FEATURED ARTIST

Van Hunt was born in Dayton, Ohio. When asked about Dayton, he comments, “There’s something in the southern soil of Ohio that creates an atmosphere and forms its people. I come from a place that is so pretty, yet in some ways is so destructive. You can feel all that in my music.”


Van remembers his relationship with music beginning as early as age eight. He discovered Prince two years later when his father introduced him to Prince’s self-titled album. “Prince connected the dots between the music in my head and the idea of pursuing a career in music,” Van recalls. By 16, Van was performing in nightclubs.

Van’s career in the industry spans over 20 years and includes writing and co-producing the hit song Hopeless, which appeared on the Love Jones soundtrack; a 2005 Grammy nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance for his song Dust; and a 2007 Grammy award for Best R&B Performance by Duo or Group (along with John Legend and Joss Stone) for a cover of Family Affair by Sly Stone.

His influences range from Thelonius Monk, Sly Stone and Prince, to Bach and Franz Liszt. A diverse collection of his masterful compositions displays the skill, originality, and integrity for which Van’s music has become known. He has released two albums, including his first, Van Hunt, and a second offering, On the Jungle Floor. Due to changes in the music industry, Van’s third album, Popular, has never been officially released. The digital release of Van’s first independent offering, Use In Case of Emergency (rare items from the vault), a collection of unreleased material and re-mixes, is now available here on VanHunt.com.

FEATURED AUTHOR

Ci Ci Foster can be labeled as a true “Wonder Woman.” The multi-talented Chicago native’s unparalleled creativity,
and unrelenting passion for entertainment have been instrumental in providing her with diverse opportunities in the film, modeling and publishing industries.

Foster’s career in entertainment began while she was a student as Chicago State University, where she received her B.A. in psychology and minored in theatre. As a student, Ci Ci graced the stage in a variety of productions, but didn’t fully commit herself to pursuing her dream until she participated in a question and answer session for Rap So Dee, an off Broadway production.

Professionally, Ci Ci has enjoyed success in a host of independent films, print ads, and commercials. Her commercial credits include Meijers, Walgreens, and Euro-Pro Vacuum. Her film credits include Wages of Sin, This is the Remix, and The Piano Lesson.  In 2004, Ci Ci developed an interest in writing, and began honing her skills by writing short stories.

Her debut novel, Sunny Rain, has just been released and is already receiving rave reviews. A true entrepreneur at heart, Ci Ci recently formed her own production company with fellow actress Mashari Laila Bain, called Flower Goddess Productions. Through this company, Ci Ci produced her new documentary, I Heart Hollywood, a film that focuses on the trials and real life struggles of 14 actresses in Hollywood. 

With all of her current accomplishments under her belt, more is yet to come for the new diva of urban erotica. Dubbed as a Phenomenal Woman by 50 in 52 Journey, an organization who honors ordinary people who do extraordinary things, Foster is truly a talent to be reckoned with. She currently lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two daughters, and is currently working on her new novel, Hollywoodn’t. For more details, visit http://www.cicifoster.com/.