Teens across the U.S. are not the only ones picking up on the message of "16 @ War," the debut single by Karina, New York City's newest 16-year old star. A timely song of independence and admiration, it was written and produced by fellow Def Jam label mates The-Dream and Tricky Stewart, the same duo responsible for Rihanna's "Umbrella" and Madonna's "Me Against the Music." It is one of a collection of positive and inspired songs featured on her debut album, arriving in stores on August 19th. Additional songs include, "Slow Motion," the jazz and pop-flavored "Can't Find the Words," the uptempo dancefloor scorcher "Baby Baby" featuring Lil' Mama, and "The Love We Got.Now, Karina has been able to take her message on the road, visiting Boys & Girl Clubs and doing special performances at various highschools during a promotional tour that began in New York last week, moved on to the Washington DC, Richmond, Norfolk, Raleigh, and Charlotte markets, and now heads to Jacksonville/Orlando, Miami, Houston, Dallas, Chicago/Detroit and Detroit/Cleveland. On Monday, May 19th,. Karina will showcase her powerful voice on CBS Early Show.
Raised up in the Dominican neighborhood of Washington Heights, and a music and vocal student at world renown PPAS (Professional Performing Arts School) in Hell's Kitchen. Since kindergarten, Karina has been singing and playing piano at the Special Music School situated in Lincoln center and graduated after 9 years with a pre-conservatory music degree. In addition she has been privately coached and trained in classical and modern piano by Dr. Burkhom Buriev from Russia, and renowned American jazz pianist George Caldwell.
Nor did it hurt to have Grammy Living Legends industry heavyweight Quincy Jones supporting her. "I know I'm blessed to have someone like Quincy in my corner," she says. In addition to giving her advice, Quincy included Karina in the "We Are the Future" charity concert in 2006. She is also proud of becoming the first Dominican ever to perform at the White House, when she sang "Misty" as part of a concert organized by another family friend, Emilio Estefan of Miami Sound Machine, during Black Music Month last June 2007.
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