Shareefa

Shareefa Faradah Cooper, known professionally as Shareefa, is an American R&B singer born on March 12, 1984, in Newark, New Jersey.^[1][2] Raised between Newark and East Orange, she spent her early years immersed in classic soul influences such as Smokey Robinson, Gladys Knight, and Patti LaBelle, often mimicking their performances from Soul Train.^[3] After relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina, at age 14, she navigated a challenging environment that included associations with street life before channeling her talents into music.^[4][5] Shareefa's career began in her mid-teens when she auditioned for producer Teddy Riley's group at age 16, later collaborating with him as a solo artist.^[3] She gained industry attention after being signed as the first female soul/R&B artist to Ludacris's Disturbing tha Peace imprint under Def Jam Recordings.^[5][3] Her breakthrough came with the 2006 debut single "Need a Boss" featuring Ludacris, which peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and showcased her gritty, street-infused vocal style produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins.^[5] This was followed by her debut album Point of No Return on October 24, 2006, featuring collaborations with producers like Chucky Thompson and Salaam Remi, blending 1990s R&B nostalgia with hip-hop elements inspired by artists such as Mary J. Blige and Faith Evans.^[3][5] Though her major-label momentum waned after the mid-2000s, Shareefa has maintained an independent presence in R&B, releasing singles like "Cry No More" (2006) and "Should I Stay?" (2010), and continuing to perform with a focus on authentic, emotionally resonant songwriting.^[6] In 2022, she issued the EP PINK SLIP, featuring tracks such as "Netflix" and "Boy Bye" with guest artists, demonstrating her ongoing evolution in the genre.^[7] As of 2025, she remains active with performances and social media engagement. Based in Charlotte, Shareefa remains recognized for her raw vocal delivery and contributions to the fusion of R&B and hip-hop during the 2000s.^[4][8]

Early life

Upbringing

Shareefa Faradah Cooper was born on March 12, 1984, in the Newark area of New Jersey, specifically East Orange according to some accounts, though other reports have suggested Charlotte, North Carolina, as her birthplace; available accounts resolve the discrepancy in favor of a New Jersey birth followed by residence in Charlotte.^{[1][9][10][11]} She spent her early childhood in the Newark area, including nearby East Orange, before relocating to Charlotte, North Carolina, at the age of 14 due to her mother's remarriage.^[4][3][11] Her formative years in Charlotte's urban environment provided the backdrop for her personal development during adolescence.^[4]

Musical beginnings

Shareefa's musical journey began in her teenage years after relocating from Newark, New Jersey, to Charlotte, North Carolina, at age 14, where she immersed herself in the local R&B and hip-hop scenes that shaped her versatile style. Growing up in Charlotte provided a foundation for her street-smart persona, exposing her to the vibrant Southern music culture that blended soulful melodies with rhythmic flows. Influenced by East Coast hip-hop pioneers like Lauryn Hill and Queen Latifah from her early years in New Jersey, she developed a passion for singing and began honing her skills independently during her mid-teens.^[11] Self-taught in both singing and rapping, Shareefa started crafting her own material around age 15, drawing from the raw energy of Charlotte's underground music environment to build her vocal and lyrical abilities without formal training. She recorded her initial demos in Charlotte, capturing 12 original songs that showcased her budding talent in blending R&B hooks with hip-hop verses. These early efforts reflected her innate ability to write and perform, as she later noted handling 90% of the songwriting for her projects.^[11] At age 16, in the early 2000s, Shareefa was discovered by renowned producer Teddy Riley through his personal assistant, Kenny Quiller, who was scouting for a female vocalist for a group project called Honey. This encounter led to her becoming Riley's protégé, under his mentorship for approximately three to four years, during which she refined her craft through collaborative sessions and guidance in songwriting and production. Riley's influence helped her produce more polished demo recordings, marking her transition from local experimentation to professional potential while she continued performing in North Carolina settings to cultivate a modest regional following.^[11][12]

Career

Signing with Disturbing tha Peace and debut (2005–2007)

