Free Agent

Bonita (Bonita Canady)

By: Jayson Rodriguez

February 7, 2006

NAME: Bonita (Bonita Canady)
AGE: 22
HOMETOWN: Brooklyn, N.Y.
GENRE: R&B
FAVORITE ALBUM: My Life, Mary J. Blige
DREAM COLLABO: Jay-Z

“I do hard & B music,” says Bonita Canady. “I’m talking about the same things as a rapper, but it’s coming from a woman’s point of view.” So it’s no coincidence that she got her start singing background vocals on a Dipset mixtape in 2003. Canady was then studying journalism at Temple University and had pledged to her mother to finish college before pursuing a singing career. But ever since she got her B.S., she’s been clear about her intentions. “I’d like to be that person who says things people don’t expect,” says Canady, who works days as a freelance marketer. “But I also wanna make people say, ‘Oh, shit, that’s hot!’” Her steamy, explicit proclamation “Good Shhhh” does just that while showing off her raw, elastic vocals. “I want that good shit / Breaking all the furniture / That ’hood shit,” she sings. So far, her plan is working.

SEND US YOUR DEMO.
If you're an unsigned artist, here's your chance to shine! Beginning with the September 2004 issue, VIBE will feature an unsigned act in our monthly Free Agent column. After reviewing submissions, a commit tee of editors will pick the artist/group to be featured as the "Vibe Free Agent" of the month. In addition to national exposure in the magazine, the Free Agent's music will be featured on our Web site, vibe.com, where VIBE readers will rate the music, on a scale of 1 to 5, and give their feedback. If you've got what it takes, and aren't afraid to hear what others have to say, send in your demo. Maybe you'll be VIBE's next Free Agent. Rules:
To qualify, the artist/group must not be signed to a major label or its imprint, or have independent distribution. Selling your music locally or on a Web site is permissible. You must submit, by mail, a quality d emo CD with at least 3 songs, a photo, and contact information. Sending a video with performance footage is optional. Please do not send original copies of your material to VIBE; submissions will not be re turned. All submissions must be original work.
c/o VIBE
215 Lexington Avenue
New York, NY 10016