Play-N-Skillz
Encyclopedia
Play-N-Skillz are an American hip-hop electronic music
record production
duo from Irving, Texas
, consisting of brothers Juan "Play" Salinas and Oscar "Skillz" Salinas, who are also rappers
. Their production has won several Grammys including the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
in 2007 for their production on the single "Ridin'
" by Chamillionaire
and Krayzie Bone
, and the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album
for Lil Wayne's
Tha Carter III
(2008), which included their production on the single "Got Money
".
, the Latino American brothers started producing music in their mother's apartment. They met Houston rapper Lil Flip, leading to work on his album U Gotta Feel Me
(2004) and a deal with Universal Records
. They released their album The Process
(#85 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
) in 2004. The team has also produced for artists such as Lil Wayne
, Ludacris
, David Guetta
, Pitbull
, Akon
, Flo-Rida, Lil Jon
, Wynter Gordon
, and Bun B
.
In 2011, Play-N-Skillz began a partnership with Jose Cuervo Platino Tequila and they are now considered to be the face for the brand. In addition, Play-N-Skillz recently co-wrote David Guetta's first single, "Where Them Girls At" featuring Flo-Rida and Nicki Minaj which charted in over 21 countries within days of release. In June, Play-N-Skillz released a critically acclaimed electronic inspired mixtape entitled "Fireworks" which was a major viral success. It was offered for free and was downloaded thousands of times. In November 2011, Play-N-Skillz signed a production deal with Jimmy Iovine and Interscope. Their upcoming album, Alter Egos is due for release in 2012.
Electronic music
Electronic music is music that employs electronic musical instruments and electronic music technology in its production. In general a distinction can be made between sound produced using electromechanical means and that produced using electronic technology. Examples of electromechanical sound...
record production
Record producer
A record producer is an individual working within the music industry, whose job is to oversee and manage the recording of an artist's music...
duo from Irving, Texas
Irving, Texas
Irving is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas within Dallas County. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city population was 216,290. Irving is within the Dallas–Plano–Irving metropolitan division of the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metropolitan area, designated...
, consisting of brothers Juan "Play" Salinas and Oscar "Skillz" Salinas, who are also rappers
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
. Their production has won several Grammys including the Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group
The Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group was awarded between 1991 and 2011, alongside the Grammy Award for Best Rap Solo Performance. Previously a single award was presented for Best Rap Performance....
in 2007 for their production on the single "Ridin'
Ridin'
"Ridin" is the second single from Chamillionaire's album, The Sound of Revenge, and features a guest rap by Krayzie Bone. Its title is often incorrectly assumed to be "Ridin' Dirty" due to the chorus...
" by Chamillionaire
Chamillionaire
Hakeem Seriki , better known by his stage name Chamillionaire, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Chamillitary Entertainment. Chamillionaire is also the founder and an original member of The Color Changin' Click...
and Krayzie Bone
Krayzie Bone
Anthony Henderson better known as Krayzie Bone, is an American rapper and is a former member of the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.-Solo career:Krayzie Bone recorded his solo debut, Thug Mentality 1999, in 1998...
, and the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album
Grammy Award for Best Rap Album
The Grammy Award for Best Rap Album is an award presented to recording artists for quality albums with rapping at the Grammy Awards, a ceremony that was established in 1958 and originally called the Gramophone Awards...
for Lil Wayne's
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
Tha Carter III
Tha Carter III
Tha Carter III is the sixth studio album by American rapper Lil Wayne, released June 10, 2008 on Cash Money Records. It follows a long string of mixtape releases and guest appearances on other hip hop and R&B artists records, helping to increase his exposure in the mainstream...
(2008), which included their production on the single "Got Money
Got Money
"Got Money" is the third single by American recording artist Lil Wayne's sixth studio album, Tha Carter III . The single features singer-songwriter T-Pain. Both T-Pain and Lil Wayne use the auto-tune effect in the song. The single was released as a digital download on iTunes on May 27, 2008...
".
Background
Raised in the Dallas suburb of Irving, TexasIrving, Texas
Irving is a city located in the U.S. state of Texas within Dallas County. According to the 2010 U.S. Census, the city population was 216,290. Irving is within the Dallas–Plano–Irving metropolitan division of the Dallas–Fort Worth–Arlington metropolitan area, designated...
, the Latino American brothers started producing music in their mother's apartment. They met Houston rapper Lil Flip, leading to work on his album U Gotta Feel Me
U Gotta Feel Me
-Disc 2:- Singles :SunshineGame Over ...
