Ball J

Last updated

Ball J
Birth nameAlbert Serebo Ayeh-Hanson
Also known asBall J Beat
Born (1984-11-08) 8 November 1984 (age 39)
Accra, Ghana
Genres
Occupation(s)
Instrument(s)
Years active2006–present
Labels
  • Platinum Management (current)
  • 7Digits (former)
  • Nu Afrika Records (former)
  • Skillions (former)

Albert Serebo Ayeh-Hanson (born 8 November 1984), known by his stage name Ball J or Ball J Beat, is a Ghanaian rapper, sound engineer, record producer and entrepreneur from Accra. [1] He spent most of his formative years in the U.S State of California. Ball J is the CEO and founder of Nu Afrika Records. [2] [3] He is currently signed to Platinum Management, an American record label and the brand ambassador to Roca Bella Brands.

Contents

Ball J was a pioneering member of the Skillions Records [4] when it began on the campus of Presbyterian Boys' Senior High School–Legon (PRESEC). He worked together with Jayso, the label's founder and formed a genre which they called GH Rap [5] (hip hop made in Ghana).

Besides being a rapper, Ball J is also one of the best hip hop, hiplife and azonto sound engineers [6] in Africa with Weiyɛ Ball J Beat [7] (this is Ball J's beat) as his signature. He was nominated for Best Producer of the year in Ghana Music Awards 2015. [8] He holds a degree in Business Management from the University of Professional Studies (UPS). Ball J is the only Ghanaian record producer on Patoranking's debut studio album "God Over Everything", [9] producing Patoranking; [10] [11] the first track on the album. [12]

Early life and career

Ball J performing at GLITZ Africa Fashion Week 2011, Accra Ball j performing at fashtion week.jpg
Ball J performing at GLITZ Africa Fashion Week 2011, Accra

Albert Hanson or Nana Serebo, also known in the music industry as Ball J, was born in Adabraka in the Greater Accra Region of Ghana, on 8 November 1984. He spent most of his formative years in California–United States. [13] He gained his basic education at North Ridge Lyceum at Kanda. He then went to Presbyterian Boys' Senior High School–Legon (PRESEC) for his high school education where he joined a Hip Hop group called 'Skillions', of which he was an active member. After High School, he furthered his education to study Software Programming and Computer networking at Atlantis Computers, Asylum Down–Accra. He then went to the University of Professional Studies (UPS) to pursue a degree in Business Management. Despite his busy schedules on campus, he was still committed 'Skillions' being present for shows, productions and meetings. Music was a natural thing for him as he spent hours listening to his father play music.[ citation needed ]

Ball J classifies himself as a Hip hop rapper. The rapper's musical lifestyle was influenced by several artists such as Jay Z, Nas, Mase, The Notorious B.I.G and Eminem. Not only is he known in Ghana as Ball J or Ball J Beat, but some also call him Ghana's Jay Z because he sounds like Jay Z when he raps. According to Ball J, he had no choice but to learn beat making since there were no particular institutions in Ghana that focused entirely on Hip hop music production to produce the kind of beats he needed as a Hip hop artist. After School, Ball J decided to have a full-time career in music production with the aim of making Hip hop for himself. Around 2006, Ball J started making beats and demo records in his room with his close friends. He then formed Nu Afrika Records. Around 2008, he decided he needed to be more serious and make masters. He then had to rely on books and seek advice from pioneers in music production such as Kwame Twum, a former bass guitarist for the legendary Kojo Antwi. He consulted Hubert who is also well acclaimed and good in sound mixing and mastering. Ball J also trained with a bass guitarists friend, who had a studio in Lapaz–Accra. All this time, he was studying the general understanding of music production such as the dynamics, compressions and mastering. While learning the trade, he made his first professional hit "Temperature" which featured some of his friends who were part of the Nu Afrika Records; Shao Qan, Krynkman and Screech. He had a few challenges becoming an artist and a music producer. Some of these challenges were the fact that Ghanaians were not much into Hip hop songs. Hit songs in Ghana are mostly songs you can dance to (e.g. Hiplife and Azonto), so this made it very difficult for Hip hop artist such as himself to make a hit song in Ghana. Without forgetting about hip hop, Ball J started fusing his hip hop style of beatmaking with faster beats, which was purposely to fulfill the demands of artists coming to his studio, (Nu Afrika Records). His first significant hit which he produced was Kwawkese's Killa Bewu Last Show in 2010. After that, Ball J produced a lot of songs for both the underground and known artists, but his major milestone was Lapaz Toyota by Guru. The song put Guru on the map in a big way, and significantly improved Ball J's music studio business. As the song blew up, all kinds of artists came to Ball J in the hopes of reproducing Lapaz Toyota's success. [14] [15]

