They don't appear to be your typical R&B singers or rappers, presenting songs suitable for audiences across generations and backgrounds.

Rapper Pistol P, songstress Lady Nie and rapper/dancer Carolina Ace come together to form the Orangeburg-based Triple SeC, which takes its act to grade schools, institutions of higher learning and churches, giving attendees a healthy dose of high-energy entertainment.

"Their performances have something for all ages," said Yvette McDaniel of Ultramacs Entertainment, with which Triple SeC is in artist development.

Arlington, Ga.'s Pistol P said the group's music is just for fun and aimed at encouraging positive acts from teens. In keeping with that standard, Triple SeC's lyrics don't address murder, drugs or any of the other negatives often mentioned in the industry.

"We don't need to make the kids feel that's the way to go," Pistol P said.

All three members are enrolled in college, attending Claflin University, Denmark Technical College and Allen University. Balancing their education is not a choice, according to Lady Nie.

"I have to maintain it (education)," the Boston native said. "It's not an option."

Triple SeC members are also involved in campus activities. Lady Nie is a member of the Denmark Technical College Choir and the Student Government Association; Carolina Ace is involved with the dance and step teams at Allen University, and Pistol P writes for the South Carolina African American Tobacco Control Network, is a member of the Claflin University track team and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. and editor of the Claflin's student newspaper, The Panther.

Their aspirations as individuals vary, but each wants to grow in the music industry. Carolina Ace said he plans to expand his music to a variety of audiences. Writing is a passion for Pistol P, who said he aims to write for magazines and own his own record label, and Lady Nie said she wants to continue making pop, R&B and neo-soul music.

"We want to be role models for the kids, and show the adults that hip-hop's not all bad," Lady Nie said. "And we want to grow in the industry -- not just in this genre, but as artists and entrepreneurs."

Currently, Triple SeC is pushing three dance singles -- "Bunk It Up -- The Remix," which was originally recorded by Lady Nie's group, 2TONE, and features Pistol P; Pistol P's "Whacha Workin Wid," and Carolina Ace's "Carolina Lean," which comes complete with a line dance to keep listeners moving.

"We just wanna do good music," said Carolina Ace, of Springfield. "We have all kinds of songs, some political, some grown, but we mostly want to ... entertain y'all.

Upcoming Triple SeC performances include an 11 p.m. show on Saturday, Sept. 15, at the Legacy Night Club in Lithonia, Ga.; Orangeburg-Wilkinson High School's Homecoming After-Party on Friday, Sept. 28; Rachelle's Block Party in Orangeburg on Saturday, Sept. 29, and the Mid-Atlantic Music Conference on Friday, Nov. 9, in Charlotte, N.C.

For more information, call Ultramacs Entertainment at 803-290-6461.

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T&D Features Writer Candace Newson can be reached by e-mail at cnewson@timesanddemocrat.com or by telephone at 803-533-5540. Discuss this and other stories online at TheTandD.com.

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