In 2005, Shareefa signed with Disturbing tha Peace (DTP), a subsidiary of Def Jam Recordings founded by Ludacris, becoming the label's first female artist following a recommendation from producer Teddy Riley, who had discovered her earlier in her career.^[12][3][5] Her debut single, "Need a Boss" featuring Ludacris, was released in 2006 and produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, blending gritty R&B vocals with hip-hop elements to showcase her streetwise persona.^[13][14] The track peaked at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 10 on the US Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, marking her breakthrough into mainstream visibility.^[13][15] Its music video, directed by Melina Matsoukas, was filmed on location in urban settings to emphasize themes of empowerment and resilience.^[16][17] Shareefa's debut studio album, Point of No Return, arrived on October 24, 2006, via DTP/Def Jam, featuring production from Jerkins, Chucky Thompson, and Salaam Remi, alongside collaborations with artists like Ludacris and Fabolous.^[3][18] The album debuted at number 25 on the Billboard 200 and number 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, selling 37,000 copies in its first week to signal strong initial commercial interest.^[19][20] Critics praised Point of No Return as a promising introduction, highlighting Shareefa's soulful delivery and storytelling on tracks addressing love, betrayal, and personal struggle, with AllHipHop awarding it 3.5 out of 5 stars for its emotional depth and production quality that positioned her for long-term success in R&B.^[21] During this period, she promoted her work through DTP affiliations, including features on the label's 2005 compilation album Disturbing tha Peace—such as her solo track "I'll Be Around" and the ensemble cut "Family Affair"—along with appearances on tours and events supporting Ludacris and fellow roster members.^[22][23]

Independent releases and hiatus (2008–2019)

Following the release of her debut album Point of No Return in 2006, Shareefa was among several artists from Ludacris' Disturbing tha Peace (DTP) imprint dropped by Def Jam Recordings in early 2008, reportedly due to underwhelming performances at a label showcase event in New York City attended by industry executives including L.A. Reid. This move, amid broader tensions between DTP and Def Jam that led to the latter considering severing ties with the imprint, marked Shareefa's transition to independent status, allowing her greater creative control but limiting major-label promotion and distribution.^[24] In 2010, Shareefa released her first independent project, the mixtape The Misunderstanding of Shareefa, hosted by producer Don Cannon and distributed primarily through online platforms such as DatPiff and SoundCloud. The 13-track effort served as a prelude to her anticipated sophomore album, featuring introspective themes of personal growth, relationships, and industry misconceptions, with key songs like "My Life" and "Drama" showcasing her blend of singing and rhythmic delivery. Produced by collaborators including Chucky Thompson, the mixtape highlighted Shareefa's resilience during her label limbo, though it received limited mainstream attention due to the rise of digital streaming and shifting R&B market dynamics.^[25][26] Shareefa announced her sophomore album The Secret in 2010, positioning it as a more mature follow-up with planned production from Bangladesh and others, but the project faced repeated delays and ultimately remained unreleased by 2019. The lead single "Should I Stay," an empowering R&B track about relational indecision, leaked online in 2010 and received a belated music video directed by Benny Boom in 2013, yet production hurdles—including funding issues and the post-recession contraction in the music industry—prevented the album's completion. In a 2012 interview, Shareefa expressed ongoing commitment to the project while noting the challenges of navigating independent releases without major backing.^[12][27] Throughout the decade, Shareefa's output remained sporadic, with independent singles like "Boy Bye" in 2017 exemplifying her raw, confrontational style inspired by personal breakups and featuring production by 3dNatee. The track, available on platforms like iTunes, underscored her versatility in rapping over uptempo beats, as seen in earlier guest appearances such as on Ghostface Killah's 2009 album Ghostdini: Wizard of Poetry in Emerald City. No significant chart performance was achieved for these releases, reflecting the era's emphasis on viral hits over traditional R&B singles.^[28] During this hiatus period, Shareefa shifted focus to behind-the-scenes work, including songwriting contributions for other artists, and occasional live performances, like her 2016 appearance at BET's Music Matters. These efforts were hampered by broader industry challenges, including the decline of the 2000s R&B boom amid the dominance of hip-hop and pop, which reduced opportunities for mid-tier vocalists without viral momentum. Despite this, she maintained a low-profile presence through mixtape follow-ups like the announced They Gon Learn in 2012, emphasizing artistic independence over commercial pressures.^[12]

Recent activity (2020–present)

In 2022, Shareefa marked her return to music with the independent release of the EP Pink Slip, featuring five tracks including the title song with 3D Natee and "So Blue" with Theron, distributed via platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.^[29][7] This project showcased her adaptation to the streaming era, emphasizing self-empowerment themes through collaborations with emerging producers such as Troy Crossfield on "Drummer Boy."^[30] Building on this momentum, Shareefa increased her social media engagement in the mid-2020s, sharing snippets of unreleased material to connect with fans nostalgic for 2000s R&B. On April 25, 2025, she posted a preview of the track "Get Back" on Instagram and Facebook, teasing "new music coming your way" and inviting feedback from followers.^[31][32] This activity reflects her focus on digital platforms for direct audience interaction, amid a broader revival of her early hit "Need a Boss" (featuring Ludacris) through TikTok trends that garnered millions of views in 2024 and 2025, often used in empowerment and dance challenges. Shareefa's recent efforts highlight a resurgence driven by online buzz and 2000s nostalgia, positioning her for potential future projects in the evolving R&B landscape as of 2025.^[33]

