Pleasure P coming to N.O.

• By MICHAEL FARRAR
• Special to 2theadvocate.com
• Published: Oct 28, 2009

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Pleasure P has the skills to heat up an audience, and that's why he is on the "Ladies Make Some Noise Tour,” which will make a stop at the University of New Orleans Lakefront Arena Saturday, Oct. 31.

“I just got off of the Lil Wayne tour. I got the opportunity to perform for a crossover audience. And now, I'm on a tour with R. Kelly," P said.

Pleasure P (born Marcus Cooper) just released his debut solo CD, "The Introduction of Marcus Cooper," but he had a taste of success while in the band Pretty Ricky. That group's "Bluestars" CD went platinum with hits such as "Grind With Me" and "Your Body".

But after Pretty Ricky's second CD, "Late Night Special," which was released in 2007, Pleasure P decided to walk away from the group. While some performers might worry about taking a chance on their own, Pleasure P said for him, it was a no-brainer.

"I was just something I had to be for my family and the betterment of myself. It was a situation where I had to do what I had to do," P said. Now, Pleasure P/Marcus Cooper said, he loves the chance to re-introduce himself as a solo performer.

"It was like having a rebirth. People see you and know you as one way and you are not that way. So they actually get to know me as an adult," he said.

"The Introduction of Marcus Cooper" was released in the summer of 2009 and featured the popular songs "Did You Wrong" and "Boyfriend No. 2." The third single, "Under," saw the CD roll up to No. 2 on Billboard's R&B/Hip Hop album chart for an impressive debut.

He said choosing the songs for the CD was a great experience.

"It was a collective effort from all of us. Atlantic (his label) brought some songs. I brought some songs. That's the best part about my album, is that it was a team effort," P said.

The success of Pleasure P's first solo CD is but the latest milestone in a musical career that has spanned two decades.

"I've been performing all my life. I've been on the stage since I was 4. My mother definitely has a musical background. I kind of learned everything from her," he said.

Pleasure P is certainly happy with his career success. He now lives in Los Angeles and is open to expanding his career into acting.

"I'm ready for anything that comes my way. I'm excited about life," said P.