Name	Planet Asia
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Jason Green
Born	Fresno, California
Born	October 24, 1976
Genre	Hip hop
Years active	1995–present
Label	Interscope, Avatar, Gold Chain, Wandering Worx
Associated acts	Cali AgentsDilated PeoplesTha LiksZion ITalib KweliTermanologyGrand AgentSwollen MembersStrong Arm SteadyFashawnLee BannonSelf ScientificAsterix (musician) }}

Planet Asia aka King Medallions (real name Jason Green, born October 24, 1976) is an underground hip hop MC from Fresno, California who is a member of hiphop groups the Cali Agents, and Skhool Yard. He is also well known for his vast discography of mixtapes.

History

During the 1990s, Planet Asia moved from Fresno, California to San Francisco, California and started rapping religiously. From 1997-2001, Planet Asia had been releasing various popular 12 inch singles. These singles such as "Definition of ILL" and "Place of Birth" were released by various labels such as Stones Throw and ABB Records. He reached full acclaim in 2001 when The Source gave him the First Round Draft Pick and Independent Album of the Year awards for ''How the West Was One''. ''How The West Was One'' was recorded with fellow rapper Rasco under the group name Cali Agents and landed him a deal with Interscope Records.

While signed to Interscope Records, Planet Asia was not promoted like more popular Interscope acts Eminem and 50 Cent. The Fresno rapper stayed with Interscope until 2003 without releasing an album. He was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2002 for the song "W" by Mystic. Planet Asia has collaborated with famous artists such as Linkin Park, Bun B, Talib Kweli, Tupac and Ghostface Killah.

In 2003, Avatar Records signed Planet Asia to an exclusive world-wide recording contract and in 2004 released Planet Asia's debut album, ''The Grand Opening'', to positive feedback. It earned him another Independent Album of the Year award from The Source. Avatar also released 12" vinyl records including "Summertime In The City" b/w "G's & Soldiers" featuring Kurupt produced by J. Wells, "Its All Big" b/w "Right or Wrong", and "Real Niggaz" featuring Ghostface. His record "G's & Soldiers" featuring Kurupt was prominently featured in John Travolta's 2005 film "Be Cool" released by MGM. After leaving Avatar, Planet Asia started his own record label, Gold Chain Music, with Walt Liquor.

His latest album, ''The Medicine'', was released on October 3, 2006 on ABB Records. The entire album was produced by Evidence of Dilated Peoples, with co-production credits from The Alchemist, Nucleus & Bravo.

On June 26, 2007, Planet Asia released "The Jewelry Box Sessions: The Album" on Gold Chain Music. The album featured the single "Havin' Things".

Discography

Albums

2002: ''Still in Training''

2004: ''The Grand Opening''

2006: ''The Medicine''

2007: ''Jewelry Box Sessions: The Album''

2008: ''Pain Language (with DJ Muggs)''

2010: ''Crack Belt Theatre''

2011: ''The Bar Mitzvah''

2011: ''Each Step Becomes Elevated'' (with TriState as General Monks)''

EPs

''Planet Asia'' (1998)

''The Last Stand'' (2000)

Mixtapes

''The Steady Gang Mix'' (2004)

''The Sickness Part 1 - (2006)

''Direct from C.A.'' (2008)

''Planet Asia & The Architekt: Blak Majik - King Medallion vs. Arch Angel'' (2008)

''DJ Warrior Present DJ Muggs vs. Planet Asia: The Pain Language Mixtape'' (2008), Angeles Records

''Planet Asia Present: Turbin - The Boys a Problem Vol.1'' (2009)

''Planet Asia & F. L. O. : Planet F. L. O.'' (2009)

Compilations

''Collabos and Bullets'' (2003)

''Throwbacks (Classics 1997-2001)'' (2004), Liquor Barrel

''Faliure is Not an Option'' (2010)

