Name	Expen$ive Taste
Background	group_or_band
Origin	Los Angeles, CaliforniaHouston, Texas United States
Genre	Hip hop
Years active	2005–unknown
Label	LaSalle (2006), Swishahouse/Hellcat (2009-Preset)
Associated acts	TransplantsSoul AssassinsBlink-182+44Box Car RacerThe Aquabats
Url	Official website
Current members	Paul WallSkinhead RobTravis Barker

Expensive Taste (styled as Expen$ive Taste) is an American hip hop super-group formed by Paul Wall, Skinhead Rob (Transplants), and Travis Barker (The Aquabats, Blink-182, Box Car Racer, +44 and Transplants). Expensive Taste recently released a 15-track mixtape for free from a newly registered website, but it is unknown when the band will have time to tour. Travis Barker recently said on his Twitter blog that 2 new songs will be available soon on iTunes Two new songs by Expensive Taste appeared on Paul Wall's most recent album, Heart of a Champion.

Discography

A 15-track Expen$ive Taste mixtape was released for a free download if you signed up for SkeeTV, and also available at merch booths on the Honda Civic Tour. It is also now available at Paul Wall's official website, www.grillsbypaulwall.com.

Track list From DJ Skee Presents: Expen$ive Taste - Expen$ive Taste

# "Famous Anthem" (feat. B-Real, Too Short, Damu, and Eddie Rap Life) # "Can't Fuck With It" # "Trunk Full Of Boom" # "I'm The Shit" # "Them Are G's On That Bitch" # Smokin' Kush Blunts (Warfare: Skinhead Rob and Damu) # "Everyday" (feat. Slim Thug) # "We Some Go Getters" (feat. Lil' Spank Booty and Damu) # "Powder And The Dank" (feat. Milano) # "You Know Me" (feat. Bun B) # "Gun Play" (feat. Damu) # "Back Down Memory Lane" (Boo Yaa Tribe) # "Motherfuckin' Fool" # "They Don't Want It" (Warfare: Skinhead Rob and Damu) # "Famous Anthem" (remix) (feat. Cashis, Hayes, Lil' Spank Booty, Mitchy Slick, Krondon, Chace Infinite)

Songs

"Slidin' On that Oil" (featuring Unique of the Gritboys)

"My Medicine"

"Hold Up"

"Stars Wit Straps" (remix)

"Feel Good" (featuring Nump)

"Pop One of These" (featuring Too Short & The Federation)

"Pop One of These" (New Version featuring Lil Jon, Too Short & The Federation) (produced by Lil Jon)

"Expensive Taste"

"Heart of a Hustler"

"Not My Friend" Feat. Slim Thug

References

External links

Official band website

MTV article on the group

BallerStatus.net interview with Paul and Rob from the group

Expen$ive Taste Mixtape

Category:American hip hop groups

Name	Paul Wall
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Paul Michael Slayton
Born	March 11, 1981
Origin	Houston, Texas, United States
Genre	Hip hop, Southern hip hop, Rap rock
Occupation	Rapper, DJ, promoter, jeweller
Years active	1998–present
Label	Swishahouse/Asylum
Associated acts	Michael "5000" Watts, Expensive Taste, Chamillionaire, Slim Thug, Trae, Bun B, Z-RO
Url	paulwallbaby.com, grillsbypaulwall.com

Paul Slayton (born March 11, 1981), better known by his stage name Paul Wall, is an American rap artist. He is currently affiliated with Swishahouse Records, having released several albums under the label as well as collaborating with other rappers signed to the label. He was formerly musical partners with rapper Chamillionaire releasing several collaborative albums including the independently released Get Ya Mind Correct. In 2005, he was signed to Atlantic Records and became successful with his major-label debut The Peoples Champ. Get Money, Stay True followed in 2007.

Musical career

Wall attended Jersey Village High School and studied mass communications at the University of Houston for three years. After proposing to do promotions for Michael "5000" Watts' company, Swishahouse, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall came to Watts' studio, KBXX. Paul & Chamillionaire convinced Watts to let them rap on his radio show and put the verses on one of his mixtapes. That mixtape was titled Choppin Em Up Part 2, which was released in mid 1999. The freestyle became so popular in the streets that Chamillionaire and Paul Wall became regular staples on Houston's mixtape circuit, appeared on several of Watts' mixtapes and became permanent members of Swishahouse.

After fellow member Slim Thug left the label, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall followed suit and the two started their own group known as The Color Changin' Click (named after Chamillion's Chameleon persona). Each successive mixtape released by The Color Changin' Click led to more business opportunities; the most notable of which was a contract to do a full album for Paid in Full Records. A one album contract was then negotiated between the Color Changin' Click and Paid in Full's label head, DJ Madd Hatta from 97.9 The Box, and the CCC's first album, Get Ya Mind Correct, would go on to sell over 200,000 copies. Wall's first music exposure came as a street team member on the Northwest side of Houston, promoting southern labels like Def Jam Records, Cash Money and No Limit Records. He is also an accomplished and proficient mixtape and party DJ, known for producing mixtapes in the now well-known screwed & chopped style, which was invented by the late DJ Screw.

Paul Wall and Chamillionaire were originally affiliated with Swishahouse Records, but left for Paid in Full Records a short time later. After several mixtape and independent releases including. Get Ya Mind Correct, the two parted ways, citing creative differences. Chamillionaire continued to release independent records, while Paul Wall returned to the Swishahouse fold. This move allowed him to appear on Mike Jones' first commercially distributed single, "Still Tippin'", from his first major label album Who Is Mike Jones?. The single is originally on Swishahouse's The Day Hell Broke Loose Part 2 aka Major Without A Major Deal, released in 2003, the album went on to sell over 500,000 copies two months after being released.

In 2005, Paul Wall released his first album, The People's Champ, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. The first single "Sittin' Sidewayz" featuring Big Pokey. The second single, "They Don't Know", featured Bun B of UGK, and the video version also featured Mike Jones. The third single is "Girl", receiving radio airplay and peaking at #35 on the Billboard Hot 100. In 2007, Paul Wall released his second album Get Money, Stay True, which debuted in the #1 spot on the Billboard Chart Top R&B;/Hip-Hop Albums. Paul Wall released the singles "Break 'Em Off" featuring Lil Keke and "I'm Throwed" featuring and produced by Jermaine Dupri.

In 2007, Paul Wall appeared alongside other celebrities and regular people in the music video for Rockstar by Nickelback. He also appears on Bermuda-based reggae artist Collie Buddz self-titled debut album.

Paul Wall is currently a member of the rap group Expensive Taste, with his good friends Travis Barker and Skinhead Rob (Transplants). The trio also collectively owns a clothing line.

