Disappointed with the direction contemporary Hip Hop was taking, One (emcee) and his friend Carroll (keys) believed they had something to offer the world. And so they decided to experiment with blending conscious rhymes with jazz undertones. Monique (vocalist/singer) and Wes (vocalist/singer) joined a few months later, and were followed by Will (drummer) – one of the best drummers in VA. The group began infusing their respective and diverse influences into the sound. They named the group "The Band Belief" - based on the guiding principle they all shared: the belief that people deserved higher standards of lyrics and music; that music could be used as a vehicle to improve social harmony, educate the mind, and uplift the soul. Since then, The Band Belief has been using various musical elements from Jazz, Funk, R&B, Neo-Soul and Hip-Hop to create songs that resonate with people.
Backed by keys, drums, and strings, the impeccable flow of a cognizant emcee had combined with the soul filling voices of two vocalists, resulting in fresh-sounding music that stood for change.
The Band Belief's musical influences include progressive Hip Hop acts such as ‘Jurassic 5’ and ‘The Roots’; Composers and Jazz musicians like Chopin and Herbie Hancock; and artists like Mary J. Blige, Jay-Z, Marvin Gaye, and Michael Jackson.
But the biggest influence on the band's sound and identity has come from the lives of hardworking people living in our societies and communities - from the people that value love, unity, and respect - and refuse to give in to the demands of violence, drugs and hatred. The Band Belief acknowledges the struggles and despairs of everyday people, and aims to celebrate life by paying homage to the potential of positivity surrounding all of us.
Since its formation in 2006, The Band Belief has had the great fortune of sharing the stage with such amazing artists as Chuck Brown, Anthony Hamilton, L.L. Cool J., Lyfe Jennings, MC Lyte, Chrisette Michelle, BBD, Jack Johnson, Beastie Boys and others. The band was a preferred group for the ‘Rock The Vote’ Campaign, through which they rallied youths across universities to register themselves as voters. When Jay-Z and Russell Simmons were rallying for President Obama, The Band Belief was alongside them and performed for the audience before the legends of Hip Hop addressed the crowd. They have also been featured as special guests for Jeff Robinson’s (Alicia Key’s Management, MBK) annual music showcase in MD.
The band has been just as fortunate to play at charitable and socially conscious events. They played for adoring crowds at the 2009 Special Olympics Walk-a-thon in VA, and for numerous rallies, youth ministries and college events.
The Band Belief's goal is to use music to promote unity and self & cultural awareness, and to support the general betterment of the communities and societies that surround us. It aims to empower the minds, hearts and souls of those who want to live meaningful lives, and leave behind powerful legacies.
Using elements of Jazz, Funk, R&B, Neo-soul and Hip-Hop to construct uplifting vibes that resonate with people of all ages, The Band Belief has managed to create commercially viable music that truly makes a difference.