SLAPPY PAYNE was born in Houston, Texas. From the tender age of seven, Payne was destined for greatness. He began as many of the greatest have--singing for the Lord. At 12, Payne became a member of "Portion", an all male quartet based in northeast Houston. After several successful performances and the competition of teen activities,he moved on. Four years later, he united with "J'adore", and remained with the group five years. "J'adore" was extremely successful. They were offered a contr...
SLAPPY PAYNE was born in Houston, Texas. From the tender age of seven, Payne was destined for greatness. He began as many of the greatest have--singing for the Lord. At 12, Payne became a member of "Portion", an all male quartet based in northeast Houston. After several successful performances and the competition of teen activities,he moved on. Four years later, he united with "J'adore", and remained with the group five years. "J'adore" was extremely successful. They were offered a contract with La Face Records; however, due to unforeseen circumstances, the group was unable to take advantage of the offer and soon dissolved. After graduating Magna Cum Laude from Forest Brook Senior High School, Payne took a hiatus from school and began singing with a gospel choir, "Eternal Life". Realizing the need to perfect his gift, Payne enrolled at Sam Houston State University and has a degree in Theatre and Music. While attending SHSU, Payne created "Versanique", a local boy band,that competed and won many talent shows,and compettitions while assembled,where Payne formatted all the harmony arrangements.Payne also was a member of a rap/rock band named TADOW( The Annointed Desciples Of Worship),where he displayed his lyrical rap skills as well. Payne then decided to move forward as a solo artist. He feels his group experiences have made him a stronger person. Not only does Payne sing, he produces, writes lyrics,rap and is a very accomplished actor as well. In the Five Heartbeats, Robert Townsend said that in order to be a great songwriter you have to experience pain--Payne has had his fair share. He lost his mother to cancer when he was only twelve years old. A few months after, his father was sent to prison (who he has reunited with along with) the grandmother that reared him. As Payne has managed to weather the storms of life, his soulful sounds have taken him on a journey from the church, to the stage, to the small screen. He is currently working on his debut solo album, "A Quarter Till" . Payne real name is, "Lawrence Lewis". Most of the project was written and/or produced by Payne,but all the background and harmony arrangements were done by him,because one of his favorite things in music is harmony. He has opened up for artist such as Jagged Edge, Ideal, Alexander Oneal, among other performers.He also has sung the National Anthem at a Houston Astros game,as well as sung at the Essence Festival held in Houston. He has done many different plays such as "Dont Bother me I cant cope,The Wiz, Little Shop of Horrors, A Raisin In The Sun, To Be Young, Gifted, and Black.etc He has also done some movies such as RoboCop 2,The Life of David Gail, and and independent film called "Forgiven". With this drive and the Lord on his side, Payne knows that he will succeed in his quest for greatness. LUSCIOUS 1NE QUOTE: A good man is not hard to find, but a woman who REALLY wants one is. LOVE YOURSELF AS WELL AS EACH OTHER
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