In the spring of 2008, Paul Wall joined Strange Music recording artist Tech N9ne on a nationwide tour, which also featured Brooklyn rapper ILL BiLL.

In the 2008 presidential campaign, Paul Wall spoke out in favor of candidate Barack Obama. He was quoted in The Source magazine as saying "Barack seems to come off as a true leader for everyone, whereas most people campaigning, including Hillary Clinton, seem to be just politicians. Barack seems to be genuine and sincere about his beliefs. He is selfless, while they are selfish. I'm gonna 'Barack the vote' this year and I've never voted before."

Paul Wall appears as fictional rapper Grillionaire in the movie I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell, released on September 25, 2009. He, along with screenwriters Nils Parker and Tucker Max, co-wrote tracks for the movie.

In 2010, Paul Wall featured on the 'Przyjazn, Duma, Godnosc' (eng. 'Friendship, Pride and Dignity') album by a highly rated Polish rap artist Kaczor.

Personal life

Paul Wall married girlfriend Crystal in 2005. Their son William Patrick Slayton was born April 18, 2006.

During a concert in San Antonio Paul Wall hit a fan with a microphone. The fan was sticking his middle finger at Paul Wall. Paul Wall apologized to not only the victim but to all his San Antonio fans.

In 2010, Paul Wall went on an extreme diet and had gastric sleeve surgery, resulting in a 100 lbs weight loss.

Discography

2004: The Chick Magnet

2005: The Peoples Champ

2007: Get Money, Stay True

2009: Fast Life

2010: Heart of a Champion

2011: Politics As Usual (January 25)

Awards and nominations

Acting career

During his break from rapping, Paul Wall had an appearance in Furnace with Ja Rule. He appeared in the 2009 movie I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell along with Jesse Bradford and Matt Czuchry. He is currently working on the movie Xtinction.

Filmography

{|class="wikitable" |- !Year !Title !Role |- ||2006 |Furnace |Joey Robbins |- ||2009 |I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell |Grillionaire |- |2010 |Xtinction |Froggy |}

References

External links

Paul Wall Official Website

Category:1980 births Category:Living people Category:1990s rappers Category:2000s rappers Category:2010s rappers Category:American rappers of European descent Category:Asylum Records artists Category:Jersey Village High School alumni Category:Rappers from Houston, Texas Category:University of Houston alumni

Name	Slim Thug
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Stayve Jerome Thomas
Born	September 08, 1980 Houston, Texas
Genre	Hip hop
Height	6'6
Years active	1998-present
Label	Swishahouse, Boss Hogg Outlawz, Interscope, E1
Associated acts	Bun B, Chalie Boy, Chamillionaire, Paul Wall, Z-RO, Yelawolf, Mike Jones, T.I., Pharrell,
Url	www.immahogg.com

Stayve Jerome Thomas (born September 8, 1980), better known as Slim Thug or BossHogg , is an American rapper. He gained mainstream attention for his contribution to the popular single from rapper Mike Jones, "Still Tippin'".

Early life

Thomas grew up in Houston's Northside neighborhood of Homestead/ScenicWood. At age 17, he performed freestyle raps at local high school parties. He began his rap career with Swishahouse in the late 1990s. After realizing how much money he could make distributing his own mixtapes, he parted ways with Swishahouse on good terms and formed his own independent label, Boss Hogg Outlawz. Thomas bought two record stores and worked in real estate. Singles included "3 Kings" (featuring T.I. and Bun B), and "I Ain't Heard of That" (featuring Pharrell and Bun B). Slim Thug appeared on Beyoncé Knowles's #1 single "Check on It" and Gwen Stefani's "Luxurious". With the Boss Hogg Outlawz, Slim Thug released three albums, Boyz N Blue (2004), Serve & Collect (2007) and Back by Blockular Demand: Serve & Collect II (2008). He left Interscope Records in 2008.

Boss of All Bosses (2009)

Slim Thug's second solo album Boss of All Bosses was released in 2009. Although not as successful as his debut album Boss of All Bosses debuted at #15 on the Billboard 200 with 32,000 copies sold in the first week released. It included the single "I Run".

Tha Thug Show (2010-present)

Slim Thug is third studio album Tha Thug Show. His first single was "Gangsta" which featured Z-Ro. His second single featured rapper/singer B.o.B entitled "So High". It was released November 30, 2010.

Other Ventures

Acting career

In October 2009 he appeared on The Daily Show, in a parody discussing the effects of the recession upon wealthy rappers such as himself. The skit was filmed in part at The Lion's Den Recordings in Houston, Texas.

Personal life

Slim Thug dated singer LeToya Luckett until 2006. He claimed the two broke up as a result of his cheating and child with another woman.

According to MTV News, Lupe Fiasco's video for "Hip Hop Saved My Life" was based on Slim Thug's life story. "It is based on Thug boss cause he is so G, and inspires me," Fiasco revealed. On June 7, 2010, Vibe released controversial statements Slim Thug had made regarding treatment of black men by black and white women saying "it’s hard to find [a successful black man] so Black women have to bow down and let it be known that they gotta start working hard; they gotta start cooking and being down for they man more. ...White women treat they man like a king."

The article stirred many varied reactions from bloggers and online commentators. Cultural critic and Columbia University professor Marc Lamont Hill, singers Aubrey O'Day, D. Woods, and Talib Kweli have all responded publicly to his comments.

Discography

2005: Already Platinum

2009: Boss of All Bosses

2010: Tha Thug Show

References

External links

Category:1980 births Category:1990s rappers Category:2000s rappers Category:2010s rappers Category:Living people Category:African American rappers Category:Rappers from Houston, Texas Category:E1 Music artists

Name	Travis Barker
Background	non_vocal_instrumentalist
Birth name	Travis Landon Barker
Alias	The Baron von Tito (when with the Aquabats)
Born	November 14, 1975
wife	Audreyanna Mariyah Ortiz
Origin	Fontana, California, United States
Instrument	Drums, percussion, keyboards, synthesizers, piano, electronics, guitar, vocals
Genre	Punk rock, pop punk, hip hop, rap metal, alternative rock, rap rock, Post-hardcore, electronic rock, drum and bass. ska
Occupation	Drummer, musician, songwriter, producer
Years active	1993–present
Label	Interscope, LaSalle/Atlantic, Geffen, Hellcat, MCA, Golden Voice Records, Goliath Artists
Associated acts	Blink-182, +44, Game, Eminem, Box Car Racer, Transplants, TRV$DJAM, The Aquabats, Expensive Taste, Lil Wayne, Asher Roth
Url	TravisBarker.com
Notable instruments	Orange County Drum and PercussionRemo DrumheadsZildjian

Travis Landon Barker (born November 14, 1975) is an American musician, producer, entrepreneur, and the drummer for the American pop punk band Blink-182, as well as the alternative rock band +44, the rap rock band The Transplants, and the drummer for the alternative rock band Box Car Racer. He was a frequent collaborator with DJ AM, and together they formed TRV$DJAM.