(2004) and a deal with Universal Records
Universal Records
Universal Records was a record label owned by Universal Music Group, and it is now owned by Manny Patino and Michael Jackson, and operated as part of the Universal Motown Republic Group.-History:...
. They released their album The Process
The Process (Play-N-Skillz album)
The Process is the debut studio album by American record production duo Play-N-Skillz, released on October 18, 2005, by Universal Music.- Background :...
(#85 Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums
Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums is a chart published by Billboard magazine that ranks R&B and hip hop albums based on sales compiled by Nielsen SoundScan. The name of the chart was changed from Top R&B Albums in 1999...
) in 2004. The team has also produced for artists such as Lil Wayne
Lil Wayne
Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
, Ludacris
Ludacris
Christopher Brian Bridges , better known by his stage name Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Along with his manager, Chaka Zulu, Ludacris is the co-founder of Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint distributed by Def Jam Recordings...
, David Guetta
David Guetta
Pierre David Guetta , known professionally as David Guetta , is a French house music producer and DJ. Originally a DJ at nightclubs during the 1980s and 1990s, he co-founded Gum Productions and released his first album, Just a Little More Love, in 2002. Later, he released Guetta Blaster and Pop Life...
, Pitbull
Pitbull (rapper)
Armando Christian Pérez , better known by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. His first recorded performance was from the Lil Jon album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album in 2004 titled M.I.A.M.I. under TVT Records...
, Akon
Akon
Aliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
, Flo-Rida, Lil Jon
Lil Jon
Jonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
, Wynter Gordon
Wynter Gordon
Diana "Wynter" Gordon is an American pop/dance singer-songwriter. She began as a writer for other artists, later signing with Atlantic Records where she began working on an album while continuing to write songs for other acts and providing vocals on songs...
, and Bun B
Bun B
Bernard Freeman better known by his stage name Bun B, is an American rapper and was one half of the southern hip hop duo UGK . He is also a guest lecturer at Rice University located in Houston, Texas...
.
2009-Present
In September 2009, the duo signed a joint venture deal with their own label, G4 Muzik, and hip-hop mogul Steve Rifkind's record label SRC. In a press release, Steve Rikfind, Founder and Chairman of SRC said, "The music they make is incredible and their innate knack for finding great talent is impressive." In an interview, Skillz of Play-N-Skillz said of the deal, "This label deal will allow us to showcase our executive side as well as our creative and artistic sides. I'm very excited about the future of G4 Muzik." In October 2009, Play-N-Skillz signed local talent Inertia to their label G4 Muzik.In 2011, Play-N-Skillz began a partnership with Jose Cuervo Platino Tequila and they are now considered to be the face for the brand. In addition, Play-N-Skillz recently co-wrote David Guetta's first single, "Where Them Girls At" featuring Flo-Rida and Nicki Minaj which charted in over 21 countries within days of release. In June, Play-N-Skillz released a critically acclaimed electronic inspired mixtape entitled "Fireworks" which was a major viral success. It was offered for free and was downloaded thousands of times. In November 2011, Play-N-Skillz signed a production deal with Jimmy Iovine and Interscope. Their upcoming album, Alter Egos is due for release in 2012.
Albums
- Texas 2 Da World (2003)
- The Best of Lil' Flip & Play N Skillz (2004)
- The ProcessThe Process (Play-N-Skillz album)The Process is the debut studio album by American record production duo Play-N-Skillz, released on October 18, 2005, by Universal Music.- Background :...
(2004), Universal - The Album Before The Album (2005), 101 Distribution
Mixtapes
- Recession Proof (2009)
- Platino Lifestyle (2011)
- Fireworks (2011)
- Red October (2011)
Singles
- "Freaks" (2004) - featuring Adina HowardAdina HowardAdina Howard is an American R&B singer who rose to prominence during the mid 1990s with her debut album, Do You Wanna Ride? and her debut single, "Freak Like Me". Howard is known for her sexual image and provocative songs...
, Krayzie BoneKrayzie BoneAnthony Henderson better known as Krayzie Bone, is an American rapper and is a former member of the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.-Solo career:Krayzie Bone recorded his solo debut, Thug Mentality 1999, in 1998... - "Call Me" (2004) - featuring ChamillionaireChamillionaireHakeem Seriki , better known by his stage name Chamillionaire, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Chamillitary Entertainment. Chamillionaire is also the founder and an original member of The Color Changin' Click...
- "Latinos Stand Up" (2005)
- "Get Freaky" (2006) - featuring PitbullPitbull (rapper)Armando Christian Pérez , better known by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. His first recorded performance was from the Lil Jon album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album in 2004 titled M.I.A.M.I. under TVT Records...
