Coordinates	38°53′12″N77°01′47″N
name	Masta Killa
background	solo_singer
birth name	Elgin Turner
birth date	August 18, 1969
origin	Brooklyn, New York City
genre	Hip hop
occupation	Rapper
years active	1990–present
label	Nature Sounds
associated acts	Wu-Tang Clan, Julez Dirt
website	www.myspace.com/mastakilla
notable instruments	}}

Jamel Arief (born Elgin Turner; August 18, 1969), better known as Masta Killa, is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Though one of the lesser-known members of the group (he was featured on only one track on their 1993 debut album ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)''), he has been prolific on Clan group albums and solo projects since the mid-1990s, and released his debut album ''No Said Date'' in 2004 to positive reviews.

Biography

}}

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Masta Killa was the last member to join the Wu-Tang Clan; consequently he did not appear on the group's debut single "Protect Ya Neck". He was also the only member who was not a rapper at the time of the group's formation. He was extensively mentored by the GZA during his early days with the group, evident in the similar flow they both employ. He derived his rap name from the 1978 kung fu film ''Shaolin Master Killer'', (Shao Lin san shi liu fang). Masta only appeared on one track on the Wu-Tang Clan's first album, in the closing verse to "Da Mystery of Chessboxin". Masta only narrowly made the track, and was almost left off in favor of Killah Priest. In fact, on the ''No Said Date'' DVD, Killah Priest claims that he and Masta Killa were in competition for the spot on "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'", and while Killah Priest fell asleep, Masta Killa stayed up all night writing and Killah Priest woke up the next morning to Masta Killa's verse. Since he was a developing rapper at the time ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' was being written, his verse in "Da Mystery of Chessboxin" was the only one that could hold up with the other, more experienced Wu-Tang members.

During the first round of solo projects, he made several appearances on tracks now considered Wu-Tang classics, such as "Winter Warz", "Duel of the Iron Mic", and "Glaciers of Ice". His flow at the time attracted attention for being very slow and laid-back, in contrast to the more manic, forceful styles of members like Inspectah Deck and Ghostface Killah. Masta Killa is also the Clansman fondest of Chinese martial arts imagery. In 1997 (1997 in music), the Wu-Tang Clan's second album ''Wu-Tang Forever'' saw Masta become a mainstay in the group's line-up with regular appearances throughout the double album.

Masta Killa was the last member to release a solo project, after it was delayed for several years and finally released in June 2004 with the title ''No Said Date''; critically acclaimed, it became independent label Nature Sounds' best-selling album, notable for featuring every core member of the Wu-Tang Clan on the album after a period in the group's history that lacked unity. His second album, ''Made in Brooklyn'', was released on August 8, 2006, and includes production from Pete Rock and MF Doom. "Ringing Bells", the Bronze Nazareth-produced lead single from the album, was released in March 2006. Also in 2006, Masta Killa became the latest in a succession of hip hop artists to endorse PETA, also participating in an advertisement for the organization and is also a vegetarian. In a 2004 "Rock the Bells" documentary the head orgainizer of the event - the man that had booked the Wu-Tang Clan to perform - mistakes Masta Killa for a nobody.

In September 2009, news surfaced of a planned Masta Killa album entitled ''Loyalty is Royalty'' and the first single "Things Just Ain't the Same" was released to the Internet. Recently in an interview with HipHopDX, Masta Killa mentioned he will be releasing a live album and hopefully release ''Loyalty Is Royalty'' in 2011 with production from 9th Wonder, P.F. Cuttin' and True Master. Method Man and Cappadonna are likely to make appearances and Ghostface Killah and GZA may also feature on the album. He also hopes to drop his 4th album soon after ''Loyalty Is Royalty'', entitled ''Soul & Substance''.

Personal life

Masta Killa is known for being the most quiet and mysterious member of the Wu-Tang Clan, and little is still known about him. He does not give many independent interviews.

In his personal downtime he listens to Gladys Knight, Patty LaBelle, Barry White, Parliament-Funkadelic, and Ohio Players. In an interview with nobodysmiling.com, he even said, "I listen to all kinds of things. Like... I listen to nothing, I might listen to the wind today. ""

Along with a number of the members of the Wu-Tang Clan, Masta Killa is vegetarian.

Moniker and aliases

Masta Killa gets his name from the 1978 kung fu movie ''Shaolin Master Killer'', also known as the ''36th Chamber of Shaolin''. His stage name is also said to be derived from the term "Dutch Masta Killa" because of his above average blunt rolling ability. He is also known as Noodles, and is often referred to as Jamel Irief.

Discography

Albums

{|class="wikitable" |- !rowspan="2"| Year !rowspan="2"| Title !colspan="3"| Chart positions !rowspan="2"| RIAAcertifications |- !width="40"|U.S. Hot 100 !width="40"|U.S. R&B; !width="40"|U.S. Rap |- |2004 |''No Said Date''

Released: June 1, 2004

Label: Nature Sounds

| style="text-align:center;"|136 | style="text-align:center;"|31 | style="text-align:center;"| | |- |2006 |''Made in Brooklyn''

Released: August 8, 2006

Label: Nature Sounds

| style="text-align:center;"|176 | style="text-align:center;"|42 | style="text-align:center;"|23 | |- |2011 |''Loyalty is Royalty''

Released: TBA

Label: Nature Sounds

| style="text-align:center;"| | style="text-align:center;"| | style="text-align:center;"| |}

Live albums

!Year	!Title
2010		* Released: March 30, 2010	* Label: Gold Dust

Singles and EPs

2003 "No Said Date" b/w "Digi Warfare"

2004 "D.T.D." b/w "Queen"

2006 "Ringing Bells"

2006 "It's What It Is" b/w "Brooklyn King"

2006 "Iron God Chamber" b/w "Street Corner"

2010 "Things Just Ain't The Same"

Appearances

1995 "Snakes" (from the Ol' Dirty Bastard album ''Return to the 36 Chambers: The Dirty Version'')

1995 "Glaciers of Ice" & "Wu-Gambinos" (from the Raekwon album ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…'')

1995 "Duel of the Iron Mic" (from the GZA album ''Liquid Swords'')

1995 "Assassination Day" & "Winter Warz" (from the Ghostface Killah album ''Ironman'')

1997 "Execute Them" (from the ''Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm'' compilation)

1997 "5 Stars" (from the Killarmy album ''Silent Weapons for Quiet Wars'')

1997 "Illusions" (from the Sunz of Man album ''The Last Shall Be First'')

1998 "Spazzola" (from the Method Man album ''Tical 2000: Judgement Day'')

1998 "Element Of Surprise" (from the La the Darkman album ''Heist of the Century'')

1998 "Resurrection" (from the Public Enemy soundtrack to ''He Got Game'')

1999 "Mantis" (from the RZA album ''Bobby Digital in Stereo'')

1999 "Friction" (from the Inspectah Deck album ''Uncontrolled Substance'')

1999 "The Table" (from the Raekwon album ''Immobilarity'')

1999 "High Price, Small Reward" & "1112" (from the GZA album ''Beneath the Surface'')

1999 "Fast Shadow" (by Wu-Tang Clan) & "The Man" (from the ''Ghost Dog: The Way of the Samurai (soundtrack)'')

2000 "Wu Banga 101" (from the Ghostface Killah album ''Supreme Clientele'')

2001 "Mortal Kombat" (from the Afu-Ra album ''Body of the Life Force'')

2001 "Eyes A Bleed (RZA Remix)" with Bounty Killer (from the Wu-Tang Clan compilation ''Wu-Chronicles, Chapter 2'')

2001 "Glocko Pop" & "Brooklyn Babies" (from the RZA album ''Digital Bullet'')

2002 "Fam (Members Only)" (from the GZA album ''Legend of the Liquid Sword'')

2003 "Grits", "The Whistle" & "Koto Chotan" (from the RZA album ''Birth of a Prince'')

2003 "Always NY" (from the Mathematics album ''Love, Hell & Right'')

2003 "Musketeers of Pig Alley" (from the Raekwon album ''The Lex Diamond Story'')

2004 "Chains" (from the R.A. The Rugged Man album ''Die, Rugged Man, Die'')

2004 "Black Mamba" (by Wu-Tang Clan) (from the ''Kill Bill Vol. 2'')

2005 "Just The Thought" (from the Prefuse 73 album ''Surrounded By Silence'')

2005 "USA" & "Break That" (from the Mathematics album ''The Problem'')

2005 "Living Like Dat" (from the Afu-Ra album ''State Of The Arts'')

2005 "Unstoppable Threats" (from the DJ Muggs vs. GZA album ''Grandmasters'')

2006 "9 Milli Bros." (from the Ghostface Killah album ''Fishscale'')

2006 "Sound Of The Slums." (from the Inspectah Deck album ''The Resident Patient'')