''Follow The Leaders'' (2011)

with Cali Agents

''How The West Was One'' (2000), Ground Control

''Head of the State'' (2004), Pockets Linted/Groove Attack

''Fire & Ice'' (2006), Pockets Linted Entertainment

with Skhoolyard

''Representation EP'' (1997), Black Scorpion Records - as Yard Massive

''A New Way Of Thinking'' (2002), Threshold Records

with Gold Chain Military

''Chain of Command'' (2010)

References

External links

Planet Asia's Official Website

Interview with DJ Muggs

"Havin' Thangs MP3"

Planet Asia's Career History

Discography

Last Plane to Jakarta review of ''The Grand Opening''

Category:Rappers from the San Francisco Bay Area Category:Members of the Nation of Gods and Earths Category:African American rappers Category:Living people Category:1976 births

de:Planet Asia es:Planet Asia fr:Planet Asia it:Planet Asia

name	DJ Muggs
background	solo_singer
birth name	Lawrence Muggerud
alias	Muggs
birth date	January 28, 1968
origin	Queens, New York
genre	Hip hop
occupation	DJ Producer
label	Columbia Records
associated acts	Cypress HillFunkdoobiestSoul AssassinsGZASick JackenThe 7A3Ill Bill
website	djmuggs.com }}

Lawrence Muggerud (born January 28, 1968), better known as DJ Muggs, is Cypress Hill's DJ and producer. He also produced tracks for Funkdoobiest on the albums Which Doobie U B? and Brothas Doobie.

Life and career

Cypress Hill (1988 - 2004)

Muggs was born in Queens, New York of Italian and Norwegian descent. Muggs moved to L.A. at fourteen. He briefly DJ'd the group 7a3, putting out one album before disbanding. After linking up with B-Real and Sen Dog to form the group Cypress Hill, he went on to produce seven studio albums with the group, from 1991 to 2004. Of the seven, four reached platinum status, and three gold. Meanwhile, he scored hits on the side with Ice Cube's "Check Yo Self" and House of Pain's "Jump Around." During Cypress Hill's early years, DJ Muggs met The Alchemist and his Dilated Peoples brethren on tour, deciding to take the young producer under his wing, providing a jump-start for his career.

Soul Assassins

In 1997, Muggs released an album under the name Soul Assassins. The album, ''Soul Assassins I'', reached #86 on the Billboard 200 and earned critical praise. Produced by DJ Muggs, it featured a variety of rappers including Dr. Dre, B-Real, LA The Darkman, Mobb Deep, RZA, GZA, Goodie Mob, KRS One and Wyclef Jean. In 2000 he returned to the Soul Assassins with ''Soul Assassins II'', which reached only #178 on the charts but garnered similarly positive reviews. He also put out the record ''Dust'', an atmosphere-heavy trip-hop affair with Greg Dulli, Amy Trujillo and Everlast on vocals. After the 2004 album ''Til Death Do Us Part'', which didn't reach gold but landed #23 on the Billboard 200, Cypress Hill went on a hiatus from recording, enabling its members to focus more on their side projects.

Further Solo Projects & Return of Cypress Hill (2005 - 2010)

In 2005, DJ Muggs teamed up with Wu-Tang Clan's GZA for the album ''Grandmasters'', the first project released on his label Angeles Records. Patterned after a chess game, it received highly positive reviews; Muggs also announced a ''Soul Assassins III'' album, produced jointly by himself and Alchemist, reportedly to be preceded by a record called ''Cloak & Dagger'', also featuring Alchemist. Instead, Muggs produced an album for Psycho Realm member Sick Jacken, ''Legend of the Mask and the Assassin'' two years later, in 2007. In 2008, Muggs announced that his album with California rapper Planet Asia would be the third Soul Assassins album, but the two released ''Pain Language'' later that year as a simple collaboration.

