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Jaheim
Jaheim
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Key Information

Jaheim H. Hoagland (born May 26, 1978), known mononymously as Jaheim, is an American R&B singer. He was signed by Naughty by Nature's Kaygee to Divine Mill Records in 2000 and released his debut album Ghetto Love in 2001. His second effort, Still Ghetto (2002), contains the hit singles "Put That Woman First" (2003) and "Fabulous". (2003)[1]

Jaheim's third album, Ghetto Classics, was released on February 14, 2006, debuting at number one on the U.S. Billboard 200, and selling over 153,000 copies in its first week.

Music career

[edit]

Four years after he recorded a tape that led to a deal with Divine Mill Records (a division of Warner Bros. Records). Hoagland received good reactions from two singles "Could It Be" and "Lil' Nigga Ain't Mine" on BET video shows. Appearing with Hoagland on his first album was RL (from Next), Blackstreet and Darren and Cliff Lighty.

His second album, Still Ghetto, was released on November 5, 2002. Another Top Ten hit, it placed two singles in the Top 40, "Fabulous" and "Anything" (released November 13, 2001). Ghetto Classics followed in early 2006 and became his first number one album. In 2007, Jaheim signed to Atlantic Records and released his fourth album The Makings of a Man in December 2007.

In late 2009, the single "Ain't Leavin Without You" preceded his 2010 album Another Round. In 2013, Jaheim returned to the music industry with a new single titled "Age Ain't a Factor" and a new album. His sixth album, Appreciation Day, was released on September 3, 2013. In 2014, Jaheim restarted his own label called "Julie's Dream Music Group", which had first been started in 1997, then restarted in 2002.[2]

Following the relaunch of his label in February 2015, Jaheim signed a new record deal with BMG Records after parting ways with Atlantic Records in conjunction with his Julie's Dream label.[3] In June 2015, Jaheim released a new single called "Back in My Arms" and revealed that his seventh album, titled Struggle Love, is to be released.[4] Struggle Love was released on March 18, 2016.[5] To date, Jaheim has sold 5 million records worldwide and received three Grammy nominations.[3]

Personal life

[edit]

Jaheim is a resident of Hillsborough Township, New Jersey.[6] Jaheim is the grandson of the late 1960s soul singer Hoagy Lands.

In September 2021, he was arrested on animal cruelty charges after police discovered 15 dogs living in deplorable conditions at his New Jersey home. One of the dogs had to be euthanized.[7] In May 2025, he was arrested on six counts of animal cruelty.[8]

Discography

[edit]
Studio albums
Compilations

Awards and nominations

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American Music Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2003 Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist Nominated
Grammy Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2011 Another Round Best R&B Album[9] Nominated
"Finding My Way Back" Best Male R&B Vocal Performance Nominated
Best R&B Song Nominated
Soul Train Music Awards
Year Nominee / work Award Result
2002 "Just in Case" Best R&B/Soul Single, Male Nominated
Ghetto Love Best R&B/Soul Album, Male Nominated
2003 Still Ghetto Best R&B/Soul Album, Male Nominated
2004 "Put That Woman First" Best R&B/Soul Single, Male Nominated
2010 Best Male R&B/Soul Artist Nominated

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Jaheim Hoagland, known professionally as Jaheim (born May 26, 1978), is an American R&B singer and songwriter renowned for his deep voice and soul-infused ballads that blend streetwise narratives with classic R&B influences reminiscent of and . Raised in the 176 Memorial Parkway Homes public housing project in , after his father died when he was three years old, Jaheim drew from his challenging upbringing to craft authentic lyrics about love, struggle, and resilience. As a teenager, he honed his skills by winning local talent shows, which led to his discovery by producer of , who signed him to Divine Mill Records in 2000. Jaheim's debut album, Ghetto Love (2001), marked his breakthrough, peaking at number nine on the Billboard 200 and featuring the top-20 R&B single "Just in Case," which reached number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100. His sophomore effort, Still Ghetto (2002), climbed to number eight on the Billboard 200 and produced platinum-certified hits like "Put That Woman First" (number 20 on the Hot 100) and "Fabulous" (featuring Tha' Rayne), solidifying his status in contemporary R&B. Subsequent releases further showcased his consistency, including the chart-topping Ghetto Classics (2006), which debuted at number one on the with 152,000 first-week sales, The Makings of a Man (2007), (2010), Appreciation Day (2013), and Struggle Love (2016). A three-time Grammy nominee, Jaheim has maintained a career spanning more than two decades, emphasizing traditional soul elements amid evolving R&B trends, and remains active on tour as of 2025.

