Log in to your account
Stats
Biography
Having lost his father at a young age, Jennings' childhood was marred by hardship, receiving a ten-year prison sentence for arson at the young age of 14. His time spent in jail helped to change his life around, developing a deep passion for music, finding solace in the honest and emotive sound of Erykah Badu, which would be reflected in Jennings' own musical style. Being in jail led to Jennings to develop a very introspective and deeply conscious sound, reflecting upon the hardship he endured and the lessons learnt.
Upon his release in 2002, he recorded a four-song demo and began to perform live, appearing at the famous Apollo nightclub. After an audience response that was initially negative, due to his appearance walking on stage with an acoustic guitar, the crowd were quickly swayed by his gritty, textured voice, often singing in falsetto alongside his heartfelt songwriting. Lyfe claims he went on to sell over 1,000 copies of his demo CD during his time performing at the Apollo, leading to significant hype around the artist.
Producers and record labels were eager to make contact with Jennings, persuading him to move to New York City, US to attempt his hand at a music career and major-label recording contract. Columbia Records went on to secure the deal, releasing his debut album, "Lyfe 268-192" (his inmate number), in August 2004.
This record was followed by "The Phoenix" in 2006, which looked more towards Hip-Hop for influence, featuring guest appearances from Three 6 Mafia and Young Buck. This was followed by "Lyfe Change" in 2008, which played host to a number of new collaborations with various producers. Moving to Warner Bros., Lyfe Jennings released his fourth album, "I Still Believe" in 2010, with guest appearances by Bryan-Michael Cox, Bobby Valentino, Ludacris and Jazmine Sullivan. Following another stint in prison, Lyfe jennings returned in 2013 with "Lucid," released on the Mass Appeal label.
Live reviews
Underrated. The first word that popped into my head when I jumped onto my laptop to write this review about American Soul singer, Lyfe Jennings. I remember as a teenager back in 2006 hearing and seeing the video for his single 'S.E.X, a cautionary R&B tale warning youngsters about the consequences of sexual related peer pressure. Asides from the inspiring lyrics and message of the song, I vividly recall his superb husky 'Motown'-like voice contrasting with his modern street hip-hop image. I was an instant fan and began to follow his career as he collaborated with artists such as Alicia Keys. Lyfe Jennings was the new guy on the block bringing an old school sound and vibe into the new school. Al Green with a time machine. Like the title of his 2nd studio album 'The Phoenix', Lyfe Jennings has burst back onto the scene and if his latest live shows are anything to go by he is still in a league of his own. Despite having seen him in a medium sized venue with a great turnout, the atmosphere was very intimate and mellow. Lyfe Jennings' flavourful and stirring performance has a way of making you feel like you are chilling in your room with headphones on. Every soulful note and lyric can be heard by you, and only you, in a room filled with people. His personal life experiences on songs such as 'Boomerang' and 'Cry', combined with a genuine spirit and raw tone make for a great live show. Moreover, his incredible live band had a way of making him seem like he was on stage alone. This was felt even more so when he brought out his guitar for an acoustic version of his song 'Must be nice' and an excellent cover of Michael Jackson's hit 'Human Nature'. Still sporting his laid back style combo of baggy jeans and a baseball cap, Lyfe Jennings delivered a blues performance similar to an old great wearing his sharpest suit and fedora in an underground club in Harlem. He continues to bring the old school sound to new school audience. His latest album 'Ten Years Later' (2014) is timeless and is a must have in any R&B collection. Underrated.... A Lyfe Jennings live show is not to be missed.
Underrated. The first word that popped into my head when I jumped onto my laptop to write this review about American Soul singer, Lyfe Jennings. I remember as a teenager back in 2006 hearing and seeing the video for his single 'S.E.X, a cautionary R&B tale warning youngsters about the consequences of sexual related peer pressure. Asides from the inspiring lyrics and message of the song, I vividly recall his superb husky 'Motown'-like voice contrasting with his modern street hip-hop image. I was an instant fan and began to follow his career as he collaborated with artists such as Alicia Keys. Lyfe Jennings was the new guy on the block bringing an old school sound and vibe into the new school. Al Green with a time machine.
