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Derek Sedarius Rhodes (born January 31 1993 is a singer, songwriter, record producer, and occasional actor.

Derek made his debut in the summer of 2006 as the opening act for such artists as Ciara, Chris Brown, and Ne-Yo. Derek has appeared a background singer for Chris Brown and sung background on Bow Wow's chart-topping hit, Shortie Like Mine featuring Chris Brown. Derek is the #1 most requested opening act for major artists. Derek's debut album, Nappy Headed Boy, will be released on August 8, 2007, and is one of the most anticipated albums from an individual artist.

Biography

Derek was born in Winston Salem, North Carolina. He has said that it was in seeing a performance by Missy Elliott while staying home from school one day that inspired him to pursue a career in music. In his early years, he formed the goal to become a professional singer. After forming the very successful R&B/Pop music group, The Dynamics in 2003, the group made a unanimous decision to split for "personal reasons." After leaving the group, he received a publishing deal, and found a "musical soulmate" when he met Ciara.

"Knowing Ciara is definitely a privilege. Shes funny, smart and the girl can sing. (laughs) She is one of my musical influences and I'm glad to be working with her and glad to know her. She is without question, one of the reasons why I am where I am today," he says.

Derek returned in 2006 with his unconfirmed single, "You Don't Need Him" (written by Ciara and Derek) on his Myspace page.

Tours

In the summer of 2006, Derek landed a deal with some of today's top artist to appear as the opening act on their tours. Such artists include Mary J. Blige (The Breakthrough Tour), Chris Brown/Ne-Yo, T.I, Bow Wow, Ciara and Ludacris. The fans now knew that Derek was back, making him the most anticipated artist to release an album.

In December 2006, Derek signed with Bow Wow to be the opening act for Bow Wow's Bow Wow & Friends tour. The tour received great reviews from today's top music critics. Although Derek did not sing any of his original songs, he sung his amazing renditions of classics such as Stevie Wonder's Ribbons in the Sky, Overjoyed, For Once In My Life as well as Prince's Purple Rain and Kiss.

As stated on Derek's Official Myspace Page, he will join Bow Wow again on their critically acclaimed tour, Bow Wow & Friends Tour beginning April 13th. Derek has also signed on with Omarion, Marques Houston and Sammie for their Sensation Tour beginning April 28.

Debut Album

Now confirmed, the first single from Derek's album will be "Back Home" featuring Anthony Hamilton. The single will be released sometime in June.

The self-titled promotional album was released to radio DJs, clubs and select stores on March 6, 2007.

The complete version of the album is scheduled to hit store shelves on August 8, 2007, as stated on a picture on his official Myspace page. The name of the album is Nappy Headed Boy, named after Derek's favorite line in Stevie Wonder's I Wish. Guest collaborations for the album include, Kelis, Anthony Hamilton, Andre 3000, Missy Elliott, and Christian Keyes. While the most anticipated song from the album , Power to Change featuring John Legend and Fantasia Barrino was internet leaked, it has been rumored that it will not appear on the album.

Acting

Rumors circulated saying that Derek is scheduled to appear alongside Andre 3000 and Will Ferrell in the upcoming motion picture, Switch. Though the movie has not began production, it is scheduled for a 2008 release date.

Broadway: Big Boys Don't Cry

Beginning July 2007, Derek will be starring in the off-broadway production of "Big Boys Don't Cry" as Lenny Barnes, a hospitalized teen who has been abused by his parents. Rehearsals begin the first/second week in June and the show will hit the road at the end of June. The producers are keeping quiet about the cast, but plan to make announcements soon. However, it has been confirmed that Phylicia Rashad (The Cosby Show) will appear in the production as Derek's grandmother. During a recent interview, Derek stated: <blockquote>
"I am excited about joining the production. When I first read the script, I loved
it and knew that I wanted to do this...Phylicia Rashad is an amazing actress.
She is so talented and I look forward to working with her. "
</blockquote>

Synopsis

This powerful, haunting drama portrays the devastation of child abuse and the often complex story behind it. Lenny Barnes has been hospitalized and his parents are on trial for child abuse. Simple flashbacks show the events leading up to the fateful night as Lenny struggles to be accepted at school, at home... in life. His parents flounder, caught in the web of poverty and frustration in their marriage filled with both love and hate. The musical balances well the drama of the courtroom scenes with the action and violence of the flashbacks. The lawyers grind mercilessly forward, determined to define their own truths. Tempers flare, frustrations mount and fights erupt. When Lenny arrives from the hospital, the court room explodes! Who is guilty? A surprise ending reveals even more than tragedy.

Discography

Nappy Headed Boy (2007)

Single discography

Back Home <small>featuring Anthony Hamilton</small> (TBR)

Guest Contributions

"Shortie Like Mine" (with Bow Wow, and Chris Brown)

" Make You Scream" (with Bow Wow, and Omarion) (2007)

" Make It Work" (with Calvin Richardson) from C.R.I.B. (2007)

Philanthropy

On July 28, 2006, Derek performed alongside Ciara and Lyfe Jennings at the 4th Annual VH1 Save The Music Hamptons Benefit presented by Crest Whitestrips at the home of Jaci and Morris L. Reid in East Hampton. R&B singer Ne-Yo also performed at the event. The VH1 Save The Music Foundation raised over $500,000, which was $200,000 more than expected, to restore music education programs that have been cut from public school systems and the risk of eliminating musical instruments.<ref> VH1 Save The Music Press". Retrieved September 15 2006.</ref>

External links

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[http://www.myspace.com/derekrhodesmusic Official Myspace Profile

[http://www.derekrhodesmusic.com/ Official Website (Under Construction)