N.E.R.D. is without a doubt a talent in the musical cosmos. But there is no denying the hip-hop outfit is a bit of a sausage fest. Thankfully, those concerned with the group’s testosterone level can worry no more, as the band is bringing in a female perspective ala The Black Eyed Peas and Fergie.
Now joining Pharrell Williams, Chad Hugo, and Shay Haley is R&B singer Rhea. The news of the new addition, which was first hinted at when the relative unknown recently performed with the three-piece at London’s Lovebox, was broken via Star Trak artist Fam-Lay’s Twitter. The Norfolk rapper so eloquently said, “Her names Rhea… She’s the new member of N.E.R.D.!! & she dope!!”.
According to the Neptunes.org fan site, Rhea is 25 and was born in Canada to Guyanese parents. After attending the Berklee College of Music, she moved to New York and did modeling gigs for everyone from Covergirl to McDonald’s. It was a meeting with DJ Clue? last year that led to her deal with his Cluemanatti label, which releases her untitled debut later this year.
The band has yet to confirm the news, but as AceShowbiz points out, if the N.E.R.D-inspired picture of her wearing a black tank top matched with green-framed sunglasses under the title “Rhea 2.0 : Be Prepared” on her MySpace page says anything, expect an announcement sooner rather than later.
Enjoy a taste of the new N.E.R.D. below with Rhea’s Jadakiss-assisted first single, “Choreographer. Stay tuned for updates on the new foursome and any album or tour plans.
