Lari White News

Maurice White, whose music is the driving force behind Broadway's "Hot Feet," isn't the only original member of Earth, Wind & Fire who's tapping into his entrepreneurial spirit. His brother, EWF bassist Verdine White, has jumped into the artist management/music production arena.

He's doing it by way of J.E.P. Entertainment (Julion Experience Presents), a partnership with fashion industry veteran Scott Julion.

The Los Angeles-based label's inaugural release will be "The Key" (September 12) from the six-piece multicultural band Slapbak. Specializing in R&B, funk and rock with some hip-hop flavor thrown in, the Orange County, Calif., group -- headed by singer/songwriter/musician Jara Harris -- has a strong local following thanks to three underground CDs and has opened for Mint Condition, Digital Underground and Snoop Dogg. Slapbak's first J.E.P. single is a cover of the War classic "Low Rider."

Asked about the reasoning behind picking such a well-known song as the group's first release, Julion says "Low Rider" will appeal to adults as well as younger listeners. "This is a band that plays real music and has put a new-millennium twist on 'Low Rider' to make it current. Adults will recognize the song and say, 'That used to be my jam,' while it will be brand-new and fresh to younger listeners."

White adds, "Slapbak's music with its funky grooves and melodic hooks revitalizes a genre that is still in demand."

Waiting in the wings is second single "California Girls," an original composition that will also feature Digital Underground and Shock G. "Then you'll hear the true Slapbak," Julion says of the band, which is a high-energy cross between Funkadelic and the Black Eyed Peas.

Additional artists on the roster include 14-year-old female pop/R&B singer/songwriter Clarion from Lancaster, Calif., and male R&B singer Aaron G. from Mississippi.

White oversees the management end of the partnership, with Julion serving as CEO. "If we keep it moving, we won't drown," Julion says of the pair's entrepreneurial launch. "We are going for broke."

Reuters/Billboard