Before the release of his solo album ''Smoke N Mirrors'' in 2009, B-Real reported that Cypress Hill has been working on an album for roughly a year. Currently in the mixing phase, Muggs has produced half of the album's material so far, going to DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Mike Shinoda for the rest. In 2009, Muggs entered the Gumball 3000 cross-country race, and on June 23, 2009, ''Soul Assassins: Intermission'' was released, featuring RZA, Prodigy, Evidence, The Alchemist and Bun B. The first single for the album was "Gangsta Shit," by Bun B and M1 of Dead Prez. Despite its high-profile guest list, the release was met with lukewarm reception, and Muggs later clarified its status as a preview before the release of ''Soul Assassins III'', the next full-fledged installment of his Soul Assassins series. Muggs plans next on recording his 5th V.S. album with group member B-Real.

On the Soul Assassins Official Website, it was also revealed that Muggs will contribute Production to the new album from rapper Apathy, "Honkey Kong" Due out in early 2011. The Track is Titled "Fear Itself"

In 2011, Muggs plans on releasing a New Album called "Bass For Your Face" which he describes as a West Coast "Dubstep" Album. Although he says the album will feature an extensive guest list, thus far the only guest named is London Grime MC P-Money

Discography

2003: ''Dust''

With Cypress Hill

:''For the main article see the Cypress Hill discography.

1991: ''Cypress Hill''

1993: ''Black Sunday''

1995: ''Cypress Hill III: Temples of Boom''

1998: ''Cypress Hill IV''

2000: ''Skull & Bones''

2001: ''Stoned Raiders''

2004: ''Till Death Do Us Part''

Vs. Series

2005: ''Grandmasters'' with GZA

2007: ''Legend of the Mask and the Assassin'' with Sick Jacken featuring Cynic

2008: ''Pain Language'' with Planet Asia

2010: ''Kill Devil Hills'' with Ill Bill

2011: ''West Coast Dubstep Street Sessions'' with 6BLOCC

2011: ''vs. B-Real''

2012: ''vs. Heavy Metal Kings''

Soul Assassins

1997: ''Soul Assassins I''

2000: ''Soul Assassins II''

2009: ''Soul Assassins: Intermission''

With Chace Infinite

2004: ''The Last Assassin'' with Chace Infinite

With DJ Warrior

2005: ''Mash Up Radio (Hip Hop vs. Rock) Vol. 1'' with DJ Warrior

2005: ''Mash Up Radio (Hip Hop vs. Rock) Vol. 2'' with DJ Warrior

With Tricky & Dame Grease

1999: ''Juxtapose'' with Tricky & Dame Grease

See also

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/DJ_Muggs_production_discography

References

External links

Official Site

Interview With HipHopDX

Category:Hip hop DJs Category:American hip hop musicians Category:Hip hop record producers Category:People from Queens Category:People from New York City Category:American musicians of Italian descent Category:American musicians of Norwegian descent Category:1968 births Category:Living people Category:Cypress Hill members

bg:Диджей Мъгс de:DJ Muggs es:DJ Muggs fr:DJ Muggs it:Dj Muggs pl:DJ Muggs fi:DJ Muggs sv:DJ Muggs tr:DJ Muggs

Name	En Vogue
Background	group_or_band
Origin	Oakland, California, United States
Genre	R&B;, Soul, Funk
Years active	1989–present
Label	Atlantic, EastWest, Discretion Ent., 33rd Street, Rufftown
Current members	Terry Ellis Cindy Herron Maxine Jones Dawn Robinson
Past members	Amanda Cole Rhona Bennett

En Vogue is an American female R&B; vocal group from Oakland, California assembled by music producers Denzil Foster and Thomas McElroy.

The group has won more MTV Video Music Awards than any other female group in MTV history, a total of seven, along with four Soul Train Awards, six American Music Awards, and seven Grammy nominations. According to ''Billboard Magazine'' they were the 18th most successful act of the 1990s, and one of the most popular and successful female groups of all time. En Vogue have accumulated over 2,800 weeks on various ''Billboard'' charts.