2006 "Ringing Bells" (from the Nature Sounds compilation ''Natural Selection'')

2007 "King Toast Queen" & "Wu Banga (Remix)" (from the Mathematics album ''Mathematics Presents Wu-Tang Clan & Friends Unreleased'')

2007 "In The Name Of Allah" (from the Cilvaringz album ''I'')

2007 "Killa Lipstick" (from the Ghostface Killah album ''The Big Doe Rehab'')

2008 "The PJ's" (from the Pete Rock album ''NY's Finest'')

2008 "Change The Game" (from The BossFather's album ''Future Legends'')

2008 "Eat Ya Food" (from the Brooklyn Zu album ''Chamber #9, Verse 32'')

2008 "Pencil" (from the GZA album ''Pro Tools'')

2009 "Fire" (from the Cappadonna album ''Slang Prostitution'')

2009 "We Will Rob You" (from the Raekwon album ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II'')

2009 "Kiss The Ring" (from the Raekwon album ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx… Pt. II'')

References

External links

Masta Killa's Myspace

Masta Killa Biography

Category:African American rappers Category:Members of the Nation of Gods and Earths Category:People from Brooklyn Category:American vegetarians Category:1969 births Category:Living people Category:Wu-Tang Clan members

de:Masta Killa es:Masta Killa fr:Masta Killa it:Masta Killa sw:Masta Killa ja:マスタ・キラ pl:Masta Killa pt:Masta Killa fi:Masta Killa sv:Masta Killa

Coordinates	38°53′12″N77°01′47″N
name	Inspectah Deck
background	solo_singer
birth name	Jason Hunter
birth date	July 06, 1970
birth place	The Bronx, New York City, New York
origin	Staten Island, New York
genre	Hip Hop
occupation	Rapper, Producer, actor
years active	1991–present
label	Loud, Relativity, Koch, Urban Icon, Traffic
associated acts	Wu-Tang Clan, The Housegang, Kurupt, Gang Starr, Big Pun
notable instruments	}}

Jason Hunter, (born July 6, 1970) better known by his stage name Inspectah Deck, is an American rapper, producer, and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. Although he has not gained the same level of mainstream success in his solo career as some of his Wu-Tang counterparts (such as Ghostface Killah or Method Man), he has acquired critical praise for his intricate lyricism, and for his verses on many of the group's most revered songs.

Background

Early career

Born July 6, 1970, Hunter routinely mentions the Park Hill Projects in Clifton, Staten Island, where he grew up, going to school with the future Method Man, Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah. Coming from a musical family, his father died when he was six years old, and seeing his mother support the family contributed to his laid-back, quiet mentality; this led to his stage name, as he decided to play a low-key counterbalance to the antics of Method Man, Ol' Dirty Bastard, and RZA. This is also referenced by Method Man at the end of the track "Can it Be All So Simple?" on Wu-Tang's debut album ''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' :

Despite this inconspicuous persona, Inspectah Deck maintained a relatively high profile, as he was the second most featured member on the album, and provided highly acclaimed verses for the singles "C.R.E.A.M.," "Protect Ya Neck," "Wu-Tang Clan Ain't Nuthing ta Fuck Wit," and "Da Mystery of Chessboxin'." In the years following, Hunter would appear on several Wu members' solo projects, including Method Man's ''Tical'' (1994), Raekwon's ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx…'' (1995), GZA's ''Liquid Swords'' (1995), and Ghostface Killah's ''Ironman'' (1996). On Wu-Tang's second group album, ''Wu-Tang Forever'' (1997), Deck produced the track "Visionz" and contributed a solo track, "The City." He would also provide production for some of his Wu cohorts, including "Elements" and "Spazzola" for Method Man's ''Tical 2000: Judgement Day'' (1998), "Kiss of a Black Widow" for RZA's ''RZA as Bobby Digital in Stereo'' (1998), and the title track for GZA's ''Beneath the Surface'' (1999).

Solo career

Inspectah Deck's debut album ''Uncontrolled Substance'' was initially set for a late 1997 release, however, this experienced several delays due to a flood in producer RZA's basement studio, which destroyed over one hundred beats, including those made for the album. Wu-Tang affiliate Cilvaringz stated in a 2010 interview "Recently Deck pulled out some disks from the flood and they worked again and he used one for his upcoming album on Koch." In September 1999, ''Uncontrolled Substance'' was released, and featured more of Deck's own production, and appearances from several lesser known affiliates. The album received generally favorable reviews from music critics, but failed to garner the reception attained by earlier Wu-Tang solo projects. Shortly after this release, Deck returned to the Wu-Tang fold for the group albums ''The W'' (2000), and ''Iron Flag'' (2001).

In 2003, Inspectah Deck released his second studio album, ''The Movement'' (for which he would later state did not live up to his expectations), and in 2006, he released ''The Resident Patient'', intended as a precursor to ''The Movement''. In 2007, the rapper reconvened with the Wu-Tang Clan to record the group album ''8 Diagrams''. Along with Raekwon, and Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck partook in the controversy, sparked when several group members disparaged RZA's tight artistic control of the album, championing Ghost's album ''The Big Doe Rehab''. In regards to these disagreements, Deck stated in an interview:

Around this time, the rapper announced his up-coming project ''The Rebellion'', confirming production from RZA and the Wu-Elements; it is now set to come after ''The Resident Patient II'', and will reportedly be his final album as a solo artist.

On March 23, 2010, Inspectah Deck released his fourth solo album ''The Manifesto'', which features guest-appearances from Raekwon, Cormega, Termanology, Planet Asia, Cappadonna, Kurupt, and M.O.P.'s Billy Danze. In 2008, a mixtape entitled ''The Resident Patient II'' was leaked on to the internet; this features some original material, as well as freestyles over other artists' songs. Inspectah Deck stated in an interview that ''The Manifesto'' was meant to be the originally announced full-length sequel, ''Resident Patient II''.

Since early 2010, Inspectah Deck has begun work on the ''The Rebellion'', and has expressed his interest in working with several Wu-Tang members, as well as Snoop Dogg, E-40, Nas & Jadakiss on the album. He had mentioned in an interview with Conspiracy Radio that he will only retire from solo albums if the fans don't show support for ''The Manifesto'' and ''The Rebellion''. He has also mentioned his plans to release an instrumental album of his own production, entitled 'The Bodyrock Volume 1', which is inspired by the instrumental albums released by Alchemist, Ayatollah, and Pete Rock. He has recently confirmed Fall 2011 as the release for ''The Rebellion''.

Discography

Albums

{|class="wikitable" |- !rowspan="2"| Year !rowspan="2"| Title !colspan="2"| Chart positions |- !width="40"|U.S. Hot 100 !width="40"|U.S. R&B; |- |1999 |''Uncontrolled Substance'' Released: September 7, 1999

Label: Relativity Records

| style="text-align:center;"|19 | style="text-align:center;"|3 |- |2003 |''The Movement''

Released: May 20, 2003

Label: Koch Records

| style="text-align:center;"|137 | style="text-align:center;"|29 |- |2006 |''The Resident Patient''

Released: June 25, 2006

Label: Urban Icon Records

| style="text-align:center;"|- | style="text-align:center;"|- |- |2010 |''Manifesto''

Released: March 23, 2010

Label: Traffic Entertainment

| style="text-align:center;"|- | style="text-align:center;"|69 |- |2011 |''The Rebellion''

Released: Fall, 2011

Label: Traffic Entertainment

| style="text-align:center;"|TBA | style="text-align:center;"|TBA |}

Singles and EPs

1995 "Let Me At Em"

1996 "Semi-Automatic Rap Full Metal Jacket"

1998 "REC Room"

1999 "Forget Me Not"

1999 "Show N Prove (Power of God)"

1999 "Word on the Street" b/w "Movas & Shakers"

2000 "Thundercats Freestyle"

2003 "The Movement" b/w "City High"

2003 "He's a Rebel" b/w "Big City"

2003 "Bump & Grind" b/w "Vendetta"

2010 "The Champion"

