Latif (singer) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Latif
Williams in 2007
Background information
Birth name	Corey Latif Williams
Genres	Soul, R&B, hip hop, pop
Occupation(s)	Singer, record producer, actor, songwriter
Instruments	Vocals, piano
Years active	2003–present
Labels	Universal Motown Records

Corey Latif Williams, known professionally as Latif, is an American R&B singer. He is also a Grammy nominated songwriter. Latif won the Teen People's Who's Next contest early in his career. He was guided by the famous singer Teddy Pendergrass. Latif was once signed to Universal Motown Records.

About Latif's Life

Latif was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He loved music from a young age. His parents were not musicians themselves. But they helped him develop his passion for singing.

A close family friend, Teddy Pendergrass, became Latif's mentor. Teddy taught Latif how to truly "deliver" songs. Latif often went with Teddy to interviews and appearances. This helped Latif get noticed by the daughter of a record label executive. This led to his first recording contract with Sony/550.

Latif received a "demo deal." This helped him improve his songwriting skills. He also learned a lot about how music is recorded. Latif's voice was even featured in a popular commercial for a local bank.

In 2001, Latif won a big competition. This success caught the attention of Kedar Massenburg. Latif enjoyed being in the spotlight. He decided he wanted to focus on music full-time. He told his parents he did not want to go back to Berklee College of Music. His mother gave him one semester to prove himself. If he didn't succeed, he would have to return to school. Massenburg became interested in Latif's talent. He signed Latif to Universal Motown Records.

Latif's first album with Universal Motown was called Love in the First. Only one song from it was released as a single. This song was "I Don't Wanna Hurt You." Latif wrote most of the song himself. Many talented producers worked on the album.

Latif is no longer with Universal Motown Records. He has gained many fans in other countries. One song that helped him become popular worldwide is "U Think U Know." He has also continued to write songs for other artists. Some of these artists include JoJo, Cassie, The Roots, Jim Jones, Joey Bada$$, Usher, Trey Songz, Chris Brown, Faith Evans, and Musiq Soulchild.

In 2017, Latif teamed up with his friend and fellow writer-producer Aaron Kleinstaub. They formed a music duo called Lo Boii. This band is signed to AWAL, a record label in London. Their first song, "Floor Seats," was released in April 2019.

Music Albums and Songs

Latif has released several albums and many songs. Here are some of his main music projects.

Studio Albums

Extended Plays (EPs)

Mixtapes

• Breath of Fresh Air (2010)
• LATIF – The Leaks – H.U.R.L. & Love Songs Vol. 1 (2011)

Singles

• "I Don't Wanna Hurt You" (2003)
• "Think U Know" (2006)
• "Promise Me" (2010)
• "Without You" (2003)
• "Don't Wanna Be" (2010)
• "One Kiss" (2011)
• "Crazy Love" (2011)
• "Above & Beyond" (2012)
• "Deejay" (2015)
• "More Than Perfect" (2016)

Songs Latif Has Featured On

Latif has lent his voice to songs by other artists. The songs marked with an asterisk (*) mean Latif helped write the "hook" (the catchy part of the song).

Songs Latif Has Co-Written

Latif is also a talented songwriter. He has helped write songs for many other artists.

Grammy Awards and Nominations

The Grammy Awards are very important music awards. They are given out every year in the United States. Latif has been nominated for 2 Grammy Awards.