Biography

Assembled in Oakland, California in July 1989, En Vogue launched with original members Cindy Herron, Maxine Jones, Dawn Robinson and Terry Ellis. The inspiration for the group came when production duo of Foster and Mc Elroy envisioned a modern-day girl group in the tradition of the 1950s/1960s female trios. The blueprint was based on the plan of recruiting singers who possessed strong voices, noticeably good looks, and intelligence. Auditions were held in 1988, with Herron, Jones and Robinson making the final cut. Like previous girl groups, En Vogue was originally conceived as a trio, but after hearing Ellis audition, Foster and McElroy decided to create a quartet. At first, they selected the name "For You." They shifted to "Vogue", but ultimately settled on En Vogue, upon learning that another group had already claimed the Vogue moniker.

Music

1989–1991: Born to Sing

After forming, the group began working with their producers on their debut album. Recording began in August 1989 and wrapped up in December of the same year.

''Born to Sing'' was released on April 3, 1990. The album charted at number twenty-one on the Billboard 200 and number three on Billboard's R&B; Albums Chart. The first single, "Hold On," was released to radio in late February 1990 and became a crossover pop hit, reaching number two on Billboard's Hot 100 singles charts, and number one on both the R&B; singles and Hot Dance Music/Club Play charts. It later went to #5 in the UK, and became a hit in Europe. The next two singles, "Lies" and "You Don't Have to Worry," each went to number one on the Billboard R&B; charts, while the fourth and final single, "Don't Go," charted at number three on the Billboard R&B.; The album was later certified platinum by the RIAA.

"Hold On" was awarded a Billboard Music Award for "R&B; Single of the Year," a Soul Train Award for "R&B;/Urban Contemporary Single of the Year, Group, Band or Duo" and have been nominated for a Grammy Award for "Best R&B; Vocal Performance by a Duo or Group". In 1990, En Vogue signed an endorsement deal to appear in a Diet Coke commercial directed by Spike Lee.

1992–1993: Funky Divas & Runaway Love

En Vogue's second album, ''Funky Divas'', was released in the spring of 1992. The album debuted at number eight on the Billboard 200 and number one on the Billboard R&B; and ultimately doubled the take of its predecessor, going multi-platinum. The albums first two singles: "My Lovin' (You're Never Gonna Get It)" and "Giving Him Something He Can Feel" both went top ten pop, and peaked at number one on the R&B; charts. The next single, "Free Your Mind" also went top ten. The final two singles "Give It Up Turn It Loose" and "Love Don't Love You" both were top forty hits.

The album went on to sell more than three million copies, won an American Music Award for "Favorite Soul/R&B; Album," and was nominated for five Grammy Awards. The music video for "Free Your Mind" earned the group three MTV Video Music Awards for "Best Choreography," "Best Dance Video," and "Best R&B; Video." They were also honored with Soul Train's prestigious "Entertainer of the Year Award." In addition to this, the group were featured in ''Rolling Stone'', ''Entertainment Weekly'', and ''Essence'' among other major publications.

Riding high on the success of ''Funky Divas'', a six-song EP entitled ''Runaway Love'' was released in the fall of 1993, spawning the hit "Runaway Love."

The group was signed to an endorsement deal with Converse, and were featured as an opening act on Luther Vandross' 1993 tour. Among the numerous countries toured were England, Germany, the Netherlands and France which confirmed the group's live vocal and performing prowess. However, according to an article in ''Vibe'' magazine, Vandross (by his own admission in interviews) and his entourage clashed with the members of En Vogue during the tour and he vowed never to work with them again afterwards.

En Vogue also made numerous television appearances on such series as ''In Living Color'', ''A Different World'', ''Roc'' and ''Hangin' With Mr. Cooper'' (the latter two of which they also sang the show's theme songs.)

In 1993, En Vogue were featured vocalists on Salt-N-Pepa's top ten hit "Whatta Man", from Salt-N-Pepa's Very Necessary album. The track also appeared (slightly edited) on En Vogue's ''Runaway Love'' EP.

1994–1996: Downtime

In 1995, En Vogue were amongst numerous female vocalists featured on the song "Freedom" for the soundtrack to Panther. Also in 1995, group member Terry Ellis recorded a solo album entitled ''Southern Gal'', which spun off the top ten R&B; single "Where Ever You Are."

