Whatever Happened to: Christopher Williams

Thanks to the recommendation of a few friends, I’m now hooked on Omarosa’s horrible dating show on TV One, “Donald J. Trump Presents: The Ultimate Merger.” It’s the typical Flavor of Love reality dating show, which gives the extremely annoying Omarosa an excuse to push around a bunch of sorry men.

One of her victims is former R&B heartthrob Al B Sure (I refuse to use the exclamation point after his name). And long-time R&B fans will remember Al B’s equally light-skinned (and therefore, adored) cousin, Christopher Williams.
Well, “remember” might be a stretch – these days, all Christopher Williams is remembered for is yelling “Don’t wake me, I’m dream-maaying!!!!!,” dumping Halle Berry and bumbling around the set of New Jack City.
Let me help you recall some of his finer moments.

Williams came on the scene in 1989 and apparently donned his best prom suit for the cover of his debut, Adventures in Paradise. The first single, “Talk To Myself,” was part of that era’s huge New Jack Swing movement, while the follow-up “Promises, Promises” was the typical slow jam. Neither were groundbreaking.


Williams really hit his stride two years later, playing the role of Kareem Akbar in my favorite movie ever, New Jack City. I never understood his character – slick-talking hit-man? Weird hanger-oner? Eh, it doesn’t matter. New Jack City certainly isn’t high-brow cinema.

The soundtrack for that film spawned Williams’ biggest hit, “I’m Dreamin.” It hit No. 1 on the R&B charts. On an unrelated note, I didn’t realize until researching for this post that nearly all early 90s videos feature giant fans that spin in the shadows – WHY?


Following his newfound success, Williams dropped Changes the following year, which went on to be his most successful release. “All I See,” in my humble opinion, is probably the best song of his career. The uptempo “Every Little Thing U Do” was a decent hit too. I never understood why he was randomly running down a beach in the video, though. At least there were no giant oversized fans around.


Williams returned buck-naked with an ugly tribal mask for 1995’s Not A Perfect Man. Why does he have a mask? You’ll have to ask Kareem Akbar, I guess. “Dance 4 Me” was pretty good and Williams’ voice was a strong as ever but the single never got off the ground. It’s a shame too – Williams was moving beyond the generic New Jack Swing formula and finding himself but I guess it was too late.


And speaking of too late, Williams took a long break and returned in 2001 with Real Men Do. I’m not sure who approved the rounded razor-line he sports on the album cover but he needs to borrow that tribal mask again. Real Men Do was barely a blip on the R&B radar but check out the beautiful “Violin” – he clearly still had some skills.

That album wrapped up Williams’ recording career – for now, anyway. Instead, he has focused on acting, starring in Chitlin Circuit plays like “The Clean Up Woman.” So the next time “Your Sugar is Too High To Box With God” comes to your town, look for Williams on the marquee.

Should He Come Back?: Christopher Williams has always been an oddly underappreciated talent. Yeah, ladies squealed and fell all over themselves for him but that attention overshadowed his vocal ability. At this point in his career, he might be better served appealing to his fans in plays than on iTunes.

But if he decides to film New Jack City 2, I’ll be the first in line.

Facebooktwittergoogle_plusredditpinterestlinkedinmail

13 Comments

  1. Im not a Christopher William Fan, and some of the thing you wrote I do agree with, but what I can say for sure, by noting the sarcasm, Your a hater, how sad !

    • Christopher Williams could sing the phone book and I would be listening as long as I can see him while he sings. Great voice and great looks.

    • Tyken I agree with you.The author of this article certainly can dial back the snark and disdain. You write as if you know nothing about objectivity and professionalism. Why not take classes in how to become a better writer, or just leave writing to the professionals.

  2. I’ve always thought that Christopher Williams had GREAT vocals!! Being a handsome eye-candy was a plus as well. As for his roll in New Jack City, I got the impression that he was a sort of Drug Hit-Man which I think he pulled it off very well.

  3. Sadly Christopher career demise not lack talent management. Musically sought
    make Hip Hop Funk Singer which inappropriately for voice. Christopher is talent
    sung Sweden yeah without “reverb” have audience hand. Christopher talented sing jazz not bad,Chris debut with Chris Walker both talent men. Handsome bring fans beautiful voices! Christopher thought recording new material in Europe?

    • Williams roll on New Jack was that of a figure head. He was good with numbers and it really is a shame he didn’t have the appropriate music to go with those drop dead gorgeous looks. His vocals are off the charts I could look into those eyes all night as well as Al B Sure.

  4. Chris problem lack “stage presences” how? Always walking off stage…style is turn off how well. Audience elated see perform larger arenas,not need get personal it’s turn off! Furthermore haven’t recorded in years,seldom complete,lyrics while singing. Chris admire you saw many times,critical example. El Debarge was it “health problems” had sit down a frown. To fans talent get it together…lack stage stamina Chris. Always getting exhausted
    rebound entertain us Chris awaiting concert tour soon! Really cease jump in
    audience majority fans thrilled to watch perform. Mr. Talent give new songs.

