Marcus Brooks or “Brooks”
Marcus Brooks or “Brooks” is one of the most phenomenal singer songwriters of our time. His voice is
nostalgic soul and vocally he brings a touch of the past to the present; ultimately shaping the future of
music. Brooks describes his song writing as the perfect blend of eclectic soul fused with modern day
pop and hip hop. His music is about stories. Brooks was once asked what inspires him and he simply
replied, “Anything with a heartbeat because classic music conveys or projects emotions. Everything else
is in God’s hands.”
Brooks’ voice is developed and requires little to no tuning. That doesn’t mean that Brooks doesn’t seek
constant improvement and constructive criticism in all areas. “You can be a performer and not be an
artist, and vice versa. I have spent time studying and researching everything I can about the music
industry in order to become a successful singer and song writer. I am not only honing my songwriting
skills, but I am also developing my total package including my image and my stage presence, right down
to learning how to read a teleprompter if the situation ever arises for me to do so. This isn’t just a dream
of mine, this is a goal that I am determined to achieve and I won’t give up.” Brooks takes and applies all
the advice he receives from the music industry professionals he works with and who serve as mentors to
him.
At the end of 2010 Brooks signed as a writer at the time, gained major respect in the entertainment and
recording industry co-writing five songs on Marz G’s Full Circle album, gaining features on songs with
Kareem Rush (Do it again), as well as working hip-hop prodigy Shortie Mac. Brooks even wrote and co-
wrote 6 songs on the project 2011 has already proven to be a great year and will only get better as the
anticipated release of his first album “In Search Of More” approaches. Brooks is definitely a force to be
reckoned with and his talents are something you should look forward to hearing a lot of.
In addition to Fred Hammond, Brooks’ influences include the king of pop, Michael Jackson, Stevie
Wonder, Prince, Madonna, Missy Elliot, Notorious B.I.G., Tupac, Jay-Z, Andre 3000, Black Eyed Peas,
Darkchild, Commissioned, John P. Kee, Destiny’s Child, Marvin Gaye, Nat King Cole, Linkin Park, Limp
Bizkit, Method Man, R. Kelly, Teddy Riley, Earth Wind & Fire, Curtis Mayfield, Donnie McClurkin, Mary
Mary, Cee Lo Green, Al Green, Smokie Norful and many more. While Brooks’ heart is in gospel music, he
also credits others as an influential role model to him.
Having been involved in church choir, and various showcases, Brooks is no stranger to the stage. “I
feel at home on stage, so every stage I step foot on becomes my home during that performance,”
Brooks states emphatically. Brooks has had the opportunity to perform in a variety of places, from his
hometown church in Maywood, IL to venues in Chicago. “I sing all the time so wherever I am is my stage.
I’ve even been known to sing in the aisles at Wal-Mart and in the bathroom!” Brooks laughs.
Brooks has plans to perform on bigger stages. Following his upcoming hometown concert to perform
songs from his new album, he will be making big moves in Chicago and will be promoting nationwide.
Brooks also knows that, with God on his side, anything is possible for him to achieve his goals and make
his dreams come true. “Everyone has dreams and goals,” he states. “I am just going for mine to the
extreme!”