Appears on

style="text-align:center;"	Year	Appearance
	1994	align="left"	"Mr. Sandman"	Tical (album)>Tical''	Method Man, RZA, Wu-Tang Clan affiliates#Streetlife>Street Life, Carlton Fisk, Blue Raspberry
		* Album: ''Liquid Swords''	* Other Artist(s): GZA
	* Album: ''Liquid Swords''	* Other Artist(s): GZA, Ol'Dirty Bastard Masta Killa
	* Album: ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx''	* Other Artist(s): Raekwon, GZA, Ghostface Killah
		Ironman (album)>Ironman''	* Other Artist(s): RZA, Raekwon, Masta Killa
	* Album: ''High School High Soundtrack''	* Other Artist(s): U-God, Street Life
		* Album: ''60 Minutes of Funk Vol. III''	* Other Artist(s): Raekwon, Harlem Hoodz, Killa Sin, Method Man
	* Album: ''Antidote''	* Other Artist(s): Deadly Venoms, GZA, Method Man, Street Life, Cappadonna
	Capital Punishment (album)>Capital Punishment''	Big Pun, Prodigy (rapper)>Prodigy
	* Album: ''Heavy Mental''	* Other Artist(s): Killah Priest, GZA
	Moment of Truth (Gang Starr album)>Moment of Truth''	* Other Artist(s): Gang Starr
	* Album: ''Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm''	* Other Artist(s): Street Life
	* Album: ''Soul Survivor''	* Other Artist(s): Pete Rock, Kurupt
	* Album: ''Tical 2000: Judgement Day''	* Other Artist(s): Method Man, Hell Razah, Mobb Deep, Street Life
	* Album: ''Tical 2000: Judgement Day''	* Other Artist(s): Method Man, Masta Killa, Street Life, Killa Sin, Raekwon
		* Album: ''Golden Arms Redemption''	* Other Artist(s): U-God, Method Man
	* Album: (single)	* Other Artist(s): I.G.T.
	* Album: (single)	* Other Artist(s): N/A
		* Album: (single)	* Other Artist(s): Ruthless Bastards
	* Album: ''The Last Shall Be First''	Cella Dwellas>The Dwellas
	2001	align="left"	"Speaking Real Words"	* Album: ''The Soul Purpose''	* Other Artist(s): 7L & Esoteric
		* Album: ''Built From Scratch''	* Other Artist(s): X-Ecutioners, Pharoahe Monch, Skillz, Xzibit
	* Album: ''Legend of the Liquid Sword''	* Other Artist(s): GZA
	* Album: ''Wu-Tang Killa Beez: The Sting''	* Other Artist(s): RZA, U-God, Suga Bang Bang, Blue Raspberry
	The Struggle (album)>The Struggle''	* Other Artist(s): Cappadonna
	* Album: ''Party Breaks''	* Other Artist(s): Fat Man Scoop
	* Album: ''Love, Hell or Right''	Mathematics (producer)>Mathematics
		White Sunday (album)>White Sunday''	* Other Artist(s): Mareko
	* Album: ''No Said Date''	* Other Artist(s): Masta Killa, GZA
		* Album: ''Street Education''	* Other Artist(s): Street Life
	* Album: ''Around the World''	* Other Artist(s): YOR123 & Skandaali
	* Album: ''Tale #10''	* Other Artist(s): Mos Def
	The Problem (album)>The Problem''	Mathematics (producer)>Mathematics, Ghostface Killah, RZA
	* Album: ''The Problem''	* Other Artist(s): Mathematics, Method Man, U-God, Cappadonna
		* Album: (single)	* Other Artist(s): Cappadonna, Joe Young
	* Album: ''4:21... The Day After''	* Other Artist(s): Method Man, Street Life
	* Album: ''Fishscale''	* Other Artist(s): Wu-Tang Clan
	* Album: ''Made in Brooklyn''	* Other Artist(s): Masta Killa, GZA
		* Album: ''Freakshow Vol 1 : Tales of The Travelling Tunes''	* Other Artist(s): Pop Shuvit
	* Album: ''Gorilla Street Gang''	* Other Artist(s): Joe Young
	* Album: ''Wu-Tang Clan & Friends: Unreleased''	* Other Artist(s): Raekwon
	2008		* Album: ''Digi Snacks''	* Other Artist(s): RZA
		* Album: ''The RZA Presents: Afro Samurai Resurrection OST''	* Other Artist(s): Kool G. Rap, Suga Bang Bang
	* Album: ''Wu-Tang Chamber Music''	* Other Artist(s): U-God, Masta Ace
	* Album: ''Wu-Tang Chamber Music''	AZ (rapper)>AZ
	* Album: ''Wu-Tang Chamber Music''	* Other Artist(s): Sadat X, U-God
	* Album: ''The Symphony''	* Other Artist(s): Phil Anastasia
	* Other Artist(s): D. Dermz
	* Album: ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II''	* Other Artist(s): Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Method Man & GZA
	* Album: ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II''	* Other Artist(s): Raekwon
	* Album: ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II''	* Other Artist(s): Raekwon, Ghostface Killah & Suga Bang Bang
	* Album: ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II''	* Other Artist(s): Raekwon, Masta Killa
	* Album: ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx II''	* Other Artist(s): Raekwon, GZA
2010		* Album: ''Wu-Massacre''	Sun God (rapper)>Sun God
		* Album: ''Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang''	* Other Artist(s): Raekwon
	* Album: ''Legendary Weapons''	* Other Artist(s): U-God & Tre Williams
	* Album: ''School For The Blindman''	* Other Artist(s): Masta Killa, Bronze Nazareth

Production Credits

1995

Wu-Tang Clan - ''Tales from the Hood The Soundtrack''

"Let Me at Them"

1997

Wu-Tang Clan - ''Wu-Tang Forever''

"Visionz"

1998

Inspectah Deck (ft. Streetlife) - ''Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm''

"S.O.S."

Method Man - ''Tical 2000: Judgement Day''

"Spazzola"

"Elements"

RZA - ''Bobby Digital In Stereo''

"Kiss Of A Black Widow"

1999

GZA - ''Beneath The Surface''

"Beneath The Surface"

Inspectah Deck - ''Uncontrolled Substance''

"Femme Fatale"

"Word on the Street"

"Elevation"

"Hyperdermix"

"The Cause"

U-God - ''Golden Arms Redemption''

"Glide"

2000

Ghostface Killah - ''Supreme Clientele''

"Stay True"

2001

Cappadonna - ''The Yin and the Yang''

"Revenge"

2005

Streetlife - ''Street Education''

"A Star Is Born"

2006

Inspectah Deck - ''The Resident Patient''

"Get Ya Weight Up"

"My Style"

2009

Fes Taylor - ''Flight 10304 (T-2 Fly)''

"Show Something"

"CMG Salutes La Banga"

2010

Inspectah Deck - ''Manifesto''

"Luv Letter"

"T.R.U.E."

"We Get Down"

"9th Chamber Part II"

"Really Real"

2011

Masta Killa - ''Loyalty Is Royalty''

"Are You Listening?"

References

Category:African American rappers Category:Hip hop record producers Category:People from the Bronx Category:Members of the Nation of Gods and Earths Category:1970 births Category:Living people Category:Wu-Tang Clan members Category:Rappers from New York City Category:People from New York City Category:People from Staten Island

de:Inspectah Deck et:Inspectah Deck es:Inspectah Deck fr:Inspectah Deck it:Inspectah Deck sw:Inspectah Deck ja:インスペクター・デック pl:Inspectah Deck pt:Inspectah Deck fi:Inspectah Deck sv:Inspectah Deck tr:Inspectah Deck

Coordinates	38°53′12″N77°01′47″N
name	9th Wonder
background	non_performing_personnel
birth name	Patrick Douthit
alias	9th Wonder, 9thmatic
birth date	January 15, 1975
birth place	Winston-Salem, North Carolina
instrument	Akai MPC2500, Turntables, Pro Tools, FL Studio
genre	Hip hop
occupation	Record producer, Record executive
years active	1997–present
label	It's A Wonderful World Music Group, Jamla Records
associated acts	Little Brother, Murs, David Banner, Buckshot }}

Patrick Douthit (born January 15, 1975 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina), better known as 9th Wonder is a hip hop record producer, record executive, DJ, professor, and lyricist from Raleigh, North Carolina, U.S.A. He began his career as the main producer for the hip hop group Little Brother, and has also worked with Mary J. Blige, Jean Grae, Lil Wayne, Wale, Jay-Z, Murs, Drake, Buckshot, Chris Brown, Destiny's Child, Obie Trice, Erykah Badu, Ludacris, and David Banner. As of 2010, 9th Wonder raps under the name of 9thmatic.

9th Wonder has a smooth and soulful production style that relies on samples from artists such as Al Green and Curtis Mayfield. He attributes the bass lines that he uses in production to DJ Premier, Pete Rock and J Dilla, while he claims to have learned "Aahs" from RZA.

Music career

9th Wonder's first significant career breakthrough came in 2003 when, as an up-and-coming producer, he released an unofficial remix album of Nas' 2002 album ''God's Son'' entitled ''God's Stepson''. Released through internet outlets, the album garnered significant attention and acclaim. The producer has said that he was not thinking in terms of using it to generate a buzz or promote his skills and that at that point: "I never thought any of this of me as a producer was going to happen." The album has since been credited as starting the now regular trend for unofficial 'home-made' remixes of whole albums.

