- Obie Trice
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Obie Trice 
Background information Birth name Obie Trice III Born November 14, 1977 Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Origin Detroit, Michigan, U.S. Genres Midwest hip hop Occupations Rapper, songwriter Years active 2000–Present Labels Shady, Interscope (2000–2008)
Black Market Entertainment (2010–present)Associated acts Eminem, Nate Dogg, 50 Cent, Trick Trick, Cashis, Stat Quo, Bobby Creekwater, D12, Royce da 5'9", King Gordy Akon, Tony Yayo, Lloyd Banks, Proof, Trey Songz, Dr.Dre, G-Unit, Website www.obietrice.com Obie Trice III (born November 14, 1977) is an American rapper and songwriter. He began rapping at the age of 11, and is most known for his time spent signed to Shady Records. Obie Trice has formed his own record label, Black Market Entertainment.
Contents
Biography
Obie Trice III was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan by his mother, along with three brothers. He is mixed race; of African American and German descent. He was given a karaoke machine by his mother when he was eleven and he used it to rhyme over instrumentals from artists such as N.W.A. By the age of fourteen, he was attending rap battle spots around Detroit, notably including the Hip Hop Shop, on which Trice commented,
“ There was a place called the Hip-hop Shop. We'd go up there on Saturday afternoons for the battles. They were hosted by Proof, from D12. I got a response every time I went. That's when I said, 'OK, I wanna get into this music.' Really, I didn't have a backup plan...[1] ” Obie Trice went by the name of Obie 1 during this time, but when he first met Proof, who was about to introduce him at the Hip Hop Shop, Proof asked him, "What's your name? Your real name, no gimmicks." He was then introduced as Obie Trice, and has kept his real name as his rap name.[2] Trice was introduced to Eminem through D12 member Bizarre. Eminem was impressed when Trice freestyled for him in a car park through a window, whilst Eminem was in a car.[1] Later, Trice received a call from his manager informing him that he would be having dinner with Eminem, and later that night they went to a Kid Rock party.[3]
Career
Shady Records (2000–2002)
Trice was officially signed to Shady Records in 2000. He first received public attention via a freestyle skit on the Devil's Night album, followed by the deliverance of the opening line "Obie Trice-real name, no gimmicks", off Eminem's The Eminem Show lead single, "Without Me", as well as the song "Drips".[4] Later in 2002, Obie rapped on songs for the 8 Mile soundtrack, and also had a cameo appearance in the film as a rapper in a parking-lot.[1]36
Cheers (2003–2004)
Main article: Cheers (album)Trice's debut album, Cheers, was released on September 23, 2003 with its first single "Got Some Teeth" being well received on radio in a number of countries. He also released the singles "The Set Up" and "Don't Come Down". The album consists of 17 tracks with production from Eminem, Dr. Dre, Timbaland, Mike Elizondo, Emile, Fredwreck and Mr. Porter. Artists featuring on Cheers include Busta Rhymes, Eminem, 50 Cent, Lloyd Banks, Dr. Dre, Nate Dogg, D12, Tony Yayo, and Timbaland. The album was eventually certified gold by the RIAA.[5]
Second Round's on Me and shooting (2005–2007)
Main article: Second Round's on MeIn 2005, Trice began work on his second album, entitled Second Round's on Me. The album was finally released on August 15, 2006. Following the release of Second Round's on Me, he released a mixtape called Bar Shots with G-Unit's DJ Whoo Kid.