Early life

Family background and childhood

Jaheim Hoagland was born on May 26, 1978, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. He was raised in the city's 176 Memorial Parkway Homes public housing project alongside his two brothers. His father died in 1981, when Jaheim was two years old, leaving the family in a single-parent household headed by his mother, Julie Hoagland. This early loss contributed to a challenging upbringing marked by financial hardships and reliance on welfare. Julie's unwavering support provided stability, though she passed away when Jaheim was 16 years old from spinal meningitis. Jaheim is the grandson of Victor Hoagland, professionally known as the 1960s soul singer , who performed with groups such as and influenced his early exposure to music.

Musical influences and early performances

Jaheim's early musical influences were deeply rooted in classic soul and R&B, shaped significantly by his family's heritage. His grandfather, Victor Hoagland, a vocalist who performed with renowned groups such as , served as his primary inspiration, exposing him to the timeless sounds of artists like , , and . Growing up in , amid personal hardships including the loss of his parents, Jaheim drew from these familial ties to channel soulful expression as a coping mechanism. As a teenager, Jaheim began actively engaging with music through local performances in , where he honed his skills in both and . He contributed background vocals to the 1998 album Hustlaz Heaven by the rap group M.A.G., marking one of his initial forays into professional recording. These early experiences blended hip-hop rhythms with his soulful vocal style, reflecting the streetwise environment of his youth. Jaheim's breakthrough in the local scene came in 1994, at age 15, when he won three consecutive amateur night contests at the Apollo Theater in , showcasing his powerful and earning widespread recognition. This success caught the attention of industry figures, including DJ Kay Gee of , who discovered him shortly thereafter and signed him to his Divine Mill Records imprint in 2000, paving the way for his transition to a full-time solo career.

Music career

Breakthrough and debut era (2000–2003)

Jaheim entered the music industry in 2000 when he was signed to Divine Mill Records, a subsidiary, under the mentorship of producer Kay Gee of , who recognized his raw talent from local performances. This deal marked his professional breakthrough, transitioning him from talent shows to a major label platform focused on R&B with hip-hop influences. His debut album, Ghetto Love, released on March 13, 2001, established his presence in by peaking at number 9 on the and selling 80,000 copies in its first week. The project was certified platinum by the RIAA, denoting one million units sold, driven by its authentic portrayal of urban romance and soulful delivery. Key singles included "Just in Case," which reached number 15 on the chart and number 52 on the Hot 100, "Could It Be," which climbed to number 2 on the chart and number 26 on the Hot 100, and "Anything" featuring Next, reaching number 6 on the R&B chart and number 28 on the Hot 100. Critics praised the album's streetwise lyricism and Jaheim's vocals reminiscent of classic soul artists, positioning it as a fresh take on ghetto-centric R&B. Building on this momentum, Jaheim released his follow-up, , on November 5, 2002, which debuted at number 8 on the with 111,000 first-week units and achieved certification for one million sales. The reinforced his signature style, with standout tracks like "" featuring Tha' Rayne, peaking at number 28 on the Hot 100 and number 7 on the chart, and "Put That Woman First," which hit number 20 on the Hot 100 and number 5 on the R&B chart in 2003. Reception highlighted its continuation of emotionally resonant, neighborhood-rooted narratives, solidifying Jaheim's early reputation for blending vulnerability with gritty realism in R&B.

Peak commercial success (2004–2010)

Jaheim's third studio album, , marked a pivotal moment in his career, released on February 14, 2006, by Warner Bros. Records. The album debuted at number one on the chart, selling 153,000 copies in its first week, and was later certified gold by the RIAA for shipments of 500,000 units. Key singles included " I Think About Her" featuring , which incorporated hip-hop elements in its remix version, and "I Never," both contributing to the album's urban contemporary . In October 2007, Jaheim transitioned to in partnership with Divine Mill Records, signing a that allowed for greater creative control. His label debut, The Makings of a Man, arrived on December 18, 2007, debuting at number 11 on the with 176,000 first-week sales and earning certification. The lead single "Never" peaked at number one on the chart, showcasing Jaheim's signature smooth balladry and romantic themes. Jaheim sustained his momentum with , released on February 9, 2010, via , which debuted at number three on the , moving 112,000 units in its opening week. The album's lead single, "Finding My Way Back," reached number 12 on the chart, while follow-up "Ain't Leavin Without You" topped the chart for 12 weeks, highlighting his enduring popularity in the genre. By 2010, Jaheim's cumulative worldwide approached five million units, solidifying his status as a consistent R&B chart contender.

