Since their performance at Florida A&M University in February 2005, recording artists One Chance, who are signed to Usher’s label, Sony BMG, have set out on their way to conquer the music business.
The R&B quartet appeared on BET’s 106 & Park and MTV’s Total Request Live and toured with Chris Brown and Neyo.
Courtney (21), Jon (21), Michael (22) and Rob (19) are Chicago natives who have been compared to groups such as Jodeci and New Edition. According to Jon, the group has been labeled as, “the truth”, by Pharrell Williams, Ronnie Deveo (New Edition), Jermaine Dupri and Wanye Morris (Boyz II Men).
Jarae Byrdsong, a senior music education student from Miami said, “As a group, they have potential, but it depends on their exposure and decisions they make as a group. They have overall talent, it’s just waiting to be tapped into.”
Before the record deal and the music videos, One Chance networked by selling CDs as local artists, until they met “a guy who knew a guy.”
From this encounter they ended up competing in a talent show along with 15 other acts. The judges, Usher, his mother and his staff, were impressed with the group, as well as rapper Rico Love, a former FAMU student, and signed them immediately.
That event added truth to the group’s name. Michael, the guy with the high voice, stated, “My mom, always said that all we need is one chance for the right person to hear us.” Usher was obviously that person.
“Usher is very supportive. He gives a lot of advice and is hands on. It’s like looking up to a big brother,” said Courtney, the smooth, old school guy.
Although One Chance has been busy doing college tours and preparing to tour with Bow Wow and others on the Scream IV tour, they are excited about performing at FAMU for this homecoming week.
“FAM showed us a lot of love last time,” Courtney said.
Shanna Coley-Hughes, a fourth-year pharmacy student from Daytona Beach, said, “I like them. They are like a young Boyz II Men. I think they are hot too, especially Mike.”
When asked about their relationship status Michael says with a huge grin, “We are all single and ready to mingle.”
“I like a girl that’s exotic and knows how to dress. One who will have my back, but won’t get jealous of the fans” says Jon, the hypeman of the group.
Michael said, “I want a ride or die chick that is into working out and staying fit.”
Courtney said, “I eventually want the white picket fence life, with a woman who can cook and clean,” while Rob, the energetic dancer of the group, agrees with what his group members said.
Tallahassee may be slow on picking up their single, “Look at Her,” featuring Fabo of D4L, but in cities such as Atlanta and Chicago the smash hit has helped the group develop a strong fan base.
The boys have had their share of interesting fans at on MySpace.
One girl copied and pasted pictures of Jon and his god son from his cousin’s page and spread a rumor that the child was her’s and his together.
A group of guys even sent their own version of “Look at Her” and took the time to send a message with the song link to each of the 32,965 group’s fans on MySpace.
One Chance said that FAMU should expect a great stage show. It will be a bit edgier than the last, but with class.
The students from Chicago can look forward to a “79th Street show instead of a suburban one,” Courtney said.
Eddie Frasier, a fourth-year elementary education student from Fort Lauderdale, said, “I think they will make it because they all can sing. They are bringing a different swagger to the industry. I wish them the best.”