Musical style and influences

Genre and vocal approach

Shareefa's primary genre is contemporary R&B, infused with hip-hop and rap elements that distinguish her sound within the urban music landscape. This fusion allows her to blend soulful, melodic singing with rhythmic, spoken-word flows, earning descriptions as a "singer-rapper concoction" that bridges traditional R&B balladry and hip-hop's assertive delivery.^[34][35] Her debut single "Need a Boss," for instance, exemplifies this rap-infused R&B approach through its confident, street-oriented narrative paired with emotive hooks. Her vocal style is characterized by a gritty, sultry timbre that conveys raw emotion and maturity, often compared to classic soul vocalists for its depth and authenticity.^[36][33] This husky quality enables versatility across tempos, shining in intimate ballads where it underscores vulnerability and in uptempo tracks where it drives energetic rhythms with impactful presence.^[36] Over time, her production aesthetic evolved from the polished, major-label sheen of her 2006 debut album Point of No Return, which featured high-end studio arrangements, to a rawer, DIY approach in her independent mixtapes and releases from 2008 onward.^[26] This shift emphasized street credibility and unfiltered versatility, allowing her to explore more experimental and personal expressions without commercial constraints.

Key influences and evolution

Shareefa's musical style draws heavily from 1990s R&B icons, particularly Mary J. Blige, whose raw emotional delivery in soul-infused tracks resonated deeply with her during formative years. In a 2006 interview, Shareefa described her soul as akin to Blige's, emphasizing a gritty, heartfelt approach rather than the smoother styles of artists like Sade or Patti LaBelle.^[11] She also cited Faith Evans and Lauryn Hill as key living legends who shaped her appreciation for emotionally charged R&B blended with hip-hop elements, listening to their albums like The Breakthrough and The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill for inspiration.^[11] Hip-hop figures from her Newark and East Orange roots further influenced her rap-inflected delivery, with figures like Ludacris playing pivotal roles. Shareefa has praised Ludacris as her "#1" for his evolving rhyme schemes and song structures, which informed her own confident, streetwise vocal phrasing in tracks that merge singing and rapping.^[3] This fusion reflects the hip-hop scene of her youth, where she absorbed influences from Notorious B.I.G. and the high-energy radio hits of 1995.^[3] Mentorship from producer Teddy Riley was instrumental in her early sound, as he discovered her at age 16 during an audition for his group Honey and collaborated with her for three to four years. Riley's guidance introduced new jack swing rhythms and production techniques, helping Shareefa refine a youthful, assertive persona evident in her 2000s debut work on Point of No Return.^[11][3] She credits this period with building her studio skills alongside producers like Chucky Thompson and Salaam Remi, aiming for timeless, classic material from the start.^[3] Over time, Shareefa's style evolved toward greater introspection, mirroring personal growth and shifts in the R&B landscape. Her debut album's title, Point of No Return, symbolized a commitment to forward momentum and emotional authenticity, with 90% of its content self-written to capture raw feelings evoked by beats.^[3] This progression from the bold, bossy tones of her early 2000s releases to more mature, reflective themes in later independent work highlights her adaptation to life experiences and industry dynamics, though detailed post-2007 outputs remain sparse in public documentation.^[3]

Discography

Studio albums

Shareefa's sole studio album, Point of No Return, was released on October 24, 2006, through Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam Recordings.^[37] The project, which she co-wrote nearly in its entirety, draws from her experiences in relationships and personal growth, blending contemporary R&B with hip-hop influences to explore themes of empowerment, romantic resilience, and navigating betrayal.^[38] Production was handled by a roster of notable contributors, including Rodney Jerkins, Salaam Remi, Ski Beatz, Needlz, Adida, and KQ, creating a cohesive sound that highlights Shareefa's rich, emotive vocals.^[39] The album comprises 15 tracks, integrating its lead singles seamlessly into the narrative flow. "Need a Boss," featuring Ludacris and produced by Jerkins, serves as the fourth track and became the project's breakout hit, emphasizing female independence in partnerships. Similarly, "Cry No More" anchors the second position, delivering an uplifting anthem on moving past emotional pain. Critics noted the singles' strong integration, praising how they propel the album's overarching motif of overcoming adversity while avoiding filler, though some tracks repeat motifs of loving "thugs" or dealing with insincerity.^[21] Total length: 53:25^[37] Commercially, Point of No Return debuted at number 25 on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 37,000 copies in its first week.^[20] By late November 2006, cumulative sales reached approximately 79,000 units in the United States, with no major certifications awarded.^[40] The album's packaging features a bold cover image of Shareefa in a poised, streetwise stance, underscoring the project's themes of strength and self-assurance, with standard CD jewel case design including lyric inserts and parental advisory labeling.^[37] Following the debut, Shareefa began developing a sophomore studio album titled The Secret around 2008, planned for a summer 2009 release under Def Jam. Intended to expand on empowerment and relational dynamics with tracks like "Fire" (featuring Jadakiss) and "By My Side" (featuring Rick Ross), the project aimed for a more mature sonic evolution incorporating live instrumentation and introspective concepts. However, it was shelved amid label restructuring and Shareefa's departure from Def Jam, leading her toward independent mixtapes instead.^[41][42]