  5. Are you reading my mind? Possibly concur Christopher influence “Jack Swing”era,lust macho egoism! Suddenly forgotten voice surpassed majority it was,distinctive problem. Chris former label exclusively “Pop” so called radio. Intimidated mature singers now present Christopher were is appeal of style? Stage presences accurate conjure attitude eager leave the stage! Causing rage discontent reading criticism whom? Ideal producers Robin Millar
    (Sade fame),Hugh Padghan,Pete Smith,Bryan Loren,Niles Rogers,Don Gehman,James
    Guthrie (Heatwave band),Michael Stokes,David Bascombe,Micheal Henderson,Bryan
    Loren,Mike Pela,Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis,Al Schmitt,Patrick Leonard (admire Chris voice),Jay Graydon and Ray Parker Jr. Never to late for your marvelous voice Christopher, awaiting excited audience! Christopher when El Debarge bought on stage wasn’t just admiration respect vocal abilities. Eventually
    possible collaboration or debut “sitting down” agree a frown to fans! Give us
    voice which appease those continue follow you Christopher following in Europe. Alexander O’Neil singer selling out enough Christopher best of talent!

  6. Love it love it dwelling former the present Christopher. Fanbase appease us singers with gift excellent (octave)disagree with. Christopher wasn’t popular marketing been always R&B dance/groove. Clubs singers teen appeal whom Bobby Brown during popularity. Bought about some appreciation of mature singers Christopher. Once toured with Gene Rice,Miles Jay and James Ingram singing range. Bemusing unfortunately record companies preference (teen sound) oppose. Europe,Asia and Latin America diversity Christopher favorite singer. Jack Swing era with your talent reintroduce yourself producers. Recommend international markets essential comment “Christopher” your artist. Not affix marketing what? R&B industry label for audience not race! Christopher tour EU,Latin America and Asia crowds impress your talent never. Relinquish audience Hip Hop not your crowd wanted record this. Voice of range also labeling of artist cause demise. Mention Lisa Stansfield,The Pages (Soul singers popular in EU),Robert John,Yazz,Frankie Bleu,Jaki Graham,ABC,Erig Tagg (gifted bassist singer),Atlanta Rhythm Section,Go West,Terence Trent D’
    Abry now Sananda Maitreya and Little River band. Artist equivalent Christopher denied popularity “USA” wasn’t audience restrictive. Marketing due race and popularity “grew up Europe” stations play all formats. Christopher always admired France as Seal singing jazz. Welcome back you never left Christopher submit online live footage. Awaiting fans when debut 2019 ready purchase tickets notice. Majority
    American singers of soul,jazz,funk and R&B migrate aboard due popularity. Respect Chris thought collaborating producer (Michael Powell) Anita Baker fame. Always wanted work signature male singer best of talent enjoy. Interest Christopher saw numerous times…great singer
    not lip singing okay! Christopher duet with Chris Walker ideal great
    producer musician popular Europe. Chris give us talent of appreciation,
    your voice critics choice rejoice. Tour how about with renowned band or
    Michael Henderson forgotten. Chris don’t have website? Best of music.

  7. Chris awaiting something (2019)well anticipated sequel. New Jack City movie talking since 2016 and? Forgotten stated preference acting I disagree:fans remember you for talent. Concur somewhat forgotten not lack of showmanship,labels error. Couldn’t decide appropriate musical style where management Christopher. Producers international audience appreciate your enthralling Voice by choice! Mention artist whom sudden forgotten whom?

    Abbey Lincoln (1930-2010),Paul Young (British Soul singer),Keith Washington,Anne Richards (1934-1982),Steve Lawrence,Zulema (1947-2013)popular in Europe,Eydie Gorme (1928-2013),Howard Johnson,Dakota Staton (1930-2007) a diva forgotten USA icon in Italy,Sweden,France and Brazil. Christopher criticism awaiting (marvelous voice) learn prior artist. You’ll listen say what happen? Kitty White (1922-2009) a stylist great jazz singer reverted Europe. Dina Carroll,Jenny Burton,David Oliver (1942-1982),Patti Brooks,Rockie Robbins a talent equivalent to Christopher! Blacksmoke band 1976 didn’t cross over sold Europe. Shirley Murdock once tour with Christopher forgotten title (Let There be Love) 1991,marketing unfortunately Chris. Advice truth audience abroad can stand on stage to engage fans? Demand available don’t wait to long Ernestine Anderson (1928-2016) called Nordic Queen of Jazz. Popularity forgotten songtress Lurlean Hunter (1919-1983) when listen you’ll elegance. Lurlean’s track A Blanket of Blue,It could happen to you and It never entered my mind. Christopher submitted former artist convey not easy in show business. Anyhow your talent networking awaiting new songs Christopher voice of love. Chris no remembrance start touring best of music to you! Together review artist era,then new material not Hip hop! Chris is back never forgotten 2019 then 20’s…appreciate your talent. Happy new year!

