name	Mos Def
background	solo_singer
birth name	Dante Terrell Smith
alias	Yasiin Bey
birth date	December 11, 1973
Birth place	Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
genre	East Coast hip hop, alternative hip hop
occupation	Rapper, actor, singer, activist
years active	1994 – present
label	Rawkus, Priority, Geffen, Downtown, GOOD Music, DD172
associated acts	Soulquarians, Black Star, Talib Kweli, Native Tongues Posse, Kanye West, Gorillaz, Massive Attack, Pharoahe Monch, Eminem
notable instruments	}}

Dante Terrell Smith (born December 11, 1973) is an American actor and MC, known by the stage names Mos Def () and Yasiin Bey. He started his hip hop career in a group called Urban Thermo Dynamics, after which he appeared on albums by Da Bush Babees and De La Soul. With Talib Kweli, he formed the duo Black Star, which released the album ''Black Star'' in 1998. He was a major force in late 1990s underground hip hop while with Rawkus Records. As a solo artist he has released the albums ''Black on Both Sides'' in 1999, ''The New Danger'' in 2004, ''True Magic'' in 2006, and ''The Ecstatic'' in 2009.

Although he was initially recognized for his musical output, since the early 2000s, Mos Def's screen work has established him as one of only a handful of rappers who has garnered critical acclaim for his acting work. He is well known for his portrayal of Brother Sam in American drama series ''Dexter''. Mos Def has also been active in several social and political causes.

Early life

He was born Dante Terrell Smith in Brooklyn, New York City, the son of Sheron Smith and Abdul Rahman. He was raised by his mother in Brooklyn; his father lived in New Jersey. While his father was initially a member of the Nation of Islam and later an active member in the community of Imam Warith Deen Mohammed, who merged into mainstream Islam from the Nation, Mos Def was not exposed to Islam until the age of 13. At 19, he took his ''shahada'', the Muslim declaration of faith. He is friends with Ali Shaheed Muhammad and Q-Tip of A Tribe Called Quest.

Career

Music

In 1996, Mos Def emerged as a solo artist and worked with De La Soul and Da Bush Babees, before he released his own first single, "Universal Magnetic".

Mos Def signed with Rawkus Records and formed the group Black Star with Talib Kweli. They released an album, ''Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star'', in 1998. Mostly produced by Hi-Tek, the album featured the hit singles, "Respiration" and "Definition", which would go on to be featured in VH1's 100 Greatest Songs of Hip-Hop. Mos Def released his solo debut album ''Black on Both Sides'' in 1999, also through Rawkus. Around this time he also contributed to the Scritti Politti album ''Anomie & Bonhomie'' and Rawkus compilations ''Lyricist Lounge'' and ''Soundbombing''.

After the collapse of Rawkus, he signed to Interscope/Geffen Records, which released his second solo album ''The New Danger'' in 2004. ''The New Danger'' contained a mix of several musical genres, including soul, blues, and rock and roll, performed with his rock band Black Jack Johnson, which contained members of the bands Bad Brains and Living Colour. The singles included "Sex, Love & Money" and the B-side "Ghetto Rock"; the latter went on to receive several Grammy Award nominations in 2004.

Mos Def's final solo album for Geffen Records, ''True Magic'', was released in 2006.

The song "Crime & Medicine" is essentially a cover of GZA's 1995 single "Liquid Swords", though it contains different verses. Also, the track "Undeniable" samples a version of the Barrett Strong/Norman Whitfield composition "Message from a Black Man". The song "Dollar Day" uses the same beat as Juvenile's "Nolia Clap".

On November 7, 2007, Mos Def performed live in San Francisco at a venue called The Mezzanine. This performance was recorded for an upcoming "Live in Concert" DVD. During this performance Mos Def announced that he would be releasing a new album to be called ''The Ecstatic''. He sang a number of new tracks; in later shows, Def previewed tracks produced by Madlib and was rumored to be going to Kanye West for new material. Producer and fellow Def Poet Al Be Back stated that he would be producing as well. The album was released on June 9, 2009; upon its release, only Madlib's production had made the cut, along with tracks by Preservation, The Neptunes, Mr. Flash, Madlib's brother Oh No, a song by J. Dilla, and Georgia Anne Muldrow.

Mos Def appears alongside Kanye West on the track "Two Words" from The College Dropout album, the track "Drunk And Hot Girls" and the bonus track "Good Night" off West's third major album, Graduation. In 2002, he released the 12" single Fine, which was featured in the ''Brown Sugar'' Motion Picture Soundtrack.

Mos Def also appears on the debut album from fellow New Yorkers Apollo Heights on a track titled, "Concern." In October, he signed a deal with Downtown Records and appeared on a remix to the song "D.A.N.C.E." by Justice. Mos Def appeared on Stephen Marley's debut album ''Mind Control'' on the song "Hey Baby." In 2009, Mos Def worked together with Somali rapper K'naan to produce the track "America" for K'naan's album Troubadour.

In April 2008 he appeared on the title track for a new album by The Roots entitled ''Rising Down''. The new single, Life In Marvelous Times, was made officially available through iTunes on November 4, 2008, and is available for stream on the Roots' website Okayplayer.

April 2009 saw him traveling to South Africa for the first time where he performed accompanied by The Robert Glasper Experiment at the renowned Cape Town International Jazz Festival. He enticed his bemused African following with an encore introduced by his own rendition of John Coltrane's "Love Supreme" followed by a sneak preview of the track "M.D. (Doctor)", much to the delight of the fans.

Mos Def also designed two pairs of limited edition Converse shoes. The shoes were released to Foot Locker stores on August 1, 2009 in very limited amounts.

In late 2009, Mos Def created a brand of clothing line with UNDRCRWN called the "Mos Def Cut & Sew Collection." All clothing items will be sold in select stores located around the U.S. and almost exclusively on the UNDRCRWN website. 2009 also found Mos Def among the MCs collaborating with the Black Keys on the first Blakroc album, a project headed by the Black Keys and Damon Dash. Mos Def appeared with Jim Jones and the Black Keys on the Late Show with David Letterman to perform the Blakroc track "Ain't Nothing Like You (Hoochie Coo)".

In March 2010, Mos Def's song Quiet Dog Bite Hard was featured in Palm's "Life moves fast. Don't miss a thing." campaign.

Mos Def features on the first single, "Stylo", from the third Gorillaz album, ''Plastic Beach'', alongside soul legend Bobby Womack. He also appears on the track titled "Sweepstakes".

In September 2010, after appearing on Kanye West's G.O.O.D. Friday track "Lord Lord Lord", Mos Def confirmed his signing with GOOD Music.

Mos Def has been an active contributor to the recovery of the oil spill in the Gulf, performing concerts and raising money towards the repair of the damages. In June 2010, he recorded a cover of the classic New Orleans song originally by Smokey Johnson, "It Ain't My Fault" with the Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Lenny Kravitz and Trombone Shorty.

