Roy Woods

Last updated

Roy Woods
Roy Woods 2018.png
Woods in 2018
Background information
Birth nameDenzel Spencer
Born (1996-04-18) April 18, 1996 (age 27)
Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Singer
  • rapper
  • songwriter
Years active2014–present
Labels
Website roywoods.com

Denzel Spencer (born April 18, 1996), [1] better known by his stage name Roy Woods (also stylized as Roy Wood$), is a Canadian singer and rapper, and songwriter [2] [3] Woods is signed to OVO Sound, the record label co-founded by fellow Canadian rapper and singer Drake, record producer Noah "40" Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib. Woods is also the founder of his own collective, Unlock The Underground.

Contents

Early life

Denzel Spencer was born April 18, 1996, in Brampton, Ontario, Canada. [1] For over three years, Woods attended Turner Fenton High School and eventually made a decision to move to St. Augustine Secondary School during his final year. [4] Before his music career took off, he was often recognized for his commitment and talent in the sport of football. The origin of his name "Roy" comes from a youth that lived in the same building as him from Brampton. Woods took a survey throughout his high school and "Roy Wood$" seemed to be the winning ticket.[ citation needed ]

Career

2014–present: Career beginnings, Say Less, and Mixed Emotions

On July 11, 2015, Drake premiered "Drama", the first song from Woods' EP , Exis . The song was also premiered on Apple's Beats 1 radio during the first OVO Sound radio show. [5] The track also features with the guest appearances from Woods' label boss, Drake. On July 25, 2015, a second song titled "Get You Good" premiered on the second episode of the OVO Sound radio show. On July 31, 2015, Roy released his debut EP Exis digitally through OVO Sound, of which was the record label co-founded by Canadian rapper and singer Drake. [6] On October 9, 2015, Woods released his first music video for his song, "Jealousy". [7] It has since garnered over 9,000,000 views on YouTube.

Woods performing in 2016. Roy Woods.jpg
Woods performing in 2016.

On July 1, 2016, Wood's debut mixtape, Waking at Dawn, was released and promoted by Woods and other artists, including Drake and Wiz Khalifa through social media. [8] [ non-primary source needed ]

On December 23, 2016, Woods released his second EP, titled Nocturnal. [9]

On July 20, 2017, Woods released the track, "What Are You On?", as the lead single from his debut studio album, Say Less . [10] On November 17, 2017, Woods released the title track, "Say Less". On December 1, 2017, Woods released his debut studio album, Say Less. [11]

On June 8, 2018, Woods released two new singles, titled "Russian Cream" and "Snow White", with no prior announcement. [12] [13]

On February 8, 2019, Roy Woods released a single titled "Worth It". [14]

On September 18, 2019, Roy Woods released a single titled "Bubbly". [15]

On May 8, 2020, Roy Woods released his newest single titled "I Feel It"

On May 15, 2020, Roy Woods released his third EP, titled Dem Times. [16]

In 2023, he participated in an all-star recording of Serena Ryder's single "What I Wouldn't Do", which was released as a charity single to benefit Kids Help Phone's Feel Out Loud campaign for youth mental health. [17]

On July 28, 2023, Roy Woods released his second studio album, titled Mixed Emotions. The album features guest appearances from Coi Leray, Jada Kingdom, and Vory, and was preceded by the singles "Touch You", "Insecure", "Bad Bad", "Don't Love Me", "Young Boy Problems", "Don't Mind Me", and "Test What I Know".

Artistry

Woods has said some of his biggest influences are Michael Jackson, Drake, Nelly, The Weeknd and PartyNextDoor. [18] Woods has also started an artist collective, titled Unlock The Underground, which is a branch of the OVO Sound. The artists on this collective include In-house Producer/Engineer BATMANONTHEBEATZ, RAYNY, and DOLOINDACUT as Wood's Official DJ. [19]

Discography

Studio albums

List of studio albums, with selected chart positions and sales figures
TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
CAN
[20] 		US
[21] 		US
R&B
/HH
[22] 		US
R&B
[23]
Waking at Dawn
  • Released: July 1, 2016 [24]
  • Label: OVO, Warner
  • Formats: Digital download
30127116
Say Less
  • Released: December 1, 2017 [25]
  • Label: OVO, Warner
  • Formats: CD, LP, digital download
26923811
Mixed Emotions
  • Released: July 28, 2023 [26]
  • Label: OVO, Warner
  • Formats: Digital download, streaming
––––