Independent phase and later releases (2011–2016)

Following the release of his fifth studio album Another Round in 2010, Jaheim parted ways with and entered a more independent phase of his career, marked by a focus on self-managed projects and entrepreneurial ventures. In 2013, he independently produced and released his sixth studio album, Appreciation Day, on September 3 via Atlantic as a farewell to the label, featuring the "Age Ain't a Factor," which debuted in August and emphasized themes of resilience and maturity. The album received positive reviews for its soulful production but achieved modest commercial success compared to his earlier peaks, signaling a transitional period. In 2014, Jaheim relaunched his imprint Julie's Dream Music Group, originally founded in 2002 and named after his late mother, to gain greater creative control over his output and support emerging artists. This move aligned with his shift toward independence, allowing him to oversee production and distribution more directly. By February 2015, following the label's relaunch, Jaheim signed a new recording deal with BMG Primary Wave, marking his return to a major distributor while retaining ownership through Julie's Dream. The partnership facilitated the development of his next project, emphasizing live instrumentation and personal storytelling rooted in his earlier streetwise R&B sound. Under the BMG/Julie's Dream banner, Jaheim released his seventh and final studio album to date, Struggle Love, on March 18, 2016. The album peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and No. 24 on the Billboard 200, reflecting sustained fan loyalty despite a cooling industry presence for traditional R&B acts. Key singles included "Struggle Love," the title track released in December 2015, and "My Soul," both of which received airplay on Urban AC radio but achieved only modest chart positions, with "Struggle Love" hovering outside the top 20 on R&B digital sales. The project, produced with collaborators like Kay Gee, highlighted Jaheim's gravelly vocals over mid-tempo grooves exploring love's hardships, but it underperformed commercially relative to his platinum-era work. Since Struggle Love, Jaheim has not released any new studio albums, bringing his total to seven across his career. He released the EP A King is Born in 2020 and the single "The Wheel" in 2021, and in 2025 issued a of "Put That Woman First" featuring . He has maintained visibility through live performances, including residencies and festival appearances that draw on his catalog of hits, allowing him to connect with audiences amid a period of reduced recording output. This phase underscores a deliberate slowdown, prioritizing longevity over new releases in an evolving R&B landscape.

Personal life

Relationships and residences

Jaheim has maintained a low-profile personal life, prioritizing away from the spotlight of his music career. He has not publicly disclosed details about any marriages, and information regarding romantic partnerships remains scarce in credible reports. The singer is a to a named Shemeka Foster, though the identity of her has not been revealed publicly. Rooted in since his childhood in New Brunswick's projects, Jaheim has established a long-term residence in Hillsborough , where he continues to live as a local artist post his peak fame in the early 2000s. He also owns property in . This suburban setting reflects his preference for a grounded, New Jersey-based lifestyle, focusing on family and occasional performances rather than high-profile public appearances. In September 2021, Jaheim Hoagland, known professionally as Jaheim, was arrested in , on charges of third-degree animal cruelty after authorities discovered 15 dogs living in deplorable conditions at his residence. The dogs were found in varying stages of emaciation, with inadequate food, , and , leading to the of one mixed-breed due to severe illness. Hoagland faced 12 counts related to the , stemming from a welfare check prompted by concerns over the animals' conditions; the charges were later dismissed after he pleaded guilty to an unrelated disorderly persons offense. On May 1, 2025, Hoagland was arrested in Fulton County, Georgia, on six counts of animal cruelty involving six dogs—four pit bulls, one French bulldog, and one mixed-breed hound—found on his property in unsanitary conditions lacking proper food, water, ventilation, and hygiene. Authorities noted prior complaints about the animals, including three calls to animal control before the arrest, highlighting ongoing neglect. As of November 2025, the case remains in legal proceedings, with Hoagland having been released on bond. These incidents have severely tarnished Jaheim's public image, drawing extensive media scrutiny and amplifying calls for stricter enforcement, which has coincided with an extended hiatus in his music career following his 2016 independent releases. The controversies, particularly the 2025 charges, have overshadowed his earlier R&B successes and prompted discussions on for high-profile figures in animal neglect cases.