After the split of his first band, Feeble, Barker began playing for The Aquabats in 1996 as The Baron Von Tito. He recorded one album with them, The Fury of the Aquabats!, in 1997. His career took off when he joined up with pop punk band, Blink-182 in 1998. Barker became known for his mohawk and his tendency to perform shirtless, revealing a multitude of tattoos. Barker has since established himself as a versatile drummer, producing and making guest appearances in music projects of numerous music genres including hip-hop, alternative rock, pop and country. He has gained significant acceptance within the hip-hop community in particular and often collaborates with artists to compose rock-tinged remixes to their songs.

He founded clothing company Famous Stars and Straps in 1999 and LaSalle Records in 2004. Companies such as DC Shoes and Zildjian cymbals have co-designed products in his name.

Barker is also currently in the studio preparing to record with several artists like Game, Tom Morello, Raekwon, Slash, RZA for his upcoming solo debut album, "Give the Drummer Some".

Early life

Travis Barker was born to Randy and Gloria Barker in Fontana, California, which is located in San Bernardino County. Barker grew up in a high-crime area, where his father worked as a mechanic and his mother babysat for local kids. When Barker was four, his mother gave him his first drum kit, which was the only one he would have until he was fifteen. Barker began taking drum lessons at age five with jazz drummer Michael Mai, who would expose young Barker to many different playing styles.

His mother, who had been diagnosed with cancer three months earlier, died the day before he started high school. She told him to keep playing music and to follow his dreams. Barker attended Fontana High School, where he played in the jazz ensemble and marching band. He gained a lot of experience performing at regional competitions and festivals. During his senior year, he passed up drum corps tryouts to tour with a rock band. Barker gained a lot of experience performing with a few early rock bands. After Barker graduated from high school in 1993 he became a member of The Aquabats. He was nicknamed "Baron Von Tito." Barker did go back to drum corps for his age out year in 1996, to audition with the Blue Devils Drum and Bugle Corps, but was ultimately cut and did not march.

Recording career

Blink-182 (1998–2005; 2009–present)

. Barker (back) with Tom DeLonge and Mark Hoppus in 2003]] Blink-182 was formed in 1992 by Mark Hoppus and Tom DeLonge. After recruiting drummer Scott Raynor, the band recorded three early demos and two studio albums: Cheshire Cat (1994) and Dude Ranch (1997). Hoppus and DeLonge fired Raynor midway through a U.S. tour in 1998 after a drinking problem became far too prevalent. Hoppus and DeLonge asked drummer Barker of Blink-182's support band The Aquabats to fill in for Raynor for the remainder of the tour, and, after being impressed with Barker, asked him to join the band.

Blink-182 released their breakthrough album Enema of the State in June 1999 to commercial success, fueled by successful singles "What's My Age Again", "All the Small Things", and "Adam's Song". After releasing live album The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back!) in November 2000, the band entered the studio and recorded their fourth studio album Take Off Your Pants and Jacket, released in June 2001. The album continued the band's commercial success and popularity. with the band infusing experimentalist elements into their usual pop punk sound, inspired by lifestyle changes (the band members all became fathers before the album was released) and side-projects (Box Car Racer and Transplants).

Tensions arose between the band members as DeLonge expressed his desire to cancel the tour and enter a half-year respite from touring in late 2004, and the band officially announced an "indefinite hiatus" in February 2005. DeLonge formed Angels & Airwaves while Hoppus and Barker continued playing music together in +44. In August 2008, the band's frequent producer Jerry Finn died of a cerebral hemorrhage, and Barker barely survived a plane crash, sustaining second and third degree burns on his lower body and torso. Both events would be catalysts for the band reuniting; in 2010, DeLonge reflected, "If that accident hadn't happened, we wouldn't be a band. Plain and simple. That was fate."

The band announced their reunion in February 2009 at the 51st Grammy Awards ceremony. A well-received reunion tour took place in mid-2009, with a European leg performed in summer 2010. Currently, the band is recording their sixth studio album which is planned to be released in April or May 2011.

Collaborations/Remixes (2002–present)

Barker has said he has always been interested in many genres of music outside rock, especially hip hop. In a 2002 interview with MTV he said, "I probably listen to more hip-hop and drum'n'bass than I do rock music.". Not being able to explore these interests within Blink-182, Barker participated in two hip hop related side projects during that the time: Transplants and Expensive Taste.

Box Car Racer is a side project begun with Tom DeLonge of Blink-182 in 2002. This project resulted in one self-titled album which was released that year. DeLonge said he asked Barker to play drums so that he wouldn't have to find and pay a session drummer to come in.

Transplants is a hip hop-induced punk band for which Barker partnered with Tim Armstrong of Rancid and Rob Aston (former roadie for Rancid). Transplants released two studio records as well as a remixed version of their second album which was chopped and screwed by rapper and hip-hop artist, Paul Wall. The first album released by Transplants was their self-titled album in 2002. The second Transplants record, Haunted Cities, was released by LaSalle Records in June 2005. After the Vans Warped Tour of 2005, the members decided to disband. This was confirmed by vocalist Rob Aston in January 2006 during an interview. In January 2010, Barker announced that the Transplants would reform for new material.

He was best friends with the late DJ AM, Adam Goldstein. Some of his first forays into other genres was on Bad Boy 4 Life by P Diddy and Back In The Mudd by Bubba Sparxxx (who also toured with blink). Barker has produced or worked on albums with the Black Eyed Peas, Pink and Pharrell. He appears on Bun B's album, Trill (2005) with Skinhead Rob for the bonus track, "Late Night Creepin'". In 2006 he was a producer on T.I.'s fourth album, King. Also in 2006 he played drums for several songs on Avril Lavigne's third album, "The Best Damn Thing". He also dueted with Rihanna on a remix of her hit "Umbrella", he also appeared in her video. Barker also had a remix with Eminem, on the song 3 A.M.

In late 2005 Barker started a new band, +44, with fellow Blink-182 member Mark Hoppus. +44 only released one studio album, When Your Heart Stops Beating. They played several tour dates with Fall Out Boy, Taking Back Sunday, and Cobra Starship.

In 2006, he and Rob Aston joined Paul Wall in forming a new hip hop group called Expensive Taste.

Barker made a very well received remix of Soulja Boy's "Crank That". In a similar fashion to the Soulja Boy remix, he has also remixed Flo Rida's single "Low" that was later included within the deluxe version of Flo Rida's debut album. Barker is a playable character in and his remix of "Low" is available as downloadable content. Barker is also featured on The Game's latest album, L.A.X., drumming on the song "Dope Boys".

