KATREESE BARNES: "D**k" is Really Good

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By Karu F. Daniels, AOL Black Voices

Whoever said a little bit penis doesn't go a long way, they should talk to Katreese Barnes.

Would you believe that person behind Justin Timberlake and Andy Samberg's wildly popular 'D*ck in a Box' skit is a beautiful and talented black woman?

Well, it's true.

After working with some of the biggest names in the music business, the 'Saturday Night Live' musical director shares in winning an Emmy Award for "Outstanding Music & Lyrics" -- along with fellow composers Jorma and Asa Taccone, Timberlake, and writers Akiva Schaffer and Andy Samberg -- for the SNL Digital Short turned internet sensation.

The skit took the home the gold at last weekend's Creative Arts Emmy Awards.

Barnes, the first female African American musical director in the history of the Lorne Michaels-helmed legendary variety show, has been making her mark as a talented musician, songwriter and producer for many years.

Some factoids about Miss Barnes below:

-- She grew up in a musical family and learned to play the guitar, drums, flute, and piano at an early age.

-- Before landing her prestigious gig at 'Saturday Night Live,' she was a former member of the R&B duo J.U.I.C.Y (Joint United Incredible Creative Youth).

-- She co-wrote the song, 'Sugar Free' which was later sampled on rapper AZ's 1995 hit 'Sugar Hill' featuring Miss Jones.

-- Her music career took a different direction when she was tapped by legendary singer Roberta Flack to work on her 1994 album 'Roberta.'

-- Barnes later worked with Chaka Khan on her Grammy Award-winning album 'Woman I Am.' And then with Sting, Luther Vandross, Carly Simon, P.Diddy, and Billy Joel in various capacities.

-- Working as an accomplished musician, Barnes caught the attention of 'SNL' brass in 2000 and an opportunity arose as piano player for the famed variety show.

With her Emmy Award win, she plans on spreading her wings even more with a musical theater show 'Rocketman,' which pays homage to Elton John. On Oct. 22, the show will debut at New York City's Triad Theater, playing quarterly.

She's also gearing up to score her first feature film, 'Plots and Plans and Schemes and Dreams,' with former 'SNL' writer Rich Talarico.

VIDEO: Justin Timberlake -- 'D*ck in a Box' (NBC's Uncensored Version)

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