Nat Powers

Last updated

Nat Powers
Nat Powers, East London Sept 2020.jpg
Nat Powers, East London, 2020
Background information
Birth nameNathaniel Powers
Also known asMr Powers
Born (1986-06-04) 4 June 1986 (age 38)
Origin Leicester, England
Genres Hip hop, rap, grime, soul, R&B, Motown, Neo soul
Occupation(s) Songwriter, Record producer, Composer, Lyricist, Poet
Instrument(s)Vocals, Drums, Akai MPC, Keyboards, SSL Board
Years active1999–present
Website www.nat-powers.com
Nat Powers Signature PowerSig.png
Nat Powers Signature

Nat Powers (born Nathaniel Powers on 4 June 1986) is a British record producer and song writer from Leicester who has worked with hip-hop figures such as Darryl McDaniels of Run DMC, Spice One and with a majority of the Death Row Records roster. He was mentored by multi-platinum rapper and producer Sam Sneed. [1] He has also been co-mentored by musician Leroy Burgess of the 1970s R&B group Black Ivory, who himself was mentored by Stevie Wonder when he was rising to fame. [2] [ verification needed ]

Contents

Early years

Nathaniel Powers enrolled in a local college course in 2003 and studied Music Technology, going on to graduate with a bachelor's degree in Music, Technology and Innovation. [3] During his university studies he began working with orchestras and choirs as a conductor, choir director and film scorer, before going on to establish himself as a record producer. [4] [ verification needed ]

Doctor's Note

In 2010, he began close a working relationship with the son of Dr. Dre, Curtis Young. Together they created an album, titled Doctor's Note with Young providing the vocals and Powers on the production. The album had a worldwide release in September 2012. [5]

Explosion incident

On 31 August 2011, Nat Powers narrowly escaped being killed in an explosion that tore apart a kebab shop. A body was discovered in the wreckage by firefighters, and was later identified as employee Fiaz Ahmed Ansari. Six people – two men and four women were arrested by police shortly after the explosion, and in September 2012 two of the suspects were found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for eight years each. [6] Nat Powers described seeing a flame ball shoot out and the metal shutters "flying across the road" to local media in a TV interview, and remarked that to avoid something as devastating as that, "someone was most certainly watching over them". [7] [ verification needed ]

Career

2012-2013

In late 2012 he began working with British Grime artist D Double E, Maxi Priest and produced more than half of an album for West Coast rapper Spice One. Other collaborations he has made include Yukmouth of Luniz, Three 6 Mafia, CJ Mac, The Manhattans, RBX, Akil the MC of Jurassic 5, Slip Capone, Danny Boy (singer) and Run Dmc. [ verification needed ]

In February 2013, he produced the official remix of "Fire Blaze" by British urban group The Rascals, featuring Professor Green, released on EMI/Virgin Records. [8] In the summer of 2013, he began working on new material for Ghostface Killah, as well as a collaboration with Young Dirty Bastard, first born son of the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. [9] During the autumn of 2013, he began extensive work on an album for The Pharcyde. [10]

After not performing live for over 10 years whilst concentrating on his production career, Powers returned as a performing artist in late 2013, holding a concert in Paris in La Bellevilloise, followed by another at Le Petit-Bain on the Seine river. [11]

2014

In February 2014, Powers announced the release of his debut solo single, titled "Napoleon Bonaparte". The single and official video were released on 25 March 2014. [12]

After an eight-month break from music, and a two-month visit to Malawi, Powers returned to his career by producing a new single titled "Lovely Jubbly" for UK Grime artist D Double E. The song received a worldwide premiere on MistaJam's show on BBC Radio 1 and BBC Radio 1xtra on 4 October 2014. [13] On 15 October 2014, the official video for "Lovely Jubbly" was released by Noisey and Vice . The video stars D Double E as a cockney mobster turned debt collector, with Powers co-starring as his 'right-hand man' and driver. [14]

2016

On 26 February 2016, Footsie of the Newham Generals and Giggs released their single "Hot Water" which was produced by Powers. The single was released on Footsie's own Braindead Entertainment, and was heavily supported by Radio DJ Charlie Sloth and BBC Radio 1. [15]