He then started working with artists like Kojo Antwi, Guru, Obour [the current president of the Musicians Union of Ghana (MUSIGA)], Tic Tac, Sarkodie, Kwawkese, Stay Jay, Gasmilla, Okra, Nhyiraba Kojo, Obrafour, Castro and the list goes on. Since then, he has been recognized as one of the best music producers in Ghana, with songs like Lapaz Toyota, Let Me Do My Thing, Twaa Me Lala, Non-fa, Innit, Masa I Beg, Pooley and many more as his claim to fame; making hits in Ghana and the world at large. Ball J was nominated for the Best Producer of the year in the Ghana Music Awards. On 21 December 2012, Ball J released his first Hip hop single "All Eyes On You" [16] from his upcoming album "Home and Away" which received credible response and airplay from both Africa and the Western. The 29 March 2013, Good Friday, saw the release of an Afrobeats/Azonto song called "Togo Bikini". [17] He Co-Produced Kwasese's new hit single Yakubu which features Sarkodie and he himself. "Weiyɛ Ball J Beat" (this is Ball J's beat) is his signature phrase which is now a household name.

2016: Okumoo

On 15 April 2016, Ball J released a standalone afrobeats single Okumoo. [18]

2016: Big Six (Debut Album)

On 6 June 2016, Nu Afrika Records released Ball J's first studio album "Big Six". The album has six songs in total as in its name and features only three Ghanaian artiste; Choirmaster, Sarkodie and Stonebwoy all on one track "Poolside Jam". "Big Six" album is currently on 37 online digital stores for Digital download and Streaming. [19]

2017: Game Of Thrones

Ball J released a single inspired by the famous TV series Game of Thrones and titled it accordingly. [20] The single also contains samples of the series’ soundtracks over Hip hop drums which was written and produced by Ball J himself. Using Tywin Lannister's everlasting line "Any man who must say ‘I am the King’ is no true king" as hook. [21] Ball J talks about the delusional kings of Hip hop in Africa. The record does not only appreciate the TV show, it also draws some attention to the Ghanaian music industry, specifically tackling issues facing the battle for the rap king in Ghana.

In recent times, rappers from the Hip hop fraternity in Ghana, now fully grown ‘beasts’ have fought for the title of rap kingship with some calling themselves "King", "Best African Rapper", "GodMc", "A king without a crown", among others, but producer rapper Ball J distinguishes himself as the ‘best in Africa’ cementing his place with the game with Game of Thrones record. [22]

Game of Thrones was released under the rapper's Nu Afrika Records imprint. The official video was shot in documentary style and also featuring scenes from the popular series, the video was directed by Malik Ofori of MO Films.

Musical style

Ball J is regarded as one of the best rappers in Africa when it comes to hip hop music. [23] He is very good at rap freestyles. Most of his songs online are freestyles, what he calls unwritten freestyle. Ball J has contributed a lot to the Ghana Music Industry, he can be named among top 10 famous Ghanaians who made the Azonto genre and dance popular worldwide. [24] [25]

Personal life

Ball J comes from a family of five; his mother Beatrice Richardson and his father Emmanuel Ayeh-Hanson (late). He has two siblings; Norris Nii Noi Ayeh-Hanson (brother) and Nancy Nana Atei Ayeh-Hanson (sister).

Entrepreneur

Nu Afrika Records

Nu Afrika Records was founded by Ball J in the early 2006. Nu Afrika Records is an artist management and recording studio located in Spintex–Accra. For more than a decade now, they have been producing, recording and managing most of Ghana's prominent Hiplife and Hip hop musicians like Guru, Kwawkese, Ntelabi, Nhyiraba Kojo, Sarkodie etc. Nu Afrika stands for New (Nu) Africa (Afrika). Most songs produced by Ball J or owned by the record label has the phrase "Take Y'all To Nu Afrika" at the beginning or at the end of the song. The record label has Ball J the owner of the label signed to its credit. It also has a video editing, graphic designing and production house called 36 Men and Two Radio Shows, The World African Show and Rap360 airing online and on radio respectively. Nu Afrika Records is also an event organizing and promotions company. [26]

The Nu Afrika Hip Hop Cypher

The Nu Afrika Hip hop Cypher Volume 1 was one of Ghana's first if not the first cypher's to be recorded in Ghana. It was recorded in 2007. Ball J was able to put together a lot of Ghana's top rappers and underground rappers on the cypher. The cypher is in two different versions; the English version and the Twi version. The full English version is about 24 minutes long and the full Twi version is about 23 minutes long. On 4 January 2014, Ball J released short versions for both the English and Twi cypher. [27] [28] Both the full English version and the full Twi version are yet to be released.

Amongst Ball J's numerous talents is his voice with which he does Radio and Television commercials, Jingles and all forms of advertisements including branding of products, goods and services. For example, Joy FM's famous radio jingle "Joy 99 point 7" was made by Ball J, another famous radio jingle mad by him is OK FM's "This is OK Fm" or "OK FM! 101 point 7". Almost all jingles on Green FM Ghana was made by him. The following are some of the multimedia company / companies Ball J has worked with; Hot FM, Live FM, Radio Universe, UTV, The Spirited Actor, General Motors Ghana, Kalypo, Y Fm, L.G, Happy Fm, E.tv Ghana, Reality Shows etc. Ball J is currently working with Mr Ivan Quashigah; director for the popular TV series "Things We Do For Love" and "YOLO".

