fortune

Take the sophisticated, sweet sound of Take 6, mix it with the upbeat energy of New Edition, and add a 21st century street-level edge and you’ve got an idea of what Fortune bring to the game. All four members of the group (singers Sule, Austin, Shai, and Bouie) had sung in the Boys Choir of Harlem, but it was former Zhané and Raekwon producer Michael “Vegas” Harrison who brought them together as Fortune. Taking a page out the Berry Gordy superstar development handbook, Harrison wanted to make sure his group was groomed properly for the big time. Practices and performances — no matter how big or small — were as important as recording sessions, while taking the long road to radio and BET assured that each member’s heart was really in it. It was all worth it when radio and clubs put the group’s “Play a While” and “Winner” singles into rotation. The group also landed a song on the All the Women I’ve Loved soundtrack, released by Miramax in early 2005. ~ David Jeffries