1996–1998: The departure of Dawn Robinson and EV3

En Vogue reunited in 1996 to record "Don't Let Go (Love)" for the soundtrack to the motion picture ''Set It Off''. Released in the autumn, it became the group's biggest hit to date; the single peaked at number two on the Hot 100, number one on the R&B; singles chart, and was certified platinum by the RIAA. It, inadvertently, would also be the final En Vogue single to feature group member Dawn Robinson.

In response to the large commercial success of "Don't Let Go (Love)," the group steadfastly went to work on its third album. As the album was nearing completion, Robinson chose to leave the group in April 1997 after difficult contractual negotiations reached a stalemate. Despite Robinson's abrupt departure, En Vogue resolved to continue on as a trio (forcing the group to re-record some of the tracks on their forthcoming album that had originally featured her on lead vocals.)

''EV3'', the group's third album, was released in the spring and debuted at number eight on both the Billboard 200 and the Billboard R&B; charts. The first single, the Babyface-penned and produced "Whatever" went on to become a Top-20 pop hit, a top ten R&B; hit, while also peaking at number five on the Hot Dance Music/Club Play chart. The single later went on to be certified gold by the RIAA. The followup single "Too Gone, Too Long" (which was produced by David Foster and written by Diane Warren) performed more modestly, managing to only peak in the top forty. Despite its being certified platinum, and the album being nominated for Grammy Award and a Soul Train Lady of Soul Award, sales of ''EV3'' failed to live up to full commercial expectation. A world tour had been planned, but was canceled due to poor ticket sales. In 1998, En Vogue recorded "No Fool No More" for the soundtrack to the motion picture, ''Why Do Fools Fall In Love'' as well as a version of "I Want A Monster to Be My Friend" for the Elmopalooza special on ABC. The following year, a greatest hits compilation, ''The Best of En Vogue'', was released.

2000: Masterpiece Theatre

''Masterpiece Theatre'', the group's fourth studio album, was released in May 2000. The album debuted at number sixty-seven and thirty-three on the Billboard 200 and R&B; Albums Charts respectively. The first (and only) single, "Riddle," peaked at number ninety-two and ninety-five on the Hot 100 and R&B; charts. As a result of poor sales, En Vogue was dropped from the Elektra Record label.

2001–2003: New member

In 2001, original member Maxine Jones left the group to focus on her family. As a result, Amanda Cole joined the group. Ellis, Herron and Cole released a holiday album, ''The Gift of Christmas''. Soon after the holiday album, Cole too left the group and was replaced with Rhona Bennett. Meanwhile, Robinson's first solo CD ''Dawn'' was released in early 2002. During the latter part of 2003, En Vogue toured Europe with Maxine Jones rejoining the group to fill the place of Cindy Herron, who was on maternity leave.

2004: Soul Flower

In 2004, En Vogue (now composed of Ellis, Herron and Bennett) released ''Soul Flower'' on independent label 33rd Street Records. While the album failed to chart on the Billboard 200, it managed to peak at number forty-seven on the R&B; charts. The albums two singles: "Losin' My Mind" and "Ooh Boy", however, failed to chart. Soon after promotion had finished on this album, Maxine Jones returned to En Vogue, turning the group back into a quartet for the first time since 1996. The group teamed with Boyz II Men for select concert dates during the summer of 2004. That same year En Vogue graced the cover of R&B; Showcase magazine.

2005–2007: Impromptu Reunion

In 2005, after an eight-year absence, Dawn Robinson rejoined En Vogue. The original four went on to sign with one of the industry's largest management firms, The Firm Management Group. That September, they joined Salt N Pepa for the girl groups' first-ever joint public performance of their 1994 hit, "Whatta Man" at ''VH-1's Hip Hop Honors'', and briefly toured. They also earned another Grammy nomination for the single "So What the Fuss", which featured Stevie Wonder and Prince. The group also appeared in the single's music video. After failing to agree on business terms, Robinson once again chose to defect from En Vogue and Bennett returned. As a result, En Vogue was let go from The Firm. En Vogue continued to perform spot dates in North America with Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones, Cindy Herron and Rhona Bennett. This line-up also saw the group return to Europe and Japan for select concert dates. During this time, En Vogue teamed up with Belgian singer Natalia for a song called "Glamorous" where Rhona Bennett's vocals are featured. The single reached No.2 in the Belgian charts and was followed by a DVD release of the concert, which went double platinum.