Shortly after his label-mate Proof was shot to death in a Detroit nightclub, a song emerged on the mixtape circuit called "Ride Wit Me". The song was dedicated to Proof. Trice made a speech at Proof's funeral, addressing the problem of black-on-black violence:
“ I want to talk to those coming up in the 'hood, coming up in the struggle. We're killing each other, and it's about nothing. Nothing. Nothing. We're all dying... over nothing.[6] ” In the single "Cry Now" from his second album, Trice addresses his shooting, as well as Eminem's rumored retirement,[7] referenced with the following line, "Rock City is my voice / The white boy has stepped down / So I will accept the crown." Trice also addresses the shooting in the song "Pistol Pistol" from the album Eminem Presents: The Re-up claiming hes after revenge, "I solemnly swear on my daughters tears/The nigga that got him in the head will feel it before the year ends / Hope you inconspicuous my friend / `Cause once the word get back ya in a world of sin / Bullets will hurtle at him for tryin to murder what been determined as the first solo african " and later "I'm so sincere you seein' a hearse this year / it's not a verse it's curse for burstin' what's on ya person". He has since given insight as to why he feels the shooting occurred, and has labeled it "haterism", as well as a bad mind state by saying, "it’s a lot of do-or-die type individuals. They want to get that plug and there’s really more to the game than they think it is [...] it’s competition on a real vicious level."[8]
Departure from Shady Records (2008–2009)
In June 2008, Obie Trice departed from Shady Records. A misunderstanding was made where it was believed he was attacking the label and Eminem on a single titled "The Giant" but they were quickly dismissed.[9]
Special Reserves (2009–2010)
Main article: Special Reserve (Obie Trice album)On December 15, 2009, a compilation album, Special Reserves, by Obie Trice and MoSS, the first producer of DJ Premier's "Works of Mart" production company, was released. The album is a collection of 11 of Trice's tracks recorded with MoSS from 1997 to 2000. The album serves as a preface to Trice's upcoming album, Bottoms Up.
Move to Black Market Entertainment (2010–present)
Main article: Bottoms Up (album)On April 22, 2010, "Rap Basement" reported that Obie Trice has announced that he would be launching his own independent music label, Black Market Entertainment, on May 7.[10] The label would be owned by Universal.[11] An official statement from Trice, in-which Rap Basement received, confirmed "The focus of Black Market Entertainment is to create quality employment opportunities in the entertainment industry for Metro-Detroiters. This will be an organization with profound community presence that will embrace and inspire the masses. The vision of Black Market Entertainment is to continually bring authentic Detroit Urban Hip Hop Culture to the forefront of the music industry."[10] On May 4, Trice confirmed that Eminem would be a featured guest artist in his upcoming album, "Bottoms Up."[11]
On August 24, 2010, Trice released a new street single, "My Time 2011," from Bottoms Up via myspace; the track is produced by Geno XO.[12] The music video was released on March 22, 2011;[13] footage for the video was filmed at the Black Market Ent. Launch Party.[14]
On September 2, 2010, Trice announced that he would be hosting "The Black & White" concert after party, following the Eminem & Jay-Z Show at Comerica Park (held the same night), at the Goodnight Gracie's; the party goes from 9pm to 2am.[15]
On April 5, 2011, another street single from Trice was released, called "Learn to Love." Although some of the lyrics were changed, it was just a remixed version of his song titled "Haters" from his "Bar Shots" mixtape.[16]
On April 13, Trice released a music video for his song "Keep me/Love me."[17]
On August 2, 2011, Obie Trice tweeted "OFFICIAL RELEASE DATE FOR "BOTTOMS UP" 10-25-11", which confirmed the release date for the album.[18]
The first official single from Bottoms Up, "Battle Cry" featuring Adrian Rezza, produced by Lucas Rezza was released on iTunes on August 23, 2011.[19]
Personal
Shooting
On December 31, 2005, Trice was shot twice while driving on the Lodge Expressway by Wyoming Avenue in Detroit. One of the bullets entered his head. Trice was able to drive off the expressway, where his girlfriend waved down the police.[20] He was taken to Providence Hospital and released later that day. Doctors contemplated whether or not to remove the bullet, as it was too dangerous to operate. The bullet is still lodged in his skull.[8]
Meeting with Michigan State Senator
On April 22, 2011, Trice met with Michigan State Senator, Virgil Smith, Jr., to talk about entertainment ventures. Trice's label is looking for ways to develop the Motor City's collection of local talent.
One topic on the agenda is tax incentives and breaks to production companies who are willing to work in Michigan. Obie would also like the city to receive government subsidies to fund a youth music program. Obie also has plans to create a community recording studio and soundstage to provide local talent with an outlet to develop their talents, he explained his interest in this project, stating,
“ "Detroit has a solid history in the arts, rooted in excellence and trailblazing. With our youth the city has endless potential, it’s our responsibility to identify and cultivate it."[21] ” Discography
Main article: Obie Trice discography- Studio albums
- 2003: Cheers
- 2006: Second Round's on Me
- 2012: Bottoms Up
- Compilation albums
- 2009: Special Reserve
References
- ^ a b c Mark Binelli (September 10, 2003). "Hot Rapper: Obie Trice. Rolling Stone. Accessed January 22, 2008.