MTN Hitmaker TV Show

Torgbe of Nu Afrika Records taking his award for winning MTN Hitmaker 3, National Theatre TorgbeHitmaker.jpg
Torgbe of Nu Afrika Records taking his award for winning MTN Hitmaker 3, National Theatre

The MTN Hitmaker is an original talent hunt reality show opened to Ghanaians who believe they are bound to be Hitmakers. [29] MTN Hitmaker strives to discover and nurture the great creative potential in Ghana. The ultimate winner of the MTN Hitmaker show wins GH¢100,000 recording deal. Ball J was selected as one of the music producers/sound engineers for the MTN Hit Maker reality show since the show began during the later part of 2012. [30] [31] Togbe, winner of the Hitmaker Season 3 was from the camp of Nu Afrika Records. He walked away with the prize of GH¢100,000 record deal when he emerged as the winner for season 3. [32] [33] [34] Because he was once an artiste of Nu Afrka Record, Ball J was his sound engineer. His debut track Number 9 (produced by Ball J) which featured hiplife heavyweight Kwawkese was released a few months ago and is steadily climbing the charts. [35]

YearShowSeasonSound EngineerArtistResult
2014MTN Hitmaker3Ball JTorgbeWon

Skillions Records

Skillions started as a rap group in 1999 with Jayso [36] and T-Kube, both classmates in Senior High School. After T-Kube left Ghana for the United Kingdom in 2000, Jayso began recruiting young rappers and singers like himself. For Jayso, the dream was to create an empire; a force that will take over the entire Ghanaian Music Scene.

By 2001, The Skillions consisted of Jayso, Ball J and Jinx Therapy (now Frank P).

Jayso, Ball J, EL and J-Town Skillionsrecords.jpg
Jayso, Ball J, EL and J-Town

Jayso later joined the Haatsville Music Group led by Kwame Barfour Osei popularly known as Kobi Onyame.

The Skillions continued to make music together with Haatsville, and Jayso continued to recruit talent to ensure the dream was kept alive. EL, J-Town, Midknight, KP and Sandyswiz joined the Skillions between 2002 and 2005. The group worked on the first ever Hip Hop mixtape to come out of Ghana. The 21 track Mixtape did extremely well and provided a platform for each Skillions Member to showcase their versatility.

After the mixtape, the Skillions members decided to pursue solo careers. Jayso went ahead to use his newly gained platform to help younger upcoming artists to also achieve their dreams. He formed the New Generation Skillions, which consisted of Lil'Shaker, Bra Kevinbeats, Joey B, Grafik, Killmatic, Paapa, Rumor, Noble, Padlock, The Third and Gemini. The New Generation Skillions worked on their mixtape and it was a major success under the Skillions umbrella and Ebuzu Media Services. Some members of the New Generation also pursued solo careers after the mixtape.

Skillions New Generation with Jayso Skillionsnew.jpg
Skillions New Generation with Jayso

Over the past few years, Skillions has gone through some major changes and most of the old members have moved on to pursue solo careers. Ball J started Nu Afrika Records EL started GH Productions and is now signed to BBnZ Live, J-town signed to Killa1west, Jinx is unsigned, NKP quit rap, Midknight is in Atlanta, Grafik left, Joey B and Gemini signed to Hammer's Last Two, Kevinbeats signed to Cryme Records and Killmatic is signed to Duncwills Entertainment.

Currently, Skillions is no longer just a group, but a Record Company. [37]

Discography

Selected singles

YearTitleProducer(s)Ref
2009Temperature by Nu Afrika RecordsBall J [38]
2011Take My Letter Away (featuring Kojo Antwi)Ball J [39]
2013Coco BeachBall J [40]
2013All Eyes On YouBall J [41]
2016 Okumoo Ball J [42]
2017Game Of ThronesBall J [43] [44]
2017AccraBall J [45] [46]
2019Papa No Nie (featuring Dahill & Hxncho)Ball J
2020LullabyFortune Dane
2020Nana AbaMr Hanson
YearTitleProducer(s)Ref
2014Mr Lover Lover by Kwawkese Coptic [47]
2015Yakubu by Kwawkese (featuring Ball J & Sarkodie)Ball J & Skonti [48]
2015Katiboom by Kwawkese (featuring Ball J, Pappy Kojo, Yaa Pono & Medikal)Ball J [49] [50]