Extended plays

List of extended plays, with selected chart positions and sales figures
TitleAlbum detailsPeak chart positions
US
R&B
/HH
[22] 		US
R&B
[23]
Exis 2710
Nocturnal ——
Dem Times——
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Singles

TitleYearPeak chart positionsCertificationsAlbum
US
R&B
[28] 		IRE
[29] 		UK
[30]
"Drama"
(featuring Drake)		2015———Exis
"Gwan Big Up Urself"2016———Waking at Dawn
"How I Feel"———
"What Are You On?"2017———Say Less
"Russian Cream"2018———Non-album singles
"Snow White"———
"Worth It"2019———
"Bubbly"———
"Juliet & Romeo"
(with Martin Solveig) [33] 		—7951
"Shot Again" [34] 2020———
"Too Much" [35]
(with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and Dvbbs)		2021———
"Touch You"21——Mixed Emotions
"Speeding"2022———Non-album single
"Insecure"———Mixed Emotions
"Bad Bad"———
"Luces"
(with Fuego and Polimá Westcoast)		2023———Non-album single
"Don't Love Me"———Mixed Emotions
"Young Boy Problems"———
"Don't Mind Me"———
"Test What I Know"———

Other charted and certified songs

TitleYearCertificationAlbum
"Get You Good"2015Exis
"Instinct"
(featuring MadeinTYO)		2016Nocturnal

Music videos

List of music videos, with directors, showing year released
TitleYearDirector(s)
"Jealousy"2015Jim Joe [36]
"Get You Good"Christo Anesti and Glenn Michael
(Kid. Studio) [37] [38] [39]
"Gwan Big Up Urself"2016
"Go Go Go"
"Love You"2017Ninja Djacic [40]
"Instinct"
(featuring MadeinTYO)		Elliot Clancy Osberg [41]
"Say Less"Gab3
"Monday to Monday"Unknown
"Something New"2018Elliot Clancy Osberg [42]
"Snow White"Alfy [43]

Tours

Headlining
Supporting

Filmography

Film and television
YearTitleRoleNotes
2017 6IX RISING HimselfDocumentary (non-speaking appearance)

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Joe Budden</span> American rapper and media personality

Joseph Anthony Budden II is an American media personality, broadcaster, cultural critic, and former rapper. He first gained recognition in the latter occupation with his 2003 single "Pump It Up", which peaked within the top 40 of the Billboard Hot 100 and preceded the release of his eponymous debut studio album (2003). Met with critical and commercial success, the album peaked within the top ten of the Billboard 200, although it served as his only major label release for Def Jam Recordings; he thereafter released seven albums independently to continued critical praise. While doing so, he performed as a member of the hip hop supergroup Slaughterhouse, which were signed to Eminem's Shady Records in 2012; the group released two studio albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Drake (musician)</span> Canadian rapper and singer (born 1986)

Aubrey Drake Graham is a Canadian rapper and singer. An influential figure in contemporary popular music, he has been credited with popularizing R&B sensibilities in modern hip hop. Gaining recognition by starring as Jimmy Brooks in the CTV teen drama series Degrassi: The Next Generation (2001–08), Drake pursued a recording career in 2006, releasing his debut mixtape Room for Improvement. He followed up with the mixtapes Comeback Season (2007) and So Far Gone (2009) before signing with Young Money Entertainment.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Popcaan</span> Jamaican singer

Andrae Hugh Sutherland, known professionally as Popcaan, is a Jamaican dancehall singer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">OVO Sound</span> Canadian record label

OVO Sound is a Canadian independent record label, founded in 2012 by rapper Drake, producer 40, and manager Oliver El-Khatib. Between 2012 and 2022, it operated as a subsidiary of Warner Records.

