I Like That

Background:

American R&B singer Houston, born Houston Edward Summers IV, came to prominence with the hit single “I Like That” (2004), a No. 11 hit on both the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. His debut album, “ It's Already Written” (2004), went gold in the United States. However, Houston had to put his career on the back burner following suicide attempt/self-injury in 2005.

L.A. Boy

Childhood and Family:

Houston Edward Summers IV was born on October 26, 1983, in Los Angeles, California.

His mother, a Belize native, was always encouraged young Houston to sing. He attended Hamilton High School and Academy of Music in Los Angeles. He would regularly be invited to take part in activities taking place in the school's music academy.

It's Already Written

Career:

Houston started rapping with friends Harold Dixon and Robert Reynolds while in high school. It was not long before he discovered that he could sing. With his confidence growing, Houston began entering singing contests in Los Angeles area and became more improved as a performer, vocalist, lyricist and dancer. He eventually signed a record deal with Capitol Records.

Recorded between 2003 and 2004, Houston's debut album, “It's Already Written,” was released on August 10, 2004. The album reached No. 14 on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified gold by the RIAA.

The first single “I Like That” (featuring Chingy, Nate Dogg, and I-20), which he co-wrote and produced by The Trak Starz, reached No.11 on the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart. The song also made it to the Top 10 on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs (#3) and the Billboard Top 40 Mainstream (#9) as well as in Swiss and New Zealand. “I Like That” was featured in a McDonald's commercial. The second single “ Ain't Nothing Wrong” was not as successful as its predecessor. It charted at No. 70 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs and No. 33 on the UK Singles Chart.

Before a London show in 2005, Houston suffered an emotional breakdown and reportedly attempted to commit suicide by jumping from a window while under the influence of PCP. He was then reserved and locked in a first floor room, during which time he extorted his left eye out with a plastic fork. After the incident, Houston was arrested by London police and was put in rehab for two weeks. He underwent eye surgery in July 2006 and was planning to make a comeback in the music industry.

Awards:
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