He was the drummer for all of the performers at the MTV Video Music Awards of 2008, including Kid Cudi and LL Cool J.

In August 2009, Matt Sorum revealed that Barker will appear on Slash, Slash's upcoming solo album.

In June 2009, he played drums in the BET Awards for Jamie Foxx's performance of "Blame It".

In November 2009, Barker made a remix with hip-hop artist Drake's song "Forever", featuring Eminem, Lil Wayne and Kanye West.

In January 2010, Barker announced a new TRVS BRKR remix of Snoop Dogg's new single, "I Wanna Rock", via his Twitter account.

In February 2010, Steve Vai mentioned in his newsletter and website that now he's working on a version of "Stairway to Heaven" for Mary J. Blige with Travis Barker on drums, Orianthi on guitar, and Randy Jackson on bass. The song appears on the UK version of Blige's album Stronger with Each Tear.

On February 17, 2010, it was announced that Travis Barker will work with A-Trak for club shows such as he did with DJ AM. The first shows will take place on March 9 and 10 at The Roxy in West Hollywood. It is yet to be announced whether the two will release a mix tape.

On February 2, 2010, Lil Wayne's rock debut album Rebirth was released. It features a track entitled "One Way Trip" which is featuring Kevin Rudolf that shows the friendship between Travis and Lil Wayne, with one of the lyrics being "... And T. Barker is my muthafuckin' drummer..."

On April 22, 2010, Barker performed "Stairway to Heaven" by Led Zeppelin on American Idol along with Mary J. Blige, Orianthi, Steve Vai and Randy Jackson.

On May 1, 2010, Barker and rapper T.I. both confirmed they will be collaborating on a track on the rapper's upcoming album entitled King Uncaged.

On July 9, 2010, the blink-182 drummer announced on his Twitter account that he would be dropping his new remix of rapper Waka Flocka's "Hard in The Paint". The track later, was made available for streaming on music site RapRadar.

On Aug 5, 2010, it was announced via RapRadar that the drummer himself & DJ Toomp are working on a remix of T.I.'s hit-single Yeah Ya Know (Takers) of the upcoming album King Uncaged.

Give the Drummer Some

On May 4, 2010, Barker stated that his upcoming solo album would not be of any other genre(s), and that would be of "no-one genre". May 22, 2010, Barker confirmed several guests set to be on joint with his upcoming solo album. Guests include RZA, Ludacris, Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, Raekwon, Game, B.o.B,Lupe Fiasco,Slash, Swizz Beatz,Slip on it, Beanie Sigel, Chester Bennington, Corey Taylor of heavy metal group Slipknot, & post-grunge act Stone Sour. Crystalll

On June 18, 2010, a private MTV interview with Barker exclaiming that, "Several other acts and collaborations on the record would be announced in August, so some other jackasses wouldn't be setting up rumors or hoax 'bout it." The blink-182 drummer also added, "Trust me, this record's gonna rock you guys out. I'm especially stoked to show you guys."

On July 4, 2010, Barker stated in his Twitter account that "he would be working with his favorite artists, to create every artwork for each track on his solo album". The drummer would also be shooting music videos for every track on the album with its designated artists. On top of that, Barker also confirmed that the videos would be going along with the release of his upcoming solo album in September. Barker has also confirmed that blink-182's upcoming single "Up All Night" would not be included in his LP, stating that "No, 'Up All Night' will have its own home, and it won't be on my record. That will continue to be part of a new Blink record or will be released through Blink182.com or something, it's going to be a surprise." Also, he added on "The new song that we record for my record is just going to be something from scratch, and just us doing our thing."

On July 5, 2010, American rapper Rick Ross announced that he would be collaborating with Barker on a single to be included on the yet-untitled project.

On July 9, 2010, the blink-182 drummer confirmed that he would be adding several other artists like Slaughterhouse, Raekwon & Kurupt to the untitled project. Barker has reportedly told The BoomBox that, "he would be producing and making all the music and then getting all his favorite rappers and vocalists to be a part of it so it's been a dream come true."

On July 14, 2010, Barker announced that he would be dropping Stone Sour off his upcoming solo album due to "faults". Instead, Barker added on that he would be replacing the alternative metal act with American rap rock band, Rage Against The Machine maestro Tom Morello instead.

On July 20, 2010, Travis announced via his Twitter account that he would be shooting the music video for the track "Carry It" along with Tom Morello, RZA and Raekwon of the Wu-Tang Clan. The blink-182 drummer has also confirmed that his upcoming debut solo album would be titled "Give the Drummer Some", and every of the ten tracks to be featuring different artists.

On July 22, 2010, Barker posted several pictures of the drummer himself, Raekwon & RZA on his Twitter account, and that, were confirmed to be snapshots of the upcoming music videos, one of which was a scene of the "Carry It" music video. The track, "Carry It" was also claimed by the MTV News to be the potential first single from his oft-delayed solo album.

As of July 31, 2010, Barker had confirmed several other track titles off Give the Drummer Some, two of which are "Saturday Night" & "Jumpdown".

On Sep 10, 2010, Barker announced the first official track off Give the Drummer Some, titled "Jump Down". The song sets to feature The Cool Kids, and was later made available for free download via "travisbarker.com". The music video for the track would also be release on October 8, and that the video to be of 3-D features. Free 3-D glasses would also be sent over to every users who downloaded the song over at the drummer's official site.

On Oct 8, 2010, the blink-182 drummer released the official music video for "Jump Down" in 3-D format on his official site. Limited editions of "Jump Down" t-shirts were made available for purchase along with the single itself, and a download link for the track "Carry It", which sets to feature RZA, Tom Morello & Raekwon. The track, however can only be made available for download on Nov 9.

On Nov 5, 2010, the full audio track of "Carry It" was leaked onto the internet, and was later claimed by Barker that the leaked media is of the "yet-to-be-mixed/unmastered" version of the track. The official track, along with the artwork was later made available for streaming on the blink-182 drummer's site, which was five days earlier than the official release date of the track, as announced. The music video for the track was later released via Barker's site on Nov 16.

On Nov 19, 2010, Barker mentioned via his tweets stating that "Blink-182 has just had a photoshoot" and that "November is shaping up nice".

On Dec 6, 2010, the blink-182 drummer announced on his Twitter account, that he was in the studio finishing up a track off Give the Drummer Some, alongside with American rappers Kid Cudi and Tech N9ne on verses.

On Dec 24, 2010, Barker mentioned in a tweet reply, stating that the official release date of his upcoming solo album "Give the Drummer Some", has been confirmed to be set on February 22, 2011.