<i>Nothing Was the Same</i> 2013 studio album by Drake

Nothing Was the Same is the third studio album by Canadian rapper Drake. It was released on September 24, 2013, through OVO Sound, Young Money Entertainment, Cash Money Records, and Republic Records. Work on the record began in 2012 and continued through 2013. As an executive producer, Drake enlisted collaborators such as 2 Chainz, Big Sean, Majid Jordan, Jay-Z, Jhené Aiko and Sampha for guest appearances on the album. The album's production was primarily handled by 40 and other OVO Sound producers; including Boi-1da, Mike Zombie, Nineteen85 and Detail.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">PartyNextDoor</span> Canadian singer (born 1993)

Jahron Anthony Brathwaite, known professionally as PartyNextDoor, is a Canadian R&B singer, songwriter, and record producer. He was the first artist to sign with Drake's record label OVO Sound, an imprint of Warner Records in 2013. Brathwaite released his debut self-titled extended play in July that year to positive critical reception.

Majid Jordan is a Canadian R&B duo, consisting of singer Majid Al Maskati and producer Jordan Ullman from Toronto, Ontario. They formed in 2011 and signed to OVO Sound, the record label co-founded by rapper Drake, producer Noah "40" Shebib and Oliver El-Khatib, releasing their debut EP, A Place Like This, in 2014.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Migos</span> American hip hop group

Migos were an American hip hop group founded in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in 2008. The group was composed of rappers Quavo, his nephew Takeoff, and Offset. Quavo is from Athens, Georgia, and Offset and Takeoff were born and raised in nearby Lawrenceville. As a group, they were managed by Coach K, the former manager of Gucci Mane and Jeezy, and frequently collaborated with producers such as DJ Durel, Murda Beatz, Zaytoven, and Buddah Bless. Recognized for their contribution to trap music in the 2010s, Billboard stated that the group "influenced pop culture and the entire English language by bringing their North Atlanta roots to the mainstream".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Versace (song)</span> 2013 single by Migos

"Versace" is the debut single by American hip hop group Migos. It was released in July 2013, by Quality Control Music. The track, which was included on their mixtape Y.R.N. (2013), was produced by Zaytoven. Following a remix by Canadian rapper Drake, the song became popular and peaked at number 99 on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart. Drake performed it at the 2013 iHeartRadio Music Festival. The song is ranked as one of the 100 songs that defined the 2010s decade by Billboard.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Migos discography</span> Migos gang

American hip hop group Migos consists of four studio albums, one extended play (EP), twelve mixtapes and fifty-three singles. Migos was first listened to by Rayshun Smith (Friootherussian) in 2010. On July 31, 2015, Migos released their debut studio album, Yung Rich Nation. On January 27, 2017, Migos released their second studio album, Culture. On January 26, 2018, Migos released their third studio album, Culture II, tied The Beatles for most simultaneous Hot 100 songs by a group on the Billboard chart with 14. On June 11, 2021, Migos released their fourth and final studio album, Culture III.

iLoveMakonnen American rapper, singer, and record producer

Makonnen Kamali Sheran, better known by his stage name iLoveMakonnen, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, and record producer. He first became known for his 2014 song "Tuesday", which was discovered and remixed by Canadian rapper Drake. Originally released in August of that year, he signed with Drake's record label OVO Sound, an imprint of Warner Records that same month; the song was given a commercial re-release by the label the following September, and subsequently peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received a nomination for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration at the 57th Annual Grammy Awards. "Tuesday" served as the lead single for his likewise re-issued self-titled debut extended play (2014), which modestly entered the Billboard 200. He parted ways with OVO and Warner in 2016, and his following releases failed to chart.

<i>Exis</i> (EP) 2015 EP by Roy Woods

Exis is the debut extended play by Canadian recording artist Roy Woods. It was released on July 31, 2015, by OVO Sound and Warner Bros. Records. The EP's sole guest appearance comes from Canadian rapper and label-mate Drake. The official cover of Exis contains a picture of a white sketched tree with a blue background and also the yellow moon. The back cover reveals the track list on one side of the moon. The first music video to be put out from the album was for the song "Jealousy". The video was directed by creative artist Jim Joe. It has received over 9,100,000 views since its release. Music videos for "Get You Good" and "Go Go Go" were released as well, garnering over 9,400,000 and 1,800,000 views respectively.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dvsn</span> Canadian R&B duo

Dvsn is a Canadian R&B duo composed of singer Daniel Daley and producer Nineteen85. The duo is signed to Canadian rapper Drake through his label OVO Sound.