Powers began actively working in the South African music industry, starting by working with platinum recording artist Lira when he produced "Let Go Sometimes" for her 2016 album Born Free; released on 25 March 2016. [16] He continued his efforts in the South Africa territory by producing controversial single "The Man" for female rapper Nadia Nakai, released on 19 August 2016 on Independent label Family Tree Entertainment. The single also features the label's CEO and mainstream rapper Cassper Nyovest. [17]

2018

In June 2018, Pay As You Go crew member Maxwell D released his single "Grimey Stuff", produced by Powers and featuring Tanya Cracknell (aka The Grime Violinist). The video premiered on SBTV on 21 June 2018. [18]

2020

In September 2020, Powers produced a single for Grime icon D Double E featuring Kano titled "Tell Me a Ting". [19] Shortly after, an official remix was released featuring rappers P Money, Frisco (rapper), Backroad Gee, and Novelist. [20]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dizzee Rascal</span> British rapper (born 1984)

Dylan Kwabena Mills, known professionally as Dizzee Rascal, is a British rapper and MC. He is often credited as a pioneer of British hip hop and grime music and was ranked by Complex as one of the greatest British rappers of all time. His work has also incorporated elements of UK garage, bassline and R&B.

Grime is a genre of electronic dance music (EDM) that emerged in London in the early 2000s. It developed out of the earlier UK dance style UK garage, and draws influences from jungle, dancehall, and hip hop. The style is typified by rapid, syncopated breakbeats, generally around 140 beats per minute, and often features an aggressive or jagged electronic sound. Emceeing is a significant element of the style, and lyrics often revolve around gritty depictions of urban life.

Paris Joel Moore-Williams, better known by his stage name P Money, is a British grime MC, rapper and songwriter from New Cross, South East London, who is also active in the drum and bass scene. He is best known for his live performances as well as for songs such as "Slang Like This", "Anthemic" and "Round the Clock". N.E was the founding member of Lewisham-based grime crew OGz and P Money released one album with the group entitled OGz Season Vol. 1. He also appeared on the sixth edition of highly popular grime DVD Lord of the Mics in a grime clash (battle).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chip (rapper)</span> British rapper

Jahmaal Noel Fyffe, better known by his stage name Chip, is a British rapper from Tottenham, North London. In the past 14 years he has collaborated with the likes of Skepta, T.I., Meek Mill, Young Adz and many others. In 2009, he released his debut album, I Am Chipmunk, featuring four songs which peaked in the top 10 of the UK Singles Chart, including the chart-topping "Oopsy Daisy". In 2011, Chipmunk released his follow-up album, the American hip hop-influenced Transition. It included the single "Champion" featuring Chris Brown, which peaked at #2 on the UK Singles Chart.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Right Here (SWV song)</span> 1992 single by SWV

"Right Here" is the debut single of American R&B girl group SWV, released on August 20, 1992 by RCA Records, as the lead single from their debut album, It's About Time (1992). The song was written by Brian Alexander Morgan, who also produced it. A remixed version, referred to as "Right Here (Human Nature Remix)" and based around a feature of Michael Jackson's 1982 song "Human Nature", was released in July 1993, and charted on the US Billboard charts as a double-A-side with "Downtown". This version, produced by Teddy Riley, became a number-one R&B single, selling 1,000,000 copies and earning a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). It was also a number-one hit in Zimbabwe. The music video for the song was directed by Lionel C. Martin, featuring SWV riding horses and fishing.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Skepta</span> British rapper and record producer (born 1982)

Joseph Olaitan Adenuga Jr., known professionally as Skepta, is a British grime MC, rapper, record producer and DJ. Alongside his younger brother Jme, he briefly joined Roll Deep before they became founding members of Boy Better Know in 2005. With Boy Better Know, Skepta clashed with fellow MC Devilman for the video release Lord of the Mics 2, in what is remembered as one of the biggest clashes in grime history.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Newham Generals</span> British grime duo

Newham Generals are a grime duo from East London, currently consisting of MCs D Double E and Footsie.