Artistry and legacy

Musical style and themes

Jaheim's musical style is characterized by a fusion of classic and traditions with and hip-hop elements, creating a sound that balances smooth, emotive vocals with urban grit. His production often incorporates lush, orchestral arrangements reminiscent of 1970s soul, while rhythmic beats and samples draw from hip-hop to infuse a modern edge, as heard in tracks like "Just in Case" from his debut album. This blend allows Jaheim to evoke the raw energy of street life alongside polished , distinguishing him in the early R&B landscape. Lyrically, Jaheim's work frequently explores themes of ghetto life, romantic love, complex relationships, and personal resilience, drawing from his upbringing to portray authentic narratives of struggle and triumph. Songs such as "Ghetto Love" highlight the passion and challenges of inner-city romance, emphasizing endurance amid hardship, while later tracks like "Finding My Way Back" delve into emotional recovery and commitment. His storytelling is frank and introspective, often celebrating the strength found in everyday urban experiences without romanticizing poverty. Jaheim's vocal delivery is marked by a deep, resonant timbre and emotional intensity, often compared to the soulful depth of Teddy Pendergrass and Luther Vandross, with a subtle roughness that conveys vulnerability and conviction. Over his discography, his style evolved from the street-tough, assertive tone of early releases like Ghetto Love and Still Ghetto, which leaned into hip-hop-infused bravado, to more mature, ballad-oriented expressions in albums such as Another Round, where his delivery became smoother and more reflective, prioritizing introspection over aggression. This progression reflects a shift toward emphasizing relational depth and resilience, solidifying his role as a bridge between classic soul and modern R&B.

Influences and impact

Jaheim's primary musical influences stem from his family and the of the mid-20th century. His grandfather, (born Victor I. Hoagland Sr.), a soul singer known for performing with and releasing tracks on , provided Jaheim's earliest exposure to professional music performance and harmonies. This familial connection instilled a deep appreciation for vocal expression rooted in gospel and R&B traditions. Additionally, Jaheim has drawn inspiration from iconic soul artists of the and 1970s, including , whose delivery and emotional intensity shaped Jaheim's own singing style. Other key figures like , , and further influenced his approach to blending heartfelt lyrics with melodic phrasing. Jaheim's influences also extend to hip-hop, reflecting the urban soundscape of his New Brunswick, New Jersey upbringing. He incorporated elements from poetic hip-hop artists such as The Notorious B.I.G., , and , merging their narrative storytelling with R&B sensibilities. His association with —through producer Kay Gee, who signed him to Divine Mill Records—exposed him to hip-hop production techniques, infusing his music with rhythmic grooves and streetwise themes while maintaining a soulful core. This fusion helped Jaheim craft a distinctive sound that resonated in the early R&B landscape. Throughout his career, Jaheim has been recognized as a bridge between old-school and modern R&B, with his vocal tone often compared to Pendergrass, evoking classic era warmth amid the genre's shift toward hip-hop-infused production. His soulful approach contributed to reviving traditional R&B elements during the , when the genre increasingly leaned on contemporary beats, earning him acclaim for sustaining emotional depth in mainstream hits. Jaheim's impact is evidenced by over 5 million records sold worldwide, solidifying his role in preserving and evolving soulful R&B for new generations. This enduring influence is seen in how his themes of love, struggle, and resilience have inspired younger R&B artists seeking to reconnect with genre roots. In May 2025, Jaheim faced renewed media attention due to arrest on animal cruelty charges, which has sparked discussions about the challenges in his potentially affecting his artistic legacy. As of 2025, Jaheim's is estimated at $1 million, primarily derived from album sales, tours, and deals accumulated over two decades in the industry.