Selected songs produced and mastered by Ball J

YearTitleArtisteProducer(s)Ref
2009What's Up New YorkYaa PonoBall J
2010Killer Bewu Last Show Kwawkese Ball J
2011Lapaz ToyotaGuruBall J [51] [52] [53]
2011Twame La LaStay JBall J [54]
2012Let Me Do My Thing Kwawkese Ball J [55]
2012InnitGasmillaBall J [56]
2012KareokeGuruBall J [57]
2012Fano Saa Castro Ball J [58]
2012KwatrikwaPrayeBall J [59]
2012Survival (featuring Stonebyow)Fiifi SelahBall J [60]
2012Carry Dey Go (featuring EL)GreenfieldBall J [61]
2012One People (featuring R2Bees) Obour Ball J [62]
2012ChillingT-BlazeBall J
2013NonFaMr HmhmmBall J [63]
2013Wo Fi Te Mo Lɛ (featuring Double)Pope SkinyBall J
2013Vampire Tictac Ball J [64]
2013Come See For GhanaKing AyisobaBall J [65]
2013Ayalolo (featuring Screwface)Nhyiraba KojoBall J [66]
2014PooleyGuruBall J [67]
2014Pressure Pump (featuring Joey B) Kwawkese Ball J [68]
2014Yaayi (featuring Keche)Nhyiraba KojoBall J [69]
2014Obunsam (featuring Obrafuor) Kwawkese Ball J [70]
2014BossuGuruBall J [71]
2015Masa I Beg (featuring Ike Wonder) Kwawkese Ball J [72]
2015Nyame Be Tua Wo KaGuruBall J [73]
2015Baba God (featuring Ike Wonder)GuruBall J [74]
2015Wonohard (featuring Ball J)KonfiBall J [75]
2016Patoranking Patoranking Ball J [76]
2016Are You AwareGuruBall J [77]
2017Fok Dem Neggas Kwawkese Ball J [78] [79]
2017Katiboom Kwawkese (featuring Ball J, Pappy Kojo, Yaa Pono & Medikal)Ball J [80] [81] [82]

Additional sources: [83] [84]

Selected songs co-produced by Ball J

YearTitleRef
2015Yakubu by Kwawkese (featuring Ball J & Sarkodie) [85]

Selected songs mastered by Ball J

YearTitleRef
2014Pooley Swag [86]
2015Yakubu by Kwawkese (featuring Ball J & Sarkodie) [87]

Freestyle songs and covers

YearCover TitleOriginal Song ByRef
2010No Afraid Eminem [88]
2013Open Letter Jay Z [89]
2014They Don't Love You No More DJ Khaled [90]
2014Hammer Freestyle Hammer [91]
2015CMM (Count My Mistakes)— [92]
2016Figure It Out French Montana

Videography

YearTitleDirectorRef
2010TemperaturePhamous Philms [93]
2014They Don't Love You No MoreMalik Ofori [94]
2014Mr Lover Lover (as a featured artiste)Prince Dovlo [95]
2015Yakubu (as a featured artiste)Prince Dovlo [96]
2016I Am That I AmKenn Ayiah [97]
2017Game Of ThronesMalik Ofori [98] [99] [100] [101]

Awards and nominations

YearAwardsCategoryNominated workResultRef
20104syte Music Video AwardsBest Special Effects Video Of The YearTemperature by Nu Afrika RecordsNominated
20114syte Music Video AwardsBest Hip Hop Video Of The YearYa Tiatia by Nu Afrika RecordsNominated [102]
20114syte Music Video AwardsBest Special Effect Video Of The YearYa Tiatia by Nu Afrika RecordsNominated [103]
2015 Ghana Music Awards Best Producer Of The YearPooley by GuruNominated [104]
2019GAMABest Producer of the yearBall JWon

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">EL (rapper)</span> Ghanaian rapper

Elom Adablah, better known by his stage name E.L, is a Ghanaian Afrobeats musician, rapper, singer and producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Richie Mensah</span> Ghanaian singer-songwriter

Richie Mensah, better known by his stage name Richie, is a Ghanaian singer-songwriter and record producer. After producing records for several artists, Richie set up Lynx Entertainment record label and released his debut album All of Me on the label in 2008. He has since then gone on to win several awards both as a singer and record producer and is fast establishing himself as one of the biggest names in the Ghanaian music industry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sarkodie (rapper)</span> Ghanaian rapper, songwriter and entrepreneur

Michael Owusu Addo known professionally as Sarkodie, is a Ghanaian rapper, songwriter, and entrepreneur from Tema. He started rapping at a young age and has since become a household name in the Ghanaian and Global music industry. His contributions to the Ghanaian music industry have earned him numerous accolades, including the Vodafone Ghana Music Award (VGMA) for "Artiste of the Decade". He was announced the first winner of BET's Best International Flow Artist at the 2019 BET Hip Hop Awards. He is also considered one of the major proponents of the Azonto genre and dance and one of the most successful African rappers of all time. Due to the variety of musical genres he can perform in, Sarkodie is referred to as a "multifaceted rapper" and frequently raps in his native language, Twi.

