Valee

Last updated

Valee
Birth nameValee Taylor
Born (1988-08-27) August 27, 1988 (age 35)
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
Instrument(s)Vocals
Years active2015–present
Labels

Valee Taylor, known mononymously as Valee, is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. His third mixtape, 1988 (2017) was discovered by Pusha T, who led him to sign with fellow Chicago rapper Kanye West's record label GOOD Music, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings in February 2018. His debut extended play (EP), GOOD Job, You Found Me was released the following month and executive produced by West. In May of that year, his single "Womp Womp" (featuring Jeremih) narrowly entered both the Bubbling Under Hot 100 and Canadian Hot 100. In the following year, he parted ways with the label. [1] [2] [3] [4]

Contents

Early life

Valee Taylor grew up on Chicago's South Side, living in the Robert Taylor Homes and moving repeatedly once they were demolished. [5] Valee has said his mother exposed him to musicians such as Erykah Badu, Sade, Jill Scott at an early age. [6] Valee pays homage to the artists frequently in his music. [6] He was trained as an auto mechanic, and earned income by working on automobiles from his mother's garage prior to recording. [7]

Throughout his schooling, he had repeated issues with anger, and his outbursts led to his expulsion from numerous schools. [5] The rapper cites Cash Money and Project Pat as early hip hop influences. [5]

Taylor says he decided to make music on a whim while living in the South Side of Chicago. He says he was on his way to purchase a video game system, but on the way decided to go to Guitar Center instead. He purchased the necessary equipment to start making beats and shortly after he began rapping over them. [8]

Music

Valee's early work includes collaborations with producers such as Rio Mac and Chase the Money. [5] His first song, "Cash Don't Bend" (with Ty Money) was released in 2015. From then until 2017, Valee released five independent projects: 12:12 (2015), 1:11 (2016), 2:22 (2016), 12:12Again (2016) and 1988 (2017). [9]

After he was signed to Kanye West's GOOD Music by the label's then-president Pusha T in February 2018, he released his debut extended play and first retail project, GOOD Job, You Found Me. It was executive produced by West [10] and saw minimal commercial response, although Pitchfork reviewed the project and gave it a score of 7.4/10. [10]

In May 2018, Valee released the single "Womp Womp", featuring Jeremih. [11] The song was later featured on the soundtrack of the 2019 Netflix film Beats [12] leading its debut at number 98 on the Billboard Canadian Hot 100 [13] and at 24 on the Bubbling Under Hot 100. [14]

In 2019, he released a surprise EP, Runnin Rich, which included features from G Herbo, King Louie, and Vic Mensa. [15] The cover art is a picture of the rapper's pet Chihuahua dog named Cliff Notez, whom he was publicly condemned for dying red. Valee responded to the critics explaining he used "edible vegan dye" in order to color the pet's fur. [15] He also released tracks with Big Baby DRAM ("About U"), Matt Ox ("Awesome"), and Lil Yachty ("Wombo") and appeared on YG's album 4Real 4Real . [15]

Valee is currently managed by Andrew Barber, founder of notable Chicago Hip-Hop Blog: Fake Shore Drive. [16]

Discography

Albums

Collaboration Albums

EPs

Singles

Personal life

Valee has two children and three dogs (Furrari, Ravioli and Sophia). [17]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kanye West</span> American rapper and producer (born 1977)

Ye is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, record producer, and fashion designer. One of the most prominent figures in hip hop, he is known for his varying musical style and polarizing cultural and political commentary. After dropping out of college to pursue a career in music, West began producing for regional artists in the Chicago area. As an in-house producer for Roc-A-Fella Records, he co-produced albums including Jay-Z's The Blueprint (2001) before signing with the label as a recording artist. West's debut studio album, The College Dropout (2004), was met with critical acclaim and yielded the Billboard Hot 100-number one single "Slow Jamz". He peaked the chart on four other occasions with the singles "Gold Digger" (2005), "Stronger" (2007), "E.T.", and "Carnival" (2024).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Twista</span> American rapper

Carl Terrell Mitchell, better known by his stage name Twista, is an American rapper. He is best known for his chopper style of rapping and for once holding the title of fastest English-speaking rapper in the world according to Guinness World Records in 1992, being able to pronounce 598 syllables in 55 seconds, but his fastest peak burst was on DJ Kay Slay's "Rolling 50 Deep", coming in at 14.07 syllables per second.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Madlib</span> American record producer (born 1973)

Otis Jackson Jr., known professionally as Madlib, is an American DJ, music producer, multi-instrumentalist, and rapper. He has collaborated with MF Doom, J Dilla, and Freddie Gibbs. Madlib has described himself as a "DJ first, producer second, and MC last." His stage name is an acronym for "Mind Altering Demented Lessons In Beats".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">GOOD Music</span> American record label

GOOD Music was an American independent record label founded by rapper Kanye West in 2004. The label entered an exclusive long-term worldwide distribution contract with the Island Def Jam Music Group in 2011. In 2012, the label released its only compilation album, Cruel Summer. In 2015, Pusha T was appointed president of the label by West, while record executive Steven Victor was appointed chief operating officer (COO). In late 2022, Pusha T stepped down from the position as he was no longer on speaking terms with West.

Evan Peter Mast, also known by his stage name E*vax or E.VAX, is an American electronic music artist and record producer. He is one-half of the New York–based electronic rock band Ratatat, alongside Mike Stroud.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pusha T</span> American rapper (born 1977)

Terrence LeVarr Thornton, better known by his stage name Pusha T, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as one half of the Virginia-based hip hop duo Clipse, which he formed with his older brother No Malice. Mainly active from 1994 to 2010, the duo were discovered by Pharrell Williams and signed with his record label Star Trak Entertainment, an imprint of Arista Records in 2001. They released three studio albums—Lord Willin' (2002), Hell Hath No Fury (2006) and Til the Casket Drops (2009)—to mild commercial success; the former spawned the Billboard Hot 100-top 40 singles "Grindin'" and "When the Last Time", for which they became best known.