9th Wonder began his career as the main producer for the hip hop group Little Brother. As part of Little Brother he gained widespread recognition and critical acclaim for his production on their debut 2003 release, ''The Listening''. One suitably impressed individual was Jay-Z's studio engineer Young Guru, who contacted the young producer on behalf of his employer. The eventual meeting led to 9th Wonder producing "Threat" for Jay-Z's 2003 ''The Black Album''. The cut proved to be a mainstream breakthrough for 9th Wonder, most immediately in the major production role he secured on Destiny's Child's 2004 ''Destiny Fulfilled'' album that Jay-Z was instrumental in helping bring about. On the album, 9th produced the tracks "Girl" and "Is She the Reason," plus the bonus track "Game Over."

9th Wonder left Little Brother in 2007.

On October 29, 2007, 9th Wonder also made a rare public appearance on BET's Rap City, alongside collaborator Talib Kweli. Madlib, Jean Grae and Erykah Badu appeared as well. In 2010, he appeared on BET's 106 & Park countdown with David Banner.

9th Wonder, E. Jones, and rapper J. Cole served as the lead producers of the soundtrack to t he EA Sports video game NBA Elite 11. 9th and J. also appear as "secret characters" in NBA Jam with a team name of "Cole & Wonder."

9th Wonder debuted his rapping alter-ego, 9thmatic, in late 2009. 9thmatic appeared on songs with Khrysis & Sean Boog (The Away Team), Big Remo, Murs & Thee Tom Hardy.

Wonder worked with Mississippi rapper David Banner on a collaborative album entitled ''Death of a Pop Star'' which was released on December 21, 2010.

It's A Wonderful World Music Group, Jamla Records

In January 2009, 9th Wonder announced plans to start two independent record labels, Jamla and The Academy, under his imprint It's A Wonderful World Music Group (IWWMG). ''Jamla'' originally consisted of Skyzoo, GQ, Rapsody, Tyler Woods and Big Remo, while ''The Academy'' consisted of Thee Tom Hardy, Actual Proof (Sundown & Enigma), TP, & The Away Team (Khrysis & Sean Boog). ''The Academy'' artists were later folded into the ''Jamla'' label. HaLo & Heather Victoria were announced as the newest members of IWWMG in October 2010.

In July 2010, 9th Wonder officially debuted his production team for IWWMG. The Soul Council consists of Khrysis, E. Jones, Fatin "10" Horton, Ka$h Don't Make Beats, AMP & 9th himself.

Recent & Current Projects

9th Wonder is working with film director Kenneth Price on a documentary set to be released in early 2011 titled "The Wonder Year."

In August 2010, hip-hop star Drake exchanged tweets with 9th Wonder on Twitter, expressing his desire to work with him again (the 1st time being the production of "Think Good Thoughts" featuring Phonte and Elzhi for his 2007 mixtape Comeback Season). It was confirmed in October 2010 that 9th will be producing for Drake on his second album Take Care, the follow-up to the successful Thank Me Later, currently scheduled to be released on October 24, 2011, Drake's birthday.

R&B;/pop singer Chris Brown recorded a series of rap freestyles over 9th Wonder beats. The first was released on July 18, 2011 on YouTube under the title "Real Hip Hop #3." This was followed a day later by "Real Hip Hop #4" featuring Kevin McCall. These tracks were included in Brown's rap mixtape ''Boy In Detention'', released on August 5, 2011.

Hip-hop Professor

2007 saw a sideline move into music academia for 9th Wonder when, along with Christopher "Play" Martin from hip-hop group Kid-n-Play, he was appointed Artist-In-Residence by the Chancellor of North Carolina Central University, and began instructing a hip-hop history class in NCCU's Music Dept.

His role as a music professor has proven an ongoing one as in January 2010 it was announced that 9th Wonder would co-teach a class titled "Sampling Soul" with Dr. Mark Anthony Neal at Duke University. In an interview with HitQuarters, he explained the reason for the move into academia: "Educating the youth on where hip-hop comes from and the history of it, using the records we use, gives hip-hop a longer life. I decided to become an advocate of that."

P'Tones Records

9th Wonder and Black Jeruz are the spokespeople for the Durham-P'Tones Records Studio which is partnered with North Carolina Central University. The new location for the P'Tones studio is currently being decided. 9th Wonder still resides in North Carolina. He has announced his dedication to the community in Durham, NC by joining P'Tones Records, whose Mission Statement statement is "to create constructive opportunities for inner city youth through no-cost neighborhood music programs." The organization's goal is to give students the opportunity to run a record label, creating music and merchandise while learning about the music industry. Former Professor Kawachi Clemons and founder (of P'Tones) Oren Rosenbaum opened the NCCU-P'Tones studio. The program is set to begin February 2010. Dr. Smith has replaced Dr. Clemons as the point man from NCCU. As of August 1, P'Tones is fundraising through the Pepsi Refresh Project.

Discography

Solo Albums

2005: ''Dream Merchant Vol. 1''

2007: '' Dream Merchant Vol. 2''

2010: ''9th's Opus: It's a Wonderful World Music Group Vol.1''

2011: ''The Wonder Years''

Collaboration Albums

2003: ''The Listening'' (with Little Brother)

2003: ''Shake N Beats (Instrumental LP)'' (with Spectac)

2003: ''Legsclusives'' (with L.E.G.A.C.Y.)

2004: ''Murs 3:16: The 9th Edition'' (with Murs)

2005: ''The Minstrel Show'' (with Little Brother)

2005: ''Chemistry'' (with Buckshot)

2005: ''Spirit of '94: Version 9.0'' (with Kaze)

2005: ''9th Gate'' (with Access Immortal)

2006: ''Murray's Revenge'' (with Murs)

2006: ''Cloud 9: The Three Day High'' (with Skyzoo)

2007: ''Class is in Session'' (with Pete Rock)

2008: ''The Formula'' (with Buckshot)

2008: ''Jeanius'' (with Jean Grae)

2008: ''Sweet Lord'' (with Murs)

2008: ''The Corner of Spec & 9th'' (with Spectac)

2010: ''Fornever'' (with Murs)

2010: ''Death of a Pop Star'' (with David Banner)

2011(October 25): ''The Solution'' (with Buckshot)

Collaboration Mixtapes

2006: ''Battle of the Beats Round 1-2'' (with The Alchemist & DJ E.Nyce)

2007: ''9th Year Freshman'' (with Chops)

2007: ''The Graduate'' (with Kanye West, Mick Boogie & Terry Urban)

2008: ''The W.ide W.Orld of W.Rap'' (with E.Ness)

2008: ''Album Mixtape Volume One'' (with Cans)

2008: ''9 Wonders (NYOIL verses 9th Wonder)'' (with NYOIL)

2009: ''The R&B; Sensation Mixtape'' (with Tyler Woods)

2009: ''Back to the Feature'' (with Wale & LRG)

2009: ''The Hardy Boy Mystery Mixtape: Curse of Thee Green Faceded'' (with Thee Tom Hardy & Don Cannon)

2010: ''To Hanses Mall'' (with Akello Light)

2010: ''Album Mixtape Part 2'' (with Cans)

2010: ''The (Free)EP'' (with Actual Proof)

2011: ''TP is my Hero'' (with TP)

2011: ''Spring Cleaning''(with Mike Schpitz)

Compilation & Remix Albums

2003: ''9th invented the Remix''

2003: ''God's Stepson'' - Nas (remix of Nas's album ''God's Son'')

2004: ''Black is Back'' - Jay-Z (Remix of Jay-Z's '' The Black Album'')

2005: ''The Remix EP'' (Remixed Songs of Smif-N-Wessun)

2009: ''Wonder Years - 9th Wonder Golden Years Remix LP''

2010: ''9th invented the Remix...Again''

2010: ''Loose Joints''

2010: ''Food for Thought''

Production

1997: "Night Riders" (remix ft. Aaliyah) - Boot Camp Clik

2002: Paper Gods - Cesar Comanche (produced 10 of 17 songs)

2003: "Make Your Move" - Hieroglyphics Full Circle

2003: "Threat" - Jay-Z ('' The Black Album'')

2004: '' Sleepers'' - Rapper Big Pooh (produced 6 of 14 songs)

2004: "Supa Love", "Don't Rush Me" - Jean Grae ('' This Week'')

2004: "Good Ol' Love" - Masta Ace (''A Long Hot Summer'')

2004: "Illuminate Part 1" (ft. Vursatyl) - Lightheaded (''Never Square'')

2004: "I See Now" (ft. Kanye West & Little Brother) - Consequence (''Take 'Em to the Cleaners'')

2004: " Girl", "Is She The Reason", "Free", "Game Over" - Destiny's Child (''Destiny Fulfilled'')

2004: "Church" - De La Soul featuring Spike Lee (''The Grind Date'')

2005: The Ripple Effect - Splash (produced 7 of 14 songs)

2005: Squirrel In The Aces - Cesar Comanche (produced 5 of 17 songs)

2005: "Carolina Agents" - Little Brother NBA 2K6: The Tracks

2005: Project Mayhem - L.E.G.A.C.Y. (produced 11 of 19 songs)

2005: "Good Woman Down" - Mary J. Blige (''The Breakthrough'')

2005: "Heartburn" - Sean Price (''Monkey Barz'')

2005: Wooden Nickels 1998–1999 Revisited - Cesar Comanche (produced 9 of 16 songs)

2005: "Smoke the Pain Away", "Alright" - Memphis Bleek ('' 534'')

2005: "Sugar" (ft. Mother Nature) & "Rain Sleet Hail Snow" - Beyond

2005: "Hey Young World Pt. 2" (ft. Phonte & Mystic) - Dave Ghetto (Love Life?)