In September 2011, Mos Def announced that he planned to use the name Yasiin instead of Mos Def beginning in 2012.

In January 2012, it was reported that Mos Def and Talib Kweli had begun "to resurrect" Black Star.

Acting

He began his professional acting career at the age of fourteen, appearing in the TV movie ''God Bless the Child'', starring Mare Winningham. He then played the oldest child in the short-lived family sitcom, ''You Take the Kids'', starring Nell Carter and Roger E. Mosley. His most notable acting role before his music career was that of Bill Cosby's sidekick on the short-lived detective show, ''The Cosby Mysteries''. He also starred in a 1996 Visa check card commercial featuring Deion Sanders. In 1997 he had a small role alongside Michael Jackson in his short film and music video "Ghosts".

After brief appearances in ''Bamboozled'' and ''Monster's Ball'', Mos re-invigorated his acting career with his performance as a talented rapper who is reluctant to sign to a major label in ''Brown Sugar''. He was nominated for an Image Award and a Teen Choice Award.

In 2001, he took a supporting role to Beyoncé Knowles and Mehki Phifer in the MTV movie Carmen: A Hip Hopera as Lt. Miller, a crooked cop.

In 2002, he played the role of Booth in Suzan-Lori Parks' ''Topdog/Underdog'', a Tony-nominated and Pulitzer-winning Broadway play. He and co-star Jeffrey Wright won a Special Award from the Outer Critics Circle Award for their joint performance. He also received positive notices as the quirky Left Ear in the blockbuster hit, ''The Italian Job'' in 2003. He also appeared in 2003 in the music video ''You Don't Know My Name'' of the song by Alicia Keys.

In television, Mos Def has appeared on NYPD Blue, on Comedy Central's ''Chappelle's Show'', and has hosted the award-winning HBO spoken word show, ''Def Poetry'' since its inception. The show's sixth season aired in 2007. He also appeared on the sitcom ''My Wife And Kids'' as the disabled friend of Michael Kyle (Damon Wayans).

Mos Def won Best Actor, Independent Movie at the 2005 Black Reel Awards for his portrayal of Detective Sgt. Lucas in ''The Woodsman''. For his portrayal of Vivien Thomas in HBO's film ''Something the Lord Made'', he was nominated for an ''Emmy Award'' and a Golden Globe, and won the Image Award. He also played a bandleader in HBO's ''Lackawanna Blues''. He then landed the role of Ford Prefect in the 2005 movie adaptation of ''The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy''.

In 2006, Mos Def appeared in ''Dave Chappelle's Block Party'' alongside fellow Black Star companion Talib Kweli, while also contributing to the film's soundtrack. Also, Mos Def was featured as the black banjo player in the infamous "Pixie Sketch" from ''Chappelle's Show: The Lost Episodes''. He was later edited out of it on the DVD. Additionally, Mos Def starred in the action film ''16 Blocks'' alongside Bruce Willis and David Morse. He has a recurring guest role on ''Boondocks'', starring as "Gangstalicious". He is also set to be in ''Toussaint'', a film about Haitian revolutionary Toussaint Louverture, opposite Don Cheadle and Wesley Snipes. He made a cameo appearance — playing himself — in the movie ''Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby''.

In 2007, Mos Def narrated the PBS-broadcast documentary ''Prince Among Slaves''.

In 2008, Mos Def starred in the Michel Gondry movie ''Be Kind Rewind'', playing a video rental store employee whose best friend is played by co-star Jack Black. He also portrayed Chuck Berry in the film ''Cadillac Records'', for which he was nominated for a Black Reel Award and an Image Award.

In 2009, he appeared in the ''House'' episode entitled "Locked In" as a patient suffering from locked-in syndrome. His performance was well-received, with E! saying that Mos Def "delivers an Emmy-worthy performance." He was also in the 2009 film ''Next Day Air''.

In 2010, he appeared on the children's show Yo Gabba Gabba! as Super Mr. Superhero. He also appeared in ''A Free Man of Color'', John Guare's play at the Vivian Beaumont Theatre.

In 2011, he began a multi-episode appearance on the Showtime television series ''Dexter''. He played Brother Sam, an ex-con who has supposedly found religion despite finding himself in violent situations.

Social and political views

By the early 1990s, a brand of socially conscious hip hop that had been pioneered and popularized by Public Enemy, KRS-One, and De La Soul, among others, had been eclipsed in popularity by gangsta rap. Mos Def, as well as Talib Kweli, The Roots, Common, and others, helped socially aware rap music experience something of a comeback in the late 1990s and early 2000s. Mos Def's collaboration with Talib Kweli, ''Black Star'', was released during the aftermath of the deaths of 2Pac and The Notorious B.I.G. and focused on violence and negativity in hip-hop, in collaboration with other acts that did the same. His music has also made reference to his Islamic faith, and his contention that black artists receive little credit for their role in the birth of rock and roll.

In 2000, Mos Def performed a benefit concert for death row inmate Mumia Abu-Jamal.

On Mos Def's 2004 album ''The New Danger'', he took his penchant for experimentation to a new level. Most of the songs were more hip-hop flavored stylings of blues and rock, with fewer raps thrown in. This threw off fans who were expecting another full-blown rap album. ''The New Danger'' also featured the controversial song, "The Rape Over," a parody of Jay-Z's ''The Blueprint'' hit "Takeover". His label made him take the song off releases of the album, citing clearance issues with Jay-Z and The Doors, a band which the song samples. The song has garnered controversy over its veiled reference to Israeli-American record executive Lyor Cohen (the "tall Israeli" who then was head of The Island Def Jam Music Group).

Mos Def and Immortal Technique released a similarly controversial song, "Bin Laden" in 2004, which blamed the Reagan Doctrine and President George W. Bush for the September 11, 2001 attacks. A club remix song, featuring Eminem, was released the following year, in 2005.

In September 2005, Mos Def released the single "Katrina Clap," renamed "Dollar Day" for ''True Magic'', (utilizing the instrumental for New Orleans rappers UTP's "Nolia Clap"). The song is a criticism of the Bush administration's response to Hurricane Katrina. On the night of the MTV Video Music Awards, Mos Def pulled up in front of Radio City Music Hall on a flatbed truck and began performing the "Katrina Clap" single in front of a crowd that quickly gathered around him. He was subsequently arrested despite having a public performance permit in his possession.

On September 7, 2007, Mos Def appeared on ''Real Time with Bill Maher'' where he spoke about racism against African Americans, citing the government response to Hurricane Katrina, the Jena Six and the murder conviction of Mumia Abu-Jamal. He appeared on ''Real Time'' again on March 27, 2009, and spoke about the risk of nuclear weapons. Mos Def said that he did not listen to any of Osama Bin Laden's messages because he did not trust the translations.