On January 2, 2011, Barker announced on his official Twitter account that the first official single off "Give the Drummer Some" would be released in January 2011. Barker has also confirmed that there will be a Transplants track to be included in the album, and that to feature American hard rock band Guns N' Roses former lead guitarist, Slash. Another track titled "Devil's Got a Hold Of Me" which sets to feature hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse has been confirmed.

On January 9, 2011, the drummer has confirmed that there also would be collaborations with Linkin Park frontman "Chester", Slash, "Kanye West's touring DJ" A-Trak, heavy metal group Slipknot's "Corey Taylor" & American rapper Bobby Ray aka B.o.B. "Give the Drummer Some" will also set to feature various mixes of genres including electro, hip hop, punk rock and many more.

Business ventures

Barker owns and contributes to several businesses in addition to his musical interests. He founded an accessory/apparel company called Famous Stars and Straps in 1999 which sells street/skate style clothing and gear. Barker has said the brand's trademark "F" for the logo was chosen for its resemblance to a car logo but mainly for the fact that it can stand on its own. Barker is also business partners with famous skateboarder Rob Dyrdek and together they are part of the team that own the clothing label named Rogue Status, and in 2009 another label called DTA.

He co-founded LaSalle Records, a record company to which his band, Transplants, are signed. He has dabbled in the restaurant industry, opening a Wahoo's Fish Taco restaurant in Norco, California.

Barker has developed a shoe for DC Shoe Company called the "Alias Remix" and is endorsed by Orange County Drum and Percussion and Zildjian. He also has his own line of drumming products, sponsored by Zildjian.

Personal life

Tattoos

Barker has a few tattoos that symbolize his love for cars and Cadillacs in particular – two racing flags on the side of his neck with the number 66 which symbolizes the year of his favorite Cadillac and a Cadillac emblem . Also, the front of his neck has a portrait of Marilyn Monroe.

Much of his body art is devoted to his love of music such as the phrase "Can I Say" (the title of an album by Dag Nasty released when he was growing up). Barker also has the word "HOPE" on his back because of the Descendents' song and something positive after his mother's death. He has another tribute to the Descendents on his leg – the cover art to the album, I Don't Want to Grow Up, drumsticks and musical notes on his right arm.

Barker also makes several tributes to his family with the phrase "familia" on his arm, Japanese flowers on the back of his neck with a heart that says "Mom", and another heart with "SHANNA" on the banner.

Relationships

Barker has been married twice. He first married his long time girlfriend, Melissa Kennedy, on September 22, 2001. The couple divorced August 6, 2002 after eleven months of marriage.

Barker married actress and Miss USA 1995, Shanna Moakler, on October 30, 2004. The couple had a Gothic-style ceremony inspired by the Tim Burton film, The Nightmare Before Christmas, which was held on the eve of Halloween. Barker and Moakler have two children together, Landon Asher (born October 9, 2003) and Alabama Luella (born December 24, 2005). Atiana Cecilia de la Hoya (born March 29, 1999) is Moakler's daughter with former boyfriend Oscar de la Hoya. The family appeared in a reality television series, Meet the Barkers, which aired on MTV from 2005–2006.

On August 8, 2006, Barker filed for divorce from Moakler after nearly two years of marriage. The couple's divorce was made public as each used their MySpace pages to air their feelings on the matter. During their separation, Barker had a brief fling with Paris Hilton in September, 2006.

Despite their pending divorce, reports surfaced in early 2007 that Barker and Moakler were "quietly trying to give it another go" as they were reportedly seen autographing a fan's book, with a heart around their names.

In March 2007, Moakler revealed to People magazine that she and Barker (still married) were back together, but denied that she was pregnant. This admission came after the couple were publicly affectionate at a surprise birthday Barker threw for his wife in Miami.

Barker and Moakler were together during a DJ set Barker was playing with DJ AM in Las Vegas on January 7, 2009. The couple attempted to rekindle their relationship in early 2009 but announced that they were no longer together on April 1, 2009, amid reports that police had been called to their home after a fight; no charges were filed against either party.

Plane crash

On September 19, 2008, Barker was injured when the Learjet 60, which he boarded, crashed outside Columbia, South Carolina. The jet was headed for Van Nuys, California. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the plane was departing the airport when air traffic controllers saw sparks emanating from the plane. It went off the runway, smashed through a fence, crossed a nearby road, slammed into an embankment and caught fire. Barker had performed the night before at an event with Jane's Addiction singer Perry Farrell, Gavin DeGraw and DJ AM. two of the deceased were crew members, and two were passengers, including Chris Baker, Barker's personal assistant who often appeared in Meet The Barkers, On September 21, Dr. Fred Mullins, medical director of the Burn Center reported that Barker sustained second and third degree burns on his lower body and torso and was expected to fully recover within a year. Barker stopped his vegetarian diet and began eating meat to increase his protein intake and possibly speed up healing of his burns.

Barker survived the incident, enabling him to return to the recording studio in November 2008 with long time friend and Keys to the Cadillac drummer Mike Barbalaci. On his first television interview since the crash, he said to MTV, "I'm already playing my drums again, and I'm already back in the studio". Elaborating by stating that the return to the studio "was like riding a bike. It was really exciting to know I still have my chops. It still felt good... I still can make it around the kit. Everything felt right, so I'm thankful to be able to play."

Barker sued the plane's owners, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., and an airplane maintenance company on November 21, 2008. He sought more than $25,000 in damages "for pain and suffering, disfigurement, loss of earnings, and medical and legal expenses", claiming that the companies had "improperly operated and maintained the Learjet". The lawsuit claims the Learjet's pilots were "improperly trained and should have tried to take off rather than continue down the runway." The mother of Barker's bodyguard, Charles Monroe Still Jr., who was killed in the crash, joined the lawsuit. She sued the companies for "damages including grief and sorrow, funeral expenses and loss of earnings." The court case was settled in December 2009, with lawyer William L. Robinson, who represented some of the companies, saying the terms of the settlement are confidential.

On December 1, 2008, TV Guide reported that Barker would make his first appearance with DJ AM (Adam Goldstein) since the two survived the plane crash. The duo performed at New Year's Nation's Los Angeles New Year's Eve Party at The Wiltern. Their performance was streamed live on the Internet via New Year's Nation's official site, and broadcast at other New Year's Nation parties across the US. Of the gig, Barker told press, "I'm ready to get back onstage with AM and continue to rock the house. I'm very excited to bring in the New Year in my hometown of L.A." DJ AM died on August 28, 2009 of an accidental drug overdose in his New York City apartment.

Equipment

Barker is currently sponsored by Orange County Drum and Percussion and Zildjian.

