages young Brian along with the HawWah Entertainment Multi Media Company.

The S.O.S. Band, who recently received a proclamation from the City of Atlanta on January 19, 2016 for their pioneering music during the iconic age of the 80s and 90s when Bands ruled the day, is best known for their songs "Take Your Time," "Just Be Good to Me," and "Tell Me If You Still Care."
The group’s first single, "Take Your Time," was released in 1980 and sold over two million copies. The debut album went gold – selling over 800,000 copies.

Certainly with those types of credentials and years, band member Celia Doughty's experience is invaluable for Brian in an industry that is notorious for 'feeding on its young'.

"What I saw in Brian at a very young age was his hard work and dedication. He strives for excellence. He out works a lot of adults in the industry. He doesn't expect anything to be given to him, so I know he will be a superstar. He's not only talented in singing but he is an awesome dancer and a great entertainer. When you speak to him he comes off shy but on stage he's a beast and I will bet my money on him every time. My Husband and I ( our company Hawwah Entertainment) are expecting great things from this young man. I can not forget the amazing support that he gets from his Dad and mom (Victor and Susan Alben)", says Celia.

On July 14th, 2016, Brian Alben will showcase his talents and perform "Prince of the A" for his fans at the The Vinyl /Centerstage in mid-town Atlanta. The show starts at 8 PM and the public is invited. His EP is scheduled for release in the Fall of 2016.

I sat down recently with Brian as he prepares for his July 14 showcase and the premiere of his new music video to learn more about his goals and what the future holds for this star in the making.

Brian is racking up some excellent stage and live performance appearances as he sets his sights on national acclaim as a Pop/Hip Hop music star.

In addition to his live performances on Fox 5 TV and with iconic celebrities such as Tommy Dortch Jr., Sugar Ray Leonard, and Jamie Foster Brown. His stage performances include: The Stellar Awards for CEO Xerrone Clayton; The Legendary Awards with Que from R&B group 'Day 26'; with Dave Tolliver from r&b group 'Men At Large'; The Legendary Health Initiative 2013, 2014, 2015 and in 2016 where he shared stage with Ivan Kelly from the movie starring Queen Latifah and Dolly Parton of the hit movie 'Joyful Noise' among many other teen sensations; The Lefteye Music Fest with Toron of the new hit movie starring Ice Cube, 'Barber Shop the Final Cut'; the Snellville Day Festival Christmas Tree Lightning with Mayor Christmas; the Lawrenceville Christmas Tree Lightning Festival, and what an honor it was to perform for the Atlanta Braves game National Anthem.

Brian's music can now be heard in London,Germany and Amsterdam, on Deuce Radio where he is a featured artist in London with the new single, " Prince Of The A" feat. '919 Savage' and on TV's, 'The Bridge'.

Brian has over 60 thousand followers on Instagram, and he is really just getting started.

Now that's how you lay the ground work for success!

Q) Brian, the name of your new single is, "Prince of the A". Is that how you are referred to as, or how did you come up with it?

A) It’s paying tribute to the kings of the A like Usher, Jermaine Dupri, Outkast and TI.

Q) What's your goal with this new music? Do you have any plans of touring this Summer?

A) My goal with my new music is to get the world to hear it and to know me as an artist. My plans are to do festivals in spot leading up to my new EP release this fall.

Q) Are you still in school, or home schooled?

A) I've been in public school, shout out to South Gwinnett High School! I will miss those guys as I start home school going forward so I can focus on my career.

Q) I am old school and there was a real rivalry between the folks in Decatur and in Atlanta at one time? I noticed in your song you mentioned about chillin' in Decatur, where it's "greater"? Are you from Decatur orginally, and, is there still that sort of rivalry between the two cities?

A) I don't know about any rivalries but I have friends all over the A.

I was born in Brooklyn, NY, and my folks are from Trinidad. But, I've been living in Atlanta since I was one, so to me I'm ATL all day.

Q) Who is Brian Alben as an artist. Do you see yourself as a rapper who sings, or a singer who raps?

A) Brian Alben is a triple threat who can sing, dance, and act. I'm definitely a singer that can do some rap.

Q) Who were some of your favorite artists growing up, and who do you like out there now?

A) Michael Jackson, Trey Songz, Usher, TI, Pitbull, Lil Twist and Bobbi Brown.

Who I like that's out now is Chris Brown, Nick Jonas, Tory Lanez and Bryson Tiller.

Q) Some have compared you to a young Chris Brown? Do you see it that way?

A) Okay thanks! Yes, I do hear that sometimes and I think that that's a great compliment.

Q) I understand you have some close ties with the legendary R&B Funk-N-Soul group, the S.O.S. band. How do you know them, and what do you think about that R&B classic music with full bands?

A) I know of the SOS Band because part of my management team, Ms. Celia Doughty, is a member of the group. I also said that I feel like I should have been born in the 90's because I always find myself listening to groups like New Edition, TLC, Jagged Edge, Silk and 112.

Q) So, you are a young man on the rise in the music business, do you have any time for a girlfriend? If the ladies out there right now wanted to know what one of your best qualities are, what would you tell them?

A) Well, I will call her my girlfriend but she is really a close friend I talk to a lot because we have a lot in common. She's also in the industry.

One of my best qualities is just keeping it 100.

Q) So, you know having a microphone in your hand and the kind of talent you have, young people will look up to you to be a role model. How do you feel about that?

A) It's a lot of pressure being a role model. I am a teen and I have Role Models myself that sometimes disappoint me, but celebrities are human and I hope people will remember that about me.

Q) Where do you see yourself in 5 years from now. What are some of the things you want to establish for yourself as an entertainer?

A) Five years from now I see myself as a successful artist in music and film. Success for me is to provide for my family while having fun. Using my gift which the Lord has blessed me with.

Q) Finally, if you have anything to share with young people who will read this article, and they are thinking about breaking into the business as you have, what advice would you give them?

A) God first. You going to need it and pray before you make a move. Be focused and true to your craft whatever it may be.

Thank you Brian. We look forward to hearing "Prince of the A" all over the country and hearing about you in a big way soon!