Like the title of his 2nd studio album 'The Phoenix', Lyfe Jennings has burst back onto the scene and if his latest live shows are anything to go by he is still in a league of his own. Despite having seen him in a medium sized venue with a great turnout, the atmosphere was very intimate and mellow. Lyfe Jennings' flavourful and stirring performance has a way of making you feel like you are chilling in your room with headphones on. Every soulful note and lyric can be heard by you, and only you, in a room filled with people. His personal life experiences on songs such as 'Boomerang' and 'Cry', combined with a genuine spirit and raw tone make for a great live show. Moreover, his incredible live band had a way of making him seem like he was on stage alone. This was felt even more so when he brought out his guitar for an acoustic version of his song 'Must be nice' and an excellent cover of Michael Jackson's hit 'Human Nature'. Still sporting his laid back style combo of baggy jeans and a baseball cap, Lyfe Jennings delivered a blues performance similar to an old great wearing his sharpest suit and fedora in an underground club in Harlem. He continues to bring the old school sound to new school audience. His latest album 'Ten Years Later' (2014) is timeless and is a must have in any R&B collection.
Underrated.... A Lyfe Jennings live show is not to be missed.
Chester Jermaine Jennings better known by his stage name Lyfe Jennings is hardly a household name despite having being certified as a platinum selling artist in the States. An intelligent lyricist with a great knowledge of music, he successfully blends soul and R & B in a really fantastic way and these sounds have seen him slowly but surely accumulate a solid fanbase over his ten year career.
The man himself is still incredibly modest and humble as he steps onto stage to a smattering of applause. He has stated in his music numerous times that his time spent in prison detrimentally changed his life yet this really is emphasised when Lyfe performs some of these emotive tracks live. He does seem to be fundamentally changed and he is not shy to discuss his time away and how he turned to music in order to repent as so to speak. There is no denying that away from the subject matter Jennings has a fantastic vocal and some of the soulful notes of 'Hypothetically' sound brilliant in an intimate venue. His show reminds us all that music is not just something we listen to, it can really affect your livelihood.
sean-ward
have listened to Lyfe since I was a teenager. He has me through some rough times, like being on the streets and homeless at the age of 15. Not having anyone is the worst feeling because you don't know, where to go or who to talk to. So I felt like I was in prison as well. Listening to Lyfe has brought me life in many ways. I listen to all music but for some reason I am always turning on my sound cloud and listening to him. As long as I have him on my mind I smile and appreciate life more. The first time I seen him in concert was in Columbus 2017 my very first concert he sang to me touched my face and held my hand. What a damn good experience. I just went to Akron and how ironic it was for him to do it again to me, I was in shock. I wished that I could just talk to him person to person to tell him how much he means to me and how he helped me make my life the way it is today.
latonya-saulsbury
What show?? We sat in the cold outside because they claimed doors opened at 8pm...this wasnt true they didnt open until after 815 mind you it was 15 degrees outside.Then we were seated at a regular table when our tickets were clearly vip.We waited on lyfe Jennings until about 1145 most folks started leaving as did we.Unorganized isnt the word.The flyer stated he'd be there for the 8pm show and then at 3am.He wasnt there for 8pm show.We are highly disappointed and will never purchase from your company again nor will we ever come to limelight again.Word of mouth can destroy a buisness i suggest this situation acknowledged.
Kazuyko
Lyfe Jennings, is a phenomenal performer. His music is his life which is his ministry. The only kickback I had was, we had VIP tickets and there was no interaction with the artist, no backstage passes, no pictures, no autographs NOTHING. There were people complaining that he wasn't personable. I am in the entertaining business , so I do understand the rhetoric, and there are just sometimes the artist is limited to his/her performance. When people pay VIP prices, they expect more than just an hello, four songs and good bye.
NUBIANQUEEN72
There was no show and the place (Ticketweb) I brought the tickets from keep saying the show was not canceled and are not returning my money. This does not change my feelings for Lyfejenning, but was very disappointed, since I live only four hours from Las Vegas, had I known in advance I would have made plans to be in Las Vegas instead. There should have been a public announcement similar to one you give when go to each city.
Thank you for all you wonderful music and positive work.
sk-71433147991442400
Absolutely a great artist, his music /lyrics /voice /spirit is humbling. I've been to 3 concerts and he is always approachable. I'm 56yrs young and I just get a chill when he shares his (Life) through his lyrics. Band and singers seem to be like family. I am like a proud mother when I see him perform. Job well done my son. !!! Keep doing what you do. Chester, you don't need a BET. You got (GOD)!!!
Vickie Jackson
#BJ4LYF Cincinnati OH.
BJ4LYF
I first heard this man when I was in prison. I was instantly in LOVE. His story, his voice, his swag, lawd have mercy.
But unlike a lot of artist, he sounds exactly like his CD's.
I will always crave his presence, I'm hooked. Love you, and may God continue to bless you.
Stay strong!!!!!
Donnarusmith
The show was wonderful. I really enjoyed myself and I will be attending more of his shows. His music is very educational and good. I would support his as long it stay the way it is we need more artists to produce positive music about life. I am waiting for Lyfe to come out more songs.
atleoliv
Videos (1)