2006: "Dreams" - Saigon (''The Return Of The Yardfather'')

2006: ''Separate But Equal'' - DJ Drama & Little Brother (produced 5 of 22 songs)

2006: "Live from Amsterdam" - Memphis Bleek

2006: ''Where's Calvin'' - Binky Fingers (produced 9 of 15 songs)

2006: ''Floe Almighty'' - Edgar Allen Floe (produced 5 of 12 songs)

2006: "Special" - Strange Fruit Project (''The Healing'')

2006: "Here We Come", "Take a Look (In the Mirror)", "So Focused" - Boot Camp Clik (''The Last Stand'')

2006: "One Night Stand" - Lloyd Banks ('' Rotten Apple'')

2006: "Instigator" - M.O.P. (''Ghetto Warfare'')

2007: "Brooklyn In My Mind" - "Crooklyn Dodgers" Single

2007: "Nowhere No More" - Eternia (''The Setup'')

2007: "P-Body", "Violent", "You Already Know", "Let It Be Known" - Sean Price (''Jesus Price Supastar'')

2007: "Median's Relief" - Median (produced 4 of 16 songs)

2007: "First They Love You" - Bishop Lamont featuring Prime and Indef (''N*gger Noise'')

2007: "I Just Want the Money" (ft. Bokey) - Bishop Lamont (''The Pope Mobile'')

2007: "I Need More" - Boot Camp Clik (''Casualties of War'')

2007: "Breakin' My Heart" (ft. Lil Wayne) - Little Brother (''Getback'')

2007: "Think Good Thoughts" (ft Phonte and Elzhi) - Drake (Comeback Season/"This Is Me")

2008: "Cold Success" - Jay Z & Coldplay ("Viva La Hova")

2008: "Honey" - Erykah Badu (''New Amerykah'')

2008: "Be prepared" - Akrobatik feat. Little Brother ('' Absolute Value'')

2008: "Here We Go" - DJ K.O. feat. East & Silent Knight (''Picture This'')

2008: "There You Go", "Water feat. Edgar Allen Floe & Lazurus" - Kooley High ("The Summer Sessions EP")

2008: "Do the Right Thang" - Ludacris feat. Common & Spike Lee (''Theater of the Mind'')

2008: "What Is", "So Far", "Shine" - Edgar Allen Floe (''The Streetwise LP'')

2008: "Left 4 Dead" - EPMD feat. Skyzoo (We Mean Business)

2008: "I'm Innocent", "Love and Appreciate II", "Breakthrough" - Murs (Murs for President)

2008: "On The Low" - Royce Da 5'9" The Album

2009: featured on The Boondocks soundtrack

2009: "Meet Me In The Zone" - MoeRoc (''Not The Average Joe (Street Album)''/Presidential MC (''forthcoming Album''))

2009: Die In Your Lap - Cesar Comanche (produced 5 of 15 songs)

2009: "Rear View Mirror" - Rapper Big Pooh (The Delightful Bars)

2009: "Wonder Why" (feat. Wale, Big Sean & Mike Posner), "Sum Ish For Dave" (feat. Haysoos) - Kenn Starr (''It's Still Real (mixtape)'')

2009: ''In The W.ide W.orld Of W.rap'' - E.Ness (produced 9 of 12 songs)

2009: "Do Remember", "We Are", "We Belong" - Skyzoo (''The Power Of Words'')

2009: ''The Salvation'' - Skyzoo (produced 5 of 16 songs)

2009: "Past Present Future" (feat. Melanie Fiona & Naledge) - KRS-One And Buckshot ("Survival Skills - Collaboration Album")

2009: "S.P.I.T." - David Banner & GQ (EA Sport NBA Live Mixtape)

2010: "Slow Down"- David Banner (Death Of Pop Star)

2010: "20 Feet Tall"- Erykah Badu (New Amerykah Part Two (Return of the Ankh))

2010: "X And Bill"- Sadat X-(Brand Nubian) Ft Ill Bill-(La Coka Nostra/Non Phixion) ("Wild Cowboys II")

2010: "Shinin" - Laws (4:57 PM)

2010: "Every" - Rapsody

2010: "Move On Em" (feat. Marvwon & Gotta Be Karim) - Vandalyzm ("Megatron Major Redux" mixtape)

2010: "Beast" - Wale

2010: "Actual Proof" - (The Free EP)

2010: "Entrapment" - Big Remo (produced 4 out of 16)

2010: "The Way We Feel" - Christopher Williams (Previously Unreleased)

2010: "Victoria's Secret" - Heather Victoria (produced 2 out of 14)

2010: "Return Of The B-Girl" - RapSody (produced 14 out of 20)

2010: "Light Beers Ahead Of You" - Sean Boog (produced 5 out of 22)

2011: "Talented Tenth" - Actual Proof (produced 5 out of 20)

2011: "Mahogany Experiment" - Tyler Woods (produced 13 out of 14)

2011: "Heat Writer 2" - HaLo (produced 4 out of 14)

2011: "Graffiti Diary" - Heather Victoria (produced 2 out of 13)

2011: "Phantom of the Jamla" - Sean Boog (produced 4 out of 16)

2011: "Robinhood Ree" - Big Remo (produced 8 out of 22)

2011: "Thank H.E.R. Now" - Rapsody (produced 10 out of 20)

2011: "Boy In Detention" - Chris Brown (produced 3 out of 21)

2011: "The Sender" - Median

2011: "Still Hotter Than July" - Actual Proof (produced 4 out of 20)

References

External links

9thwonder.com

9thwonderpresents.com

9th Wonder Interview @ dropmagazine.com

9th Wonder interview with ArtOfRhyme.com

The True School Co.

Category:American hip hop record producers Category:African American rappers Category:Southern hip hop musicians Category:North Carolina Central University alumni Category:Musicians from North Carolina Category:People from the Research Triangle, North Carolina Category:People from Winston-Salem, North Carolina Category:1975 births Category:Living people Category:Atlantic Records artists Category:Pseudonymous rappers Category:FL Studio users

de:9th Wonder es:9th Wonder fr:9th Wonder it:9th Wonder pl:9th Wonder fi:9th Wonder tr:9th Wonder

Coordinates	38°53′12″N77°01′47″N
name	Bronze Nazareth
background	solo_singer
birth name	Justin Cross
born	December 8, 1979
origin	Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States
genre	Hip hop
occupation	Record producer, rap artist
label	Black Day In July Productions LLC
associated acts	Wu-Tang ClanWu-ElementsWisemen
website	www.bronzenazareth.com
notable instruments	}}

Bronze Nazareth (born Justin Cross in Grand Rapids, Michigan) is a Hip-Hop music producer and emcee associated with the Wu-Tang Clan. He is, along with Cilvaringz, part of the new generation of producers to carry on the Wu-Tang sound. He has a solo career as an emcee and is also a part of the hip-hop group Wisemen.

Biography

He was born and raised in Grand Rapids, MI. Around 1998, Bronze Nazareth met with producer and rapper Cilvaringz who was impressed by his work and added him to his own production team and label Ringz & Partners Inc. with whom Bronze released the internet-only release ''The Unknown - Death's Birth: The Grip Of Behemoths'' in 2002. Eventually he was asked by RZA to join the Wu's in-house team. Bronze went on to contribute two beats to RZA's solo album Birth of a Prince. He produced most of the 2005 compilation album ''Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture'', released on Dreddy Kruger's label Think Differently Music. On May 23, 2006 he released his solo debut on this label titled ''The Great Migration'' to critical acclaim. It features Wu-Tang Clan affiliates such as Timbo King, Prodigal Sunn and Killa Sin. He recently produced the majority (11 out of 13 tracks) for Sunz Of Man member 60 Second Assassin's debut solo album ''Remarkable Timing'' and contributed 9 beats to his group the Wisemen's second album ''Children Of A Lesser God'' & will release his 2nd solo album on September 13th, 2011 called "School For The Blindman" with features from Canibus, Killah Priest, The Wisemen, RZA, Masta Killa, Raekwon, Inspectah Deck, La The Darkman & Willie The Kid.