- ^ Anthony Bozza (May 21, 2006). "Proof positive". The Observer. Accessed January 22, 2008.
- ^ Ruben Diaz (September 18, 2003). "Obie Trice: Real Name, No Gimmicks (Interview)". BallerStatus.com. Accessed January 22, 2008.
- ^ "Shady Ltd. Joins Obie Debut Album Promotion on Urban and Top 40 U.S. Radio Stations". Business Wire (September 30, 2003). Accessed January 22, 2008.
- ^ "2003 Ends With a Bang!". RIAA.com (18 December 2003). Accessed 23 September 2007.
- ^ Eminem, Obie Trice Speak At Packed Funeral For Proof MTV News (19 April 2006). Accessed 23 September 2007.
- ^ Christina Fuoco (9 August 2006). "LiveDaily Interview: Obie Trice". LiveDaily.com. Accessed 22 January 2008.
- ^ a b Seth Berkman (2 July 2007). "Obie Trice: Take a Ride (Interview)". XXL. Accessed 25 January 2008.
- ^ Tai Saint-Louis (30 June 2008). "Shady Records Issues Statement On Obie's Departure". AllHipHop.com. Accessed 1 July 2008.
- ^ a b Jason (22 April 2010). "Obie Launches New Label". Rapbasement.com. Acessed 11 March 2011.
- ^ a b Jason (4 May 2010). "Obie Confirms Eminem For Party & Album". Rapbasement.com. http://www.rapbasement.com/obie-trice/050410-obie-trice-confirms-eminem-for-launch-party-and-new-album-watch-and-view-here.html. Retrieved 14 March 2011.
- ^ "Obie Trice's Bottoms Up Street Single (Audio)". Jason. RapBasement.com. 24 August 2010. http://www.rapbasement.com/obie-trice/082410-listen-to-obie-trices-first-single-from-his-new-bottoms-up-album-click-here-now.html. Retrieved 15 March 2011.
- ^ "OBIE TRICE - My Time 2011". http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4fBC7DZeTRo. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
- ^ "Obie Trice His Time Behind The Scenes". http://www.rapbasement.com/obie-trice/102210-go-behind-the-scenes-of-obie-trices-new-music-video-my-time-2011-watch-here.html. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
- ^ "Party Announcement: Obie Trice Tonight". 02 September 2010. RapBasement.com. http://www.rapbasement.com/obie-trice/090210-obie-trice-hosts-black-and-white-party-tonight-september-2nd.html. Retrieved 29 March 2011.
- ^ "Obie Trice "Learn to Love"". Posted: April 5, 2011-9:16 PM. XXL. http://www.xxlmag.com/bangers/2011/04/obie-trice-learn-to-love/. Retrieved 7 April 2011.
- ^ [|REALOBIETRICE] (2011-04-13). "Obie Trice - "Keep Me / Love Me"". YouTube. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8L8cyGUQ9wo&feature=player_embedded. Retrieved 8 May 2011.
- ^ http://thisbeatgoes.com/hip-hop-news/obie-trice-announces-bottoms-up-album-release-date/
- ^ http://itunes.apple.com/album/battle-cry-single/id454524380?v0=9988&ign-mpt=uo%3D1
- ^ "Rapper Obie Trice Shot In Detroit". Billboard (2 January 2006). Accessed 23 September 2007.
- ^ http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.14823/title.obie-trice-meeting-with-michigan-state-senator
External links
- Official Obie Trice website
- Official Obie Trice Blog
- Obie Trice at the Internet Movie Database
- Obie Trice on Myspace
Compilation Albums Special ReserveSingles Filmography Related articles Shady Records Founder Current artists Former artists Related articles Categories:- 1977 births
- African American rappers
- American musicians of European descent
- American people of African descent
- American people of German descent
- American rappers
- American shooting survivors
- Living people
- Rappers from Detroit, Michigan
- Shady Records artists
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