Latest drum kit (2009–2010)

Drums – OCDP Diamond Fire Acrylic w/50% offset Lugs

* 12x9" Tom

* 16x14" Floor Tom

* 22x20" Bass drum

* 14x6.5" Orange County Stainless steel/nickel snare

* Latin Percussion LP008 Rock Ridge Rider Cowbell

Hardware - DW

* 9000 Series Hardware

* 5000 Series Pedals

Cymbals – Zildjian

* 14" Avedis Mastersound Hi-hats

* 10" A Custom Splash

* 20" K Crash Ride

* 18" A Custom Projection Crash

* 21" A Sweet Ride

* 18" Oriental China Trash

Heads - Remo

* Snare: Emperor X (Batter) / Ambassador Snare Side (Resonant)

* Toms: Smooth White Emperors (Batter) / Ambassadors (Resonant)

* Bass Drum: Powerstroke 3 (Batter)

Barker also uses Roland electronics.

Discography

Album appearances

; Solo Project

Give the Drummer Some (2011)

; With Blink-182

Enema of the State (1999)

The Mark, Tom, and Travis Show (The Enema Strikes Back!) (2000)

Take Off Your Pants and Jacket (2001)

Blink-182 (2003)

Greatest Hits (2005)

TBA (2011)

; With Transplants

Transplants (2002)

Haunted Cities (2005)

; With +44

When Your Heart Stops Beating (2006)

; With TRV$DJAM

Fix Your Face (mixtape) (2008)

Fix Your Face, Vol 2: Coachella (mixtape) (2009)

; With The Aquabats

The Fury of the Aquabats! (1997)

; With Box Car Racer

Box Car Racer (2002)

; With Expensive Taste

DJ Skee Presents: Expensive Taste (2007)

Guest appearances

"In Search Of..." (by N.E.R.D) (2001) - drums on the track "Provider"

"Elephunk" (by Black Eyed Peas) (2003) - drums on the track "Rock My Shit"

"Try This" (by Pink) (2003) – drums on the track "Unwind"

"Trill" (by Bun B) (2005) – drums on "Late Night Creepin"

"King" (by T.I.) (2006) – co-production on "You Know Who"

"Wolves" (by Idiot Pilot) (2007) – drums on "Elephant"

"I Don't Have to Try" / "Alone" / "Runaway" / "I Can Do Better" (by Avril Lavigne) (2007) – drums

"Get Money, Stay True" (by Paul Wall with Expensive Taste) (2007) – drums and production on "Slidin' on That Oil"

"Hardcore 4 Life" (by Danny Diablo (2007) - Drums On "Livin' By The Gun" & "Jersey White Trash"

"The Way It Is" (by Blestenation) (2007) – drums

"It's Whateva" (by the Federation) (2007) – drums on "Black Rosez"

"Dope Boys" (by Game) (2008) – drums, production and vocals contribution

"Goodbye" (by The Centerfolds) (2008) – drums

"OG'z" (by Wale) (2008) – drums

"The G Files" (by Warren G) (2009) – drums on "Let's Get High"

"Stronger with Each Tear" (by Mary J. Blige) (2009) – drums on "Stairway to Heaven"

"Drop the World/Forever" (by Drake, Lil Wayne & Eminem) (2010) - drums and percussion on Live Performance

"Rebirth" (by Lil Wayne) (2010) – production on "One Way Trip"

"Rockstar 101" (by Rihanna with Slash) (2010) – drums on music video

"Outta Control" (by Mams Taylor featuring Jacoby Shaddix) (2010) - Drums and Production

"" (by B.o.B) (2010) – Drums and percussion on track "Fame"

"Electric Gigolo" (by Mickey Avalon) (2010) - Drums on track "Fast Life"

"Heart of a Champion" (by Paul Wall) (2010) - Drums and production on tracks "Take Notes", "Im'ma Get It", "Live It", "Not My Friend" and "Heart Of A Hustler"

"31 Minutes to Takeoff" (by Mike Posner) (2010) - Drums on track "Gone In September"

"Passion, Pain & Pleasure" (by Trey Songz) (2010) - Drums and production on track "Blind"

"Peice Of Mind (mixtape)" (by Eddie Rap Life) (2010) - Drums and production on tracks "Rock N Roll Memorabilia", "Invisible Ingredients", "Oh Lord" and "Waitin' For The Moment"

"I Am Not A Human Being" (by Lil Wayne) (2010) - Drums and percussion on track "I Am Not A Human Being"

"You Need This Music" (by Nottz) (2010) - Drums and percussion on track "Intro"

"Bad Season (mixtape)" (by Tech N9ne featuring Dr Dre & Krizz Kaliko) (2010) - Drums and Production on track "Hard Liquor"

Remixes

"Back in the Mudd" (by Bubba Sparxxx) (2004)

"Can I Have It like That" (by Pharrell Williams featuring Gwen Stefani) (2006)

"Throw Some D's" (by Rich Boy) (2006)

"Pump It" (by Black Eyed Peas) (2006)

"Shoes Off Lights Out" (by Go Big) (2007)

"Duffle Bag Boy" (by Playaz Circle featuring Lil Wayne) (2007)

"Crank That (Soulja Boy)" (by Soulja Boy Tell 'Em) (2007)

"Umbrella" (by Rihanna) (2007)

"I Kissed a Girl" (by Katy Perry) (2008)

"Famous Stars Wit Straps" (by Paul Wall featuring Too Short & B-Real (2007)

"Low" (by Flo Rida) (2008)

"Don't Touch Me (Throw da Water on 'em)" (by Busta Rhymes) (2008)

"Jockin' Jay-Z (Dopeboy Fresh)" (by Jay-Z) (2008)

"3 a.m. (Remix)" (by Eminem) (2009)

"Get U Home" (by Shwayze and Cisco Adler) (2009)

"The One" (by Slaughterhouse featuring Bun B) (2009)

"Forever" (by Drake, Eminem, Kanye West and Lil Wayne) (2009)

"I Wanna Rock" (by Snoop Dogg) (2010)

"Such Great Heights" (by Postal Service) (2010)

"Shake" (by Game) (2010)

"How Low" (by Ludacris) (2010)

"Sour Patch Kids" (by Asher Roth featuring Talib Kweli and Blu) (2010)

"Hard in da Paint" (by Waka Flocka) (2010)

"Yeah Ya Know (Takers)" (by T.I.) (2010)

"Penitentiary" (by Raekwon) (2010)

"Big Nut Bust" (by Big Sean) (2010)

Film and television

Travis has appeared in numerous films and television shows, most notably his own reality show, Meet the Barkers, with his ex-wife Shanna Moakler which debuted in 2005. However, Barker can be found in a brief scene with blink-182 in the teen movie, American Pie. In 2003, he appeared in an episode of MTV's Punk'd, a Candid Camera-esque television show, in which he took part in a set-up bareknuckle boxing match; he also appeared and spoke alongside Linkin Park-vocalist Chester Bennington on MTV's Icon show honoring heavy metal band Metallica in May of that year.