Discography

Albums

''The Great Migration'' (2006)

''Wisemen Approaching'' (2007)

''The Unknown'' (2007)

''Children Of A Lesser God'' (2010)

''School for the Blindman'' (2011)

Mixtapes

''Thought For Food Vol. 1'' (Mixtape) (2005)

''Thought For Food Vol. 2'' (mixtape) ''(2008)''

Appearances

Various artists - Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture ''(Studio album released October 14, 2005)''

: 12. "Street Corners" (Performed by Bronze Nazareth, and Byata) : 19. "Black Dawn" (Performed by Bronze Nazareth)

Hell Razah - Renaissance Child ''(Studio album released February 20, 2007)''

: 05. "Los Pepes Pt. 1" (featuring Bronze Nazareth)

"Gun Barrell Prison" - Shaka Amazulu The 7th featuring Bronze Nazareth (2008)

"Brain Swell" - Chronicredeye featuring Bronze Nazareth, Franko Fraize & Lyrical T

"Old Flicks" - Shaka Amazulu The 7th featuring Bronze Nazareth & Cilvaringz Cilvaringz

"7 Pounds feat. Bronze Nazareth" - Genius/GZA (Unofficial remix released on the internet)

"Thirsty Vampires - Shaka Amazulu The 7th ft. Jedi Mind Tricks & Bronze Nazareth, Produced by Bronze.

Production

; 2003

The RZA - Birth of a Prince ''(Studio album released October 7, 2003)''

: 13. "A Day To God Is 1,000 Years" : 15. "The Birth"

; 2005

Black Market Militia - Black Market Militia ''(Studio album released March 22, 2005)

: 01. "Intro: Children of Children" : 08. "Righteous Talk"

Afu-Ra - State of the Arts ''(Studio album released June 14, 2005)''

: 06. Livin' Like Dat (featuring Masta Killa)

Various artists - Wu-Tang Meets The Indie Culture ''(Studio album released October 14, 2005)''

: 01. "Introduction" : 02. "Lyrical Swords" (Performed by GZA and Ras Kass) : 03. "Slow Blues" (Performed by Timbo King, Prodigal Sunn, Vast Aire and Byata) : 06. "Think Differently" (Performed by Casual, Rock Marciano, Vordul Mega and Tragedy Khadafi) : 09. "O.D.B. Tribute" (Performed by DJ Noize) : 10. "Fragments" (Performed by Del tha Funkee Homosapien) : 12. "Street Corners" (Performed by Bronze Nazareth, Solomon Childs and Byata) : 13. "Listen" (Performed by Littles, Khalid and Planet Asia) : 19. "Black Dawn" (Performed by Bronze Nazareth)

Blue Raspberry - Out of the Blue ''(Studio album released 2005)''

: 02. "Growing Up"

; 2006

Masta Killa - Made in Brooklyn ''(Studio album released August 8, 2006)

: 05. "Nehanda & Cream" : 10. "Street Corner" (featuring Inspectah Deck and GZA) : 11. "Ringing Bells"

; 2007

Hell Razah - Renaissance Child ''(Studio album released February 20, 2007)''

: 05. "Los Pepes Pt. 1" (featuring Bronze Nazareth) : 12. "Millennium Warface"

Wisemen - Wisemen Approaching ''(Studio album released February 27, 2007)''

: 01. "Introducing (No Matter How)" : 04. "Associated" (featuring GZA) : 05. "Mixture Of Muhammad" : 06. "Iconoclasts" (featuring Killah Priest and Vast Aire) : 07. "Founder Of Pain" : 09. "Up There Beyond" : 10. "Verbal Joust" : 11. "Words From Prodigal Sunn..." : 12. "Goblins (Tablets)" (featuring Planet Asia and Prodigal Sunn) : 13. "Welcome Home" (featuring Altaire and Gooch) : 15. "Wisemen Approaching"

Cilvaringz - I ''(Studio album released June 12, 2007)''

: 8. "Christ & Judas (Skit)/Brothers Ain't Brothers"

; 2008 Immortal Technique - The 3rd World : 11. "The Payback" (featuring Ras Kass and Diabolic) GZA - Pro Tools : 4. "Groundbreaking" (featuring Justice) : 10. "Columbian Ties" (featuring True Master) Vordul Mega - Megagraphitti : 6. "Trigganomics"

"Lady Whirlwind" - Shaka Amazulu The 7th featuring Darkim Be Allah & Allahwise (AIG), [Black Stone of Mecca]

"Thirsty Vampire - Shaka Amazulu The 7th ft. Jedi Mind Tricks & Bronze Nazareth [Gods of the Universe]

"Knights & Armor - Shaka Amazulu The 7th ft. Black Knights & Wasabifunk [Children of the Heavens]

Almighty - Original S.I.N. (Strength In Numbers) 3. "Handle The Heights" (featuring Canibus & Keith Murray) 7. "Daylight" (featuring Kevlaar 7) 9. "Interlude #1" 10. "Killer Bee Swarm" (featuring Timbo King) 16. "Dead Flowers" (featuring 60 Second Assassin)

; 2010

60 Second Assassin - Remarkable Timing ''(Studio album released June 22, 2010)''

: 01. "Words From The Assassin (Intro)" : 03. "M.O.A.N. (Mind Of An assassiN)" (feat Sunz Of Man) : 04. "Clockz N' Kingz" (feat 12 0' Clock, Chi-King & Timbo King) : 05. "Remarkable Timing" (feat Masta Killa, M-80 & Poppa Wu) : 07. "Cloud 9" (feat T.H.U.G. Angelz, Son One & Kristina Green) : 08. "No Face" : 09. "Paradise" (feat Timbo King, Killah Priest & Kristina Green) : 10. "Love Burns" (feat Prodigal Sunn & Phillie) : 11. "The Throne" (feat Planet Asia) : 12. "Dead Flowers Part II" (feat C-Rayz Walz & Bronze Nazareth) : 13. "Fizza Funky"

Vinnie Paz - Season of the Assassin ''(released June 22, 2010)''

: 14. "Role Of Life"

Hell Razah - Heaven Razah ''(Studio album released September 28, 2010)''

: 04. "Medical Kush" (co-produced with Kevlaar 7)

9th Prince - One Man Army ''(Studio album released October 11, 2010)''

: 03. "Concrete Jungle"

Wisemen - Children Of A Lesser God ''(Studio album released October 26, 2010)'' : 02. "Children Of A Lesser God" : 06. "Lucy" : 07. "Get U Shot" : 08. "Hurt Lockers" : 10. "Words From Big Rube (Skit)" (feat Big Rube) : 13. "Panic In Vision Park" : 15. "Interlude: Toxic" : 16. "Makes Me Want A Shot" : 18. "Corn Liquor Thoughts"

; 2011

Raekwon - Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang ''(Studio album released March 7, 2011)''

: 01. "Butter Knives"

Bugsy Da God - The Terrorist Advocate ''(Studio album released February, 2011)''

: 03. "The Sound Of Gunz" (feat Dom Pachino & Shyheim)

Timbo King - From Babylon To Timbuk2 ''(Studio album released September 13, 2011)''

: 01. "The Book Of Timothy (Intro)" : 05. "The Two Babylonians [Interlude]" : 06. "High Ranking" (feat RA The Rugged Man) : 09. "Identity Crisis [Interlude]" : 10. "Youth" : 13. "Tombstone" : 16. "Timbuktu [Interlude]" : 17. "Thinking Cap"

References

External links

Bronze Nazareth's official website

Bronze Nazareth's biography at the official Wu-Tang Clan website

Wu-International Interview 2006

Bronze Nazareth Interview by VibeRated.com

Category:Musicians from Detroit, Michigan Category:Rappers from Detroit, Michigan Category:Underground rappers Category:Wu-Tang Clan affiliates Category:Living people Category:1979 births

fr:Bronze Nazareth it:Bronze Nazareth pl:Bronze Nazareth sv:Bronze Nazareth

Coordinates	38°53′12″N77°01′47″N
Name	Method Man
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Clifford Smith
Alias	Meth, Tical, Johnny Blaze, Methtical, Shakwon, Iron Lung, Hot Nikkels, MZA
Born	April 01, 1971
Origin	Staten Island, New York City, United States
Genre	Hip hop
Occupation	Rapper, actor
Years active	1990–present (rapping)1995–present (acting)
Label	Def Jam
Associated acts	Wu-Tang Clan, Redman, Erick Sermon, LL Cool J
Website	}}

Clifford Smith (born April 1, 1971 in Hempstead, New York), better known by his stage name Method Man is an American hip hop artist, record producer, actor and member of the hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. He took his stage name from the 1979 film ''The Fearless Young Boxer'', also known as ''Method Man''. He is one half of the rap duo Method Man & Redman. He won a Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By" with Mary J. Blige. In 2007, the writers of About.com placed him on their list of the Top 50 MCs of Our Time (1987-2007).