<i>Waking at Dawn</i> 2016 studio album by Roy Woods

Waking at Dawn is the debut studio album by Canadian recording artist Roy Woods. It was released on July 1, 2016, by OVO Sound and Warner Bros. Records. The album serves as a follow-up to his debut EP Exis (2015). It was preceded by two singles; "Gwan Big Up Urself" and "How I Feel".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Uzi Vert</span> American rapper (born 1994)

Symere Bysil Woods, known professionally as Lil Uzi Vert and often referred to as simply Lil Uzi or Uzi, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. Born and raised in Philadelphia, they gained initial recognition following the release of the commercial mixtape Luv Is Rage (2015), which led to a recording contract with Atlantic Records, to whom they signed under DJ Drama's Generation Now imprint.

Shane Lee Lindstrom, known professionally as Murda Beatz, is a Canadian record producer. He has produced hit singles including "Butterfly Effect" for Travis Scott, "Back on Road" for Gucci Mane, "Nice for What" for Drake, and "Motorsport" for Migos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Offset (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1991)

Kiari Kendrell Cephus, known professionally as Offset, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as part of the hip hop group Migos, alongside Quavo and his late nephew, Takeoff. In 2017, he released a collaborative album with American record producer Metro Boomin and English rapper 21 Savage titled Without Warning; it reached the top ten on the Billboard 200 and spawned the single "Ric Flair Drip," which peaked within the top 20 of the Billboard Hot 100. Later that year, he guest performed alongside Canadian rapper Drake on Metro Boomin's single "No Complaints." In 2018, he guest featured on the single "Taste" by Tyga, which marked his first top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 as a soloist, and was later certified 9× platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). That same year, he co-performed alongside Travis Scott on the single "Zeze" by Kodak Black, which peaked at number two on the Hot 100.

<i>Say Less</i> (album) 2017 studio album by Roy Woods

Say Less is the second studio album by Canadian recording artist Roy Woods. The album was released on December 1, 2017, by OVO Sound, Warner Records and Unlock The Underground. It features guest appearances from OVO labelmates PartyNextDoor and Dvsn, alongside 24hrs and PnB Rock. It is preceded by one single; "What Are You On?".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Walk It Talk It</span> Single by Migos featuring Drake

"Walk It Talk It" is a song by American hip hop trio Migos featuring Canadian rapper Drake. The single was released on March 18, 2018. It was included on the trio's third studio album, Culture II (2018). After the album's release, it debuted at number 18 and later peaked at number 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 after its release as the third single. The song was produced by frequent collaborators OG Parker and Deko.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Takeoff (rapper)</span> American rapper (1994–2022)

Kirsnick Khari Ball, known professionally as Takeoff, was an American rapper. He was best known as the youngest member of the hip hop group Migos along with his uncle Quavo and close affiliate Offset. The group scored multiple top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 including "MotorSport", "Stir Fry", "Walk It Talk It", and "Bad and Boujee", the last of which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. He also received two Grammy Award nominations. On November 1, 2022, Takeoff was fatally shot in Houston, Texas.