So Solid Crew are a British UK garage and hip hop collective originating from Battersea, London, which achieved wide success in the early 2000s. The group consisted of many members, the most notable being Asher D, Lisa Maffia, Harvey and Romeo. So Solid have been credited for being pioneers in the UK music scene. By turning UK garage from a dancey-genre to one that was darker and more MC-oriented, and gaining mainstream success, they inspired London youth to experiment with their own darker sounds, leading to what would become known as grime music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pour It Up</span> 2013 single by Rihanna

"Pour It Up" is a song by Barbadian singer Rihanna from her seventh studio album, Unapologetic (2012). It was serviced to urban radio stations in the United States on January 8, 2013, as the second US single, and third overall single from the album. It was later also sent to contemporary hit radio radios in the country. "Pour It Up" written by Rihanna alongside Rock City and producers Mike Will Made It and JBo. It is a club, trap, and R&B song with a minimal hip hop beat. Rihanna brags about her wealth, which serves as both a strip club anthem and a declaration of independence.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Baauer</span> American record producer

Harry Bauer Rodrigues, known professionally as Baauer, is an American record producer and DJ, best known for his double platinum song "Harlem Shake".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Scrufizzer</span> British musician

Amary Lorenzo, better known as Scrufizzer, is an English rapper, MC, singer-songwriter, and record producer from West London. He first gained recognition as a grime producer before building a reputation for his bashment-influenced flow and versatility.

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

Henry Alfred Steinway, better known by his stage name RL Grime, is an American record producer and DJ. RL Grime specializes in trap and bass music and is a member of the Los Angeles electronic music collective WeDidIt. His debut Grapes EP was released in April 2012 on WeDidIt. RL Grime premiered a popular Halloween mix in October 2012, which have continued to be released annually through 2023. His follow-up EP High Beams was released in July 2013 on Fool's Gold Records, which debuted at No. 8 on Billboard's Dance/Electronic Albums chart, and No. 1 on the iTunes Electronic Chart. RL Grime has produced remixes for Benny Benassi, Chief Keef, Jamie Lidell, and Shlohmo. His second studio album, Nova, was released in 2018. In February 2019, RL Grime announced the founding of his record label Sable Valley.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">D Double E</span> British rapper

Darren Jason Dixon, known professionally as D Double E, is a British grime MC, DJ and record producer from Forest Gate, East London. He performs both as a solo artist and as a member of the grime duo Newham Generals.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Robin Schulz</span> German musician, DJ and record producer (born 1987)

Robin Alexander Schulz is a German musician, DJ and record producer. On 4 February 2014, he released the first single from his debut album, a remix of "Waves" by Dutch hip hop artist Mr. Probz. This remix later received a nomination for Best Remixed Recording, Non-Classical at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Metro Boomin</span> American hip hop producer

Leland Tyler Wayne, known professionally as Metro Boomin, is an American record producer. Critically acclaimed for his dark production style, he is regarded as one of the most influential producers in modern hip hop and trap music. His frequent collaborators include Future, Young Thug, the Weeknd, Travis Scott, Don Toliver, 21 Savage, Gucci Mane, Gunna and Nav.

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

Aisa Khan Sampson-Spencer, known professionally as Merky ACE, is a British grime MC, rapper, songwriter and record producer from Lewisham, South London. He was a founding member of the grime collective Family Tree, and later Tizzy Gang, with whom he is still a part of. He also produces beats under the pseudonym Splurt Diablo. His debut album, Blue Battlefield, was released on 3 April 2011.