In 2006 Barker starred in a Boost Mobile commercial, which was detailed in an episode of Meet the Barkers. He's also played a few guest starring roles such as a rapper on the popular crime drama, . In 2001, he appeared with Tom Delonge and Mark Hoppus in the skit "Leave it to Blink-182", a parody of "Leave It to Beaver", on the late night TV show MADtv.

In a slight departure from his usual genres, he made an appearance on the 41st annual CMA Awards in 2006, performing a medley of songs by country icon Buck Owens with a group of artists including Dwight Yoakam, ZZ Top guitarist Billy Gibbons, and former Byrds bass player Chris Hillman.

; Filmography

Video games

Travis appears as a secret, playable character in Tony Hawk's Project 8.

Travis appears as a playable character in .

Videos

In addition to his own work with Blink-182, Box Car Racer, Transplants, and +44, Barker has made numerous guest appearances. In 2001, Barker appeared, playing drums, in P. Diddy's video, "Bad Boy for Life". In 2003 he played the drums in Bubba Sparxxx's video for "Back in the Mud".

He was featured in the opening sequence of the Dem Franchise Boys music video, "Ridin Rims," in 2006. Travis appeared in Xzibit's music video "Hey Now (Mean Muggin)", T.I.'s video "What You Know", Ice Cube's "Go to Church", New Found Glory's "My Friends Over You", Three 6 Mafia's "Side 2 Side (Remix)" and "Doe Boy Fresh" videos. He was also featured on the Outkast music video "Morris Brown" and can be seen playing drums in The Game's AOL Session.

; Videography

References

External links

Travis Barker's Official Website Official Website

Cymbal configuration at Zildjian.com

Category:1975 births Category:American punk rock drummers Category:Blink-182 members Category:Car collectors Category:Living people Category:Musicians from California Category:Participants in American reality television series Category:People from Corona, California Category:People from Fontana, California Category:Survivors of aviation accidents or incidents Category:The Aquabats members

Name	Too $hort
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Todd Anthony Shaw
Alias	$hort Dog
Born	April 28, 1966Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Origin	East Oakland, Oakland, California, U.S.
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation	Rapper, record producer, actor
Years active	1983–present
Label	Jive
Associated acts	E-40, Mistah F.A.B., MC Breed, Rappin' 4-Tay, George Clinton, Snoop Dogg, Lil' Jon, Jazze Pha

Todd Anthony Shaw (born April 28, 1966), better known by the stage name Too $hort, is an American rapper, producer, and actor who started his career at the age of fourteen in East Oakland, Oakland, California. Too $hort has sold about 11 million albums in the US alone.

Biography

Shaw was born April 28, 1966 in Oakland California, and raised in East Oakland, Oakland, California during his teenage years. In the early 1980s, Shaw produced custom songs (called "special requests") for people with his high school friend, Freddy B. In 1985, Too Short had his first release, Don't Stop Rappin'. This and his next three releases featured raw, simple drum beats using a LinnDrum drum machine in the early 1980s, switching to mostly the TR-808 and TR-909 by the mid-to-late 1980s. In 1986, Too Short and Freddie B. founded the Dangerous Music record label to distribute his music regionally. Dangerous Music later changed names to Short Records, and then Up All Nite Records. With his 1988 release, Life Is...Too Short, he began infusing replayed established funk riffs (rather than samples) with his beats.

Subsequent work was primarily collaborative, including work with Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G., Scarface . One of his noticeable collaborations during this period was on the track "The World Is Filled..." on the classic Notorious B.I.G. album Life After Death; he comes in on the third verse after Diddy and Biggie. Being feature on the album introduced him to a wider audience as well, due to his typical style contrasting greatly with the Mafioso theme of the album. He also appeared on TWDY's hit single "Player's Holiday" from their 1999 debut album Derty Werk as well as the Priority Records compilation Nuthin but a Gangsta Party. After these appearances, he began working on his eleventh album, Can't Stay Away. The album included guest appearances by 8Ball & MJG, Jay-Z, Jermaine Dupri, Sean Combs, E-40, Daz Dillinger, Lil' Jon, Soopafly, Scarface and B-Legit. Too Short relocated to Atlanta in 1994, but he did not begin working with a more diverse variety of Southern artists until 2000, when he collaborated with Lil Jon. With the 1999 release of Can't Stay Away, Too Short fully came out of retirement and released a number of new albums within the next few years, most of them taking on a crunk or Dirty South type sound, as he had become involved in the Southern rap scene. However, he didn't totally give up on his trademark funk grooves or sexually explicit style. New albums released 2000-2003 were You Nasty (2000), Chase the Cat (2001), What's My Favorite Word? (2002), and Married to the Game (2003). These albums all charted fairly well, as they all were in the top 71 of the Billboard Hot 200, but they didn't do quite as well as Too Short's earlier 1990s releases as none of them reached the top 10.

In 2004, his earlier 1990 single "The Ghetto" appeared on popular videogame , playing on West Coast hip hop radio station Radio Los Santos. Given that this was an incredibly popular game at the time, the featuring was acclaimed as a success for Too $hort, both in publicity and in the fame generated by the song.

For his next album, 2006's Blow the Whistle, Too Short now took advantage of the new hyphy rap music that was emerging out of his original home base in Oakland. This saw somewhat of a resurgence for Too Short as it peaked at #14 on the Billboard Hot 200, much better than each of his previous three releases.

In 2009, Too Short recorded for Daz Dillinger, Lil' Jon, Soopafly, Scarface and B-Legit. Dolla Will, Boo Ski, Eyob Fantay and Li'l J & Boi Payton, FX. In addition to creating Up All Nite Records, Too Short has been a mentor at Youth UpRising, a group serving at-risk youths for several years.

Too Short in film

Too Short played the role of Lew-Loc in the film Menace II Society.

Too Short has also worked in the adult film industry, with the 2003 film Get In Where You Fit In.

Along with Snoop Dogg, Short was one of the only interviewees in American Pimp who were not current or previous full-time pimps, a testament to his contribution to the Pimp culture.

In 2005 Too Short starred in and performed the music for America's Sexiest Girls.

Too Short has also appeared in an episode of The Game.

Discography

; Studio albums

1985: Don't Stop Rappin'

1985: Players

1986: Raw, Uncut, and X-Rated

1987: Born to Mack

1988: Life Is...Too Short

1990: Short Dog's in the House

1992: Shorty the Pimp

1993: Get In Where You Fit In

1995: Cocktails

1996: Gettin' It

1999: Can't Stay Away

2000: You Nasty

2001: Chase the Cat

2002: What's My Favorite Word?