Personal life

In 1996, Def married Maria Yepes. After having two daughters, Chandani and Jauhara Smith, he filed for divorce in 2005. The divorce became final in 2006. Two years later, Def's divorce lawyers Blank Rome sued Def for more than $60,000 in unpaid legal bills.

In October 2006 Mos Def appeared on ''4Real'', a documentary television series. Appearing in the episode "City of God," he and the 4Real crew traveled to City of God, a slum in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, to meet Brazilian MC MV Bill and learn about the crime and social problems of the community.

Nominations

Black Movie Awards

* 2006 Source Awards

Black Reel Awards

* 2008, Best Supporting Actor: ''Cadillac Records''

* 2003, Best Actor- Independent: ''Civil Brand''

* 2004, Best Supporting Actor: ''The Italian Job''

* 2005, Best Actor TV Movie/Mini-Series: ''Something the Lord Made''

* 2005, Best Indie Actor: ''The Woodsman'' (won)

Emmy Award

* 2004, Best Actor in a Television Movie or Mini-Series: ''Something the Lord Made''

Golden Globes

* 2005, Best Actor in a Television Movie or Mini-Series: ''Something the Lord Made''

Grammy Awards

* 2005, Best Urban/Alternative Performance: "Sex, Love & Money"

* 2006, Best Urban/Alternative Performance: "Ghetto Rock"

* 2007, Best Rap Solo Performance: "Undeniable"

* 2010, Best Rap Solo Performance: "Casa Bey"

* 2010, Best Rap Album: "The Ecstatic"

* 2011, Best Short Form Music Video: "Stylo" (with Bobby Womack and Gorillaz)

* 2009, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: ''Cadillac Records''

* 2003, Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture: ''Brown Sugar''

* 2005, Outstanding Actor in a Television Movie or Mini-Series: ''Something the Lord Made''

Discography

''Black on Both Sides'' (1999)

''The New Danger'' (2004)

''True Magic'' (2006)

''The Ecstatic'' (2009)

''Yasiin Bey Presents'' (TBA) ;Collaborations

''Mos Def & Talib Kweli are Black Star'' (1998) (with Talib Kweli as Black Star)

''Black Star Aretha'' (2012) (with Talib Kweli as Black Star) ''G.O.O.D. Music: The Album'' (2012) (with GOOD Music)

Filmography

''Ghosts (Michael Jackson film) ''Where's Marlowe?'' ''Freestyle: The Art of Rhyme'' ''Carmen: A Hip Hopera'' ''Showtime (film) ''The Italian Job (2003 film) ''The Woodsman'' Vivien Thomas ''Lackawanna Blues'' ''Dave Chappelle's Block Party'' ''Prince Among Slaves (film) ''Be Kind Rewind'' ''Next Day Air'' ''I'm Still Here (film) ''Dexter (TV series)

Year !! Film !! Role !! Notes
1991	The Hard Way (1991 film)>The Hard Way''	Dead Romeos Gang Member
1997	Ghosts'' ||	Townsperson
1998	|	Wilt Crawley
rowspan="3"	2000	|	Himself
''Bamboozled''	Big Blak Afrika
''Island of the Dead (2000 film)	Island of the Dead''	Robbie J
rowspan="2"	2001	|	Lieutenant Miller
''Monster's Ball''	Ryrus Cooper
rowspan="4"	2002	Showtime'' ||	Lazy Boy
''Civil Brand''	Michael Meadows
''Brown Sugar (2002 film)	Brown Sugar''	Chris 'Cav' Anton Vichon
''My Wife and Kids''
2003	The Italian Job'' ||	Left Ear
rowspan="2"	2004	|	Detective Lucas
''Something the Lord Made''	| Nominated - Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Miniseries or a Movie Nominated - Golden Globe for Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or a Motion Picture Made for TelevisionNominated - Image Awards for Outstanding Actor in a Mini-Series or Television Movie
rowspan="3"	2005	|	The Bandleader
''The Boondocks (TV series)	The Boondocks (2005-2008)	Voice Of Gangstalicious
''The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy (film)	The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy''	Ford Prefect (character)>Ford Prefect
rowspan="4"	2006	|	Himself
''16 Blocks''	Eddie Bunker
''Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby''	Himself
''Journey to the End of the Night (2006 film)	Journey to the End of the Night''	Wemba
2007	Prince Among Slaves'' ||	Narrator
rowspan="2"	2008	|	Mike
''Cadillac Records''	Chuck Berry
rowspan="2"	2009	|	Eric
''House (TV series)	House''	Lee
rowspan="3"	2010	I'm Still Here'' ||	Himself
''Bouncing Cats''	Himself
''Yo Gabba Gabba!''	Super Mr. Superhero
2011	Dexter'' ||	Brother Sam	Season 6, ''recurring'', (credited as "Mos" in 2 episodes, "yasiin bey" in 3 episodes)

References

External links

Mos Def / Dante Smith discographies at Discogs.

Mos Def at Geffen Records.

Mos Def at Emmys.com

Category:1973 births Category:Actors from New York City Category:African-American actors Category:African American Muslims Category:Converts to Islam Category:African American rappers Category:American vegetarians Category:Living people Category:People from Bedford–Stuyvesant, Brooklyn Category:Rappers from New York City Category:Slam poets

ar:م�?س دي�? bg:Мо�? Деф cs:Mos Def da:Mos Def de:Mos Def es:Mos Def fr:Mos Def fy:Mos Def ko:모스 데프 id:Mos Def it:Mos Def he:מוס דף nl:Mos Def ja:�?�ス�?��?��?� no:Mos Def pl:Mos Def pt:Mos Def ru:Мо�? Деф sq:Mos Def simple:Mos Def fi:Mos Def sv:Mos Def tr:Mos Def uk:Мо�? Деф

Name	Pharoahe Monch
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Troy Donald Jamerson
Birth date	October 31, 1972
Origin	South Jamaica, Queens, New York, USA
Genre	East Coast hip hop, alternative hip hop
Years active	1989–present
Label	Hollywood/Priority RecordsRawkus/SRC RecordsDuck Down Records/W.A.R. Media, LLC
Associated acts	Organized Konfusion, Hilltop Hoods, Busta Rhymes, Adam F, Shabaam Sahdeeq, The HRSMN, Talib Kweli, Common, Mos Def, Kanye West, Erykah Badu, Mr. Porter, Styles P, Nate Dogg, Showtyme, Royce da 5'9", Canibus, Ras Kass }}

Troy Donald Jamerson (born October 31, 1972), better known by his stage name Pharoahe Monch is an African-American rapper. He is known for his complex lyrics, complex delivery, and internal and multisyllabic rhyme schemes.

Biography

Pharoahe Monch's name is derived from the monkey doll Monchhichi. After receiving a bad haircut, which left Monch looking like a "chimpanzee", girls in Monch's class at the High School of Art and Design began calling him "Monchhichi", which was later shortened to "Monch". Monch adopted the "Pharoahe" prefix after meeting future Organized Konfusion partner Prince Po.