Emmanuel Mkono, known by his stage name Nahreel, is a Tanzanian Afro beats / Dancehall recording artist and record producer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">C-Real (rapper)</span> Ghanaian rapper

Cyril-Alex Gockel, known by his stage name C-Real, is a Ghanaian rapper, record producer, entrepreneur, writer and poet. In 2009, he won the Ghanaian edition of the Channel O Sprite Emcee Africa talent show and finished second at the show's finals. He is regarded as one of the leading hip-hop artists in Ghana. He was featured on "Next Up", a song from Coptic's mixtape The Rising Stars of Gh Vol 1 (2012).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Patoranking</span> Nigerian musical artist

Patrick Nnaemeka Okorie, better known by his stage name Patoranking, is a Nigerian reggae-dancehall singer and songwriter. Born and raised in Ebute Metta community of Lagos, he grew up sharing one room with his parents and five siblings. His modest upbringing and close relationship with his family instilled a drive and determination to create a better future, and led him to music He started his music career doing underground collaborations, with artists such as XProject, Konga, Slam and Reggie Rockstone. He signed a record deal with K-Solo's Igberaga Records in 2010, releasing "Up in D Club" under the outfit. Patoranking became a protégé of Dem Mama Records after collaborating with Timaya on his song "Alubarika". In February 2014, he signed a record deal with Foston Musik and released "Girlie O", a single that put him in the limelight. On 9 February 2015, Patoranking announced on Instagram that he signed a distribution deal with VP Records. on September 28 Patoranking released a song titled Abule which he released ahead of his album scheduled to be released later in 2020. He once said, in 2020 that he once got inspiration for song on a football pitch while playing football.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joey B</span> Ghanaian hip hop artist

Darryl Paa Kwesi Bannerman-Martin, known under the stage name Joey B, is a Ghanaian hip hop recording artist. He is well known for his single "Tonga".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pappy Kojo</span> Ghanaian hiphop artist

Jason Gaisie, popularly known as Pappy Kojo, is a Ghanaian hip hop and hiplife recording artist from Takoradi. He is well known for his hit single "Realer No".

Maradona Yeboah Adjei, known by his stage names Guru and Gurunkz, is a Ghanaian rapper and fashion designer. Guru NKZ is a successful hiplife artist in Ghana. He is known for his contemporary hip-hop rap style that combines English and Ghanaian indigenous languages. Guru's breakthrough was in 2011, when his hit song "Lapaz Toyota" appeared on the Ghanaian music charts. Guru is considered a contemporary hip-hop artist, as his songs venture new ground in the Ghanaian music scene, mixing hip-hop, Afrobeats, Highlife, and Dancehall sounds.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jayso</span> Musical artist

Paul "Jayso" Nuamah Donkor is a Ghanaian rapper, record producer, singer, songwriter, and entrepreneur. He gained significant attention after working on Sarkodie's single "Borga" and producing a majority of the songs on Sarkodie's debut album, "Maakye."

Samuel Sonnyboy Tubman, better known by his stage name Scientific, is a rapper and songwriter. He released the Quincy B- assisted single "Shawty" in October 2014. Between 2014 and 2016, he won Best Hip Hop Artist at the Liberian Music Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mix Master Garzy</span> Ghanaian record producer

Benjamin Garzy Mensah, professionally known as Mix Master Garzy, is a Ghanaian record producer, sound engineer, disc jockey and singer.

Nana Yaw Nkrumah born in Accra, professionally known as Dr Ray Beat is a Ghanaian record producer and sound engineer, who produces music ranging from Afrobeat, Hip hop, Hiplife, Azonto, Dancehall and Afropop. He also produced for Guru, Kwaw Kese, Kofi Kinaata and more.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Darkovibes</span> Ghanaian musician

Paul Nii Amu Andrew Darko known as Darkovibes, is a Ghanaian born singer songwriter. His music categorizes as experimental music where he blends highlife, hip hop and rap. Darkovibes is known for his 2016 single "Mercy".

Gh hip hop, Gh rap or Ghana hip hop is a hip hop genre, subculture and art movement that developed in Ghana during the late 1990s. The hip-hop genre came into existence in Ghana through Reggie Rockstone, who is known as the hip-life father, and other notable musicians such as Jayso and Ball J. It first came to Ghana as Hiplife, where Reggie Rockstone introduced a fusion of hip-hop beats with African sounds to create a whole new genre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">KiDi</span> Ghanaian singer-songwriter

Dennis Nana Dwamena, widely recognized by his stage name "KiDi," which translates to "Rhythm," was born on August 18, 1993. He is a prominent Ghanaian singer-songwriter known for his contributions to the genres of afrobeats and high-life. KiDi is affiliated with Lynx Entertainment, and he has garnered international acclaim, particularly for his chart-topping single "Touch It." Notably, the remix of this track features the renowned American rapper Tyga, and it has achieved widespread streaming success across the globe.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Eazzy</span> Ghanaian musician

Eazzy is the professional name of Mildred Ashong, a Ghanaian singer, rapper, and songwriter.

