Veteran

Background:

“My aim has always been to make music that can make a difference in someone's life, and my greatest joy has always been knowing that a song I wrote or sung touched someone else. I felt really passionate about making this record and now I want everyone else to feel it.” Marques Houston

American R&B singer and actor Marques Houston became famous as the founding member of the group Immature/Imx before launching a solo career in 2003. He has released three solo albums, most notably “Veteran” (2007), which peaked at No. 1 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and produced several top singles, including “That Girl,” “All Because of You” and “Naked.” As an actor, 5'10” Houston is probably best remembered as Roger Evans on the popular TV series “Sister, Sister” (1994-1997, 1999), from which he took home a Young Artist Award, and for playing Elgin in a hit comedy film directed by Chris Stokes titled “You Got Served” (2004), in which he netted a MTV Movie nomination. He also portrayed Donald in the Kenan Thompson vehicle “Fat Albert” (2004).

“My manager Chris Stokes has been my mentor since I first started out in this business and when we were preparing to do the album, we agreed that it should be an opportunity for me to show my strength as a singer.” Marques Houston

Houston, who is of African-American and Mexican descent, was engaged to actress Jennifer Freeman in November 2007. They broke up in January 2008. The Ebony Magazine “Most Eligible Bachelors of 2005” is good friends with Mario, Bow Wow, and Nick Cannon. He idolizes Michael Jackson and Boyz II Men.

Batman

Childhood and Family:

Marques Barrett Houston was born on August 4, 1981, in Los Angeles, California. His mother, Caroline, died of cancer when he was nine years old. Her death impacted Marques deeply and led to the creation of the songs “Alone” and “Please Don't Go.” Marques has a sister named Danielle and considers singer/actor Omarion Grandberry (born on November 12, 1984) his brother because of their close relationship.

Marques Houston has the nicknames Batman and MH. He cites the first as his favorite and got the name on stage after a tour. In his leisure time, he enjoys racing cars, reading books and playing basketball.

Marques is the cousin of Jarell Houston (J Boog), one of the members of the now defunct group Boys of the New Millennium (B2K).

Sister, Sister

Career:

Marques Houston began his musical career with the R&B group Immature. Managed by Chris Stokes and with band members Jerome “Romeo” Jones and Kelton “LDB” Kessee, they released the albums “On Our Worst Behavior” (1992), “Playtyme Is Over” (1994), “We Got It” (1995) and “The Journey” (1997), before they changed their name to IMx in 1999. Under the new name, the group went on to launch “Introducing Imx” in 1999 and “IMx” in 2001. They have since gone theirs separate ways to pursue solo careers.

Houston made his debut as a solo artist with Interscope/Elektra by releasing “MH” on October 21, 2003. The self executive-produced album rose to No. 18 on the Billboard 200 and was a Top 5 hit at the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. It produced such singles as “That Girl” (No. 63 on Billboard's 100), “Clubbin',” which was written and produced by R Kelly, “Pop That Booty” and “Because of You.” “Clubbin'” and “Pop That Booty” marked the singer's hits in the U.S. and U.K.

The Los Angeles native resurfaced on May 24, 2005, with the release of the sophomore effort “Naked,” featuring guest appearances from Joe Budden, Rufus Blaq and fellow Immature/IMx member Jones. The album went to No. 13 on Billboard's 200 and No. 5 on Billboard's Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The first single, “All Because of You,” debuted at No. 69 on the Billboard Hot 100, while the second single and title track “Naked” peaked at No. 47 on the same charts. “Sex Wit You” was released as the album's third single.

On March 20, 2007, Houston released the album “Veteran.” Released under TUG/Universal, the album became his first No. 1 solo album when it successfully topped the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. “Veteran,” which spawns such singles as “Like This,” Circle,” “Favorite Girls” and “Wonderful,” debuted at No. 5 on Billboard's 200.

Although busy with solo projects, Houston still found time to work with other artists. In 2004, he contributed to the songs “Sexapade” and “What Cha Doin' Tonight,” which were included in the “Food for Thought” album by Jerome “Romeo” Jones. He also made guest appearances in Mila J's single “Good Lookin' Out,” Yung Joc's single “1st Time” and 50 Cent's remix to the popular single “Candy Shop,” which also featured Dame Four.

In addition to his success as a musician, Houston found success as an actor. Making his debut in 1990 when he was cast as Roger in Tim Allen's comedy series “ABC TGIF,” he went on to provide the voice of Kahlil in the 1992 animated film “Bébé's Kids,” directed by Bruce W. Smith, and play the recurring role of Eli Black in two episode of “A Different World” (1993). Houston and fellow Immature/IMx band members also appeared in the independent comedy “House Party 3” (1994), starring Christopher Reid. He did not received his breakout role until he was cast in the recurring role of Roger Evans on the WB hit TV series “Sister, Sister.” He was on the show from 1994 to 1997 and was invited back to make a final cameo appearance on the show's final episode in 1999. The role brought Houston a 1995 Young Artist for Best Youth Comedian in a TV Show.

After appearing in the comedy film “Good Burger” (1997), Houston resumed his film career with a starring role in the independent film “House Party 4: Down to the Last Minute” (2001), alongside Meagan Good. The film was directed and written by Immature/IMx manager Chris Stokes. He returned to TV by appearing in an episode of “American Dreams” in 2003 and later that same year, hosted the family series “The Center.”

Houston experienced success on the big screen in 2004 when he was reunited with Chris Stokes for the hit comedy “You Got Served.” Costarring as Elgin, with Omarion Grandberry as David and Lil' Fizz as Rashann, he picked up a MTV Movie nomination for Best Dance Sequence. He also offered a fine turn as Dumb Donald in the 2004 comedy “Fat Albert,” which was directed by Joel Zwick and starred Kenan Thompson.

Next up for Houston, he appeared as Kevin in three episodes of “One on One” (2004-2006) and reprised the role for the spin-off show “Cuts” (2005-2006), for which he received a 2005 Teen Choice nomination for Choice TV Actor: Comedy. In 2007, he was cast as Brendan Young in the Chris Stokes horror film “Somebody Help Me,” which reunited him with Omarion. Houston with also appear in Chris Stokes’ upcoming “Boogie Town.”

Awards:

• Young Artist: Best Youth Comedian in a TV Show, “Sister, Sister,” 1995