Monch released three albums as part of the rap duo Organized Konfusion with partner Prince Poetry: The self-titled ''Organized Konfusion'', ''Stress: The Extinction Agenda'' and ''The Equinox''. The duo handled a large amount of production on these albums themselves. All albums received positive critical reviews, but moderate sales. As a result, the duo split up after recording their final album ''The Equinox'' in 1997. Prince Poetry has since denied the possibility of an Organized Konfusion reunion.

Pharoahe Monch then signed to Rawkus Records, an indie label. After making several guest appearances on albums like the best-selling Rawkus compilation ''Soundbombing II'', Monch's much-hyped debut, ''Internal Affairs'' was released in 1999. The first single of the album, "Simon Says", became a hit single, peaking at #97 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also featured in the 2000 cinematic releases ''Charlie's Angels'' and ''Boiler Room''. Despite its success, the song caused controversy when Monch was later sued for the song's use of a sample from Akira Ifukube's ''Gojira Tai Mosura'' for the hook. The uncleared sample use caused a halting in his album's distribution.

After ''Internal Affairs'' and the controversy from his hit song Pharoahe would not release another solo project for several years. He did still make some songs and guest appearances however. In 2000 he featured with Mos Def and Nate Dogg on the hit song "Oh No" from the Rawkus compilation record ''Lyricist Lounge 2''. He contributed the song "Fuck You" to the ''Training Day'' soundtrack in 2001, and rapped the theme song to Madden NFL 2002. In 2003 Pharoahe released his final single through Rawkus Records, "Agent Orange", a war inspired song which revisited the 1991 Organized Konfusion track "Releasing Hypnotical Gases".

Pharoahe is also affiliated with the rap group The HRSMN. Although not a member of the group (there are only four real members), he is constantly linked to someday join the group when/if they ever expand.

There were rumors his next album, at first tentatively titled ''Innervisions'', was to be released under Denaun Porter's new Shady Records imprint Runyon Ave., but apparently the deal fell through; Monch later announced a deal with Street Records Corporation, home of Wu-Tang Clan, David Banner and Terror Squad. In June 2007 Monch released his second solo album ''Desire'' to critical acclaim. Monch said about the album; "...it's very soulful, very gospel, a fresh, new sound for me." The album's lead single was the self-produced track "Push", with "Let's Go" as its B-Side. The song's music video and single were released in late September 2006. Pharoahe Monch released a second music video entitled "When the Gun Draws" at a Brooklyn music festival in February, 2007. The track was inspired by a song he did with Prince Po entitled "Stray Bullet" which was featured on the ''Stress: The Extinction Agenda'' album. A final video was made for the title track "Desire" in late 2007. It was directed by New Zealand director Andy Morton and shot on the Rock the Bells tour with full band. The video features both MeLa Machinko and of course, a huge performance from Showtyme.

Monch also produced and ghost-wrote the track "The Future" and ghost-wrote the track "Hold Up" with Mobb Deep member Havoc on rap mogul Diddy's latest album ''Press Play''. Critics contest that Monch's writing is evident in both the content and the delivery of Diddy's rhymes.

On July 9, 2010, Pharoahe Monch allowed hip hop website hiphopdx.com to leak a song from his forthcoming album ''W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)''. The song was called "Shine" and featured vocals by MeLa Machinko and was also produced by Diamond D. On February 14, 2010, another song from Monch was leaked, which is called "Clap (One Day)", produced by M-Phazes.

Pharoahe Monch released his third solo album ''W.A.R. (We Are Renegades)'' in March 2011. It featured guest appearances from Jill Scott, Styles P, Citizen Cope, Jean Grae, Royce da 5'9", Immortal Technique, Vernon Reid, Phonte, Mr. Porter, Mela Machinko, Showtyme & DJ Boogie Blind. Pharoahe revealed that the album is a "throwback to 1993, '94 hip-hop" and featured production by Exile, Marco Polo, M-Phazes, Fatin, Diamond D, Mike Loe, Samiyam, Adam Deitch, Eric Krasno and Pharoahe Monch himself. Four singles have been released from the album: "Shine", "Clap (One Day)", "Black Hand Side", and "Assassins". A ten year anniversary re-issue of ''Internal Affairs'' will also be released featuring a documentary about the making of the album.

In 2011, Pharoahe Monch was a judge on the Ultimate MC TV show alongside with Royce da 5'9", Sean Price, Planet Asia, and Organik.

Rapping technique

Pharoahe Monch is acclaimed for his complex rapping technique - Allmusic says he has, "a reputation as one of underground hip hop's pre-eminent lyricists, crafting intricate and intelligent raps." Kool Moe Dee ranks him at 26 in his best MCs of all time list, from his book, ''There's a God on the Mic''. Kool Moe Dee notes: "Pharoahe Monch is like an eloquent linguistics professor moonlighting as a rhyme serial killer terrorist, challenging the listeners' I.Q. while daring him or her to keep up."

Monch compares writing and recording his lyrics to writing and filming a movie - in the book ''How to Rap'' he says he will 'punch-in' vocals so he can "retake some things, just like a film", and he 'rewrites' lyrics, saying he will "go back as a screenwriter and rewrite scenes and leave more to the imagination."

For his biggest hit, "Simon Says", he comments that he wrote the choruses before he wrote the verses, and fellow rapper and collaborator O.C. notes that Monch will write single lines down and then use them five years later. His vocal delivery is inspired by Jazz music and musicians such as John Coltrane.

Discography

Group albums

With Organized Konfusion:

Album information
align="left"	*Released: October 29, 1991	*Certification: None	Hollywood Records>Hollywood Basic Records	*Singles: "Who Stole My Last Piece of Chicken?"/"The Rough Side of Town", "Fudge Pudge"/"Walk Into the Sun"
	*Released: August 16, 1994	*Certification: None	*Label: Hollywood Basic	*Singles: "Stress"/"Keep It Koming", "Bring It On"
align="left"	*Released: September 23, 1997	*Certification: None	Priority Records>Priority	*Singles: "Somehow, Someway"/"Soundman"/"Numbers"/"9x's out of 10"

Solo albums

Album information
align="left"	*Released: October 19, 1999	*Billboard 200 chart position: #41	*R&B;/Hip-Hop chart position: #6	*Singles: "Simon Says"/"Behind Closed Doors", "The Light"/"Right Here (Remix)"
align="left"	*Released: June 26, 2007	*U.S. Sales: 12,200 (First week)	*Billboard 200 chart position: #58	*R&B;/Hip-Hop chart position: #13	*Singles: "Push"/"Let's Go", "Desire"/"When The Gun Draws", "Body Baby"
	*Released: March 22, 2011	*U.S. Sales: 9,600 (First week)	*Billboard 200 chart position: #54	*R&B;/Hip-Hop chart position: #14	*Singles: "Shine", "Clap (One Day)", "Black Hand Side", "Assassins"

Mixtapes

''The Awakening''. Released December, 2006. ''The Awakening'' was Pharoahe Monch's first and only official mixtape released prior to Desire.

