FAM-LAY

Infobox musical artist
Name = Fam-Lay


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Alias = Fam
Origin = Norfolk, Virginia
Genre = Hip-hop
Years_active = 2001–present
Label = Arista Records / Star Trak
(2002–2004)
Def Jam Recordings
(2003–2004)
Interscope Records / Star Trak
(2004–present)
Associated_acts = ClipseThe Neptunes
URL = [http://www.famlaymusic.com/ Official Website]
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Fam-Lay (born Nathaniel Johnson) is a rapper from Norfolk, Virginia. Signed to The Neptunes' Star Trak imprint, he first gained notoriety through several guest appearances he made on various Neptunes-related projects, including the Clipse's debut album "Lord Willin'" in 2002. He also later appeared on The Neptunes' compilation "The Neptunes Present... Clones" in 2003, which featured his song "Rock 'N Roll." Then in 2004 he had the single and video Rock N Roll (Remix)featuring Lil Flip. It gained heavy rotation on MTV Jams.

He planned to release his debut album, titled "Traintogo", in March of 2004,cite web | last = | first = | url = http://allhiphop.com/hiphopnews/?ID=2525 | title = Fam-Lay To "Git Busy," Prepares Debut Album | format = Online news article | work = [http://www.allhiphop.com AllHipHop.com] | publisher = | accessdate = June 11 | accessyear = 2006] through a joint venture between Star Trak and Def Jam Recordings. Unlike most Neptunes helmed projects, where Pharrell and Chad Hugo handle almost all of the production duties, "Traintogo" was unique in that it was to feature production from outside producers, including Lil' Jon and David Banner. Unfortunately, after suffering several delays, "Traintogo" failed to meet its scheduled release date. To further complicate matters, Fam-Lay's deal with Def Jam fell through, and he was dropped from the label in July of 2004. Three years later, "Traintogo" still has yet to be released.

He is currently wrapping up on the second iteration of Traintogo, re-e seen titled Dat Missile. The time has allowed him to re-tweak Dat Missile into a well crafted and solid effort. With 70% of the production done by The Neptunes, additional beats by DJ Toomp and guest spots from Three 6 Mafia, David Banner and the Clipse. Dat Missle was set to hit stores on October 25 via Star Trak/Interscope Records, but as yet to been released. Its first single is "Da Beeper Song," produced by The Neptunes and the video was shot by Hype Williams.

Fam-Lay can be seen in a cameo shot in 2005's Can I Have It Like That video with Pharrell. Also he can be seen sitting in front of a car in the Clipse's music video 'Mr. Me Too', as well as briefly standing in front of Pusha T on the video of the remix to N*E*R*D's Everyone Nose (also featuring Kanye West and Lupe Fiasco). In 2005 Fam-Lay cut off his signature cornrows now sporting a low cut. Da Beeper Record Video shot by Hype Williams. The second single is called No Time 4 No's with Pharrell and Clipse which is actually from Fam-Lay's unreleased album Traintogo.

Discography

tudio Albums

*Unreleased: "Traintogo"
*2008: "Dat Missile"

Mixtape

*2004: "Star Trak Presents: Fam-Lay" (Hosted by DJ Cipha Sounds)
*2005: "Grand Theft Ghetto (Shark City)" (Hosted by DJ Noe Dout) [http://www.datpiff.com/images/tapes/Grand-Theft-Ghetto-mid2395-large.jpg]
*2008: "DirtyWay"

ingles

(Chart positions from "Billboard" magazine)

Guest Appearances

(All songs feature Fam-Lay unless otherwise noted)

References

External links

* [http://www.myspace.com/famlay Fam-Lay's MySpace]