EPs

Shareefa released the EP PINK SLIP independently on February 14, 2022. The five-track project features contemporary R&B tracks with hip-hop elements and guest appearances, distributed via digital platforms including Spotify and Apple Music. It includes: Total length: 17:11^[7]

Mixtapes and compilations

Shareefa's early exposure through the Disturbing tha Peace (DTP) label included her feature on the 2005 compilation album Ludacris Presents... Disturbing tha Peace, released on December 13 by DTP Records and Def Jam Recordings.^[22] She contributed vocals to the track "Family Affair," a collaborative hip-hop/R&B cut also featuring Ludacris, Lil' Fate, Playaz Circle, Norfclk, Field Mob, and I-20. The album debuted at number 11 on the Billboard 200 and was certified Gold by the RIAA in recognition of 500,000 units shipped, serving as key introductory material for emerging DTP artists like Shareefa.^[23] During her independent phase following her departure from DTP, Shareefa released the mixtape The Misunderstanding of Shareefa in July 2010, hosted by producer Don Cannon and intended as a prelude to her then-upcoming sophomore album.^[43] Distributed digitally through platforms like LiveMixtapes, the project comprises 13 tracks blending R&B vocals with hip-hop production, including freestyles and collaborations such as "By My Side" featuring Rick Ross (produced by Bangladesh).^[44] Notable cuts emphasize personal themes and vocal experimentation, with the full tracklist as follows:

• Intro
• My Life
• By My Side (feat. Rick Ross)
• Fall Down
• Drama
• Without U
• Homewrecker
• Skit
• Ya Love
• Warrior
• Lately
• Skit
• Mr. Shovanistic

Singles

Shareefa's debut single, "Need a Boss" featuring Ludacris, was released in 2006 as the lead track from her album Point of No Return. Produced by Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, it sampled The Stylistics' "Let's Put It All Together" and peaked at number 62 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 10 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The music video, directed by Melina Matsoukas, depicted Shareefa in urban settings asserting independence, and it received rotation on BET and MTV. No RIAA certification was awarded to the single. The follow-up single "Cry No More" was released in 2006 from Point of No Return. Produced by Rodney Jerkins, the track peaked at number 43 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The music video featured Shareefa in emotional, uplifting scenes and aired on BET. In 2010, Shareefa released "Should I Stay" as an independent single under DTP/Geffen Records, produced by Tha PieceMakerz. The track explored themes of relationship indecision in contemporary R&B style, but it did not chart on major Billboard lists. A music video accompanied the release, showing Shareefa in intimate, reflective scenes, and was promoted through digital platforms including YouTube. This single served as a lead-in for her planned album The Secret, though it remained her primary post-debut output for several years. "Boy Bye," released independently on October 20, 2017, marked Shareefa's return to solo material after a period of hiatus. The upbeat R&B track addressed empowerment and moving on from toxic relationships, distributed digitally via platforms like Spotify and Apple Music. It garnered modest streaming attention but did not achieve notable chart positions. No official music video was produced, with promotion relying on social media shares. For 2024–2025, Shareefa shared snippets of upcoming tracks on Instagram under her handle @gotreefa, including "Get Back" and "Let Me Take You To The Bedroom," teasing an impending EP. These previews highlighted her evolved vocal style with trap-influenced beats, released via YouTube and social platforms to build fan engagement ahead of full releases. As of November 2025, no full singles from this period have charted. As a featured artist, Shareefa's most prominent appearance was on "Need a Boss" with Ludacris, where her lead vocals drove the track's commercial success. Other features include "By My Side" with Rick Ross in 2010, which blended R&B and hip-hop but failed to chart, and uncharted guest spots on tracks like Ghostface Killah's "Guest House" from 2009. These collaborations often emphasized her melodic hooks over rapid-fire verses, though none reached the peaks of her debut single.