Terius Youngdell Nash, better known by his stage name The-Dream, is an American singer and songwriter. He rose to fame following the writing of hits including Rihanna's "Umbrella" and J. Holiday's "Bed".
The-Dream |
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Music debut
Born in North Carolina and raised in Atlanta by his grandfather, The-Dream (born Terius Youngdell Nash) made his name writing for acts including B2K, 3LW, Mýa and Nivea (who was[1] his wife), before sending Rihanna "Umbrella," which he wrote in a matter of twelve minutes.[2][3][4] As for his stage name, Nash picked up "The-Dream" from his uncle as early as the age of 10, when he told Nash that he needed for him to be "the dream now" and "to have goals for higher things."[2]
After the major success of "Umbrella", Nash began working on various projects, as well as completing his debut studio album, Love Hate which was written and recorded in only nine days and co-produced by his writing and production partner, Tricky Stewart.[4][5] The first single off the album, "Shawty Is a 10" has garnered a steady following peaking so far at number six on the Billboard's Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and number seventeen on the Billboard Hot 100.[6][7] Following the success of "Umbrella", Nash would write the chart-topping song "Bed", which is sung by J. Holiday. The song would later spark a feud between Chris Brown and Nash.[3]
Nash has completed new material for Britney Spears, Janet Jackson, Keyshia Cole, Mariah Carey, Mary J. Blige, Nicole Scherzinger, Sting, Usher and will.i.am.[3][4]
Feud with Chris Brown
Another hit that Nash is credited for known as "Bed", sparked a short feud with singer Chris Brown, whom Nash has vowed to never work with again.[3] The feud started when Brown claimed to Vibe that the song was originally his.[3] Nash replied to the comment stating,
"The track was considered for Chris Brown -- he thought it was his -- but it was my record and I decided to give it up to J. Holiday," explains The-Dream. "Chris said the record won't be No. 1 unless he's on it. I bet someone $500,000 that it would go to No. 1 and I collected my money just last week."[3]
Nash also stated that Brown currently has a track which he wrote for him and was already paid for, but would like to "give the money back" explaining, "At the end of the day, I'm big on principle and loyalty. Put that to bed."[3] However, Nash would eventually dispel his comments and the feud with Brown issuing the following statement,
I'm apologizing for comments directed toward Chris Brown on Billboard.com. I spoke to Chris and I advised him that when he made the statement I was disappointed because he said things that were in my direction and that since I'm the only public figure surrounding the song "Bed," I took it as disrespect as well as the media and respected friends felt the same way.
Chris said the comments were towards another part of the situation surrounding the song and I stand here not to defend my comments but take full responsibility for my classless choice of talking through the media.
I apologize to Chris, Mark Pitts, and Jive Records.[8][9]
Discography
- 2007: Love Hate
References
- ^ DIVORCE: R&B Artist Nivea Files to Divorce The-Dream. MediaTakeOut.com (December 10 2007). Accessed January 28 2008.
- ^ a b What Dreams are Made of.... The Pop Culture Junkie (September 3 2007). Accessed October 3 2007.
- ^ a b c d e f g Mariel Concepcion (September 28 2007). 'Umbrella' Writer The-Dream Preps Solo Debut. Billboard. Accessed September 28 2007.
- ^ a b c Janeé Bolden (August 7 2007). SOHH Soulful Exclusive: Def Jam's New Signee, The Dream, on Track to Become the Next Ne-Yo. SOHH. Accessed September 28 2007.
- ^ Jyle (December 6 2007). The Dream "Love Hate" Album Release. Hip Hop Roll. Accessed December 7 2007.
- ^ Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs – Shawty Is a 10. Billboard. Accessed November 8 2007.
- ^ The Billboard Hot 100 – Shawty Is a 10. Billboard. Accessed November 8 2007.
- ^ The Dream Apologizes to Chris Brown. The Pop Culture Junkie (October 5 2007). Accessed October 8 2007.
- ^ Anthony Roberts (October 8 2007). Update: The-Dream Apologizes to Chris Brown Over "Bed" Drama. SOHH. Accessed October 8 2007.