- "One Mo Gin" (2008) - featuring Lil JonLil JonJonathan Mortimer Smith , better known by his stage name Lil Jon, is an American rapper, music producer, entrepreneur, and occasional disc jockey who was a member of the group Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. Lil Jon formed the group in 1997, and the group released several albums between then and 2004...
, Krayzie BoneKrayzie BoneAnthony Henderson better known as Krayzie Bone, is an American rapper and is a former member of the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.-Solo career:Krayzie Bone recorded his solo debut, Thug Mentality 1999, in 1998...
, Bun BBun BBernard Freeman better known by his stage name Bun B, is an American rapper and was one half of the southern hip hop duo UGK . He is also a guest lecturer at Rice University located in Houston, Texas... - "Boom" (2008) - featuring Nina SkyNina SkyNina Sky is an American musical duo composed of identical twins Nicole and Natalie Albino .-Early life and career:Albino's parents moved to New York from Puerto Rico and were divorced when the girls were younger...
& PitbullPitbull (rapper)Armando Christian Pérez , better known by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. His first recorded performance was from the Lil Jon album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album in 2004 titled M.I.A.M.I. under TVT Records... - "Checkin My Fresh" (2008)
- "Come Home With Me" (2009) - featuring AkonAkonAliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
- "Angel Eyes" (2009) - featuring AkonAkonAliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
- "1, 2, 3, 4" (2010) - featuring PitbullPitbull (rapper)Armando Christian Pérez , better known by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. His first recorded performance was from the Lil Jon album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album in 2004 titled M.I.A.M.I. under TVT Records...
& Paul WallPaul WallPaul Michael Slayton , better known by his stage name Paul Wall, is an American rapper. He is currently affiliated with Swishahouse Records, having released several albums under the label as well as... - "I Just Wanna F*ck" (2010) - featuring Three 6 MafiaThree 6 MafiaThree 6 Mafia are an Academy Award-winning, American rap group originating from Memphis, Tennessee. Formed in 1991 as Triple 6 Mafia, by DJ Paul, Juicy J, & Lord Infamous, the group at its most featured six members including; Crunchy Black, Gangsta Boo and Koopsta Knicca...
& NellyNellyCornell Iral Haynes, Jr. , better known by his stage name Nelly, is an Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1993 and signed to Universal Records in 1999. Under Universal, Nelly began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album... - "Things We Do" (2010) - featuring Snoop DoggSnoop DoggCalvin Cordozar Broadus, Jr. , better known by his stage name Snoop Dogg, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. Snoop is best known as a rapper in the West Coast hip hop scene, and for being one of Dr. Dre's most notable protégés. Snoop Dogg was a Crip gang member while in high school...
- "Wonderful Life" (2011)- featuring Bun BBun BBernard Freeman better known by his stage name Bun B, is an American rapper and was one half of the southern hip hop duo UGK . He is also a guest lecturer at Rice University located in Houston, Texas...
- "Dallas Freaks" (2011)- featuring DorroughDorroughDorwin Demarcus Dorrough , better known by his stage name Dorrough, is an American rapper.- Early life :Dorrough was born and raised in Dallas, Texas. He attended Lancaster High School in Lancaster, where he was captain of the basketball team. He also attended Prairie View A&M University...
& Too Short - "Say Goodbye" (2012)- featuring AkonAkonAliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
Production discography
- ChamillionaireChamillionaireHakeem Seriki , better known by his stage name Chamillionaire, is an American rapper, record producer, and entrepreneur. He is the CEO of Chamillitary Entertainment. Chamillionaire is also the founder and an original member of The Color Changin' Click...
- "Ridin'Ridin'"Ridin" is the second single from Chamillionaire's album, The Sound of Revenge, and features a guest rap by Krayzie Bone. Its title is often incorrectly assumed to be "Ridin' Dirty" due to the chorus...
" (featuring Krayzie BoneKrayzie BoneAnthony Henderson better known as Krayzie Bone, is an American rapper and is a former member of the rap group Bone Thugs-n-Harmony.-Solo career:Krayzie Bone recorded his solo debut, Thug Mentality 1999, in 1998...
) (2006) - Reyez - "So Sexy" (2006)
- Frankie JFrankie JFrancisco Javier Bautista, Jr. , better known by his stage name Frankie J, is a Mexican singer and former member of the musical group Kumbia Kings....
- "That GirlThat Girl (Frankie J song)"That Girl" is the first single by Frankie J, released from the album Priceless . It features guest appearances by Mannie Fresh and Chamillionaire and produced by Play-N-Skillz. It debuted on the Billboard Hot 100 on August 17, 2006 at number 100. Since then, the song climbed to number forty-three....
