Omni

One of the lesser-known songwriting/producing teams of their time, Rodney G. Massey (b. Jan. 5, 1953) and Lawrence Hanks (b. 1955) met up as teenagers; they gradually formed a friendship that ultimately resulted in a creative union. In the late '60s, the duo was tutored by the likes of Kenny Gamble, Leon Huff and Jerry "Iceman" Butler. To establish their own niche in the industry, the pair set out to write songs for various artists. By the early seventies, the Chicago natives had produced and written songs for well-known R&B acts. Upon recording a multitude of demos, Massey and Hanks decided to release an album as a duo bearing the name Omni. With the blessings of the Butler, the two started up the Iceman's Fountain Records and independently released their collection of songs. With disco reigning and without the much needed promotion, the soulful songs never took flight in spite of their quality and radio appeal. ~ Craig Lytle, All Music Guide