  8. Illarion (Awaited fan) new album someday? Christopher December 17, 2018 at 9:19 pm

    Approaching 20’s awaiting release Christopher hope criticism. Inspire you record “great material” forget bias term. “Old School” irrelevant music is timeless…note once captivate international. Audience equivalent of Tina Turner whom only moderate hits USA. Finally in Tina’s prime became icon 80’s, Bonnie Riatt. Christopher forgotten singers “Leon Hayward (1942-2016),Marion Montgomery (1934-2002) stylist made fame UK,France and Latin America rendition of (Then I’ll Be Tired of You). Yes Christopher understanding where actual audience awaiting excellent songs. Soon? Yeah Leon Ware (1940-2017) great singer popular Europe reverted okay! Christopher never late releasing material anytime,remain consecutive. Hip hop pop never emulate your voice nor talent “El Debarge considering duet? Unfortunately excellent singers forgotten due to marketing Margie Joseph songs “Promise Me Your Love,Feeling My Way,Who’s Get your Love?,I Get Carried Away and I Feel love Stronger.

    Unfortunately Margie only gotten hit Knock Out Pop hit 1983. Not excuse Christopher. Contacts make success not [Come back] you never left. What see Chris audience mature song selections,ignore Hip hop,Jack Swing and pop. Recommend have exclusive fan base as Tracy Chapman whom released title since “2008”. Has audience Tracy always beloved, EU,Asia,UK and Australia as Stevie Woods (1951-2014). Enough present Christopher not comparing you,message don’t allow pop trends. Deny you talent of success which entitled to I’ll pay entertainment Christopher. Providing don’t sit down which is “audience frown” work on showmanship! Chris reading encouraging compliments shall return “2019”give us tour. Man appealing voice of critics choice…rare find your octave. Note: Lurlean Hunter listen to stylist “improvising” song (You Do Something to Me) reminds. Not the Perfect Man (1994) criticism “should”bought up vocals hidden. Formula didn’t convey, vocal range Christopher voice equivalent Walter Jackson (1938-1983). Stylist forgotten Tell Where it Hurts (1981) signature classic. Regarding Not the Prefect Man title (1994) tracks “Never Stop,Down on my Knees,Oh Girl,Ready 4 You,Learning to Love and If you Say? Problem prior recordings fail achieve Christopher voice forgotten.

    Producers use to Hip hop,in concert opposite. Christopher sings variety of tempos not all ballads yes type cast. Maturity of voice Christopher awaiting change. Not strange give voice excitement,or shall be Sade every when ever. To release titles “great singer” album 2019! Christopher tour with O’Bryan former touring artist yes where new material? Happy Musical “2019”Mr.Voice!!

  9. Christopher want listen to great voice “2019” range exceptional. Timing is now awaiting return tour elated to purchase tickets. Chris never fault yourself listen former artist Brook Benton (1931-1988) reign EU,Japan and Australia. Voice of maturity Christopher voice of choice,Jerri Winters forgotten diva of 50’s track (Laught Out My Life). productions. Regain errors early career voice has matured sounds better! Gloria Coleman (1931-2010)bassist,organist and vibes singer dig track (Sunday,Monday and Always) reminds. Christopher track Lonely radio stations preference youth pop.

    Christopher always have audience internationally,Kellee Paterson whom track. Turn on the Lights (1977) hit Europe music universal forget format American style. George Chakiris yes Westside Story fame excellent singer bass as Christopher voice. Inaccurate have Motown or Philly Sound Hip hop producers,weren’t use to octave. Anyhow Christopher considered Jazz,world and funk actual instruments not samples okay! Ann Richards (1934-1982)label color lines,stylist reverted Europe tracks You Go to My head,Be Easy Tender,Something Coming,Bewitched bothered and No Moon at All. You’ll say why didn’t we appreciate these artist? Politics and tricks Christopher regain your popularity “Mr.Voice”of choice! Kelly Smith (1928-1927) Diva wasn’t afraid musical styles sadly forgotten. No Christopher time for musical engagements soon but win? Distinctive voice enjoy listing to artist mention comparing you to them honor! Bobby Darin (1936-19730 fan of soul,blues and R&B sung with Motown. Labels cause demise and bigotry Christopher awaiting time appreciation. Give voice of choice Christopher reminds of Chris OWens of group Hot of 70’s. Southern Pop soul trio talented but forgotten tracks Angel in Arms,No love in sight and Borrow Me. Chris still enjoy I’m Dreaming track,
    give new era of music. Never headline concert tour new Chris musically 1st.
    Around corner producers eager to produce exclusive voice. Mr.Voice of Choice!

  10. Chris was arrested not too long ago for stealing headphones out of a Khol’s! From his mugshot he is no stranger to narcotics

Leave a Reply to Audacious Amazon Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published.


*