As a self-taught artiste, he knows how hard it is to get a foothold in an industry that judges you at every step. Born in an underprivileged household in Orange County, California, he discovered his passion for music and movement when he was 10. "I would spend countless hours dissecting and emulating the dance styles of Michael Jackson, Madonna and Prince. In fact, during the telecast of their stage shows, when they would pant, I would too," he laughs. By the time he was 16, he had also honed his passion for singing and songwriting.

"I would drive to Los Angeles to take music classes in my rickety car which would overheat. I would have to pull over and put water in it," he says. Newberry finally broke into the music scene following the success of the dance hit Dirrty Up featuring Jessie and the Toy Boys, followed by the Pussycat Dolls music video for When I Grow Up, which won Best Dance Video at the 2008 VMAs. While he admits to having enjoyed the most while shooting with Pussycat Dolls — Ashley Roberts is his best friend —it's Nicki Minaj that he relates to the most. "She is very involved and invested in the whole process. I admire that quality," he says.

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Saying it as is
Although Newberry's career first began with breaks in choreography, he is currently focused on the vocal aspect of his talents. He has begun collaborating with a group of producers in Los Angeles, including Damon Sharpe, whose clientele include Jennifer Lopez and Kylie Minogue. "Earlier I would write what people wanted to hear like partying and hip hop, but now I also write what I want to say," he says. It's the reason why he decided to come out of the closet with his 2017 single Up that featured gay love. "As an artiste, you have to always be real."

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