Artist description TONY-O co-produced this debut effort along with producers Kevin Gardner and Redwine of Winetime Productions, a well-respected producing team from Seattle which has done prior work on soundtracks for films including Dangerous Ground, Senseless and the Replacement Killers. They have also produced several gold albums including that of E-40, The Click, Darryl Hall & B-Leight.While certain headz may be concentrating on the south as the new hot bed for hip hop, those truly in the know have peeped the scene in Seattle and realize it's about to be on! TONY-O, who hails from this city, is about to drop his debut LP and change the playing field in hip hop.Many artists have become fascinated with becoming recording artists, but TONY-O seemed pre destined. As a child he traveled from his home state of Indiana to Detroit to visit his cousin Bobby Smith, the lead singer for the Spinners ("I'll Be Around". "It was great hanging with him," says TONY-O. "I learned so much 'cause I stayed with them every summer from 13-16 years old. I had been writing lyrics since I was six so I used to get a lot of great feedback from him. Plus his whole neighborhood was on a music vibe. Aretha Franklin had a house near by and so did Smokey Robinson".While also in his teens, TONY-O spent a great deal of time in Indiana learning from Mark Robinson, who formed The Deal with L.A. Reid and Babyface and and it was Robinson who further introduced him to the music scene there. This and other influences helped TONY-O develop his writing and performing skills.In the early '90's TONY-O decided to move to Seattle. "I just felt there was something more for me, and it wasn't in the city I grew up in so I decided to move to Seattle. I had a lot of family there, and they helped me get my first job on a fishing boat," he says. In between work, he entered the Seattle music scene with the help of his friend El Star, one of the Spinner's sons. El Star recognized TONY-O's lyrical skills early on, and introduced him to the studios, producers, and other artists while showcasing TONY-O's talents. With hard work and dedication, he began to build a large buzz in the area which lead to his current deal."My goal is to make you forget your everyday problems," explains TONY-O. "I'm known for having a good time. That's just the way I came up so it is reflected in my music. Plus I'm a big funk fan." For instance, "Shake Your Pants" is a lively party song which the artist describes as scenario about how he gets the party going, and the mystique he's created by being new in town. "I just tell folks its ok to party, and its ok to flirt-that is so long as you don't get into trouble."He also reflects on the way he sees things in Seattle. "I feel like there is a lot of hating there. That's why I came up with "PhD." (the first single release) and "Player's Code". I don't know what it is, maybe because it's always so rainy people stay in and become more isolated and insulated and only out for themselves. Whatever the reason I don't like it. So on these tracks I talk about how people should stay true, and still support, even when things are going well for someone else, but maybe not as well for themselves.So if you're thinking Seattle is just about alternative rock music from the likes of Kurt and Courtney or rap music from Sir Mix-A-Lot, think again. TONY-O is about to put the state of Washington on the map for hip hop! Just watch.

Music Style Westcoast

Artist History TONY-O established an immense audience for himself with his debut smash single, "PhD." (playa hata degree), which hung on the Billboards Hot Rap Singles charts for 24 weeks straight and ended 1999 as #46 Billboard Rap Single for the year. His audience is eagerly awaiting his debut LP.

Press Reviews "This formula that Tony-O has put together is rather unique, in that he is able, and confident enough, to put down something new and have trust in himself and his label". - RAP SHEET"This is a funky radio friendly track regarding the very current subject of those who have acquired a playa hata degree. West Coast flavored linguistics over smooth body moving music makes this commercial pick with good 'on air' potential". - INSOMNIAC"Tony-O from Seattle, has a pretty tight single that has been ripping up the Billboard chats called PhD. (playa hata degree). This song is already getting airplay on many West Coast radio stations and have been getting great reviews". - The NORTHWEST PHOENIX"This is the first song (PhD.) I have heard from Tony-O and it should make him famous. It has a very hip hook, it is very radio-friendly because of the catchy hook, it should be receiving a lot of airplay very soon". - BRE WEST"Taking over the radio throughout the states, Tony-O simply asks, "Where'd you get your PhD."? The smooth-laced vocals encourage your body to move while the booty-bumpin' track sends subliminal messages: "Don't hate, congratulate and maybe you can participate"." - ROOTS

Location Los Angeles, CA - USA

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