Posted on ANDPOP:
These days, you don’t need to win a singing competition to become successful. It’s true for X-Factor losers One Direction and Cher Lloyd, and success will hopefully come for recent alum, R&B band Rough Copy.
Joseph (“Joey”) Thomas, Kazeem (“Kaz”) Ajobe and Sterling Ramsey formed Rough Copy six years ago and have been working towards their dreams of making it big ever since.
They auditioned for Britain’s The X Factor in 2012 but were forced to leave the competition because of problems with Nigerian-born Kaz’s visa, which he did not obtain in time. Thankfully for fans everywhere, the group returned the following year and wowed the crowd once again with their trademark flair and determination.
It was clear from the beginning that these smooth-talking jokesters were something special. During their second audition, they won the judges over once again with their rendition of One Direction’s “Little Things.” Thanks to their heavenly harmonies and exciting personalities, it was no surprise that they made it all the way to the semi-finals.
Their silky vocals are reminiscent of early R&B heartthrobs Boyz II Men, with dance and pop thrown in. It’s clear that these lads were born to be entertainers as they made us smile and laugh every time they appeared on our screens. It seems like they can sing just about anything — from Oasis to Destiny’s Child, they pride themselves on being able to adapt to anything.
Rough Copy recently release their debut single “Street Love,” a re-working of the 80s classic “Sweet Love” by Anita Baker. The track perfectly captures the group’s “sweet but street” motto. It’s R&B meets pop and a dash of electronic beats, combined with their signature harmonies. The music video even gives a nod to their idol Michael Jackson and his 1987 music video “The Way You Make Me Feel.”
“Street Love” is available for preorder now and becomes available on July 1. Their debut album is still a ways away but at least we have moments like the ones above to keep us satisfied.
The Essentials
Name: Rough Copy
Origin: Croydon, United Kingdom (CHECK)
Used in a sentence: Three charming lads with silky-smooth vocals and killer style, Rough Copy are working hard to become the next big-thing in music.
File next to: Boyz II Men, Jason Derulo
Download Now: “Street Love”
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