Since making his recording debut in 2005, Kid Smilez has patiently and artfully crafted some of the most acclaimed and compelling R&b music of the decade. His first two SoftSound Entertainment/Medley albums, "Living Dreams" (2005) and "Next Step" (2007), yielded a trio of top ten singles, "Voice Mail," "Who u muggN," and "DreamCOME TRUE." And when the latter song garnered KID a coveted Grammy nomination for Best Underground Male R&B Vocal Performance, it marked the validation of the faith shown in Kid Smilez by his own mother. "the most promising R&B artists we have had since we started the Talent Search company 7 years ago." Now, with the 2009 release of "Dont give up," Kid Smilez is more than ready to claim his place in the music industry.
"Many people tell me that I Should have been on tv before most of these other guys," says Kid Smilez. "They may know my singles, but between my records, I've also released mixtapes like 'Achieved' and 'Half Amaizing.' Now, 'Living Dream' embodies everything I am as an artist. Everybody can be happy with the album, from the hip-hop to the R&B crowd."
Born Gerald Austin Shields, Gerald was raised as a military brat, with his family eventually settling in Ft.Wayne, Indiana. Ironically, as a teen he wasn't particularly interested in singing. Only after continuous encouragement from his mother, and drawing on his Mother example as a devoted church choir member, He entered a local talent show at 14 years old. He won that competition and several more, eventually amassing 19 trophies. At 15, Gerald crossed paths with New Things, worked with everyone from Fly Fortune to Swat Ent, and People immediately recognized Gerald's talent.
After high school, at Snider High in Ft.Wayne Indiana, Kid Smilez moved to Columbus ohio, where he developed his vocal, writing, and production skills. Smilez soon found himself driving from the BuckEye State across the river to New York City. As he learned to record songs, Smilez completed a proverbial musical boot camp, absorbing music by artists like Prince, Marvin Gaye, and Steely Dan during his commute between the two states. To earn his keep, the Columbiana worked as His Own vocal production assistant and transformed that experience into his debut album, "THE DREAM CATCHER," after Years OF hard work with Vocal,Recording And Other problems in 2003.
Among Kid smilez numerous activities, he ? along with fellow Atlantic artist Trey Songz ? wrote and produced a Smooth Single rendition of "Voice Mail" especially for relationship problems, which proved to be a sensation during the 2008 Christmas season.
