HBO: RUSSELL SIMMONS DEF POETRY JAM'S SHANELLE GABRIEL

Shanelle Gabriel has been labeled a virtuosa, and she definitely validates that statement as a soulful singer, a gifted writer, astounding actress, and advocate for Lupus awareness. Born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, she has displayed her skills at colleges and venues across the country. She both opened and featured on the 6th season premier of HBO's Def Poetry Jam along with Jill Scott and DMX. She recorded a nationally televised promo for the 2007 NFL Draft. Shanelle shared the stage with Nas for his 2008 album release concert for "The N Word," and featured in Q-Tip's video for "ManWomanBoogie." She also performed and worked with artists such as Les Nubians, Redman, Erick Sermon, and with comedians such as Rob Stapleton and Michael Blackson. She was a member of the 2006 Nuyorican Poets Cafe National Slam Team and a competitor in the 2007 Individual World Poetry Slam Competition in Vancouver, Canada. Shanelle presently tours the US and abroad, facilitates creative writing workshops throughout New York City and promotes Lupus awareness. Her amazing debut album, "Start Something" fuses Shanelle's skill at spoken word poetry with her soulful, sultry singing. Using her upbeat pop, old school hip-hop, and inspirational soul sound, Shanelle's vibrant personality shines through each word and melody she shares.