Marques Houston

Veteran, the third solo album from R&B crooner Marques Houston, debuted at number one on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number five on The Billboard 200, after its March 20 release on T.U.G./Universal Motown Records. This marks Houston‘s first number one solo album and his highest Billboard Top 200 debut to date. “I feel so blessed after all these years in the music game to have the number one R&B album in the country,” Houston says. “I put a lot of myself into this project so it means a lot to me.”

Gone are Houston’s days of pop-laced tracks and catering to the teen crowd. He has moved on to the next phase of not only his music, but life. “People feel because I’ve been in the spotlight since I was little, they know me, but they don’t. I’ve been through so many trials and tribulations in my life and career, from losing my mother to lymphoma cancer to learning how to stay true to myself in this crazy business. I’m ready to share who I am.” So forget what you think you know about the LA native‘s music career-- child artist (at the age of 11, he led the kid group Immature), and novice solo performer (in 2003, he broke out on his own from IMX, the older version of Immature, to embark on a solo career). It’s time to meet Marques Houston, the man.

Contributors to Houston’s new album include Bryan Michael Cox, Tank, Rufus Blaq, The Underdogs (Joe, Mario, Fantasia), and Adonis. Other guests on Veteran include Shawna, the first lady of DTP (Ludacris’ Disturbing the Peace), and friend/colleague Mya on “Hold N Back.” The album offers a few up-tempo tracks, such as “Like This” featuring Young Joc, which Houston says came about from his love of snap music. The Prince-esque track “Kimberly,” revisits Houston’s “freaky” side, which was uncovered on his previous album Naked.

The majority of the songs on Veteran express Houston’s maturity through far more tender subject matters and hip adult melodies. The current single “Circle”, illustrates the lesson that sometimes, loving someone means letting them go. Additional relationship insight is articulated on tracks like “Wonderful,” which conveys general appreciation for a female companion. “That’s somewhat of where I am right now in my relationship,” he confesses, “my girl is wonderful.” The track reunites Houston with hit songwriter Ne-Yo, who penned “That Girl” for him back in 2003.

Houston has developed a knack for juggling multiple projects. Veteran was released on his own T.U.G./Universal Motown Record label, which includes a roster of artists including Omarion, Mila J and more. He has also continued his acting career—he starred on his own television series Cuts for two seasons and co-starred with Omarion in the hit dance film You Got Served. And next year, he and Omarion will star in the horror flick Somebody Help Me produced by their company Rock Stars Entertainment.

In the most fickle industry there is, Houston has remained. He attributes his continued success to a great team and deep belief in God. “I’ve seen a lot of artists come and go, a lot of one-hit wonders, and I just thank God that I’m not one of them. Also, God has blessed me with great people in my corner, like Chris Stokes (manager and business partner) and the T.U.G. family.” And with a winning formula like that, it’s no wonder he’s become a Veteran.

Source: The Courtney Barnes Group/Candice Smart