BLACC PRINTS BIOGRAPHY & MISSION
A Story Steeped in Sound
The Blacc Print Experience Band was founded December 19, 2019 with the vision of keeping Jazz, R&B, and Mature Go-Go present for all walks of life. Our vision is to bring people together for continued enjoyment in an effort to remove all stress and create a joyous environment especially in these difficult times in the world today. Our band consists of professional musicians who are white collar workers, blue collar workers, and family oriented individuals. Blacc Print will always stand by one band one sound one family who puts God first at all time. In the end, we hope to make Blacc Print be a part of the music industry with our own original music that can be heard across the world.
Members
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Blacc Print is comprised of many talented musicians. Click on each members paragraph to read more about them.
Owner/Lead Mic
Archie B
Archie B started his musical journey at the young age of 14 and continues ‘til this day. He graduated from Archbishop Carroll High School in NW Washington DC and attended Morgan State University. In between his musical journey, he retired from the Metropolitan Police Department where he protected 5 Mayor's (Marion Barry, Anthony Williams, Adrian Fenty, Vincent Gray and Muriel Bowser) for over 20 years as the Team Leader , authored 2 books, hosted a radio show with Radio One, mentored youth, a motivational speaker, founder of organization Coach2Mentor established in 2014, coached youth and high school football, as well as an AAU basketball coach. Archie B is a proud dad of 4 great young men. He's performed for various bands: Black Nation, Prophecy, Reality, Versatile , Next Level, Ayre Rayde, Go Go Symphony, Side by Side Band and now is the proud founder and owner of The Blacc Print Experience Band. Archie B loves to entertain the people. Archie B is the lead mic and plays the trombone and the congas.
Lead Female Vocalist
Brittany "SweetHeat"
A talented songstress who is a jet setting fashionista with a sassy attitude. Being born to a family of signed musicians and developing her unique style and her passion for singing, singing came naturally to DMV native Brittany Shakir at the tender age of 3. Her vocal abilities range from contralto to mezzo soprano. Growing up in a talented musical family meant that Brittany was always surrounded by different forms of music. Brittany sings a variety of styles from Broadway to Classical to Gospel to Soul and R&B. Brittany is also a song writer. For over two decades, Brittany has been a member in many showcase and performing choirs such as North Carolina A&T’s Gospel Choir. She also has sang at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center and Bobby Jones Gospel. Brittany has performed in various crowds and settings for thousands of people. Brittany’s soul-shattering vocals has the power to provoke a profound response. Brittany has performed the National Anthem for many prestigious events and entities such as the United States Army, Washington Nationals Baseball game, Capitol City Gogo’s Basketball games, World of Chiefs Conference, Faith in Blue, FBI, and various law enforcement and community events. Currently, Brittany is the female lead vocalist for Washington DC Metropolitan Police Department Side by Side Band, singer for Metropolitan Police Department's Honor Guard and lead female singer for Blacc Print Experience Band. Brittany’s musical ambitions continue to grow as she is currently working on her EP.
Music Director/Keyboardist
Oba
Oba Harris was born and raised in the DMV and comes from a family of musicians. In the early 80's, Oba had his first taste of musical experience while playing cello with the Washington, D.C. Youth Orchestra. Throughout his music career, Oba has had the opportunity to perform and record with a variety of different artist in the area and is proud to be the M.D. for Blacc Print.
Keyboardist
Herb
Herb is a songwriter and producer who is an expert at manipulating and composing lyrical pieces and finalizing them into master musical work. Herb has worked with several local and national artist/producers in productions, like Pete Rock, Tony Terry, Madd Skillz, Alyson Williams, Slyver Logan Sharpe, William Beckton, Kimberli, Frank McComb, Clarence "The Bluesman" Turner, DaBass*ics, Harold Little, James "Trey" Howard, Mek, ASARRA, Paula Campbell, Glenn Ellis, Keith Martin, and Sony Music Publishing artist Total Commitment and FTN Clique to name a few. Herb attended Howard University and the University of the District of Columbia, where he studied traditional/classical piano and flute. He continued his studies by recieving further training in jazz piano through private instruction through several piano teachers. Currently, he is performing with the DC GogGo Band The Blacc Print Experience and producing tracks for local and national artist.
Lead Guitarist
Melvin
Melvin Proctor is from Prince Georges County, Maryland. He is the Lead Guitar player for Black Print Experience (BPE). He has played with several bands and musicians in the DMV. The What Band, All 4 You Band, Regulation Band, Lil Benny & the Masters, and Soulful Soundz. From a young age, Melvin loved music and his passion for playing the guitar was influenced by his father who played the guitar. He has been playing the guitar for over 30 years. Melvin is a humble person who respects everyone. He believes we should embrace all opportunities and take no one for granted. His goal is to create new music with BPE.
Bass Guitarist
John
With over 30 years of experience, BigJohn826 is bass player who has become a staple in Washington DC's vibrant go-go music scene. Known for his steady groove, impeccable timing, and deep understanding of the genre, he has worked his way to being one of the most sought after bassists in the area. John has played with some of the city's most iconic bands, including sitting in with Backyard Band. His ability to seamlessly step in and elevate any live performance has made him a go to for musicians who need a reliable and prepared bassist on short notice. His contributions to the local scene extend beyond just his live performances- he's also an accomplished music producer, collaborating with a range of rap and R&B artists, blending his go-go roots with contemporary sounds. Currently, BigJohn826 is holding down the groove with both Mature Clientele Band and Blacc Print Experience Band, delivering top-tier performances that showcase his mastery of the bass. His versatility and professionalism have earned him a stellar reputation, cementing his place as on of the region's top bass players. In addition to his live gigs and production work, BigJohn826 has recently ventured into solo artistry, releasing an all-original go-go album titled This Is Go-Go, available on all major streaming platforms. The album captures the essence of DC's unique go-go sound with driving rhythms and infectious basslines that keep the city's heartbeat alive. Whether he's holding down a live show, stepping in on a last minute gig, or creating in the studio, BigJohn826's dedication to his craft is undeniable. His decades of experience and love for go-go music continue to shine through in every note he plays.