References

  1. 1 2 "Roy Woods – Biography, Credits and Discography". AllMusic . Retrieved July 22, 2015.
  2. ↑ "Is Roy Wood$ the Rap Version of Michael Jackson? | NOISEY". April 15, 2015. Retrieved July 26, 2015.
  3. ↑ "Running Through The Six: A Look at Toronto's Emerging Artists". HYPETRAK. Retrieved July 26, 2015.
  4. ↑ Kumar, Vijai (August 10, 2016). "Brampton Artist Roy Wood$ Shows Love to Turner Fenton in New Music Video". Bramptonist. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  5. ↑ "Drake Debuts 3 New Remixes on First Beats 1 Show: Listen Now". Billboard . Retrieved July 13, 2015.
  6. ↑ haleemakhan (July 31, 2015). "OVO's Latest Signee Roy Wood$ releases "EXIS" EP". The Source. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  7. ↑ "You are being redirected..." theknockturnal.com. October 11, 2015. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  8. ↑ "Roy Wood$ on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved May 3, 2016.
  9. ↑ "Stream Roy Woods' "Nocturnal" EP". HipHopDX. December 23, 2016. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  10. ↑ "Roy Woods – What Are You On?". HotNewHipHop. July 21, 2017. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  11. ↑ "OVO Signee Roy Woods Releases Debut Album, 'Say Less'". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  12. ↑ "Roy Woods Drops Off New Song 'Russian Cream'". HotNewHipHop. June 8, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  13. ↑ "Roy Woods Releases A Second Single Called 'Snow White'". HotNewHipHop. June 8, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  14. ↑ "Roy Woods releases his new single 'Worth It'". REVOLT TV. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  15. ↑ "Roy Woods Returns With Celebratory 'Bubbly': Listen". Billboard. Retrieved September 26, 2019.
  16. ↑ "Dem Times by Roy Woods". Genius. Retrieved July 17, 2020.
  17. ↑ Brent Furdyk, "Feel Out Loud: Alessia Cara, Serena Ryder & More Canadian Artists Collaborate On New Single Promoting Youth Mental Health Initiative". Entertainment Tonight Canada , March 2, 2023.
  18. ↑ "Meet Roy Wood$: Young Singer/Rapper From Toronto". Hotnewhiphop.com. October 28, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2020.
  19. ↑ "FOREFRONT: Roy Wood$ | Unlock The Underground". Sidedoor Magazine. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  20. ↑ "Roy Woods – Chart History: Canadian Albums". Billboard . Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  21. ↑ "Roy Woods – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  22. 1 2 "Roy Woods – Chart History: R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  23. 1 2 "Roy Woods – Chart History: R&B Albums". Billboard. Retrieved December 12, 2017.
  24. ↑ "Waking at Dawn by Roy Woods". iTunes Store . Retrieved July 1, 2016.
  25. ↑ "Instagram post by ROY WOOD$ • Aug 1, 2017 at 9:01 pm UTC". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved August 2, 2017.
  26. ↑ "Mixed Emotions". Genius. Retrieved August 1, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Exis – EP by Roy Woods". iTunes Store . Retrieved July 31, 2015.
  28. ↑ "Roy Woods Chart History: Hot R&B Songs". Billboard. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Discography Roy Woods". irishcharts.com. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  30. ↑ "MARTIN SOLVEIG & ROY WOODS | full Official Chart History". Official Charts Company. Retrieved May 28, 2023.
  31. 1 2 "British certifications – Roy Woods". British Phonographic Industry . Retrieved September 19, 2021.Type Roy Woods in the "Search BPI Awards" field and then press Enter.
  32. 1 2 3 "American certifications – Roy Woods". Recording Industry Association of America . Retrieved January 22, 2022.
  33. ↑ "Juliet & Romeo – Single by Martin Solveig & Roy Woods" – via Apple Music.
  34. ↑ "Roy Woods – Shot Again (Official Audio)". January 30, 2020. Retrieved March 9, 2020– via YouTube.
  35. ↑ "Too Much - Single by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, DVBBS & Roy Woods on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved February 18, 2021.
  36. ↑ "Watch OVO's Roy Woods Music Video For 'Jealousy'". The Knockturnal. October 11, 2015. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  37. ↑ "Get You Good – Music Video". Kid. Studio. Retrieved December 14, 2015.
  38. ↑ "Gwan Big Up Urself – Music Video". Kid. Studio. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  39. ↑ "Go Go Go – Music Video". Kid. Studio. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  40. ↑ "Roy Wood$ Drops a New Video for "Love You"". MissBish. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  41. ↑ "WATCH ROY WOODS' IMPACTFUL VIDEO "INSTINCT" FEATURING MADEINTYO". The Source. June 28, 2017. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  42. ↑ "Roy Woods Takes a Trip to Space in His Video for 'Something New'". HighSnobiety. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  43. ↑ "Roy Woods Drops New Visual for 'Snow White'". Respect. November 12, 2018. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  44. ↑ "Roy Wood$ Announces "Unlocked" Tour". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  45. ↑ "Roy Woods Plots 'Unlocked Tour'". Exclaim!. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  46. ↑ "Roy Woods designs 2018 Say Less Tour". AXS. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  47. ↑ Berry, Peter A. (February 2018). "Roy Woods Unveils Say Less Tour Dates – XXL". XXL Mag. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
  48. ↑ "Drake and Future Announce Summer Sixteen Tour". The Fader . April 25, 2016. Retrieved April 25, 2016.
  49. ↑ "Photos of Drake & Migos at Madison Square Garden on Aubrey & The Three Migos Tour: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved July 25, 2019.
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.