CASISDEAD, also known as Cas and formerly Castro Saint, is a UK rap and grime MC, record producer and music video director from the United Kingdom.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Compa</span> British electronic musician and DJ

William Brown, better known as Compa, is a British electronic musician and DJ from Clitheroe, Lancashire, who began releasing music in 2011. Compa first rose to prominence following his self-released remix of Mavado's Dem A Talk in 2012, followed by his signing to Mala's label Deep Medi Musik the same year, although he did not release his debut record for the label until 2013. In a review of the record, Boomkat described Compa as "Keeper of Dubstep's Darkest Light"

<i>Wamp 2 Dem</i> 2019 British film

Wamp 2 Dem is a commercial mixtape by English rapper Giggs. It was released on 6 October 2017 by No BS Music, while the mixtape was distributed by Island Records. It succeeds Giggs' fourth album Landlord (2016), released a year and two months prior, and is Giggs' first release with a major label. The mixtape includes guest appearances from American rappers 2 Chainz, Young Thug and Lil Duke, alongside Dave, Footsie, D Double E, Popcaan and Donae'o. Production was handled by Cool & Dre, London on da Track, Zaytoven, The Fanatix, Bricks Da Mane and Chris Childs, among others.

Dean West, better known by his stage name Black the Ripper, was a British rapper, grime emcee, activist, cannabis activist, and entrepreneur from Edmonton, London. He ran his own record label, Dank of England, which expanded into a clothing line and cannabis accessory company. He was also known for his viral stunts of smoking cannabis in public places, which he hoped would lead to the outcome of legalised cannabis in the United Kingdom.

References

  1. Quinn, Max (November 2012). "Nat Powers Interview". Broken-culture.co.uk. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  2. Joseph Squellati (21 October 2013). "Young Super Producer Makes Waves Worldwide". Yahoo.com. Archived from the original on 22 October 2013. Retrieved 14 December 2013.
  3. [ dead link ]
  4. Blunt, Nick (20 October 2012). "UK Producer Nat Powers". Blatantlyblunt.com. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  5. Miedzielec, Pawel (17 December 2012). "Curtis Young/Nat Powers "Doctor's Note EP" - recenzja". Popkiller.pl. Retrieved 1 February 2013.
  6. "Leicester kebab shop fire pair jailed for manslaughter". BBC News. 26 September 2012. Retrieved 17 December 2013.
  7. [ dead link ]
  8. "Fire Blaze (Nat Powers Remix)". Amazon.co.uk. 3 April 2013. Retrieved 3 April 2013.
  9. Joseph Squellati (21 October 2013). "Young Super Producer Makes Waves Worldwide". Yahoo.com. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
  10. Joseph Squellati (21 October 2013). "Young Super Producer Makes Waves Worldwide". Yahoo.com. Retrieved 21 October 2013.
  11. Samuel Chiwaka (17 February 2014). "Hip Hop Producer Nat Powers to Take Malawian Music to Greater Heights". Urbanlifemalawi.com. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  12. Samuel Chiwaka (17 February 2014). "Hip Hop Producer Nat Powers to Take Malawian Music to Greater Heights". Urbanlifemalawi.com. Retrieved 17 February 2014.
  13. "Lovely Jubbly". Twitter.com. 4 October 2014. Retrieved 4 October 2014.
  14. "D DOUBLE E HAS TURNED COCKNEY MOBSTER IN THE VIDEO FOR "LOVELY JUBBLY"". Noisey.vice.com. 15 October 2014. Retrieved 17 October 2014.
  15. "FOOTSIE FT GIGGS – HOT WATER (MUSIC VIDEO) @FOOTSIE LINK UP TV". Rapondemand.com. 24 February 2016. Retrieved 17 March 2016.
  16. "LIRA BORN FREE ALBUM INFO, i-classical". I-classical.com. 9 April 2016. Retrieved 17 November 2016.
  17. "LISTEN: NADIA NAKAI'S THE MAN!". Dailysun.co.za. 22 August 2016. Retrieved 2 January 2020.
  18. "Maxwell D, Grimey Stuff". Fabukmagazine.com. 6 June 2018. Retrieved 29 September 2018.
  19. Salvatore Maicki (2 September 2020). "Watch D Double E and Kano's incendiary new "Tell Me A Ting" video". Thefader.com. Retrieved 26 October 2020.
  20. Greer Ross-McLennan (17 October 2020). "Tell Me A Ting Remix". Thepitldn.com. Retrieved 26 October 2020.