There is no doubt music is Charles “C.P.” Caldwell’s salvation. It has been woven into the fabric of his life—enhancing, lifting, and giving him purpose but most importantly enabling him to give voice to experiences we all can share.

 

C.P.’s career as one of the highest paid child models came to a crashing halt at the age of 6. He suffered 3rd degree burns over 85 percent of his body shattering dreams. However, his craving for self-expression was strong and his passion for music emerged from its hiding place.

 

“Growing up my mother would play all types of genres of music and I would go around singing and imitating the artists,” recalled C.P., which stands for Chocolate Pleasure. “My connection to music was definitely bought into life from
the experiences of my childhood years and I’m thankful for it.”

 

Born in Harlem but primarily raised in the Bronx, C.P. attended Harbor School of Performing Arts junior high school, on a singing scholarship. It was here he began to write poetry and cultivate strong vocal abilities. C.P. was also a member of a choir and had the opportunity to perform around the tri-state area as well as a 10-city tour in Italy.

 

“I always feel at home on stage,” said C.P. “You don’t think of anything but being in that moment. It’s an indescribable rush that I never get tired of experiencing.”

 

In his teenage years, C.P and his family moved to Eastchester, NY, where his stepfather made a huge impact on his life, imparting a strong business sense as well as a hunger for success. High school wasn’t easy for C.P., who came face to face with racism and prejudice, triggering anger. But instead of lashing outward he pushed that energy toward his writing and music and that kept him balance. He graduated high school and began a new chapter in his life when he was accepted to St. John’s University in Queens.

 

“I poured myself into writing poetry and songs, performing open mic/talent showcases,” said C.P. “I used the raw emotions of my life experiences to communicate my sentiments honestly— my music became my healing balm and I applied it to all the wounds of life.

 

As fate would have it, C.P.’s first year at St. John’s he met Dwayne “Deacon” Jackson. They quickly developed a friendship and soon after began performing at college and local showcases around the tri-state area together. In 2002, they formed One Of A Kind infusing rhythm and blues and hip hop, evoking emotion filled songs that make listeners take pause. However, understanding that a unique and seamless blend of music genres is what makes new artists stand out, they welcomed Leon “Big Lee” Harris in 2006. This lyrical commander completed the One Of A Kind sound making them a contemporary group that delivers a solid music experience.