Romeo

b. London, England. This UK urban vocalist made his name as a member of the notorious garage outfit So Solid Crew. The south London-based collective enjoyed a UK number 1 hit in 2001 with "21 Seconds", but attracted the wrath of the English moral majority for their association with the more violent elements of contemporary urban culture. Romeo's debut release, the single "Romeo Dunn", promoted him as an English rival to American superstar Ja Rule, and burst into the UK Top 5 in August 2002. The follow-up "It's All Gravy' utilised American street slang and the vocal talents of Christina Milian, and also made the UK Top 10. Romeo's debut album, Solid Love, repeated the smooth R&B stylings of his hit singles to lesser effect, although the appearance of So Solid Crew members Tiger S, Megaman, and Lisa Maffia provided a welcome nod to his garage roots. (NB: not to be confused with the US rapper Lil" Romeo).