Emmanuel Wayo professionally known as Wayo is a hip-hop and afro-tech artist. Wayo is a recording artist born in Nima, Accra. He rose to fame in 2004 when he went by the stage name D-Lane in the Wonda World rap group. In March 2018, his single Muscatella was declared number one in Ghana by Ghud Music. He was also on Ghanaian based radio station Live Fm's top 10 songs three times. In November of that year also, Muscatella again was featured as 'Song of the week' by American broadcasting network, VoA on their 'Music time in Africa' show

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Koo Ntakra</span> Ghanaian musician

Isaac Akuffo, who goes by the stage name Koo Ntakra, is a hiplife and hip hop artist from Ghana who raps in his native language of Akuapem. He was signed to Bullhaus Entertainment in 2014 but currently on his own label KN Records. He won MTN Hitmaker in 2013 and was also nominated at Unsung Category in the Ghana Music Awards. He also won Rap Act of the year and Artist of the Year at Eastern Music Awards 2017. He was featured on Sarkodie's Trumpet collaboration in 2017.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lasmid</span> Ghanaian musician

Ladsmid Nathaniel Owusu known professionally with the stage name Lasmid is a Ghanaian musician and songwriter from Takoradi. He was crowned winner of the MTN Hitmaker Season 8. He is best known for the viral song Friday Night which gained attention in Ghana topping charts after it became a trend on TikTok.