Discography

Studio albums

Jaheim has released seven studio albums over his career, spanning from his debut in the early to his most recent in as of November 2025. These works established him as a prominent figure in , blending soulful ballads with urban influences, and collectively contributed to over 5 million records sold worldwide. His discography reflects a progression from major label releases to independent ventures, with varying commercial peaks on the and charts. Key albums like marked his highest commercial achievement, debuting at number one.
AlbumRelease DateLabelPeak Position
Ghetto LoveMarch 13, 2001Divine Mill/Warner Bros.#9 Billboard 200
Still GhettoNovember 5, 2002Divine Mill/Warner Bros.#8 Billboard 200
Ghetto ClassicsFebruary 14, 2006Warner Bros.#1 Billboard 200 (153,000 first-week sales)
The Makings of a ManDecember 18, 2007Atlantic#11 Billboard 200
Another RoundFebruary 9, 2010Atlantic#3 Billboard 200
Appreciation DaySeptember 3, 2013Atlantic#6 Billboard 200 (58,000 first-week sales)
Struggle LoveMarch 18, 2016Julie's Dream/BMG#24 Billboard 200, #2 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums

Compilation albums and singles

Jaheim's sole major , Classic Jaheim, Vol. 1, was released on November 25, 2008, by Warner Bros. Records. The project compiled hits from his first three studio albums including "Anything" and "Just in Case." Throughout his career, Jaheim released several standout singles that achieved notable commercial success on the , often emphasizing themes of romance and resilience. His debut single "Could It Be" from 2001 peaked at number two on the chart and number 26 on the Hot 100. In 2003, "Put That Woman First" peaked at number five on the chart and was certified platinum by the RIAA for sales exceeding one million units. That same year, "Fabulous" featuring Tha' Rayne reached number seven on the chart and number 28 on the Hot 100, also earning RIAA platinum certification. Later singles continued to perform strongly on R&B charts. "Finding My Way Back" in 2010 peaked at number 12 on the chart and number 95 on the Hot 100. "Ain't Leavin Without You," released the prior year, held the number one position on the chart for 12 consecutive weeks. In 2013, "Age Ain't a Factor" topped the Adult R&B Airplay chart. Jaheim's 2016 single "Struggle Love" received moderate airplay but did not enter major .
SingleRelease YearHot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs PeakHot 100 PeakRIAA Certification
"Could It Be"2001226None
"Put That Woman First"2003520
"Fabulous" (feat. Tha' Rayne)2002728
"Finding My Way Back"20101295None
"Ain't Leavin Without You"20091 (12 weeks)93None
"Age Ain't a Factor"2013--None
"Struggle Love"2016--None

Awards and nominations

Grammy nominations

Jaheim earned three Grammy nominations in 2011 for the , marking his only appearances in the Recording Academy's recognition. These included Best R&B Album for his fifth studio album , Best R&B Song for the track "Finding My Way Back" written by Ivan Barias, Carvin Haggins, Jaheim Hoagland, and , and Best Male R&B Vocal Performance for "Finding My Way Back." None of Jaheim's nominations resulted in a win, as the awards went to Wake Up! by and for Best R&B Album, "Shine" by and for Best R&B Song, and "There Goes My Baby" by Usher for Best Male R&B Vocal Performance. This outcome underscored the fierce competition in R&B categories throughout the and , where established acts like Usher, , and frequently dominated amid the genre's commercial and artistic resurgence.

Other industry recognitions

Jaheim has earned recognition from several prominent music awards beyond the Grammys, highlighting his impact in the R&B genre during the early 2000s. In 2003, Jaheim tied with to win the BET Award for Best Male R&B Artist, acknowledging his standout performances that year. He received a nomination for Favorite Soul/R&B Male Artist at the 2003 , competing alongside contemporaries like and . At the , his single "Put That Woman First" earned a nomination in the Choice Music - R&B/Hip-Hop Track category, reflecting his appeal to younger audiences. Jaheim also garnered multiple nods at the , which celebrate achievements in R&B and soul. In 2002, he received two nominations, including for Best R&B/Soul Album, Male (Ghetto Love) and Best R&B/Soul Single, Male ("Just in Case"). The following year, in 2003, he was nominated again for Best R&B/Soul Album, Male for Still Ghetto. In 2004, he received a nomination for Best R&B/Soul Single, Male for "Put That Woman First." Additionally, in , Jaheim was nominated for Best Male R&B/Soul Artist. Jaheim has also received multiple nominations for the , recognizing outstanding achievements by people of color in .

References

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