BAAS Entertainment Podcast

BAAS Entertainment- Listening Experiences for the Indie Artist Aficionado is back with Season 2 of our Podcast!! Our first episode of the season features my conversation with the high energy, always exuberant, Alyson Williams- The First Lady Of DEF Jam!!!! Tune in and get a history lesson on the origins of the some of icons in Hip Hop and R&B. Alyson Williams is a master class!!!!
Entrepreneur, philanthropist and radio host, are just a few of the hats renowned Harlem raised, recording artist, Alyson Williams wears. With a voice so hauntingly pure, Alyson is able to transport you to your very own utopia while effortlessly showcasing she really can do it all.

Alyson was inspired to study dance under the supervision of, Arthur Mitchell, founder of The Dance Theatre of Harlem. She also studied with Alvin Ailey and performed with numerous other dance companies. Alyson was granted a scholarship to Marymount Manhattan College. She later attended City University of New York, as a member of the Aaron Davis Center for the Performing Arts Program. Alyson was awarded an internship to work side by side with Benny Ashburn, manager of the world famous Commodores. Before she knew it, she was singing background in the studio with iconic artists such as, Melba Moore, Evelyn Champagne King and Kurtis Blow. After a plethora of collaborations with Kurtis Blow, Alyson became the quintessential “hook girl” for the rap and hip hop genre. Alyson’s internship turned out to be life changing. In a short amount of time, her talent was recognized. Alyson became an in-demand studio session singer. She also became a featured member of the 80’s vocal group “High Fashion” on Capital Records.

Following her path of success, Alyson instantly grabbed the attention of Def Jam label CEO, Russell Simmons and became the first female R&B artist to sign with the label. As a founding member of DefJam, Alyson helped to further Russell’s vision. Fueled by excitement and passion, Alyson recorded two albums on Columbia Record’s “OBR” (Original Black Records) label and remained with the label when it made its switch to Sony. Her first album titled “Raw” spent an impressive 67 weeks on the Billboard charts, matched only by Madonna’s “Like a Prayer” and went gold in the UK. Altogether, the album produced four top five singles, one of which is the sultry and ever popular hit, “Just Call My Name.” Her second album, self-titled, featured songs produced by Al B. Sure and Babyface and also boasted several chart topping singles.

After leaving Def Jam, Alyson collaborated with award winning producer, Marcus Johnson and together they produced Alyson’s third solo album titled, “It’s About Time.” With an innate business mindset Alyson launched her own production company, A.W.P. A
Woman’s Prerogative. A.W.P. allows Alyson to write musical stage plays, books, television treatments, produce concert series and much more. Having studied Communications Broadcasting for radio and television, Alyson has most rec

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