Charles Paul, a name synonymous with passion and dedication in the music industry, hails from Rockland, NY. His journey, rooted deeply in a large family of eleven siblings, all nurtured within the church and surrounded by music, has been nothing short of extraordinary. Known at various times by the stage names Chase and Charley Brown, Charles Paul now proudly represents his roots in Orange and Rockland County with his birth name.
Growing up, Charles was heavily influenced by his family’s musical environment. He, along with his brother Jermaine, formed the group “One Accord”, which achieved significant success early on. One Accord appeared on the Apollo before getting a spot on the “Booty Call” soundtrack and a couple of Dr Pepper commercials. Working alongside Rodney Jerkins (Darkchild Production) and Shaquille O’Neal (Twism) in 1997, they decided to focus on their own music after their anticipated hit single “Seven Days” was controversially bought by Mary J. Blige. She tried to make it up to them by including them on her record “A Dream,” where they worked with Kelly Price, who was also featured on the record. This experience taught them the importance of self-reliance in the music industry.
Charles and Jermaine’s journey was also shaped by their experiences growing up during a tough time when drugs, crime, and poverty ran rampant throughout the streets of Spring Valley, NY, famously known as “the Hill” during the crack era. Along with a series of musicians and rappers, they came together in a small place in Valley Cottage to speak their power into their records and create their own sound of soul. Despite the challenges of breaking into the music business and refusing to compromise his integrity to fit mainstream expectations, Charles, along with his college buddy Chris Pinset, decided to take control of their musical destiny.
In 2001, their talents were recognized when they scored a recording contract with Interscope/Twism Records after being featured on the soundtrack for the movie “Booty Call.” This was a pivotal moment that propelled their careers forward.
For the past twenty years, Charles has been a multifaceted contributor to the music industry. He has worn many hats: musician, writer, vocal coach, and background singer. His versatility and skill have led to numerous high-profile collaborations. Notably, he appeared on the David Letterman Show with 50 Cent in 2007 and worked with the legendary KRS-One on the record “Survive.”
Despite often working behind the scenes, Charles has always been ready for the spotlight. His brother, Jermaine, achieved significant recognition by touring with Alicia Keys and winning The Voice in 2012. Inspired by his brother’s success, Charles is now channeling his focus towards the business side of music. He has established a company named “TooTall Paul Ent.,” distributing music by Charles himself, The Mighty Paul Brothers, and FaithLock Ministries, which is a gospel group of his sisters and brothers. They have performed at the 50th anniversary of hip-hop in Peekskill, NY along with Kool-Moe-D.
Charles Paul’s solo projects and collaborative efforts with his brothers continue to make waves in the industry. His latest solo release, “Love You So Much More,” showcases his ability to blend heartfelt lyrics with captivating melodies. Additionally, The Mighty Paul Brothers, a group consisting of Charles and his brothers Jermaine and Martin, have released “The Difference,” a high-energy electric soul R&B track that exemplifies their dynamic synergy and musical prowess. Jermaine added their younger brother Martin Paul (M-Dott) into the mix, transforming the group into the Mighty Paul Brothers Band. This self-contained band sees Charles on bass, Jermaine on guitar, and Martin on keys and drums. Martin just debuted his first single entitled “Stop.”
Their most recent release, “Sound of the Cops,” paints a clear picture of what they witnessed throughout their childhood, highlighting that music was their form of powerful expression. Charles’ record “Down by the River” should also be noted for its poignant perspective through a child’s eyes.
Upcoming Activity
Charles Paul’s family continues to be active in the music scene with several upcoming releases. His brother Jermaine Paul, who won NBC’s “The Voice” in 2012, is releasing a highly anticipated album titled “Red, White and Blues” on July 4th. The Mighty Paul Brothers are putting out “Land of the Lost” on July 15th, 2024. Additionally, FaithLock Ministries is set to release “Don’t Throw Your Life Away” on July 22nd, 2024.
Through his enduring commitment and evolving artistry, Charles Paul stands as a testament to the power of family, faith, and music. His journey from a small town in New York to the grand stages of the music industry is a story of perseverance, talent, and an unwavering dedication to his craft. As he continues to break new ground and inspire others, Charles Paul’s legacy is set to leave an indelible mark on the world of music.