References

  1. ↑ Adu-Poku, Richmond. "Artist Biography [Ball J]". MordenGhana. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  2. ↑ Dela Ernest, Aglanu. "Nu Afrika Records". MyJoyonline. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  3. ↑ Dela Ernest, Aglanu. "Nu Afrika Records". GhanaMusic. Archived from the original on 24 November 2013. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  4. ↑ "Skillions". GhanaMusic. Archived from the original on 4 October 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  5. ↑ Brown, Berry. "GH Rap by Skillions, the group with a million skills". OmgGhana. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  6. ↑ Darko, Kwaku. "Best sound engineers in Ghana". Omg Ghana. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  7. ↑ Benjamin, Lebrave. "Africa's Beatmakers ( Ghana's Ball J Beat)". thisisafrica online. Archived from the original on 11 February 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  8. ↑ "VGMA Nomination List". Ghana Music Awards. Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  9. ↑ Zionfelix. "Exclusive Photos And Videos From Patoranking's 'GOE' Album Launch In Ghana". zionfelix.net. Archived from the original on 9 August 2016. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  10. ↑ Net Naija (August 2016). "Patoranking - Patoranking [Prod. by Ball J]". netnaija. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  11. ↑ DC Leakers. "Patoranking – Patoranking (Prod by Ball J)". dcleakers.com. Archived from the original on 5 August 2016. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  12. ↑ Ghanaweb (7 August 2016). "Patoranking launches 'GOE' album in Ghana". ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  13. ↑ Ghana, Web. "Artist Biography [Ball J]". ghanaweb.com. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  14. ↑ Lebrave, Benjamin. "Lapaz Toyota, one of Ghana's biggest hit song produced by Ball J". thefader.com. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  15. ↑ Lebrave, Benjamin. "Lapaz Toyota". thisisafrica.com. Archived from the original on 11 February 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  16. ↑ "Audio: All Eyes On You". urbanely.net.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  17. ↑ "Audio: Togo Bikini". bigxgh.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  18. ↑ "iTunes - Okumoo". itunes.apple.com. 15 April 2016.
  19. ↑ Doe, Bernard. "Ball J Drops Debut Album 'Big Six'". georgebritton.com. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 7 June 2016.
  20. ↑ Plus Africa. "Ball J – Game Of Thrones (Prod. by Ball J)". plushafrica.com. Archived from the original on 28 March 2017. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  21. ↑ Debrah, Ameyaw. "Ball J says no king says I'm king on 'Game of Thrones'". ameyawdebrah.com. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  22. ↑ BJR live FM. "BALL J DERIDES AFRICAN RAPPERS WITH NEW SONG 'GAME OF THRONES'". bjrlivefm.com. Archived from the original on 25 March 2017. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  23. ↑ MTV, MTVBase.com. "Kwawkese release Yakubu video featuring two of Africa's best rappers (Ball J and Sarkodie)". mtvbase.com. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
  24. ↑ Saukkonen, Miika. "Azonto going global" . Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  25. ↑ Wiredu, Nana Yaw. "HIP LIFE ARTISTE GURU GIVES LAST MEANING TO AZONTO IN "LAPAZ TOYOTA"". modernghana.com. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  26. ↑ "Nu Afrika Records". NewsGhana. Retrieved 15 July 2015.
  27. ↑ Ball J, Nu Afrika Records. "Download Link: Nu Afrika Hip hop Cypher Vol 1 (English)". hulkshare.com. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
  28. ↑ Urbanroll, Ghana. "News: Nu Afrika Hip hop Cypher Vol 1 (Twi)". Urbanroll.net. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 27 July 2015.
  29. ↑ MTN, Ghana. "MTN Hitmaker Show". mtm.com.gh. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  30. ↑ Plange, Naa DeiDei. "Ball J has been named as an Engineer for MTN Hitmaker". enewsgh.com. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  31. ↑ Morden, Ghana. "MTN Hitmaker Engieers Nemed - Ball J". mordenghana.com. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  32. ↑ Ameyaw, Debrah. "Togbe of Nu Afrika Records wins MTN Hitmaker 3". ameyawdebra.com. Archived from the original on 26 November 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  33. ↑ OMG, Ghana. "Togbe Wins MTN Hitmaker 2014". omgghana.com. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  34. ↑ ENews, Ghana. "Togbe from the camp of Ball J Beat is winner of mtn hitmaker 3". enewsgh.com. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  35. ↑ My Joy Online, Ghana. "MTN Hitmaker Togbe releases debut track featuring Kwaw Kese". enewsgh.com. Retrieved 26 July 2015.[ permanent dead link ]
  36. ↑ Notion, Africa. "JaySo, Founder/CEO of Skillions Records, Record Producer, Rapper, Singer and Sound Engineer". notionafrica.com. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  37. ↑ X-E-Bit, Website. "Biography [Skillions Records]". x-e-bit.com. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  38. ↑ "Temperature by Nu Afrika Records". ghanamusic.com. Archived from the original on 17 September 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  39. ↑ "Audio: Take My Letter Away". ghanamusic.com. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  40. ↑ "Audio: Togo Bikini". bigxgh.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  41. ↑ "Audio: All Eyes On You". urbanely.net.com. Archived from the original on 22 December 2015. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  42. ↑ "Official Release of Okumoo" Facebook". Facebook.com. 3 April 2016.
  43. ↑ DC, Leakers. "Ball J – Game Of Thrones (Prod. by Ball J)". DcLeakers. Archived from the original on 8 May 2017. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  44. ↑ Beatz, Nation. "Ball J - Game Of Thrones (Prod By Ball J)". beatznation.com. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  45. ↑ Urbanroll. "Ball J ft Oboi-P – Accra (Prod by Ball J beat)". urbanroll.net. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  46. ↑ GH Flava. "Ball-J-Accra". ghflava.com. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  47. ↑ Debrah, Ameyaw. "Music Video: Mr Lover Lover - Kwawkese ft Ball J". ameyawdebrah.com. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  48. ↑ MTV, MTVBase.com. "News: Yakubu - Kwawkese ft Ball J and Sarkodie". mtvbase.com. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  49. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Kwaw Kese – KatiBoom ft Medikal x Pappy KoJo x Yaa Pono x Ball J (Prod By Ball J)". ghanamotion.com. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  50. ↑ Pulse, Ghana (9 May 2017). "Kwaw Kese - Katiboom feat. Pappy Kojo, Yaa Pono, Medikal & Ball J (Prod. by Ball J)". pulse.com.gh. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  51. ↑ Ghana, Music. "Lyrics: Lapaz Toyota (produced by Ball J)". ghanamusic.com. Archived from the original on 5 March 2016. Retrieved 14 July 2015.
