Tiara Nicole Thomas (born September 12, 1989) is an AmericanR&B singer. She is best known for her guest appearance onWale's 2013 single "Bad", which peaked within the top 40 of theBillboard Hot 100 and receivedtriple platinum certification by theRIAA.[1][2] That same year, Thomas signed withRico Love's Division1 record label, an imprint ofInterscope Records.
Thomas was born inIndianapolis,Indiana. Her parents encouraged her to pursue music. Thomas performed in school and church. She attendedLawrence North High School.[6] A hardcore fan ofhip hop andpop music, Thomas developed her sound early and set out to carve her own lane in music by fusing her love for pop and alternative music, ballads, and rap with instrumentation.[7] In June 2012, Thomas graduated fromBall State University.
Thomas met founders of The Board Administration,Wale and Le'Greg O. Harrison, in a club inAtlanta,Georgia, during a Wale concert in 2009.[1] After exchanging information and submitting music, she received a response and positive feedback after three months. Shortly thereafter, she traveled to New York City where she opened for Wale and shared the stage withDiggy Simmons,J. Cole, andFabolous at theHighline Ballroom.[8][9] Thomas signed to The Board Administration in 2011.[10][11][12]
She is well known for viral promotions viaTwitter andYouTube and recognized for new online musical content, live performance streams, and cover performances of popular music. On August 3, 2010, the world was introduced to Thomas on "The Cloud" with Wale through his mixtapeMore About Nothing. Her name trended worldwide on May 30, 2011, on Twitter, the day "The Cloud" video released.[13][14][15]
Thomas was selected as a 2011–2012 Campaign Spokesperson for theAmerican Eagle Outfitters Back to SchoolWe The People Campaign.[16] Her likeness is canvassed in New York City'sTimes Square at theAmerican Eagle Outfitters flagship Store Location and across the continental U.S. in all 900+ stores worldwide. Her original songs for the campaign, "Denim" and "Wassup", are featured on the American Eagle Outfitters website and were circulated to the masses through their social media campaign.[17]
2013–present: "Bad",Dear Sallie Mae, and debut album
Thomas worked on her debut LPSallie Mae, and was featured onWale's single "Bad".[18] The latter peaked at number 21 on theBillboard Hot 100, becoming her first Hot 100 and top 40 entry. In June 2013, it was announced she had left Wale's record label The Board Administration to sign withRico Love's Division 1 record label in a joint deal withInterscope Geffen A&M.[19]
Thomas released a five-songEP titledDear Sallie Mae on October 8, 2013.[20]
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