JADE

HOMETOWN: New Orleans

INFLUENCES: Sade, Billie Holiday, Donny Hathaway

ALBUM: Jaded EP, due out fall

WEBSITE: jadesbrownbox.com

Born and raised in the New Orleans suburb of Houma, Jade spent her childhood immersed in music, dance and theater. She was inspired by the sounds of the bayou, incorporating them into her own blend of R&B and hip-hop. After competing in local talent shows, Jade helped form the girl group Sophia Fresh, which signed with industry legend Clive Davis and secured a recording contract with Atlantic Records. After departing the group in 2008, Jade worked as a singer and dancer on Solange Knowles’ tour for more than two years. Her relocation to New York City encouraged her to explore other opportunities in the entertainment industry, and Jade recently made her acting debut on MTV’s I Just Want My Pants Back. But music remains her primary focus, and she will soon complete the recording of her debut EP, Jaded, which is due out this fall. She’s previewed the new material with two recently released singles,

“Freedom” and “Brown Box.”