  52. ↑ Nana Yaw, Wiredu. "News: Lapaz Toyota (produced by Ball J) wins official song for Easter". mordenghana.com. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  53. ↑ Benjamin, Labrave. "News: Lapaz Toyota (produced by Ball J)". thefader.com. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  54. ↑ DJ, Blitz. "Stay J - Twame La La (produced by Ball J)". SoundCloud. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  55. ↑ Ghana, Hiplife Music. "Kwawkese - Let Me Do My Thing ft Black Prophet (produced by Ball J)". AllGhanaMusic. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  56. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Gasmilla - iNNt (produced by Ball J)". soundcloud.com. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  57. ↑ Gold, Handel. "Guru - Kareoke (produced by Ball J)". freetunez.blogspot.com. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  58. ↑ "Castro - Fa No Saa (produced by Ball J)". NewsGhana. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  59. ↑ Ghana, Music. "Preye (produced by Ball J)". ghanamusic.com. Archived from the original on 16 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  60. ↑ The, Hitmaker. "Fiifi Selah ft Stonebwoy (produced by Ball J)". SoundCloud. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  61. ↑ Afroholic, Boy. "Greenfield - Carry Day Go ft EL (produced by Ball J)". afroholic. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  62. ↑ Ghana, OMG. "Obour ft Mugeez of R2Bees (produced by Ball J)". OmgGhana. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  63. ↑ BigX, GH. "Mr Hmhmm - NonFa (produced by Ball J)". Bigx Ghana. Archived from the original on 14 August 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  64. ↑ Urbanroll, Music. "Tictac - Vampire (produced by Ball J)". urbanroll.net. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  65. ↑ Eemp3z. "King Ayisoba - Come See For Ghana (Prod By Ball J)". eemp3z.tk. Archived from the original on 6 October 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  66. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Nhyiraba Kojo - Ayalolo ft Screw Face (produced by Ball J)". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  67. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Guru - Pooley (produced by Ball J)". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  68. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Kwawkese - Pressure Pulmp ft Joey B (produced by Ball J)". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  69. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Nhyiraba Kojo Songs produced by Ball J". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  70. ↑ Urbanroll, Music. "Kwawkese - Obunsam ft Obrafour (produced by Ball J)". Urbanroll. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  71. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Video: Guru - Bossu (produced by Ball J". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  72. ↑ Mawuli, David (24 February 2015). "Kwawkese - Masa I Beg ft Ike Wonder (produced by Ball J". Pulse Ghana. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  73. ↑ Mawuli, David (12 June 2015). "Guru - Nyame Bɛ Tua Wo Ka (produced by Ball J". pulse Ghana. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  74. ↑ Ghxclusives. "Guru – Baba God ft Iyk Wonder (Prod By Ball J)". Ghxclusives. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  75. ↑ Debrah, Ameyaw. "Konfi ft Ball J – Wonohard". AmeyawDebrah. Archived from the original on 6 October 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  76. ↑ DC Leakers. "Patoranking – Patoranking (Prod by Ball J)". DcLeakers. Archived from the original on 5 August 2016. Retrieved 7 August 2016.
  77. ↑ Ghanamotion. "Guru – Are You Aware ft Benji (Prod By Ball J)". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  78. ↑ Ghana Songs. "Kwaw Kese – Fok Dem Neggas (F.D.N) (Prod By Ball J)". GhanaSongs. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  79. ↑ iTunes. "Fok Dem Neggas - Single". Apple iTunes. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  80. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Kwaw Kese – KatiBoom ft Medikal x Pappy KoJo x Yaa Pono x Ball J (Prod By Ball J)". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  81. ↑ Beatz, Nation. "Kwaw Kese - Katiboom (feat. Yaa Pono x Medikal x Pappy Kojo x Ball J)". BeatzNation. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  82. ↑ iTunes. "Katiboom (feat. Yaa Pono, Medikal, Pappy Kojo & Ball J) - Single". Apple iTunes. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  83. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "List of songs produced by Ball J". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  84. ↑ Ghana, Music. "List of songs produced by Ball J". GhanaMusic. Archived from the original on 28 February 2014. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  85. ↑ MTV, MTVBase.com. "News: Yakubu - Kwawkese ft Ball J and Sarkodie". Mtvbase. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  86. ↑ Debrah, Ameyaw. "Music Video: Mr Lover Lover - Kwawkese ft Ball J". AmeyawDebrah. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  87. ↑ MTV, MTVBase.com. "News: Yakubu - Kwawkese ft Ball J and Sarkodie". MtvBase. Retrieved 25 July 2015.
  88. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Eminem Not Afraid Cover". GhanaMotion. Archived from the original on 7 March 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  89. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Open Letter Cover". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  90. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Ball J - They Don't Love You No More (DJ Khaled Cover)". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  91. ↑ BigXGH, Ghana. "Ball J - Hammer Freestyle". BigxGh. Archived from the original on 23 January 2016. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  92. ↑ Ghana, Motion. "Ball J - CMM Freestyle". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  93. ↑ Ghanaweb. "Temperature". GhanaWeb. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  94. ↑ Ghanamotion. "Ball J – They Don't Love You No More (Freestyle) (Official Video)". GhanaMotion. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  95. ↑ Xplicitgh. "Kwaw Kese – Mr. Lover Lover ft. Ball J (Official Video)". xplicitgh. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  96. ↑ Enter Ghana. "Yakubu official video". enterghana.com. Archived from the original on 5 October 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  97. ↑ Urbanrol. "Ball J – I Am That I Am (Official Video)". urbanroll. Archived from the original on 5 October 2016. Retrieved 5 October 2016.
  98. ↑ Ndwompa. "Ball J – Game Of Thrones (Official Video)". Ndwompa. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  99. ↑ E News. "VIDEO: Game of Thrones – Ball J". E-News Ghana. Retrieved 12 May 2017.
  100. ↑ BJR live fm. "BALL J – GAME OF THRONES (OFFICIAL VIDEO)". bjrlivefm.com. Retrieved 12 May 2017.[ permanent dead link ]
  101. ↑ ZoneThree6. "Ball J – Game of Thrones (Official Video) directed by Malik Ofori". zonethree6 tv. Retrieved 12 May 2017.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)
  102. ↑ "4syte TV Music Video Awards Nomination List". 30 November 2001. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  103. ↑ "4syte Music Video Awards Nomination List". 30 November 2001. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
  104. ↑ "VGMA 2015 Nomination List". Archived from the original on 6 July 2015. Retrieved 26 July 2015.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.