Known as the king of Down South R&B, Cupid who is originally from Louisiana is a multi talented singer/performer who combines the sound of R&B, soul, country blues, and countless regional flavors of hip hop into one unstoppable genre that kills the monotony of the norm. His originality undeniably is what sets him apart from other young performers of his time. His drive and determination has kept him on the road to stardom and it’s this determination that will make him an international star.
Born Bryson Bernard, Cupid discovered a passion for music in the church where his father served as a pastor, singing in choir and learning piano at the age of 15. Despite his enrolling at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a full athletic scholarship in track and field, his real passion was still music. Though he was a valued member of the school’s Rajun’ Cajun Track Team, Cupid soon decided that music was his true passion. He left the squad and devoted his time to his newly formed vocal group, Fasho! The group - which later changed its name to Fifth Element - became a local favorite, performing at university events and talent shows throughout the region. When personal and musical differences split the group apart, Cupid embarked on his solo journey and the rest is history.
His solo career was an instant success. With his five-octave vocal range, he earned the name Cupid during this process for his impressive performance of 112’s 1996 hit, “Cupid”. People began referring to him as “the guy that sings ‘Cupid’” and, before long, it was just “Cupid”, thus bestowing upon him the angelic moniker by which is he now known.
Cupid soon began writing his own material, combining his love of R&B with the multitude of varied hip-hop sounds that were rocking the region, to create a Down South R&B movement. The singer first enjoyed radio airplay in 2001 with his high-energy first single, “Do Ya Thang”, which appeared on his self-pressed, eponymous debut the following year. His gospel-tinged vocals began to attract local promoters and rappers alike, as Cupid was tapped to open for blues concerts as well as to record background vocals for various rap albums.
His second self-released album, 2005’s The King of Down South R&B – which included another regional smash “Swing Around the Rosey” – saw him adding elements of country and blues to his musical gumbo, resulting in a further widening of his already diverse audience. With his inimitable sound winning over music lovers young and old, the album saw Cupid gaining airplay throughout the region, from Florida to Texas.
Cupid’s career rocketed in January 2007, as he was ready to release his third album, Time For a Change. Mere days before putting the CD out, he got the call inviting him to sign with Atlantic Records. He teamed up with a variety of gifted producers in Los Angeles to perfect the CD, which would become his first major-label debut. Recording five new tracks in only his first four days in studio, Cupid’s effortless ability to create hits was astounding!
Time For a Change makes it evident that Cupid’s electrifying vocal skills and lyrical gifts are virtually without limit. His breakthrough first single, “Cupid Shuffle”, sparked a nationwide sensation, with everyone going to the dance floor to do the brand new dance that keeps America’s feet tapping. Within weeks of the track’s early 2007 release, literally thousands of videos appeared online featuring Cupid lovers of all stripes showing off their shuffle. In the United States, the song peaked at #66 on the Billboard Hot 100 and #21 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. Since then the song has been downloaded over 1,250,000 and roughly 6,500 new downloads each week. Needless to say people are still loving and enjoying this song!
Most recently Cupid will be releasing his sophomore album “Feel Good Music” February 15, 2011. His new single “Do my ladies run this party” is stirring up a lot of buzz online and is sure to be as big a success as “Cupid Shuffle”! Cupid also performed at the 2010 Disney NABJ event. He was just signed to become the new face and sound of McDonalds McCafe promotion and his new commercial was a huge success.
With his boundless creativity and equally unlimited spirit, Cupid wants nothing less than to touch as many people as possible. To achieve that goal, this superstar-in-the-making refuses to get caught in the overly formatted pigeonhole that traps so many of today’s artists. With his positive lyrics, upbeat melodies, and addictive choreography, Cupid is a force to be reckoned with. The artist quotes, “I never want to close the door on anything. Is this for the old or is this for the young? No, it’s just good music. And, at the end of the day, that’s all that matters.”