Singles

1999: "Simon Says"

2000: "The Light"

2001: "F**k You"

2002: "The Life"

2003: "Agent Orange"

2007: "Push"

2007: "Let's Go"

2007: "Body Baby"

2010: "Shine"

2011: "Clap (One Day)"

2011: "Black Hand Side"

2011: "Assassins"

Appearances

1998: "Live from the DJ Stretch Armstrong Show with your host Bobbito The Barber" (from ''Lyricist Lounge, Volume One'')

1999: "Mayor" and "WWIII" (from ''Soundbombing II'')

1999: "Lyrical Fluctuation (feat. Jigmastas, Mr. Complex, Talib Kweli and Shabaam Sahdeeq)" (from the DJ Spinna album ''The Beyond Real Experience'')

1999: "Dirty Decibels" (from The High & Mighty album ''Home Field Advantage'')

1999: "Take Me Home" (from the Polyrhythm Addicts album ''Rhyme Related'')

1999: "The Anthem" (featuring Eminem, RZA, Tech N9ne, Xzibit, Kool G Rap, Chino XL and KRS-One) (from the Sway & King Tech album ''This or That'')

1999: "Turnablist Anthem" (from the Rob Swift album ''The Ablist'')

1999: "Innovations" (from the Saukrates album ''The Underground Tapes'')

1999: "Livin' It Up" (from the ''Next Friday Soundtrack'')

2000: "Why Don't Cha", "Big Fronter" and "Divine Intervention" (from the Mr. Complex album ''The Complex Catalog'')

2000: "Ill Collabo (feat. Prince Po)" (from the Cella Dwellas album ''The Last Shall Be First'')

2000: "Kenny Rogers - Pharoahe Monch Dub Plate (feat. Kenny Rogers)" (from the Wyclef Jean album ''The Ecleftic: 2 Sides II a Book'')

2000: "What Am I? (feat. L.I.F.E. Long)" (from the Antipop Consortium album ''Tragic Epilogue'')

2000: "Ghost Weed Skit 1" (from the De La Soul album ''Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump'')

2000: "One Four Love Pt.1 (from ''Hip Hop for Respect'')

2000: "Horsemen" (from the Canibus album ''2000 B.C. (Before Can-I-Bus)'')

2000: "Connect (featuring Xzibit & Gipp)" (from the DJ Hurricane album ''Don't Sleep'')

2000: "Oh No (feat. Mos Def & Nate Dogg)" (from ''Lyricist Lounge 2'')

2001: "F**k You" (''Training Day (soundtrack)'')

2001: "I Pledge Allegiance" (from the Nate Dogg album ''Music and Me'')

2001: "Last Dayz" (from the Adam F album ''Kaos: The Anti-Acoustic Warfare'' )

2002: "Madden 2002 Theme" (from the video game ''Madden NFL 2002'')

2002: "Guerilla Monsoon Rap (feat. Black Thought)" (from the Talib Kweli album ''Quality'')

2002: "The Life (featuring Styles P)" and "Round & Round (Remix)", (from ''Soundbombing III'')

2002: "The X (Y'all Know The Name) (featuring Xzibit, Inspectah Deck and Skillz)" (from the X-Ecutioners album ''Built From Scratch'')

2002: "H! Vltg3 (featuring Evidence and DJ Babu)" (from the Linkin Park album ''Reanimation'')

2002: "Frontline (featuring Prince Po, Mike Zoot and F.T.)" (from the El Da Sensei album ''Relax Relate Release'')

2002: "Murda 1 Case (featuring KK)" (from the DJ Quik album ''Under Tha Influence'')

2002: "See What I See" (from the Ras Kass album ''Goldyn Chyld'')

2002: "Talking to You (feat. Mos Def, Talib Kweli, Rah Digga & A-Butta)" (Rawkus Single)

2003: "Oblivion" (from the Aimee Allen album ''I'd Start A Revolution (If I Could Get Up In the Morning)'')

2003: "What is the Law" (''Oz'' Soundtrack)

2004: "Just Do It" (from the Pete Rock album ''Soul Survivor II'')

2005: "It Ain't The Money" (from the Macy Gray album ''The Very Best of Macy Gray'')

2005; "Evaridae" (from the O.C. album ''Starchild'')

2005: "New World Symphony" (from the Miri Ben-Ari album ''The Hip-Hop Violinist'')

2006: "Fish Filet" (from the Sa-Ra double-single ''The Second Time Around'')

2006: "Book Of Judges" (Marc Eckō's Getting Up: Contents Under Pressure Soundtrack)

2006; "Loose Ends (feat. Justin Timberlake & will.i.am)" (from the Sérgio Mendes album ''Timeless'')

2006: "Love" (from the J Dilla album ''The Shining'')

2007: "Rehab (Remix)" (feat. Jay-Z) (from Amy Winehouse album ''Back to Black'')

2007: "Reachin'" (from the Polyrhythm Addicts album ''Break Glass'')

2008: "Apocalypse RMX" (from the Immortal Technique album ''The 3rd World'')

2008: "The Matrix (feat. Pharoahe Monch, Sean Price & DJ Premier" (from the Black Milk album ''Tronic'')

2009: "Classic Example" (from Hilltop Hoods album ''State of the Art'')

2009: "Salute" (from Slaughterhouse's self-titled album Slaughterhouse)

2009: "One Shot" (from the KRS-One & Buckshot album ''Survival Skills'')

2009: "Dollaz & Sense" (with RZA) (from The Black Keys' album ''Blakroc'')

2009: "Back and Then" (from the Prince Po EP ''X-Files'')

2010: "Let U Live" (from the Consequence mixtape ''Movies On Demand'')

2011: "We Go Off" (from the Phonte album ''Charity Starts At Home'')

2011: "Children" (from the Styles P album ''Master of Ceremonies'')

References

External links

Official website

Category:1972 births Category:Indie rappers Category:Living people Category:African American rappers Category:American hip hop record producers Category:Rappers from New York City

da:Pharoahe Monch de:Pharoahe Monch es:Pharoahe Monch fr:Pharoahe Monch it:Pharoahe Monch pl:Pharoahe Monch sv:Pharoahe Monch

Name	Nate Dogg
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Nathaniel Dwayne Hale
Birth date	August 19, 1969Clarksdale, Mississippi, United States
Death date	March 15, 2011Long Beach, California, United States
Genre	Hip hop, West Coast hip hop, R&B;, G-funk
Occupation	Singer, actor, rapper
Years active	1990–2011
Label	Death RowElektraDoggystyleAtlantic
Associated acts	213, Snoop Dogg, Warren G, 2Pac, Dr. Dre, Game, Eminem, 50 Cent, Tha Dogg Pound, Fabolous }}

Nathaniel Dwayne Hale (August 19, 1969 – March 15, 2011), better known by his stage name Nate Dogg, was an American musician. He is noted for his membership of rap trio 213 and his solo career in which he collaborated with Dr. Dre, Warren G, Tupac Shakur and Snoop Dogg on many hit releases. Nate Dogg released three solo albums, ''G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1 & 2'' in 1998, ''Music and Me'' in 2001 and ''Nate Dogg'' in 2008.

