Paterson City Council Honors Shanell 'Red' Irving for Her Contributions to Music and Community

PATERSON, NJ - Shanell "Red" Irving, a celebrated artist and community leader, was recognized by the Paterson City Council for her remarkable contributions to the music industry and her unwavering commitment to her community.

Born and raised in Riverview Towers, Irving found her passion for music early on by immersing herself in the vibrant Hip Hop and R&B scenes at the CP Recreation Center. Her artistic journey was significantly influenced by the iconic sounds of "Rapper's Delight" by the Sugarhill Gang and "Do You Wanna Rock" by The Sequence, which inspired her to become a rapper, singer, and songwriter at the age of 14.

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After graduating from Eastside High School, Irving attended Florida A&M University, where she transitioned from journalism to pursue music full-time. Her dedication led her to manage artists like Adeva and KRS-One, form the group "Thik," and secure a record deal with Pocket Town/EMI, demonstrating her resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

In 2002, Shanell co-founded "Big Drawz Music," achieving significant success as a songwriting duo with Iyesha Black and becoming the first female writing duo to sign with Warner Chappell Music Group. Their collaboration contributed to the careers of numerous notable artists.

Shanell's talents expanded to artist development and business management when she co-founded Phatt House Entertainment and created "The Writerz Rumble," a reality TV show on UBN1 that educates and entertains audiences about the music industry.

"There's a lot of talent in Paterson, and many individuals don’t seek recognition for their accomplishments," Councilwoman-at-Large Maritza Davila said. "I had the pleasure of speaking with Shanell "Red" Irving and learning about her impressive biography. She has achieved so much. Today, I want to recognize Shanell for her outstanding contributions and accomplishments.'"

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Her dedication to her community is evident through initiatives like Music Motion, which partners with local organizations to support young, musically talented individuals in Paterson. Shanell also participates in various community events to promote mental health awareness and youth empowerment.

Through her diverse talents as a songwriter, producer, artist developer, and filmmaker, Shanell "Red" Irving has made significant contributions to both the music industry and her community, embodying the spirit of innovation and dedication.

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