At a time when many talented vocalists rely on the creativity of songwriters for their words and melodies, and many songwriters search endlessly for the right singer to boost their song into the stratosphere, Matt Blaque is truly in a league of his own.\r \r The 28-year-old East Oakland native has set himself apart from other artists, by virtue of being equally gifted in both departments.\r \r The product of a deeply religious and tight-knit family, Matt began to sing at the young age of 5 in the family church, inspired by his father- also a singer. He cultivated his vocals for years, supported by his family and friends. \r \r Growing up in the environment he did, within such a turbulent time-period of Oakland history, it’s a small miracle Matt stayed on the right path. He watched his friends fall to drugs, crime and violence all around him over the years. Matt stayed ahead of the curve. He had three key fundamentals to keep him in line: family, faith and music. He was also a talented football player at the well-known Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, and was eventually awarded a scholarship to college in Oregon for his bruising play at fullback.