Nate Dogg died in 2011 in Long Beach, California of complications from multiple strokes.

Early life

Nate Dogg was born in Clarksdale, Mississippi. He moved to Long Beach, California when he was 14 following his parents' divorce. He was the friend and partner in the rap game with rappers Snoop Dogg, Warren G, RBX, Daz Dillinger and was the cousin of Butch Cassidy and Lil' ½ Dead. He began singing as a child in the New Hope Baptist Church in Long Beach and Life Line Baptist Church in Clarksdale, Mississippi where his father Daniel Lee Hale was pastor. At the age of 16 he dropped out of high school in Long Beach and left home to join the United States Marine Corps, serving for three years.

Career

Early career with 213

In 1990, Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg, and their friend Warren G, formed a rap trio called 213. 213 recorded their first demo in the back of the famed V.I.P. record store in Long Beach, the demo was later heard by Dr. Dre at a house party and he was instantly hooked on the soulful voice of Nate.

Solo career

Nate Dogg made his debut on ''The Chronic''. Singing in what later become his trademark style, he was well-received by fans and critics alike, and would go on to sign with Death Row Records in 1993. Nate Dogg was also featured on Mista Grimm's "Indosmoke" with Warren G. Then in 1994 he produced his first hit single "Regulate" with Warren G. Nate Dogg was also featured in many Tupac releases, including his collaboration record ''Thug Life: Volume I''. Then in 1998 after a tumultuous time at Death Row Records he released another album. The double album was titled ''G-Funk Classics Vol. 1 & 2'' and was followed up in late 2001 with ''Music & Me'' on Elektra Records. ''Music & Me'' peaked at number three on the ''Billboard'' hip-hop charts in 2001. After a number of delays and an original release date of April 2004, his ''self-titled album'' was released under the ''Affiliated Entertainment Group'' on June 3, 2008.

Television appearances

In 2002, Nate Dogg and Isaiah Mendez appeared on a celebrity episode of the Weakest Link, making it to the last three players before being eliminated by Xzibit and Young MC.

Collaborations with other artists

Nate found success, not only in solo projects, but in collaborations with other hip-hop artists. In the 2000s, Nate's high-ranking collaborative singles, according to Rolling Stone, includes Dr. Dre's "The Next Episode," Mos Def's "Oh No," Fabolous' "Can't Deny It," Ludacris' "Area Codes," 50 Cent's "21 Questions," Mark Ronson's "Ooh Wee," Houston's "I Like That," Eminem's "'Till I Collapse" and "Shake That", and Mobb Deep's "Have a Party."

Legal issues

In the early 1990s, Hale was charged with two separate robberies, Check Changers robbery in 1991 and robbery of a San Pedro Taco Bell in 1994. He faced a maximum of nearly eleven years in prison, but he was subsequently acquitted of both charges.

In 1996, Hale was convicted of a drug-related offense in Los Angeles County.

On June 17, 2000, Hale was alleged to have kidnapped and assaulted his former girlfriend and set her mother's car on fire in Lakewood. He was arrested by a SWAT team at his home in Pomona. He was accused of kidnapping, domestic violence, making terrorist threats and arson. He spent a night in the Twin Towers Correctional Facility in Los Angeles before he was released on a $1 million bail. These charges were later dismissed, but Hale faced jail time for a new charge, illegal possession of a firearm by felon. An unmarked firearm was found in his home during the June 17 arrest. Hale pleaded no contest to the misdemeanor charge, and was sentenced to probation of three years and ordered to pay a $1,000 fine.

On April 12, 2002, Hale was stopped by Arizona Department of Public Safety officers outside of Kingman, Arizona while traveling on a tour bus. He was arrested and charged with firearms-related and drug-related offenses after two pistols and four ounces of cannabis were found. Hale was booked on Mohave County Jail and subsequently released on a $3,500 bond. Weapon charges against him were dropped as an exchange to guilty plea to drug possession charge. Hale was subsequently sentenced to probation and community service. He was also ordered to attend drug counseling sessions in May 2002.

In 2006, Hale was charged with misdemeanor aggravated trespassing, telephone harassment, battery assault, dissuading a witness from reporting a crime and violation of a restraining order. In March 2008, Hale pleaded guilty to trespassing and battery and was ordered to complete a domestic violence treatment program, probation of three years, and was stripped of gun ownership rights for the next ten years.

In July 2008, Hale was charged with two felony criminal threats after allegedly sending threatening emails to his estranged wife, and one count of stalking after allegedly chasing her by car on Interstate 405 in previous month. Hale initially pleaded not guilty to these charges, which were eventually dropped in April 2009, because the alleged victim did not contact prosecutors in the case.

Additionally, Hale has a conviction of driving under the influence.

Strokes and death

On December 19, 2007, Nate Dogg suffered a stroke, according to a coordinator for his recently formed gospel choir, Innate Praise. Reports had circulated that Nate Dogg had been admitted to Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center in Pomona, California after suffering a heart attack. Erica Beckwith, however, confirmed to MTV News that Nate Dogg was released on December 26 after being treated for a stroke and was admitted to a medical rehabilitation facility to assist him in his recovery. On January 18, 2008, it was officially reported that the stroke had rendered the left side of his body paralyzed. Doctors believed there would be a full recovery, and his voice was not affected. In September 2008, he suffered a second stroke. Nate Dogg died March 15, 2011 in Long Beach, California. On March 17, his attorney Mark Geragos confirmed that the cause of the death was from complications of multiple strokes.

Discography

''G-Funk Classics, Vol. 1 & 2'' (1998)

''Music and Me'' (2001)

''Nate Dogg'' (2008)

Filmography

''The Transporter'' song "I Got Love" (2002)

''Doggy Fizzle Televizzle'' as singer of the theme song for the sketch "The Braided Bunch" (2002–2003)

''Head of State'' as himself (also singer/composer of theme song) (2003)

''Need For Speed: Underground'' song "Keep it Comin"

''The Boondocks (2008)

Awards and nominations

During his career, Nate Dogg was nominated for four Grammy Awards.

