Saukrates

Saukrates aka Big Sox (born Amani Wailoo on December 20, 1977 in Toronto, Ontario), is a Canadian hip-hop artist and producer of Guyanese heritage. Along with Kardinal Offishall, he is one of the most well-recognized Canadian rap artists. He is part of Capitol Hill Music, and frontman of the five-man hip hop group Big Black Lincoln. He also a member of Redman's Gilla House group.

Career

In 1994, his first track was titled "Still Caught Up", which earned a nomination for Best Rap Recording at the 1996 Juno Awards. He was also nominated for another Juno of the same award in 2000 for "Money Or Love". In 2001, Saukrates produced the track "Uh-Huh" for Redman's "Malpractice" album, and appeared on a track called "Enjoy Da Ride". He also did a track called "Fine Line" for the soundtrack to Method Man and Redman's "How High" movie. In 2002, Saukrates teamed up with fellow Canadian producer Agile from BrassMunk to produce the track "Heaven", for Nas' album "God's Son", and it featured Jully Black.
Canadian hip hop artists have had a hard time getting established south of the border, and Saukrates is no exception. In 1996, he was signed to Warner Bros. Records. Unfortunately for Saukrates, Warner dropped him in 1998, which was one year before his debut album "The Underground Tapes" was released to critical acclaim. By the year 2000, Saukrates reached another big deal with Def Jam and Gilla House Records (owned by Redman). Eventually, Saukrates was dropped by Def Jam because he was no longer considered a priority, however he remained with Gilla House. As of 2007, Saukrates is still looking to sign with a major record label. He appears on two tracks of Redman's latest album "Red Gone Wild", released in March 2007.

Work with Nelly Furtado

On November 19, 2006, he performed "Promiscuous" with Nelly Furtado at halftime show of the 94th Grey Cup (the CFL championship game). Two days later, Saukrates beat-boxed during her performance of "Say It Right" at the 2006 American Music Awards in Los Angeles. On February 23, 2007, he appeared on the daytime drama "One Life to Live" with Furtado, performing "Promiscuous". Saukrates also toured with Furtado on her Get Loose Tour, singing as a backing vocalist and supporting act.

Personal life

He has a seven-year-old son with one-time stripper Alana Wyatt-Smith. [cite web|title=Scenes from a hip-hop marriage |publisher = |url=http://www.thestar.com/article/451241|accessdate =2008-07-05]

Discography

Albums

* "Brick House EP" (1997)
* "The Underground Tapes" (1999)

ee also

* Canadian hip hop

References

External links

* [http://www.myspace.com/saukrates Saukrates] at MySpace
* [http://e.discogs.com/artist/Saukrates Saukrates] at Discogs
* [http://www.cbc.ca/arts/music/canadianhiphop.html Border Block - Canadian Hip Hop vs. America]
* [http://www.rollingstone.com/artists/saukrates/articles/story/5921660/sauks_takes_philosophy_elsewhere Warner Brothers Drops Saukrates]
* [http://www.eye.net/eye/issue/issue_05.04.00/music/grapevine.php Saukrates Signs to Def Jam]