Minus 2

Residing in Los Angeles is the powerhouse duo titled Minus 2. Comprised of 2 ex-professional football players, Collin Charles and J. Black, the two have an unbreakable musical chemistry. Previously teammates at Iowa State University, Charles and Black developed a close friendship through their bond of football and music. Collin Charles has always had music play a large roll in his life from a young age, he’s a multi-instrumentalist, producer, composer, engineer and vocalist. Houston native, J. Black only began really incorporating music into his life in 2017, but his flawless sound and undeniable talent would make you think otherwise. Minus 2’s sound can be described as retro-future that fuses soulful lyrics, catchy melodies and alternative dance instrumentals.


Minus 2’s single “Orange Blossom” is proof of their incredible and expansive musical knowledge. Hip-hop instrumentals layered with smooth piano and a retro vibe give “Orange Blossom” an alluring vibe. Deep and hard-hitting vocals from both Collin Charles and J. Black make the duo an absolute musical powerhouse. The duo Minus 2 strives to spread a message of love and to bring all sorts of people together hailing from different backgrounds and categories. “Orange Blossom” is a smooth and that delivers eclectic songwriting abilities and chemistry that blasts through the speakers. “F**k who I was, it’s about who I’m becoming” is my favorite line because it’s delivered so nonchalantly while maintaining the confident and ambient aesthetic of this track. Collin Charles and J. Black will paint a soundscape in your mind and take you on a journey through their captivating lyricism and flow. Stay on the lookout for Minus 2. - Buzz Music

As we are gently launched into a vividly romantic story that will have your heart beating faster and your energy alive with the possibilities of a liaison with someone who you truly fancy, Minus 2 has our enthralled ears on a happy cruise via their much-loved single called ‘First Aid Kit‘.

Minus 2 is a Los Angeles, USA-based retro-future/alt-dance/electronic duo that was formed by ex-professional football players Collin Charles and J. Black.

”After a few years of pursuing their respective post-collegiate athletic careers, the two reunited in 2017 with music being the newly discovered foundation of their friendship.” ~ Minus 2

Bringing forth that much-need flair to our lives with their signature sound that lifts your spirits upwards no matter what situation you are in currently, Minus 2 sends us into a new stratosphere of pure appreciation for those real sisters who have the right psyche and want that vital mental stimulation before anything else.

‘First Aid Kit‘ from Los Angeles, USA-based retro-future duo Minus 2, is a groovy masterpiece that you will find hard to get out of your mind. There is a top-notch flow of the very highest standard that gets you into the mood – to find someone who looks into your eye with that cheeky look – to get your smile beaming and your hands holding as you roll into the night as one. - A&R Factory

Minus 2 created Patti Mayonnaise as an ultra-vibey, dance track featuring J. Black’s deep velvet vocals over an upbeat yet dreamy beat from Collin. As always, Minus 2’s chill vibe makes for a great musical accompaniment to any pregame or party.

The 2018 Bedroom Community EP gives listeners groovy electronic beats, akin to some of ZHU’s earlier work with a hip-hop flavor. This song and the project as a whole showcase how quickly Minus 2’s vibe can transition from club to kickback. This doubles down on the group’s guiding focus of an eclectic audience centered on a sense of community. Minus 2 casts a wide net, moving elegantly between genres and collecting fans of varied backgrounds.

Minus 2’s album titled “Patti Mayonnaise” is what happens when artists dare to be great with their music. The song is truly one of a kind and has all the makings of a modern-day classic, From the production, lyrics, and vocal performance, it’s done to a stellar level that creates an endless amount of admiration for this master class level of work. - Honk Magazine

Collin Franklin might be able to thank one bad step by fellow rookie tight end Luke Stocker for his first crack at an NFL 53-man roster.

On Wednesday, the Buccaneers announced that they have signed Franklin to their active roster from their practice squad, where he spent the first three weeks of the season. Franklin took the spot on the 53-man crew vacated when second-year safety Cody Grimm was placed on injured reserve.

To fill the subsequent opening on the practice squad created by Franklin's promotion, the Buccaneers signed rookie guard/center Zane Taylor, formerly of the University of Utah and the New York Jets.

Franklin first joined the Buccaneers on August 10 as a waiver claim from the New York Jets. Tampa Bay had gone to training camp with five tight ends, including Stocker, but had seen the position hit by injuries during the first two weeks. In particular, Stocker was out for most of training camp after suffering a fluky hip injury on a misstep during his very first NFL practice.

With Stocker sidelined and starter Kellen Winslow not expected to play in the first few preseason games, the Bucs shored up that position with the addition of Franklin, who joined holdovers Ryan Purvis and Nathan Overbay and 2011 seventh-round pick Daniel Hardy. That eventually gave the 6-5, 252-pound Franklin an opportunity to play in two preseason games for Tampa Bay, during which he contributed a pair of catches.

Franklin was released on August 29 before the preseason finale, but the Bucs had obviously seen something they liked. While Purvis, Overbay and Hardy were subsequently released as well and have not returned, Franklin was brought back to perform on the practice squad. Now he joins Winslow and Stocker, as well as fellow rookie Zack Pianalto, on the active roster.

Franklin originally signed with the Jets as an undrafted free agent out of Iowa State, following an outstanding senior season in which he caught 54 passes for 530 yards and three touchdowns. He hails from Simi Valley, California. - Buccaneers.com

The Cowboys also signed defensive lineman Jerrod Black from Iowa State as a workout player. Black was one of the 30 national visits the Cowboys hosted during the draft process. - ESPN