Category	Genre	Song	Year	Result
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration(with Eminem)	Rap	"Shake That"	2007	Nominated
Best Rap/Sung Collaboration(with Ludacris)	Rap	"Area Codes"	2002	Nominated
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group(uncredited with Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg)	Rap	"The Next Episode"	2001	Nominated
Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group(with Warren G)	Rap	"Regulate"	1995	Nominated

References

External links

Category:1969 births Category:2011 deaths Category:African American rappers Category:American people convicted of assault Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Cardiovascular disease deaths in California Category:Crips Category:Death Row Records artists Category:Hip hop singers Category:People convicted of drug offenses Category:People from Clarksdale, Mississippi Category:People from Long Beach, California Category:Pseudonymous rappers Category:Rappers from Los Angeles, California Category:Rappers from Mississippi Category:West Coast hip hop musicians Category:United States Marines

ar:نيت د�?غ az:Nate Dogg bs:Nate Dogg cs:Nate Dogg da:Nate Dogg de:Nate Dogg es:Nate Dogg fa:نیت داگ fr:Nate Dogg ko:네이트 독 hr:Nate Dogg it:Nate Dogg he:ניי�? דוג ka:�?��?��??�?� �?��?��?��?? nl:Nate Dogg ja:�?�イ�??�?��?��??グ no:Nate Dogg pl:Nate Dogg pt:Nate Dogg ro:Nate Dogg ru:Nate Dogg simple:Nate Dogg sk:Nate Dogg fi:Nate Dogg sv:Nate Dogg tr:Nate Dogg zh:�?特·�?�格

name	DJ Honda
background	non_vocal_instrumentalist
birth name	Katsuhiro Honda
birth place	Hokkaidō, Japan
origin	Tokyo, Japan
instrument	Turntable
genre	Hip hop
occupation	DJ, producer, entrepreneur
years active	1992—present
label	Relativity
website
notable instruments	}}

, better known as DJ Honda, is a Japanese hip hop DJ, turntablist, music producer, CEO, clothing line designer, and entrepreneur.

Biography

DJ Honda moved to Tokyo when he was 17 years old to pursue his dream of playing in an American influenced rock band. He started a band called, "The Clique" as the vocalist and guitarist. However, the band struggled and DJ Honda was forced to seek additional employment. He began DJing at the popular nightclubs in a small nearby city, Shizuoka where he was first introduced to hip hop music and various turntable techniques, including scratching & beat juggling. Ultimately, DJ Honda landed premiere gigs in Tokyo's largest clubs while perfecting his turntable techniques. By this time, he had created a popular name for himself as a DJ. DJ Honda also appeared on Tokyo radio stations and remixed popular tracks for local record companies.

1990s

After entering New York City's New Music Seminar's ''Battle for World Supremacy'' in 1992 and placing runner up, DJ Honda made an international splash. After the success of this battle under his belt, DJ Honda decided to move to Los Angeles to make a buzz for himself in the U.S. It was here where DJ Honda forged notable contacts such as Ice-T, Eazy-E, Tha Alkaholiks, Xzibit & many other West Coast talents. Sony Music Japan then approached DJ Honda for a recording contract where he eventually released two albums: ''h, DJ Honda'' & ''h II''. This signing caused DJ Honda to move once again to New York City. He was ahead of his time in Japan at this stage. After securing this new recording contract with Sony, DJ Honda launched his signature ''h, DJ Honda'' collection including the infamous "h" baseball caps, men's clothing, accessories such as sunglasses, neck ties, umbrellas, shoe line, wallets, etc. In New York City, he cultivated many valuable relationships with artists like Melle Mel, Grandmaster Caz, Prince Whipper Whip, Universal Zulu Nation including Afrika Bambaataa as well as some of the emcees who would later be featured on his self-titled debut LP album, ''h, DJ Honda'': Common, Redman, Gang Starr, Fat Joe, Biz Markie, JuJu & Psycho Les of The Beatnuts, Brand Nubian's Grand Puba & Sadat X, and more. With the success of ''h, DJ Honda'' album released in U.S. and Japan Versions, DJ Honda makes a quantum leap from his debut album to his sophomore compilation, ''h II'' which featured acclaimed emcees such as Mos Def, KRS-One, The Beatnuts, Cuban Link, Keith Murray, De La Soul, Missin' Linx, & more. "Trouble In the Water", the first single from ''h II'' was a masterpiece between emcee and producer: De La Soul and DJ Honda. The second single from ''h II'' was DJ Honda & Mos Def's collaboration, "Travellin' Man" which became a hit single world wide, having its music video shot in various places around the world from Brazil to South Africa. DJ Honda toured the world after ''h, dj honda'' and then again after releasing ''h II''.

2000s

It was at this time that DJ Honda decided to leave Sony Music Japan behind to embark on opening his own, independent record label, "DJ Honda RECORDINGS" simultaneously in New York City and Tokyo with Seoul, South Korea branch office opening in 2002. DJ Honda released two albums on Christmas Day, 1999: ''h 2000'', a compilation album featuring all production by DJ Honda coupled with New York's prominent emcees and ''Turntablist Revolution: I.T.F. World DJ Compilation Album Vol. 1'', a compilation of scratches & beat juggling tracks by the best turntablists from around the world. The first official U.S. & international single, "El Presidente" with Jeru the Damaja was distributed by RED and the music video was in rotation on national TV stations such as B.E.T.'s Rap City, MTV2, and other local cable shows. With the momentum of releasing this independent debut single, DJ Honda released his junior, compilation album titled, ''h III'' in Japan and Korean Versions only. He enlists yet another group of New York's finest lyricists: M.O.P., Teflon, The Beatnuts, Gravediggaz, Jeru The Damaja, Parish "PMD" Smith of EPMD, Triple Seis, 8 Off Agallah, Black Attack along with Rob Jackson, DJ Alladin, and more. For the first time ever, DJ Honda collaborates solo with one emcee on an album titled, "Underground Connection" with Parish "PMD" Smith of the duo group, EPMD and is released in Japan and S.Korea with bonus tracks from Korean hip hop artists, Erick Sermon and a few other emcees.

DJ Honda opens to the general public his U.S. flagship retail store in SoHo, New York City in June 2000 which carries music, his clothing and accessory collection, "h, DJ Honda", as well live DJ sessions, events and sake parties. Following the footsteps of the "h 272" Store in NYC, four satellite "h, dj honda" stores opened their doors in Seoul, South Korea. With the rise of DJ Honda's popularity in South Korea, ''2002 World Hip Hop Clan Festival'' organizers invites DJ Honda to perform live in front of over 10,000 screaming fans. DJ Honda surprises the Korean fans by bringing legendary EPMD with him on this Korean tour. DJ Honda also performs at the subsequent ''2003 World Hip Hop Clan Festival'' as well bringing Parish "PMD" Smith, Strong Island's K-Solo, & Headcrack, a bubbling NYC underground emcee. American celebrities such as comedian, Robin Williams, David Bowie, Susan Sarandon, Dennis Haysbert as well as music artists such as Mike Shinoda from Linkin Park, DJ Qbert, and countless number of hip hop artists.

