94 East

Fresh flavors of R&B, hip-hop, funk and pop will come pouring out of your speakers when you give a listen to music by 94 East of Minneapolis. Creating liberating and original music, doling out soulful songs in these genre traditions with cutting edge artistic ideals at the core, 94 East offers music that energizes the mind. "Music makes us feel free. We can say anything we want and express ourselves. Music gives us the freedom to do that."

Creativity

When the writing starts and the recording gets going, it’s all about individuality and true self-expression. 94 East does not believe in creative restraints. "Creativity with no limits and not bound by any specific philosophy is what drives 94 East." This artist’s ability to take hold of traditional flavors and carry them in new directions is what makes 94 East an artistic success.

Desire 

Desire is the key to success. "Intelligence, desire and talent inspire us. Music influences us. Other performers and what they do creatively influence us." 

Acclaim

Pepé Willie was inducted into the Minnesota Black Musician’s Hall of Fame, as well as Prince, Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis, Jesse Johnson and Bobby Lyle among others. The honor came in recognition of Pepe’s efforts in promoting the performing arts through the medium of music. Pepé also appeared in "Purple Rain" and 94 East is in the as-yet-unreleased film, "Siren."

Pepe’ comes from a musical family that includes his uncle, Clarence Collins of Little Anthony and The Imperials and his nephew, Keith Middleton (who Pepe’ manages), a member of Stomp, who also stars in the film "Pulse: A Stomp Odyssey." Together with his brother, Rodney, and their friend, Graehme, Keith is also part of the hip hop group, Hydra. Pepe’s great-nephew, Qaasim Middleton, is featured on The Nickelodeon show "Naked Brother’s Band". Qaasim and his father, Keith Middleton, both appeared in the HBO special "The Music in Me," and recently performed at Carnegie Hall.

94 East’s current CD features 10:15 and Fortune Teller with Prince on guitar. 94 East is currently working with A&R Select, the leading independent A&R firm in Hollywood, CA. 

History

Pepé Willie, Marcy Ingvoldstad and Kristie Lazenberry – 94 East’s founding members – own Pepé Music Inc. and have contributed greatly to the Minneapolis music scene since it’s inception. Pepé cut his teeth in the 60s in Brooklyn, New York during Murray the K’s great Rock & Roll holiday show era, working with Little Anthony and The Imperials and other great artists like The Four Tops, Patti LaBelle and the Blue Bells, Diana Ross and the Supremes, and Smokey Robinson and the Miracles, and many more. Pepé later moved to Minneapolis in the 70s, after he married Prince’s cousin, Shauntel Manderville, and started working with Grand Central Station (members included Prince, Andre Cymone, Morris Day, Linda Anderson, and William Daughty).

94 East was formed in 1976 at which time they signed on with Polydor and recorded the singles "10:15" (written by Pepé and "Fortune Teller" (written by Hank Cosby). Both songs were co-produced with Hank Cosby who previously wrote "My Cherie Amour" with Stevie Wonder. 94 East’s album, "Minneapolis Genius" was released in 1986. Pepé had the track, "If You See Me", a.k.a.,"Do Yourself A Favor" on Jesse Johnson’s "Shockadelica" album, as well as, his single, "Lovestruck". In 1995, 94 East released the album "Symbolic Beginning" in Europe. The rest is history.

Review

"94 East is a unique and influential group." – A&R Select

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