2003: Married to the Game

2006: Blow the Whistle

2007: ''Get off the Stage

2010: ''Still Blowin'

; EPs

2010: Respect the Pimpin'

; Collaboration albums 2011: The History Channel with E-40 (Summer 2011)

References

Mixtapes: Pimpin' Inc.

External links

Too Short site by record label Jive Records (requires Flash)

Too Short interview

Category:1966 births Category:Living people Category:African American rappers Category:Jive Records artists Category:People from Oakland, California Category:Rappers from the San Francisco Bay Area

Rob Aston, also known as Skinhead Rob, is an American musician and a member of the rap group Expensive Taste, along with Paul Wall and Travis Barker. With Tim Armstrong of Rancid, he founded punk/hip hop band Transplants and provided lead vocals on all of their releases.

Aston's career began as a roadie for bands AFI and Rancid. He eventually started a solo career, releasing the song "Show Me". He became involved in the Transplants when Tim Armstrong asked for lyrics to the songs Aston had been writing. The two started jamming in Armstrong's basement. They eventually invited Travis Barker of Blink-182 to provide drum tracks, instead of using drum-loops as originally planned.

At the end of the 2005 Vans Warped Tour, Transplants took a hiatus and Rob and Travis joined Houston rapper Paul Wall, who chopped and screwed the Transplants' Haunted Cities album, to form a new group called Expensive Taste. He has been interviewed by Nardwuar the Human Serviette, along with Travis. As of January 2010, according to drummer Travis Barker, the Transplants are active again and currently planning a third album.

Aston sang on the track "Red Hot Moon" about his sister, from Rancid's Indestructible album and Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards song "Switchblade". He was also featured on Bun B's 2005 album Trill, on the track "Late Night Creepin".

Songs featuring Aston

"Ay Kay" by Strong Arm Steady

"Airforces" by Strong Arm Steady

"Red Hot Moon" by Rancid

"Satanic Shamrocks" by Danny Diablo, Big Left, Danny Boy and Slaine

"Switchblade" by Lars Frederiksen and the Bastards

"Late Night Creepin'" by Bun B

"Pop One of These" by Paul Wall and Too Short

"Mechanix" by Danny Diablo featuring Necro

References

Category:American rappers Category:Living people Category:Year of birth missing (living people)

Rob Swift (born Robert Aguilar) is an American hip hop DJ and turntablist. Swift is a former member of the turntablist group The X-Ecutioners as of late 2005 and as of 2006; with Mike Patton’s project Peeping Tom.

Early life

Born and raised in Jackson Heights, Queens, Swift (born Robert Aguilar) initially got into DJing by watching his father and brother. “My dad was a salsa and merengue DJ. My brother learned how to scratch and do all the hip hop deejaying stuff on my dad’s equipment (without his permission) and I’d sit there and watch him. When I entered the sixth grade, I decided I wanted to learn.” So unlike those who got influenced through hip hop records, DMC and NMS tapes, or movies, Swift educated himself with the classic turntable beats of the early '80s New York playground pioneers while listening to funk and jazz at home. “My older brother exposed me to all that,” he says. “All the stuff I create as a DJ is rooted in the songs that I heard from Bob James, Herbie Hancock and James Brown to Quincy Jones and old DJs like Grandmaster Flash and Grand Wizard Theodore. That’s where my roots are.” In 1990, Swift enrolled as a student at Baruch College in New York and in 1995, graduated with a degree in psychology. “While I was deejaying I pursued college. Speech class and English serve a purpose, you know?” Some say that his education also translates into his cerebral style of scratching, juggling and making music.

Discography

Albums

1997 Soulful Fruit (Original Release on Stones Throw Records)

1999 The Ablist

2001 Airwave Invasion

2002 Sound Event

2003 Under the Influence

2003 Who Sampled This?

2004 ''OuMuPo 2

2005 Wargames

2006 Back to the Beat

2006 Pure Moods

2008 Dust to Dust

2010 The Architect

Films

2001 Scratch

References

External links

DJ Rob Swift

Video Interview with Rob Swift

Platform8470 interview - Feb 2009

Dj Rob Swift interview at Allaboutjazz.com

Category:Baruch College alumni Category:American DJs Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Living people Category:People from Jackson Heights, Queens

Name	Big Noyd
|background	solo_singer
Birth name	TaJuan Perry
Origin	Queensbridge, New York City, New York
Genre	Hip hop
Associated acts	Mobb Deep, Infamous Mobb
Years active	1993–present
Label	Tommy Boy/Warner Bros. Records (1993–1997)
Associated acts	Mobb DeepInfamous MobbChinkyJoell Ortiz40 Glocc

TaJuan Perry, better known as Big Noyd, is an American emcee from the Queensbridge projects in the New York City borough of Queens. He is closely affiliated with Mobb Deep, and he is featured on 6 of their albums. He is of Puerto Rican and African American descent.

Biography

Big Noyd's debut was his verse on "Stomp 'Em Out" from Mobb Deep's 1993 debut Juvenile Hell, but it was first in 1995, on Mobb Deep's album The Infamous that Big Noyd attracted wider attention. On Mobb Deep's song "Give Up The Goods (Just Step)" from The Infamous he started the second verse with the line: Yo, it's the r-a-double-p-e-r n-o-y-d, niggas can't fuck with me! He has later stated that he received his first contract, for $300,000, because of that verse.

His debut album, Episodes of a Hustla, was released in 1996 on Tommy Boy Records. But as Big Noyd was incarcerated at the time of the release, he didn't have full control over the album, and the album turned out only to contain 11 songs. In 2003, Big Noyd returned with his second album, Only The Strong. This album, just like his debut, had many Mobb Deep-related features, but it was a good introduction to people which had yet to hear Big Noyd's music. Noyd attributes the lackluster sales due to Landspeed Records filing for bankruptcy (which became Traffic Entertainment Group) in an unrelated lawsuit, just as the album was being released. In 2004, Big Noyd released his third album, On The Grind, also featuring many guest-spots by Mobb Deep-related artists. The album was released independently through Monopolee Records, which Noyd helped to found and released under his full control, preventing issues that happened with Landspeed and Tommy Boy Records.

Discography

References

External links

Big Noyd: Infamous minded Interview NobodySmiling.com

Big Noyd: Illustrious Interview ArtOfRhyme.com

Big Noyd: Illustrious Interview SmokingSection.net

Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:Living people Category:African American rappers Category:Members of the Nation of Gods and Earths Category:People from Queens Category:Rappers from New York City