In April 2004, DJ Honda launched "DHF Films" in New York City & Tokyo where he produces and distributes numerous documentaries, DJ battle DVDs, Japanese hip hop dance DVDs, & many more. In June 2004, ''The Best of DJ Honda'' double CD with 81 tracks includes all the tracks that DJ Honda has released world wide. This project was so successful that ''The Best of DJ Honda'' was licensed by Atoll/Warm Music in Paris, France.

In March 2009, DJ Honda & Problemz released ''All Killa/No Filla'' album (Japan Version) to pave the way for DJ Honda's, ''DJ Honda IV''. Three singles have been released from this album: "Da Payback", "NY/NY", & "Give It Up". Problemz, a Brooklyn native, has worked with DJ Honda extensively since the debut album ''h, dj honda''. On October 12, 2008, DJ Honda & Problemz performed live at the International Arts Festival in New Orleans, Louisiana alongside artists such as The Game, Tamia, Lloyd and more.

DJ Honda is notorious for collaborating with commercial and soon to rise-to-fame underground emcees. This is also noticeable on his upcoming, much anticipated new album, ''DJ honda IV'' set to release on August 2009. Like tradition the line up of notable emcees on this forthcoming album will satisfy the hunger from his loyal fans such as Mos Def, Fred Durst, Kool G Rap, and Rakaa Iriscience from Dilated Peoples.

DJ Honda has been creating the soundtrack for QD3 Entertainment's documentary film, ''The MC: Why We Do It'', ''Stuck'': independent film starring Mena Suvari & Stephen Rea, ''Hip Hop Honey's'' DVD, Namco Bandai's videogame, ''The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift'', as well as many of the MTV shows such as ''Rob & Big'' and ''Run's House''.

2010s

DJ Honda is currently working on several projects including ''h Mental Vol. 1'' which is an exclusive collection of DJ Honda beats, ''All Killa/No Filla (U.S. Version)'', ''DJ Honda V'', ''REASON'', a biographical documentary film about DJ Honda's life & career in English and Japanese versions.

Discography

Studio albums

''h'' (1995: Japan/1996: U.S.)

''Remixes'' (1995)

''h II'' (1997: Japan/1998: U.S.)

''Turntablist Revolution: I.T.F. World DJ Championship Album Vol. 1'' (1999)

''h 2000'' (1999)

''h III'' (2001: Japan/2002: Korea)

''Underground Connection'' (2002)

''The Best of DJ Honda, Vol. 1'' (2004)

''The Best of DJ Honda, Vol. 2'' (2004)

''Samurai Sword'' (2005)

''DJ Honda Mix, Vol. 1: The Best of DJ Honda'' (2005) (iTunes exclusive)

''REASON'' (2005)

''All Killa / No Filla'' (2009)

''h Mental'' (2009)

''DJ Honda IV'' (2009)

EPs

''Straight Talk from NY'' (1996)

''We Don't Play'' (2000)

Singles

"Trouble in the Water" (1998)

"Travellin' Man" (1998)

"El Presidente" (2000)

"Real To Me" (2001)

"REASON Chapter 1" (2005)

"REASON Chapter 2" (2005)

"Da Payback" (2009)

"NY/NY" (2009)

"Give It Up" (2009)

"Another Day" (2009)

"Magnetic Arts" (2009)

References

External links

Official website

Dj Honda @ HearJapan

DJ Honda @ MySpace

[ Allmusic.com biography]

Category:1965 births Category:Living people Category:Hip hop DJs Category:Japanese hip hop musicians Category:Japanese record producers Category:People from Hokkaidō Category:People from Tokyo

fr:Dj honda ja:Dj honda pt:DJ Honda

Name	Ski Beatz
Background	non_performing_personnel
Alias	DJ Ski, MC Willski
Origin	Greensboro, North Carolina
Instrument	Percussion, synthesizer, keyboards, bass, turntables
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation	Rapper, Record producer
Years active	1989–present
Label	Now City RecordsDD172/BluRoc
Associated acts	DJ Clark Kent, Jay-Z, Camp Lo, Curren$y, AZ, Young Uno, The Bizzie Boyz, Murs, Toteking }}

David Willis, otherwise known as DJ Ski and Ski Beatz, is an American record producer mainly working in hip hop.

Biography

Discovered by DJ Clark Kent, Ski was originally known as "MC Will-Ski". In the 1990s, he was a member of the group Original Flavor, the first group managed by future recording industry executive Damon Dash. In the mid-90s, Ski was working on duo Camp Lo's debut album ''Uptown Saturday Night'' when Dash called him in to work on the debut album of his own artist, Jay-Z. Jay's album, ''Reasonable Doubt'', was released in 1996, marking Ski's first major production placement. Ski produced four tracks off the album, including the singles "Dead Presidents" and "Feelin' It".

After the critical success of ''Reasonable Doubt'', Ski formed Roc-A-Blok Productions in affiliation with Jay and Dame's label, Roc-A-Fella Records, working with Camp Lo and Sporty Thievz. The producer crafted most of Camp Lo's debut, which dropped in 1997, and produced the Fat Joe single "John Blaze"; Ski continued to work with Jay-Z, on his second album ''In My Lifetime, Vol. 1'' as well as non-solo albums and compilation projects, until 1998, when Jay released his third project ''Vol. 2... Hard Knock Life'' without beats from any of his former producers except for DJ Premier.

Though Roc-A-Blok Productions had since folded, Ski stayed somewhat active in music. Relocating to his home state of North Carolina for a break from New York City's fast-paced lifestyle, he continued producing for artists such as Nature, members of the New Jersey crew The Outsidaz, Lil' Kim, Foxy Brown, Ras Kass and Proof. The producer has continued to produce for Camp Lo, providing most of the production for their second album ''Let's Do it Again'', as well as their third album, ''Black Hollywood''.

Recently, Ski linked back up with Dame Dash, joining the entrepreneur's DD172 collective, subsequently nicknamed the 24-Hour Karate School. Since the foundation of the studio enclave, Ski has worked with Mos Def, Jay Electronica, Jean Grae and others; on April 30, 2010, he announced that he will be producing upcoming albums for Jean Grae, Joell Ortiz, Ras Kass and others, and will be producing all but three songs on the rapper Curren$y's 3rd album Pilot Talk ; these artists are also all featured on the producer's upcoming solo debut, entitled ''24 Hour Karate School'' in honor of the collective.

Discography

Ski Beatz production discography

; Studio albums

''24 Hour Karate School'' (2010)

''24 Hour Karate School Pt.2''(2011)

''Twilight'' (2012)

; Collaboration albums ''Embedded'' (with Locksmith) (2011)

''TBA'' (with Freddie Gibbs) (TBA 2012)

References

External links

Ski Hip Hop Pow Interview

Interview, HitQuarters Nov 08

Category:Year of birth missing (living people) Category:American hip hop record producers Category:American businesspeople Category:American music industry executives Category:Hip hop record producers Category:Living people Category:People from Greensboro, North Carolina Category:Musicians from North Carolina