Van Hunt Jr. is an American musician known for his work as a singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and record producer. He gained recognition with his debut album "Van Hunt" in 2004 and its follow-up "On the Jungle Floor" in 2006, both released under Capitol Records. His collaboration on the tribute version of Sly & the Family Stone's "Family Affair" earned him a Grammy Award in 2007. Despite signing with Blue Note Records, his 2008 album "Popular" faced delays and was eventually released in 2017. In the interim, he released the compilation album "Use in Case of Emergency" independently in 2009.
March 8, 1970: Birth of Van Hunt Jr.
Van Hunt Jr. was born on March 8, 1970.
1996: Move to Atlanta and Musical Beginnings
In 1996, Van Hunt moved to Atlanta to attend Morehouse College but dropped out and began producing hip-hop demos.
1997: Start of Recordings for "Use in Case of Emergency"
The earliest recordings compiled in "Use in Case of Emergency" date back to 1997.
1997: Songwriting Breakthrough with "Hopeless"
Van Hunt co-wrote "Hopeless" for Dionne Farris, which was featured in the film "Love Jones" in 1997.
1999: Collaborations with Rahsaan Patterson and Cree Summer
Van Hunt collaborated with Rahsaan Patterson and Cree Summer on their respective albums in 1999.
2000: Recording for Debut Album
Van Hunt recorded a significant portion of his debut album in 2000.
2001: Signing with Capitol Records
Van Hunt signed with Capitol Records in 2001.
2002: Collaboration with Joi and Meeting Randy Jackson
Van Hunt collaborated with Joi on the single "Missing You" and met his future manager, Randy Jackson, in 2002.
February 2004: Release of Debut Album and Grammy Nomination
Van Hunt's debut album, "Van Hunt," was released in February 2004 and was later nominated for a Grammy.
2004: Debut Album Release
Van Hunt released his debut album, "Van Hunt," in 2004.
2005: End of Recordings for "Use in Case of Emergency"
The latest recordings compiled in "Use in Case of Emergency" are from 2005.
2006: Release of "Different Strokes by Different Folks"
The tribute album "Different Strokes by Different Folks," featuring Van Hunt's Grammy-winning performance, was released in 2006.
2006: Collaborations with Nikka Costa and Count Bass D
Van Hunt collaborated with Nikka Costa on Sam Moore's album and with Count Bass D on "Act Your Waist Size" in 2006.
2006: Release of Second Album and Notable Collaborations
Van Hunt released his second album, "On the Jungle Floor," in 2006 and collaborated with artists like Mary J. Blige and Alicia Keys.
2006: Release of "On the Jungle Floor"
Van Hunt released his second album, "On the Jungle Floor," in 2006.
August 7, 2007: Release of "The Popular Machine" EP
Van Hunt released the EP "The Popular Machine" on August 7, 2007.
December 2007: "Popular" Shelved by Blue Note Records
Blue Note Records decided not to release Van Hunt's album "Popular" in December 2007.
2007: Grammy Award Win
Van Hunt won a Grammy Award for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for "Family Affair" in 2007.
2007: Grammy Win for "Family Affair" Cover
In 2007, Van Hunt won a Grammy Award for his collaboration on the cover of "Family Affair".
January 2008: Van Hunt's Statement on "Popular" Release
Van Hunt addressed the shelving of "Popular" on his MySpace blog in January 2008.
January 15, 2008: Initial Release Date for "Popular"
Van Hunt's album "Popular" was initially scheduled for release on January 15, 2008.
June 2008: Recording of Fourth Album
Van Hunt began recording his fourth album in June 2008.
August 2008: U.S. Tour
Van Hunt toured the U.S. in July and August 2008.
2008: "Popular" Album Shelved
Van Hunt's album "Popular" was shelved by Blue Note Records in 2008.
May 2009: Release of "Use in Case of Emergency"
Van Hunt released the compilation album "Use in Case of Emergency" in May 2009.
July 2009: Interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Van Hunt discussed his future plans in an interview with The Atlanta Journal-Constitution in July 2009.
2009: Release of "Use in Case of Emergency"
Van Hunt self-released the compilation album "Use in Case of Emergency" in 2009.
2009: Reflection on Grammy Win
Van Hunt reflected on his Grammy win in an interview with The Athens Blur Magazine in 2009.
July 16, 2010: Performance at Curtis Mayfield Tribute
Van Hunt performed at a tribute concert for Curtis Mayfield at Atlanta Symphony Hall on July 16, 2010.
June 14, 2011: Announcement of New Song and Album
On June 14, 2011, Van Hunt announced the release of his new song "June" and his upcoming album.
2014: Album Updates via PledgeMusic
Van Hunt provided updates on his album throughout 2014 through PledgeMusic.
March 2015: Announcement of New Album
Van Hunt announced his new album, "The Fun Rises, the Fun Sets," in March 2015.
May 5, 2015: Release of "The Fun Rises, the Fun Sets"
Van Hunt released the album "The Fun Rises, the Fun Sets" on May 5, 2015.
August 2017: Official Release of "Popular"
"Popular" by Van Hunt was officially released in August 2017.
2017: Release of "Popular"
Van Hunt's album "Popular" was officially released in 2017 after being shelved for almost a decade.
April 2020: Relationship with Halle Berry
Van Hunt began a relationship with actress Halle Berry in April 2020.