olivia

Biography

Background

Olivia was born to a Cuban father and a Jamaican mother, then afterwards her family relocated to Jamaica, Queens where she was raised. She first started singing in church choirs and also played the guitar and piano.

Music Career

In 1999, she became the first artist signed to Clive Davis' J Records. Her self-titled debut album Olivia was released in 2001 and featured the singles "Bizounce" and "R U Capable". The album was later shelved, and she was dropped from J Records. The album sold under 100,000 copies and included the single "Bizounce". The album debuted at #55 selling 16,026 copies in the first week. It fell off in just four weeks.

In 2004, Olivia re-emerged as a member of G-Unit. She has contributed vocals to their debut album Beg For Mercy and to 50 Cent's The Massacre, including that album's #1 single "Candy Shop".

Her first solo single released via G-Unit Records was "Twist It", featuring fellow G-Unit member Lloyd Banks, followed up by "So Sexy" in summer 2005. Unfortunately both failed to chart on higher positions and as a result Olivia briefly attended Hofstra University in New York, instead of releasing her sophomore album, Behind Closed Doors, which is now slated for a 2007 release on Interscope and G-Unit Records. Around the same time Olivia also entered the hitlists once again, when she sang on Shaggy's single "Wild 2Nite".

In fall 2005 it was rumored that 50 Cent and G-Unit Records might have dropped the singer from the label (due to poor reception by the public) and considered replacing her with singer Keyshia Cole. However, these rumors were found to be inaccurate after Olivia announced on Sirius satellite station Shade 45 that she was not leaving G-Unit Records.

Currently, Olivia has released her third single, "Best Friend" (Remix), featuring 50 Cent.

Discography

Albums

• Olivia (2001) #55 US
• Behind Closed Doors (2006)

Singles

External links

• Official Site
• G-Unit Records