This is the spot where you’ll see upcoming producers and Industry veterans in the game. A lot of people don’t know what goes into production. This will be the section where we feature the hottest producers in hip hop. Each month we’ll bring to you a new producer along with their background.
THIS MONTH’S FEATURE IS: PLAY-N- SKILLZ
Over the past few years G4 Recordz L.L.C., G4 Inc.’s Record label, and Prime Time Produxxtionz L.L.C., the production label of G4 Inc., have been bringing you hit records and platinum albums (Lil Flip, Chamillionaire, Play-N-Skillz, Frankie J., NBA Live, NFL Streetz, and many more) and will continue this success throughout 2006. Starting out 2006 with Chamillionaire’s hit single “Ridin’” (Chamillitary/Universal Records) and up and coming “What You Gonna Do” Natalie feat. Bun-B of UGK (Latium/Universal), “So Sexy” Reyez feat. Play-N-Skillz (G4/Latium), Bone Thugs-N-Harmony album, Rob G. album, and of course the Play-N-Skillz album “Titanic” to name a few, G4 Inc. will grow to be a nationally recognized record label like the Bad Boy, Swisha House, G-Unit’s. PTP and G4 have been growing since 2001 and continue to grow on a fast pace. Behind the success of these fast growing companies is the famous Play-N-Skillz who are the entrepreneurs behind the creation of the labels.
After only three short years on the music scene Play-N-Skillz are poised and ready to take on the rap world. From their origins rocking clubs in their hometown Dallas, Texas to producing for some of raps heaviest hitters, they are finally ready to show what they’ve really got. With their debut release The Process, on Universal/Motown Records, the southwestern duo paved the way for a future in the hip hop game vocally on top of their talent for producing hit records. Following the footsteps of successful rapper/producers such as Dr. Dre, Timbaland and Three 6 Mafia, Play-N-Skillz are currently changing the face of hip hop with a new sound and a new ethnicity to the game.
Play-N-Skillz’s story is a unique one, as the brothers were raised in a South American family that happened to reside in a predominantly African American neighborhood. Play-N-Skillz eventually parlayed their love of rap music into a gig DJ’ing at night clubs around the city. While Play was garnering a name for himself at local Dallas clubs, Skillz made the decision that he too wanted to try his hands on the turntables. Determined to further their dreams, the two converted a small area in their already tiny two bedroom apartment into an in-home studio – Prime Time Productions was born in 2001.
After many late nights and a lot of dedication, Play-N-Skillz eventually built a deafening buzz on the underground Texas rap scene working with Chamillionaire, Petey Pablo, Paul Wall, Lil Jon and The Eastside Boyz, Bun B of UGK, DJ DMD, Tony Thompson of High 5. Although they were receiving accolades for their work with local stars including Lil’ Flip, Play-N-Skillz main focus was still behind the boards of the studio, not the microphone. While crediting Flip as a major influence in their rise to public notoriety, it was actually Petey Pablo that pushed the duo to take their first step into the booth. After that initial encounter Play-N-Skillz honed their craft learning the importance of composing hit songs rather than merely focusing on the creating the slickest punch line.
Shortly thereafter Lil’ Flip recruited the duo to produce several tracks on his now multi-platinum release U Gotta Feel Me, at which point they felt their hard work had finally paid off. Two of the songs they produced “I Came to Bring the Pain” featuring Ludacris and “Bounce” eventually became some of the albums most talked about hits. Next, the two decided it was time to build on their fan base and further saturate leading them to release an underground CD/DVD aptly titled the “Album before the Album”. The release was met with great response and only increased their status on the hip hop radar as it moved a staggering 50,000 units with only street level promotion. After seeing the success of this release it was only natural for the duo to seek out an industry powerhouse to help them take their music to a nationwide level.
On their Universal/Motown debut The Process, Play-N-Skillz demonstrated their versatility by not only delivering intoxicating production but a dynamic one-two punch with their flow. Play-N-Skillz made noise all over the nation with their legendary song “Freaks” feat Krayzie Bone and Adina Howard. On their sizzling single “Latinos Stand Up”, the brother’s rep their culture over a bouncy, bass laden track had everyone throwing their “L” up and brought a new culture from a different area of the country into the hip hop status with credits behind them. It’s evident the path has just begun for Play-N-Skillz, and they hope to follow in the footsteps of southern legends Scarface, UGK, DJ Screw and The D.O.C. – although they are determined to perfect their own unique style.
Never afraid to expand their horizons Play-N-Skillz recently filmed their first movie role in a MTV film entitled “All You’ve Got” along a celebrity cast that included Ciara and 3LW. Play-N-Skillz have started 2006 bringing a whole new game plan to the table by signing a new R&B artist named Reyez and producing the Number 1 song in the nation “Ridin” by Chamillionaire featuring Krayzie Bone, which is also the number 1 selling ring tone in the nation too and setting records in both charts. One thing is certain, the future is bright for these brothers and whether behind the scenes or in front the camera, these two have much to prove and nothing but time.
Play-N-Skillz just finalized their label deal with Asylum Records and are currently working on their sophomore album The Titanic which will be released in around Fall 2006. They are also currently working on their new R&B artist, Reyez, freshman album and have just worked out a deal with Latium/Universal for him. Play-N-Skillz are excited about 2006 and the years to follow as their credits and accomplishments are starting to pay off and their name begins to become a common household name for good music.
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Play-N-Skillz Discography
DJ DMD -Single 2001. “25 Lighters” (Remix)
Play-N-Skillz and Paul Wall -Single 2003. “Fuck Da Bouncerz Up”
Lil Flip U Gotta Feel Me -2004. 12 Tracks
NBA Live 2005 EA Sports -2005. “I’m The Greatest Player”
NFL Streetz 2005 EA Sports -2005. “What’s Your Name”
Play-N-Skillz Album Before The Album -2005. 17 Tracks
Frankie J The One -2005. 2 Tracks
Play-N-Skillz The Process -2005. 14 Tracks
Don Omar Da Hitman Reggaeton Latino -2005. “Aunque Te Fuiste”
Chamillionaire Sound of Revenge -2005. “Ridin” feat Krayzie Bone
UPCOMING
Reyez -Upcoming Album -2006. All Tracks
Natalie -Upcoming Album -2006. 1st Single “What U Gonna Do”
Big Tuck and DSR -Upcoming Album -2006. Tracks To Be Announced
Frankie J English Album -2006. 4 Tracks
Bone Thugs-N-Harmony -Upcoming Album -2006. Tracks To Be Announced
MTV Movie Rumble Latino’s Stand Up -2006. Paramount/MTV Films
Slim Thug -Upcoming Album -2006. Tracks To Be Announced
Memphis Bleek -Upcoming Album -2006. Tracks To Be Announced
Chamillionaire -Upcoming Album -2006. Tracks To Be Announced
Lil Flip -Upcoming Album -2006. Tracks To Be Announced
Bun B and Middle Fingazz -Upcoming Album -2006. Tracks To Be Announced
