Mikel Soul/hop

#1. I always put on a good show that is enjoyable to watch.
#2. I am a true vocalist so when you hear me sing to a track it is really my vocals
#3. I get the crowd involved at all my shows.
#4. I am a pop r&b artist so my performance memories are usually the smoothness of my vocals.
#5. I am an original artist so i usually don't sing alot of covers but can if needed.
#6. I am always prepared for a show

International singer/songwriter Mikel Soulhop Aka Mikapella is known for his smooth acapella sound, and has been compared to a stylist blend on Jay Sean, Usher, and Justin Timberlake, and Travie McCoy all rolled into one. Infusing R&B Pop and Hip Hop vibes with urban soul, Mikel has a created an original genre he has labeled soul/hop. Nominated three years in a row for the prestigious Bobby Womack Award is what has him known in the industry.

Discovered by a fellow member of the congregation, Mikel was encouraged to sing because he possessed a “soulful voice”. The “first live performance came one Sunday before a congregation of 300-400 members”, Mikel “sang 'Amazing Grace'”. Recalling the experience Mikel shared his only desire was “to impress everybody that believed in him and shine, showing what he could do vocally!” The rest is history because that day marked the beginning of a career in music that will never wane! At the tender “age of 8”, Mikel presented a voice that everyone “compared to Michael Jackson's early years”! Blessed with a soulful sound Mikel's spiritual singing was well received and it became a “Sunday song service routine”!

Never a flight of fancy, music is an integral part of Mikel as distinctive as the unique patterns that make up one's fingerprints. A more passionate individual you are unlikely to find! Mikel knows that he must make himself a success and has not sat idle waiting for someone to discover him or his talent! Identifying with Michael Jackson and the comparative similarities Mikel determined to dress and dance like him utilizing the skating rink as a stage. While other schoolmates were skating, Mikel was “moon walking and singing” for a gathering crowd

Becoming a member of his “first band ‘New and Improved’ at age 17, Mikel tried for 6 months” to work with the quartet and determined he was better off a solo artist! Unusually disciplined and sporting a no nonsense dedication to his musical pursuits Mikel didn't have the patience for any less than 100% commitment and moved on focused as a solo act. Eternally positive, Mikel believes that his solo career is more successful because there are fewer individuals to compete against. Combining a unique talent which sets him apart from the average, branding him in multiple manners for marketability, and motivated by an intense quest for success; Mikel is a force to be reckoned with!

Developing an “awareness of music, researching the industry, educating himself in all avenues of marketing and progressing himself as a triple threat of talent” Mikel Soul/hop has worked tirelessly to brand himself as a music icon! There is no way you can accuse this artist of sitting idle and waiting for a platinum album to drop into his lap! “Make it happen” is Mikel's philosophy for success! “It is not enough to have vocal talent, you have to be distinctive and you must be marketable”! Mikel incorporates “vocal ability with a unique free style singing that is similar to rap” only incorporating melody. Excelling in acapella performance Mikel “can sing to any beat or track of music” you throw at him!

Laboring constantly to uniquely qualify himself in the music industry, Mikel is an entrepreneur, idea man, bull dog, and perfectionist! Believing that you “cannot simply have a good voice”, Mikel has “purchased programs” teaching him music production and marketing techniques. He “attended Fashion school” to create the all important branded product image for marketing, as well as learned to dance in a polished professional manner providing entertainment for his audience. You know that means there is a music video in the future! If Mikel dreams of something, he will make it happen one way or another!
A “non-drinker and a non-smoker”, Mikel is “all business and scouting individuals that will work well with him in his career”. Whether modeling his fashions, dancing with him on stage or in a video, or acting as an extra in some marketing promotion, you may have a role to play. Mikel is “Looking for Stars” and may have spied you!

Mikel recollects social realities of his urban environment on the Southeast side of Kansas City, (link hidden) was then he realized his life devotion to create and sing music. In 2001, Mikel won the Festival of Four States and was invited to sing in front of 50,000 people the “National Anthem” opening for Jo Dee Messina @ Route 66 music Festival. From (phone number hidden)4, Mikel performed in Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas, gaining loyalty as his fan base grew. In 2005, Mikel collabarated with California rapper Tynizzle on an artistic project which includes the international hit “As We Get Down“. He produced his first album "Soul/hop", interlacing soul and Hip Hop. Mikel’s songs are played throughout North and South America, Germany, the United Kingdom, Australia and Portugal. Mikel performed in Texas, Kansas and Oklahoma and Florida at numerous venues. Mikel made guest appearances at a Sam Goody Music Store in celebration of his top seller album. Mikel’s song As We Get Down was a hit in Germany where in 2005 it became the number one requested club track in German Hip-Hop and R&B clubs, topping T Pain, Janet Jackson, Mariah Carey, 50 Cent and Ray J. In 2007, Mikel performed throughout Missouri, Arkansas and Kansas, and in May of 2008, he headlined in Joplin, Missouri. November 2008, Mikel’ s song The Beach En La Playa featuring the top Reggaeton artist in Honduras hit 3 on the Latin Tropical charts. Another notable acheivement for Mikel has received 2 Platinum Auddy Awards for his songs 4Play, and I'm On 2 her feat 5th Element.

He has opened for “Lil Will" of Dungeon Family Inc; HipHop artists Lil Keke, and Michael "5000" Watts of Swishahouse House Records; G spot Boys known for their hit song Stanky Leg; Adina Howard of East/West Records, and most notably "The Dream of Def Jam Records, Atlanta, GA,” K Ci & Jo Jo, Keith Sweat, SWV, and Guy at the Tampa Sundome.

Mikel just recently signed with UAA Music out of Los Angeles California for a one-year Exclusive record deal. Along with his label, they will decide where to go with his already seasoned career, and which single to push to the millions around the world, as well as possible touring on the horizon.

Additionally, Mikel is working with Bryan Tyson 3 time Gold Record Producer for rapper Plies and 1 time Platinum Producer for song ‘Bust It Baby’ by Neyo and Plies, and multi-Platinum with other artist works. Mikel has several major people within the music industry providing support for his sophomore project so it remains a mystery as to who could be joining him and on which track they may appear!

Mikel has recent success of his 3rd album "Neon Dreams Liquid Love" being placed in FYE mall stores.

I usually need a Pa System and lights. I have my own wireless microphone, so i just need a way to plug the receiver in. I sing with a cd of instrumentals, so there is no band accompaniment.