Hornist
Moo
Lamumba Howard Sr. better known as Moo was introduced to music at the age of 7, when his father brought home three instruments that he had picked up from the music store. His father placed the instruments on the table and said pick one. Lamumba picked up the trumpet and has been playing it ever since. That’s when he first found his love for music. Lamumba has had the opportunity to study and play music at UDC where he studied Jazz under the late Calvin Jones, Howard University where he was a member of their Showtime Marching Band and Bowie State University where he participated in all of their Musical Ensembles. He currently serves as the High Brass Coordinator at Bowie State University under Director Billy Bennet. Lamumba Howard is a talented musician that not only plays the trumpet, but he also plays the Flugelhorn, and the piano. While studying music Lamumba, not only was trained in instrumental music but vocally trained as well. Lamumba has been performing music throughout the DMV area with various groups and artist for over 30 years. He enjoys playing all genres of music. There isn’t a musical style that he isn’t willing to try. You can now catch him performing with the MPD Side by Side Band and BLACC PRINT EXPERIENCE. He looks forward to entertaining you in the near future.
Hornist
Jay
Jay began playing trumpet at the age of 9, where he continued through high school and eventually obtained a scholarship to play for North Carolina A&T’s Blue and Gold Marching Machine. He also studied jazz at UDC under the tutelage of the late Dr. Calvin Jones. In his musical journey, Jay has sang and played trumpet for various musical acts based in the Washington, DC area. He has provided vocal background support for major recording artists such as Phyllis Hyman (before her passing), Peabo Bryson, and Yolanda Adams, to name a few. Jay began his tenure in Go Go in 2008 playing for the Smokin Aces band, and has played with Epitome Band, Dynasty Band, R&B band the DAE7 Project, and has sat in with various other acts. Jay also spent the last 10 years playing for the world famous Washington Redskins Marching Band. He also has recording credits on Lovell Brook’s breakout album “Real R&B Returns” and UCB’s “Make a Move”. Now with the Blacc Print Experience, Jay is looking forward to continue entertaining the masses as we strive to deliver our own distinct and original sound.
Saxophonist
Reggie
Reggie is a musician and educator born in Southeast Washington, D.C., who began his musical journey at the tender age of 3. By age 11, he had picked up the saxophone, setting the stage for a lifelong dedication to music. Reggie attended the Duke Ellington School of the Arts and later earned his Bachelor of Arts in Music Education from the University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Reggie's career has been marked by his commitment to music education, particularly in underserved communities. He has worked with local organizations in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, providing music education to young students. In addition, he has spent years as a music instructor and therapist for adults with intellectual disabilities in Brooklyn, NY. During his time in New York, Reggie actively performed in a variety of musical groups, contributing to several recording projects and albums. His diverse experience has fueled his passion for both teaching and performance. Currently, Reggie continues his journey as a music educator in Prince George's County, Maryland, where he is also a proud member of The Blacc Print Experience Band
Percussionist
Jamal
Better known by his stage name Smacka Lacka Mal is a left-handed percussionist who loves music. At the age of 5, he started singing and playing drums in elementary school and continued playing all the way until high school. He attended the University of the District of Columbia where he studied music. He started performing at various clubs, private, community events, and fund raisers. He then became a traveling artist performing out of town with many bands such as Soul Patrol, Reminisce Band, and Simplicity Band where he played in Atlanta, North Carolina, Delaware and West Virginia to name a few. He has recorded with major and local artists in the DMV area performing with Go-Go bands Trouble Funk, EU, Da Mix band, DC Soul Patrol and more. He enjoys performing and learning new instruments. Blacc Print Experience Band is one of his favorite groups that he is currently performing with, and it's been fun growing and learning from my Blacc Print Experience family.
Drummer
Kaddy Wyllz
Terry Williams AKA Kaddy Wyllz has been playing the drums since the age of 5 and engineering for the past 8 years. This talented producer won the DMV EMA’s “Song of the Year” for his production and recording of ALorious hit song “You Can Get It”. He has played drums and filled in with bands such as Backyard Band, Junkyard Band, All4U, Vybe , Pure Elegance and Ebony & Black working alongside with Nicky Barnes, Wink, Sauce, Kisha (Kaos), Black Mike, Kermit and Shea. He also has closely worked with Producers such as Chink Santana, Oba Harris, Kenny Keys, A1 Drum Swagger and HitMaka. He further has worked with artists and musicians such as Big Slim The Brawler, Chele’P, Harold Little, Vahyl Skip, ALorious, Blue, Bam 640, Azia Thai, Smoke D, Amina Maccadona and Déjà Vu on their individual projects. In addition to those individuals, he has worked with bands such as All4U, Private Affairs, S.O.S, and ReaZon Band and their hit singles.
Manager
Missy
Missy is an amazing manager whose musical influence stems from a family of musicians. From a young age, Missy played the piano where she was taught by a blind woman. She then went on to sing for choirs throughout her educational career. Missy also directed and performed in church choirs. Missy then became the manager of a band where she met Archie. She then went on to become the manager of Blacc Print where she has called this band her family ever since.