2008–2010: Dawn returns again; En Vogue reunited.

On 24 June 2008, the original lineup of En Vogue appeared on the BET Awards, performing with Alicia Keys, SWV and TLC as a tribute to girl groups of the 1990s. With speculation abuzz, En Vogue received the twenty-eighth highest number of hits on the Rock on the Net website for the month of June 2008. The following month, the group ascended to the twelfth position. As of June 30, Dawn Robinson has stated officially via an En Vogue Yahoo! fan site that she had indeed returned to En Vogue. On August 6, the original members appeared on Los Angeles' KTLA television station and announced that they have reunited and would do spot dates around the country during the latter part of 2008. The foursome kicked off the Americana at Brand Concert Series in Glendale, California that same evening. Furthermore, En Vogue performed at the 2009 Essence Music Festival, at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. They continue to tour throughout the United States. In October 2010, the band performed their first UK show in 18 years in London.

Television and film

En Vogue has appeared in Sesame Street specials including ''Sesame Street's 25th Birthday: A Musical Celebration'' and in a "Wanda" Sketch with Jamie Foxx in "In Living Color" in 1993 and ''Elmopalooza'' in 1998. In ''Sesame Street's 25th Birthday: A Musical Celebration'' the four original members sang "Adventure" about their adventures with some of the Sesame Street characters. The second song was "I Want a Monster"; a song about having a monster as a playmate. It appeared on ''Elmopalooza'' and was recorded after Robinson's departure- featuring Terry Ellis, Maxine Jones and Cindy Herron. In ''Batman Forever'' they appeared in a cameo appearance as a group of prostitutes who want to seduce Batman, but are disappointed when it is Robin who shows up instead; Robinson also appeared as a holographic prostitute demonstrating how to assemble an appropriate outfit in the film ''Tank Girl''. En Vogue has also appeared in ''A Different World'' as a group of country bumpkin sisters who want to sing. The group also appeared on more than one episode of the highly acclaimed Charles S. Dutton Fox 90's television show ''Roc'', with one of the ladies playing a love interest of Rocky Carrol's character Joey who has to choose between staying with Joey or touring with the rest of the En Vogue ladies. En Vogue recorded a brand new theme song, entitled "Live Your Life Today" for Roc's later season's. They also recorded the theme song for Season 1 of ''Hangin' with Mr. Cooper'', along with Dawnn Lewis and Holly Robinson-Peete. On May 11, 2009 the group appeared on ABC's ''The View'' to perform & announce their future reunion tour. On June 7, 2009 the group appeared on A&E; Network's ''Private Sessions'', performing select hits and discussing the group's past, present and future.

Discography

;Studio albums

1990: ''Born to Sing''

1992: ''Funky Divas''

1997: ''EV3''

2000: ''Masterpiece Theatre''

2002: ''The Gift of Christmas''

2004: ''Soul Flower''

;EPs

1991: ''Remix to Sing''

1993: ''Runaway Love''

Awards

See also

References

External links

En Vogue at Rock on the Net.

En Vogue On AOL

En Vogue Videos

Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Musical quartets Category:American pop music groups Category:American soul musical groups Category:American rhythm and blues musical groups Category:American girl groups Category:African American musical groups Category:Music of the San Francisco Bay Area Category:People from Oakland, California Category:Musical groups from California Category:Musical groups established in 1989

cs:En Vogue da:En Vogue de:En Vogue el:En Vogue fr:En Vogue it:En Vogue li:En Vogue nl:En Vogue ja:アン・ヴォーグ no:En Vogue pl:En Vogue pt:En Vogue simple:En Vogue sr:Ен воуг fi:En Vogue sv:En Vogue tr:En Vogue