Following the footsteps of Common, another Rattler is singing her way through the music industry.
Miami native Cherlise Forshee said that like many students, she always dreamed of becoming an entertainer.
“Music has been my passion since I can remember and I can not wait to share it with the world,” Forshee said.
At 23, the FAMU alumna is signed to Division 1/Universal Motown Record label under hit maker and producer Rico Love. As Forshee’s producer and a FAMU graduate, Love is responsible for hits such as, Usher’s “There Goes My Baby” and P.Diddy’s “Hello, Good morning”.
She is completing her first studio album, which is scheduled to be released by spring 2011. Forshee, who is no stranger to the stage, got her start singing early in her life by performing in talent shows and networking with various people along the way.
Not new to staying dedicated, Forshee said, “I’ve learned the importance of hard work and diligence, and that it always pays off.”
Since being signed, she said that her life has changed significantly. When not in the studio working on songs and vocals, she is in the gym working out. The singer undergoes vocal and dance training and has worked with celebrities such as Young Jeezy, Maino, Nelly, Jim Jonsin and Fat Joe.
“I always knew that Cherlise would be a star when I first met her,” Toni Dickerson, a friend of Forshee, and FAMU graduate said. “Her personality is amazing and she is so talented.”
While reaching life’s goals, Forshee said, “FAMU has played a major role in my life. It taught me that presentation, drive and hunger are everything.”
Utilizing her talents at FAMU, she opened the Homecoming concert for acts Bobby Valentino and Ludacris.
Recently she was featured on Fat Joe’s album, “Love of Music” and starred as the leading lady in his music video, “One” featuring Akon.
“I am more focused and driven than ever because the pressure is on,” Forshee said. “I carry the weight of the label on my shoulders and carry that load gracefully.”
“One thing that separates her from a lot of up and coming artists is her amazing voice. She has such range in her vocals and sings effortlessly,” Dickerson said. “You can tell that she has a passion for music when you see her sing her heart on the stage. The world needs to watch out because you will be hearing from Cherlise soon.”
For more information about Cherlise and her career you can follow her on twitter at www.twitter.com/cherlise101, or reach her at www.facebook.com/cherlise or on Myspace at www.myspace.com/cherlise.
The songstress told FAMU students to remain optimistic about their goals, anything is possible with hard work and determination.
“My advice to the aspiring would be to expect everything of yourself and nothing of others,” Forshee said. “Just get up and make it happen. Don’t look for anyone to do it for you.”