Method Man appeared in the motion pictures ''Belly'', ''How High'', ''Garden State'' as well as a minor role in ''The Wackness''. On television, he and hip-hop collaborator Redman co-starred on the short-lived Fox sitcom ''Method & Red'', and he had a recurring role on HBO's ''Oz'' as Tug Daniels and as Calvin "Cheese" Wagstaff on the acclaimed HBO drama series ''The Wire''.

Early life

Born in Staten Island, New York, on April 1, 1971, Clifford Smith divided his childhood between his father's Long Island residence and his mother's Staten Island home. He has two sisters, Terri and Missy.

Rapping career

''Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)'' / ''Tical''

As Wu-Tang Clan ascended to hip hop stardom, Method Man was always one of the most visible members of the collective. He was one of only two members to get a solo song on the group's debut album ''Enter the Wu-Tang: 36 Chambers'' and he was the first to release a solo album under the Clan's unusual contract which allowed its members to release albums under any record label (Method chose to sign with rap label Def Jam). Method Man's solo debut, ''Tical'' (1994) was critically acclaimed and well received, entering the American charts at #4 and eventually selling in excess of one million copies. That album featured the hit single "All I Need" which was later remixed featuring Mary J Blige, which won a Grammy "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need,"). during this time Method Man also became close friends with The Notorious B.I.G., and was the only guest rapper featured on his debut album ''Ready to Die''. In 1995, he was also featured on "Got the Flava" off Showbiz and A.G.'s album ''Goodfellas''. In 1996, Method Man appeared on Tupac Shakur's album ''All Eyez on Me'', on the song "Got My Mind Made Up" alongside his rhyme partner Redman, The Dogg Pound (Daz and Kurupt) and Inspectah Deck (Rebel INS), whose verse did not make the released album version (although his nickname "Rebel INS" can be heard as the song fades).

''Wu-Tang Forever'' / ''Tical 2000: Judgement Day''

On June 3, 1997 the Wu-Tang Clan released their Grammy-nominated multiplatinum double CD ''Wu-Tang Forever'', the long-awaited follow up to ''36 Chambers''. The album has sold over 8.3 million copies to date worldwide.

His second solo album was ''Tical 2000: Judgement Day'', released in 1998, which was heavily influenced by the apocalypse theories surrounding the forthcoming end of the millennium, and which featured myriad guest appearances from his fellow Wu-Tang MCs. The album was certified double platinum. Other guest appearances include Lisa "Left Eye" Lopes, D'Angelo, Chris Rock, Mobb Deep, Redman, and brief cameos from Russell Simmons, Bishop Don "Magic" Juan, Janet Jackson, and Donald Trump. The album sold better than his first fueled by the party track "Judgment Day" and the D'Angelo collaboration "Break Ups 2 Make Ups", earning Platinum and Gold certifications in the U.S. and Canada respectively. Reviews for the album were mixed and its long runtime and abundance of intermittent comedy skits were widely criticized. Producers on this album included True Master, 4th Disciple and the RZA.

''Blackout!''

Method Man was part of the very successful Hard Knock Life Tour with Jay-Z, Redman, Ja Rule, and DMX. During this tour, Method Man & Redman recorded ''Blackout!'', a light-hearted, bass-heavy, profanity-laced, party record with an EPMD-evoking emphasis on funky beats and the mischievous wit and cool flows and good rhythm of the two MCs. The album reached platinum status quickly, both in the U.S. and Canada, fueled by "Da Rockwilder", "Cereal Killa", "1, 2, 1, 2", "Tear It Off" and "Y.O.U.". This album also featured three previously released tracks on which the two collaborated.

Their success would lead the duo on to star in movies and TV shows, become product spokespersons and household names, but also associated them with marijuana use in the media. The most immediate results of their success was their co-starring roles in the major motion picture film ''How High'', their endorsement deal for ''Right Guard'', Redman's starring role in ''Seed of Chucky'' and a short-lived sitcom on Fox Television entitled ''Method & Red''.

''The W'' / ''Iron Flag'' / ''Tical 0: The Prequel''

The Wu-Tang Clan released ''The W'' on November 21, 2000 and Iron Flag on December 18, 2001. ''The W'' received both critical and commercial success for the group, while ''Iron Flag'' did receive some but not to the effect of ''The W''. The efforts earned two more platinum plaques for the Wu-Tang Clan.

In 2004, Meth released his third solo album ''Tical 0: The Prequel'', which featured the hit party single "What's Happenin'" with Busta Rhymes. Hip hop critics voiced their displeasure with the album, many agreeing that ''Tical 0'' felt like generic party rap and featured too many mainstream guests, detracting from his own performances. Regardless, this album sold reasonably well and was certified gold record by the RIAA relatively quickly, but would not see the platinum success of his previous solo releases. There was trouble even before the album's release when Method apparently complained to the press about excessive interference from Def Jam over the album's beats (Meth supposedly desired more input from Wu-Tang leader RZA). On its release, many fans and critics were taken aback by its strong "mainstream" or "commercial" sound, highlighted by the guest appearances of pop-rap stars like Missy Elliott and P. Diddy, two artists that are involved with much different facets of rap music.

P. Diddy was one of the executive producers for the album, although Meth later voiced his displeasure with the final product. "On the third LP, it was suggested (by Def Jam) to bring in Harve Pierre and P. Diddy. Who am I to argue? Puff knows how to sell some records. But that wasn't the direction to go in, and I know that."

''4:21... The Day After''

Method Man's fourth album, entitled ''4:21: The Day After'' was released in August 2006 with a star lineup of producers featuring Havoc, Erick Sermon, Scott Storch, Allah Mathematics, Mr. Porter, and, most importantly to Meth, RZA. This time around, a more focused Method Man went back to his hip hop roots and both hip hop fans and the media took notice. He did an interview on the ItsHipHop.Tv. Despite this being one of Meth's strongest solo efforts to date, the album failed to do well commercially due to it having no single or video, which Method Man has held discontent towards his own label for. However, he has been touring strongly all over the world to promote the album, and has appeared onstage with fellow Wu-Tang member Inspectah Deck, as well as New York up and comers Saigon, and Gat Murdah. Meth contributed various reasons for the problems between him and his label, Def Jam. While he puts most of the blame on personal agendas in the Def Jam offices, Meth did take some blame, himself, for giving into his record label.

In early May 2007, Method Man's camp leaked the street single "New York New York" which became a popular track on the internet.

''Blackout! 2''

On March 27, 2007, Redman confirmed on BET's Rap City: Tha Bassment that the sequel to ''How High'', ''How High 2'', is currently being written.

In an April 10, 2007 Onion AV Club interview, Redman hinted that there would be a second collaborative album with Method Man, with work beginning in midsummer or early September.

In early 2008, a remake of the Smoothe da Hustler and Trigger tha Gambler classic ''Broken Language'' was released to the internet by the duo entitled ''Broken Language 2008'', fueling rumors of a ''Blackout!'' sequel coming soon. This rumor was further fueled by the duo while performing in Gainesville, Florida at the University of Florida. A ''Blackout! 2'' LP was scheduled for a December 9, 2008 release but was recently pushed back to the first quarter of 2009, with a new release date on May 19. Bun B has confirmed that he will guest star on ''Blackout! 2'' – in April 2009, a single has been released named ''City Lights'', produced by Nasty Kutt Also producers such as Erick Sermon, Rockwilder and Pete Rock have announced their presence on the album.

The duo has finished their ''Still High'' tour with Termanalogy, the Alchemist, and Evidence of Dilated Peoples.

''The Crystal Meth''

''The Crystal Meth'' is the Method Man's upcoming fifth studio album. The album has no confirmed release date. ''The Crystal Meth'' was first announced before Method Man began working on his and Redman's sophomore collaboration album, ''Blackout! 2''. In the liner notes of that album, it was given a scheduled release date for 2009. The album, however, was further postponed until it was later mentioned in an MTV interview it would be released in early 2010. no update on the album's progress or release date has been made. At a concert on the 23 of December 2010 Method Man told the crowd to look for his album in March 2011. However the album was pushed back to an unknown release date.

In a recent interview with The Come Up Show following a recent performance in Canada in April 2011, Method Man replied with this regarding his current 'weed-loving' image:"When you get older and you've got kids and your kids are going to school and you know [their] teachers...and they see how active you are and concerned [you are] with your kids' education or well being, it's hard to sit there and be taken seriously if people are always talking about he's always high...which is totally not the case," he said. "When I first came out, I was young, we were doing our thing, we smoked a lot...and we didn't care if the world knew. Now, I have to use more discretion because of my kids. This is not for me; everything I do is for them now, so I use a bit more discretion and I don't put weed as a forefront any more."

