Whether you call it "fate" or "destiny" or "a calling," the fact is that some people are born to sing and create music. If you ask any of the "legends" in the music business, chances are you'll get a variation on the idea that music is and always has been the artist's most natural expression. The industry's latest "artist" – JoJo Nichols originally from Conway, South Carolina, actually -- reveals that from the age of five or six, he expected to be 'discovered.'

"I used to watch Michael Jackson, Usher, Lionel Richie and all of the greats on television and I figured I could do what they were doing." Music has been the central theme in the life of JoJo Nichols (born Joseph Michael Nichols) for as long as he can remember and now, almost twenty years later, this multi-talented singer, songwriter, musician, arranger and producer is fulfilling his childhood dreams and ambitions. With “Vertigo””, his major label debut album on MoreSoul Music Group, Nichols, demonstrates a rare ability to fuse the "feel" and vibe of classic soul music with the edgy flavor of 21st century Pop. While a various amount of themes permeate through JoJo's set, there's also a street-worthy confidence: the sensuality of Marvin Gaye and the sincerity of Stevie Wonder merging with the hip ness of Lupe Fiasco and Mos Def. Yet, JoJo Nichols is very much his own artist, gifted with singular talents and a unique sensibility.

Take "When She Walked By," one of the last tracks Nichols worked on in the summer of 2009 for the album, which is produced by New hit maker Roosevelt Mclamore III (who also executive produced ‘Vertigo” with JoJo. Recorded with Mclamore’s simple and plaintive piano accompaniment, the song is, according to its creator, "real, a composite of experiences. “It's about two people really digging each other not some fantasy line about walking on the beach holding hands”. "Addicted," the infectious first single-- written and produced by the Nichols/Mclamore team-- has, according to JoJo, "a banging' hip-hop beat with a little Latin flavor, and a soulful melody and vocal arrangement; it's a cool mix and fusion of different musical influences.

While his early exposure was to gospel, JoJo was tuning into the radio by the time he was in his early teens listening to the likes of Jodeci, SWV, U2, Usher and Brandy, With his obvious musical aptitude, JoJo applied to various colleges for a scholarship and chose to go to the Benedict College, majoring in Political Science. But between his studies and day jobs to keep money coming in, Legend spent practically every waking hour making music, and performing live with his musical friends.
Performing solo at talent shows and open mics, Nichols finally turns out work for the masses with “Vertigo”.