" (2006) - Hilary DuffHilary DuffHilary Erhard Duff is an American actress, singer-songwriter, entrepreneur, and author. After working in local theater plays and television commercials in her childhood, she achieved fame playing the title role in the Disney Channel television series Lizzie McGuire. She also reprised her role in...
- "With Love" (Remix) (featuring Slim ThugSlim ThugStayve Jerome Thomas , better known as Slim Thug, Boss Hogg or Thug Boss, is an American rapper. He gained mainstream attention for his contribution to the popular single from rapper Mike Jones, "Still Tippin'"....
) (2007) - Chamillionaire - "The Bill Collecta" (featuring Krayzie Bone) (2007)
- Kia Shine - "Krispy" (2007)
- Lil WayneLil WayneDwayne Michael Carter, Jr. , better known by his stage name Lil Wayne, is an American rapper. At the age of nine, Lil Wayne joined Cash Money Records as the youngest member of the label, and half of the duo, The B.G.'z, with B.G.. In 1997, Lil Wayne joined the group Hot Boys, which also included...
- "Got MoneyGot Money"Got Money" is the third single by American recording artist Lil Wayne's sixth studio album, Tha Carter III . The single features singer-songwriter T-Pain. Both T-Pain and Lil Wayne use the auto-tune effect in the song. The single was released as a digital download on iTunes on May 27, 2008...
" (featuring T-Pain) (2008) - St. LunaticsSt. LunaticsThe St. Lunatics are a hip hop group from St. Louis, Missouri formed in 1995. The group consists of Nelly, Ali, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan and City Spud. Former member Slo'Down left the group after a dispute.- Career :...
- "Get Low 2 Da Flo" (2009) - NellyNellyCornell Iral Haynes, Jr. , better known by his stage name Nelly, is an Grammy Award winning American rapper and actor. He has performed with the rap group St. Lunatics since 1993 and signed to Universal Records in 1999. Under Universal, Nelly began his solo career in 2000 with his debut album...
- "Angel Eyes" (featuring AkonAkonAliaune Damala Badara Thiam, better known as simply Akon , is a Senegalese American R&B recording artist and songwriter.According to Forbes, Akon grossed $21 million in 2010, $20 million in 2009 and $12 million in 2008. He rose to prominence in 2004 following the release of "Locked Up", the first...
) (2009) - Hurricane ChrisHurricane Chris (rapper)Chris Dooley, Jr. , better known by his stage name Hurricane Chris, is an American rapper. He is best known for his 2007 hit single "A Bay Bay" from his debut album 51/50 Ratchet. In 2009, Chris released his second album Unleashed.- Early life :Hurricane Chris was born and raised in the Cedar Grove...
- "Halle Berry (She's Fine)Halle Berry (She's Fine)"Halle Berry " is the first single from rapper Hurricane Chris' second album Unleashed, It has produced by Play-N-Skillz and features rapper Superstarr.-Music video:The music video was released on April 29, 2009...
" (2009) - Bun BBun BBernard Freeman better known by his stage name Bun B, is an American rapper and was one half of the southern hip hop duo UGK . He is also a guest lecturer at Rice University located in Houston, Texas...
- "Ridin' Slow" (featuring Play-N-Skillz and Slim ThugSlim ThugStayve Jerome Thomas , better known as Slim Thug, Boss Hogg or Thug Boss, is an American rapper. He gained mainstream attention for his contribution to the popular single from rapper Mike Jones, "Still Tippin'"....
) (2010) - Slim ThugSlim ThugStayve Jerome Thomas , better known as Slim Thug, Boss Hogg or Thug Boss, is an American rapper. He gained mainstream attention for his contribution to the popular single from rapper Mike Jones, "Still Tippin'"....
- "Free" (2010) - Pitbull (rapper)Pitbull (rapper)Armando Christian Pérez , better known by his stage name Pitbull, is an American rapper, singer-songwriter and record producer. His first recorded performance was from the Lil Jon album Kings of Crunk in 2002, after which he released his debut album in 2004 titled M.I.A.M.I. under TVT Records...
- "Daddy's Little Girl"(featuring Slim) (2009) - David GuettaDavid GuettaPierre David Guetta , known professionally as David Guetta , is a French house music producer and DJ. Originally a DJ at nightclubs during the 1980s and 1990s, he co-founded Gum Productions and released his first album, Just a Little More Love, in 2002. Later, he released Guetta Blaster and Pop Life...
- "Where Them Girls At" (featuring Flo-Rida & Nicki Minaj) (Written Only) (2011)