Acting career

In the early 2000s Method Man began a career in acting. He has had recurring roles in critically acclaimed television shows such as HBO's ''Oz'' as Tug Daniels, HBO's ''The Wire'' in which he plays Prop Joe's nephew Cheese, ''The Twilight Zone'' and ''CSI: Crime Scene Investigation''. He and Redman hosted a pilot on MTV called ''Stung''. He has made numerous appearances as himself on TV shows such as ''Mind of Mencia'' and ''Chappelle's Show''.

Method Man portrays Drops on ''CSI'', a wealthy Las Vegas party promoter who clashes with the CSI team, specifically investigator Nick Stokes, in their investigations involving his clubs or entourage. His first appearance on CSI as ''Drops'' was in the 2006 episode "Poppin' Tags". He resumed the role in the 2007 episode "Big Shots" and again in the 2008 episode "Drops Out".

His first prominent role came in 1998 with the film ''Belly'' along with fellow rappers Nas and DMX. He has since added many credits to his name, including roles in the films ''Garden State'', ''One Eight Seven'', and many others, with starring roles in the feature films such as ''How High'' and ''Soul Plane''. On March 27, 2007 Redman confirmed on BET's show ''Rap City'' that the sequel to ''How High'' was being written. The script for ''How High 2'' is being written by Dustin Lee Abraham of ''CSI'', who also wrote the first movie. In 2005 Method Man also had a cameo in the horror movie ''Venom'', where he played a deputy who shortly into the movie is killed. He appears in the 2008 movies ''The Wackness'' and also, ''Meet the Spartans''.

Method Man stars in the episode "Snitch" of ''Law & Order SVU'' as the main antagonist. The episode was first broadcast December 4, 2007.

Method Man has made an appearance in the ''Def Jam'' series of video games. In ''Fight for NY'' he voiced Blaze, one of the main characters. In ''Icon'', he voiced Gooch, a major character in the storyline. In Underground, He voiced Meth, one of the major characters. He made a guest appearance in the music video for the 2003 "If I Ain't Got You" by Alicia Keys, where he played the role of her boyfriend. He also appeared in Beanie Sigel's music video "Feel It in the Air", where Method Man played an undercover cop leading an operation against Sigel.

Method Man has fallen back from pursuing more acting roles after the situation with his sitcom on Fox left a bad taste in his mouth, and now mostly just acts if the project is being handled by a friend of his, as was the case with ''CSI'' and ''The Wire''. He also played an arsonist and a wealthy executive as well as main antagonist in an episode of the fox TV show The Good Guys.

Method Man appears as a hip hop business mogul in an episode of ''Burn Notice''.

Method man had a cameo appearance in the 1997 film ''Cop Land'' as a physically violent fleeing criminal that throws Peter Berg's character off of a New York rooftop. Method Man has also appeared in the TV drama ''Wonderland'', as a patient in a mental hospital.

Other ventures

Method Man appeared in the 1995 documentary entitled The Show. There is a memorable scene in which Method Man, on a train in Japan, gets into an argument with U-God and Ghostface Killah, over camera time, radio interviews, and clothing mishaps.

In 2006, Method Man appeared on the MTV reality game show ''Yo Momma'' in the first episode of Season 1.

Method Man is the first of the Wu-Tang Clan to produce a series of eponymous graphic novels for Hachette Book Group USA's imprint Grand Central Publishing (to be followed by GZA and Ghostface Killah).

Personal life

He became engaged to his wife in 1995 and they married in 2000. He has two children, a son born in 1997 and a daughter born in 1998.

Legal issues

On Thursday May 17, 2007 Method Man was arrested in New York City on marijuana charges. His Mercedes-Benz convertible was pulled over at the Battery Tunnel en route to Manhattan, and when he rolled his window down the officer noticed a strong smell of marijuana. "It was like something out of ''Cheech & Chong''. He rolls down the window and the smoke would choke a horse," a source later said. The arresting officer said he noticed two blunts and a plastic bag with more marijuana in plain view. Upon further inspection more marijuana was found under the driver's seat. The arrest was made at about 10 P.M. Thursday night near the Battery Tunnel toll booths on Hamilton Ave. in Carroll Gardens. He was charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, criminal possession of marijuana, operating a motor vehicle under the influence and driving an uninspected motor vehicle. He later made many public service appearances to try to make up for it, most notably at Abraham Lincoln High School in Brooklyn.

On October 5, 2009, Method Man was arrested at his home in Staten Island for income tax violations. He was accused of failing to file income tax returns for the state of New York between 2004 and 2007 and owes nearly $33,000 in taxes. On June 28, 2010, Method Man plead guilty to tax evasion and was sentenced to a conditional discharge and paid a $106,000.00 fine.

Controversies

Wu-Tang management

In 2003, Method Man criticized Oli "Power" Grant and Mitchell "Divine" Diggs, the managers of the Wu-Tang business. "Number 1 on my shit list right now is Divine from Wu-Tang management. He took something major from me that he had no intention of giving back." Divine is multiplatinum record producer RZA's brother who along with Oli "Power" Grant took over the business end of Wu-Tang around 1997.

Aside from the financial issues, Method Man was unhappy with the decision to bring Wu-Tang into the fashion world for a brief period of time with Wu-Wear, despite the brand being a major money-maker for the group. "When Wu-Wear started making shoes and sneakers and pants, it was shoddy material. I never rocked that shit."

Wendy Williams

In 2006 Method Man had a highly personal and highly publicized conflict with TV talk show host Wendy Williams on ''The Breakdown'', an internet show on ONLOQ.com. Williams talked on air about Method Man's wife having cancer, which was something he had wanted to keep private and even her own family members had not yet known about. He said that people who lived next door to him didn't even know, but Williams had dug it up and made it public over the radio.

Williams also reported rumors that Method Man had even been having an affair with his wife's doctor. Method Man first heard of this while in recording sessions in Los Angeles.

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Sean Combs

During a concert in 2006, Method Man criticized Diddy's decisions on the posthumous The Notorious B.I.G. ''Duets: The Final Chapter'' album, saying that Biggie never would have worked with some of the subpar rappers. "They got niggas on that album Big would have never rocked with," Meth said of the album. "Musically, I ain't fuckin' with Puff Daddy". He also brought up the fact that he was the only other rapper that Biggie chose to have on his debut album ''Ready To Die''. He was featured on the track "The What".

Previously, Diddy had been one of the executive producers for Method Man's 2004 album ''Tical 0: The Prequel'', to which Meth later voiced his displeasure on the final product.

Fox Television

He starred in a Fox sitcom called ''Method & Red'' in late 2004, however after only a short time on the air the show was put on hiatus and never returned. Method Man later complained in the press about Fox's influence on the show's style, claiming that "there's been too much compromise on our side and not enough on their side" and bemoaning the network's decision to add a laugh track. Before the show even aired for the first time, he was telling fans not to bother watching it. He told the newspaper:

Discography

; Studio albums

''Tical'' (1994)

''Tical 2000: Judgement Day'' (1998)

''Tical 0: The Prequel'' (2004)

''4:21... The Day After'' (2006)

''The Crystal Meth'' (2012)

; Collaboration albums

''Blackout!'' (with Redman) (1999)

''Blackout! 2'' (with Redman) (2009)

''Wu-Massacre'' (with Ghostface Killah and Raekwon) (2010)

''Blackout! 3'' (with Redman) (2012)

''TBA'' (with Shyheim) (TBA)

Filmography

Year	! Film	! Role
1996	''The Great White Hype''	As himself
1997	''Cop Land''
1997	''One Eight Seven''
1998	Belly (film)>Belly''
rowspan="2"	1999	Black and White (1999 film)>Black and White''
''Big Daddy (film)	Big Daddy''	Man #7
2000	Backstage (2000 film)>Backstage''
2001	''How High''
2002	Brown Sugar (2002 film)>Brown Sugar''
2003	''Volcano High''
rowspan="4"	2004	''My Baby's Daddy''
''Garden State (film)	Garden State''	Diego
''Soul Plane''	Muggsy
''Scary Movie 3''	Gangsta 4
2005	Venom (2005 film)>Venom''
2006	''Hood of Horror''
rowspan="2"	2008	''Meet the Spartans''
''The Wackness''	Percy
rowspan="5"	2010	Sinners & Saints (film)>Sinners & Saints''
''Red Tails''	Sticks
''The Mortician 3-D''	Mortician
''The Good Guys''	Kenny Griffin (Season 1 Episode 14 – Old Dogs)
''CSI: Crime Scene Investigation''	Drops (Season 11 Episode 2 – Pool Shark)
rowspan="1"	2012	''How High 2'

References

External links

Category:1971 births Category:Living people Category:Actors from New York City Category:African American film actors Category:African American rappers Category:Def Jam Recordings artists Category:Grammy Award winners Category:Members of the Nation of Gods and Earths Category:People from Staten Island Category:Rappers from New York City Category:Wu-Tang Clan members

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