This page lists a discography of albums and extended plays released under or distributed by Def Jam Recordings, a division of Universal Music Group, which had been created in 1984. Records distributed by another label, but released under Def Jam, are also included or otherwise reviewed. Also included are albums or EPs that were released under Rush Associated Labels and subsidiaries like Original Black Recordings, DJ West, Def Soul, Disturbing tha Peace, Def Jam South, Roc-A-Fella Records, Murder Inc. Records, and GOOD Music.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Francis and the Lights</span> American pop music project

Francis and the Lights is the American music project of Francis Farewell Starlite. The term "and the Lights" refers both to the lights on a stage and pixels on a computer screen. Francis Farewell Starlite is an American musician, record producer, singer, songwriter, and dancer. He is primarily a vocalist and pianist, and is often credited by the Francis and the Lights name for his solo work. He is a frequent collaborator of multiple artists and producers, including Kanye West, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, Cashmere Cat, Chance the Rapper, Nico Segal, Frank Ocean and Banks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hudson Mohawke</span> Scottish music producer

Ross Matthew Birchard, better known by the stage name Hudson Mohawke, is a Scottish producer, composer, and DJ from Glasgow. He is known for his work in 21st century hip-hop and electronic music. A founding member of the UK label collective LuckyMe, his fractured take on hip-hop made him a leading figure in the late-2000s wonky scene. He released his debut album Butter in 2009 on Warp Records. He has followed with the solo albums Lantern (2015) and Cry Sugar (2022), both on Warp.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jeremih</span> American R&B singer

Jeremy Phillip Felton, known professionally as Jeremih, is an American R&B singer. He embarked on a musical career after meeting record producer Mick Schultz in 2008, and signed a recording contract with Def Jam Recordings the following year.

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

American singer Jeremih has released three studio albums, one extended play (EPs), three mixtapes and forty-eight singles.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Runaway (Kanye West song)</span> 2010 single by Kanye West featuring Pusha T

"Runaway" is a song by American rapper Kanye West featuring fellow American rapper Pusha T, released as the second single from the former's fifth studio album, My Beautiful Dark Twisted Fantasy (2010). The song was written by the artists alongside Emile, Jeff Bhasker, Mike Dean, and Malik Yusef with the first three co-producing it with Ye. The composition features repetitive piano riffs, intricate samples and a production style with several similarities to West's album 808s & Heartbreak (2008). Described as a deeply personal song, it expresses West's thoughts on his failed relationships and his acceptance of the media's perception of him. Lyrically, the song explores criticism aimed at West in the past.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pusha T discography</span> Hip hop recording artist discography

The discography of American rapper Pusha T consists of four studio albums, one extended play (EP), two mixtapes, 53 singles, two promotional singles and 33 music videos.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercy (Kanye West song)</span> 2012 single by Kanye West

"Mercy" is a song by American rapper Kanye West featuring fellow American rappers Big Sean, Pusha T, and 2 Chainz. The song was released April 3, 2012 through GOOD Music and Def Jam as the lead single from the compilation album Cruel Summer (2012). The song's production was handled by Lifted, with additional production from West, Mike Dean, and Mike Will Made It, and additional instrumentation from Hudson Mohawke. The song heavily samples the dancehall song "Dust a Sound Boy" by Super Beagle. The song received mostly positive reviews from music critics who praised the bombastic production, the varying quality of the verses, and the wordplay of the individual rappers. The song was featured on the soundtrack for NBA 2K13.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Vic Mensa</span> American rapper

Victor Kwesi Mensah, known professionally as Vic Mensa, is an American rapper. Born and raised in Chicago, he was a member of the regional hip hop groups Kids These Days and Savemoney prior to releasing his debut solo mixtape, Innanetape (2013). As a solo artist, Mensa has been signed to Virgin EMI Records, Def Jam Recordings, Capitol Records, and Roc Nation.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Desiigner</span> American rapper and singer (born 1997)

Sidney Royel Selby III, better known by his stage name Desiigner, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is best known for his 2015 debut single "Panda", which topped the Billboard Hot 100. Shortly after the song gained viral status online, he signed to Kanye West's GOOD Music, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings until departing both labels in 2019.

<i>Merry Christmas Lil Mama</i> 2016 mixtape by Jeremih and Chance the Rapper

Merry Christmas Lil' Mama is a collaborative Christmas mixtape by singer Jeremih and rapper Chance the Rapper. It is the fourth mixtape by Jeremih, and the fifth mixtape by Chance the Rapper. The mixtape was self-released via SoundCloud on December 22, 2016, and features collaborations with Noname, King Louie, and comedian Hannibal Buress, amongst others. The mixtape is dedicated to the city of Chicago.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Kids See Ghosts</span> American hip hop duo

Kids See Ghosts was an American hip hop supergroup composed of rappers Kanye West and Kid Cudi. Formed during West's 2018 Wyoming sessions, the duo's eponymous debut album was released in June of that year by Def Jam Recordings, along with their respective label imprints, GOOD Music and Wicked Awesome Records. Met with critical and commercial success, the album peaked at number two on the US Billboard 200 and received gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The duo disbanded in 2022 due to personal disagreements, although they reconciled the following year.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">070 Shake</span> American rapper and singer

Danielle Balbuena, better known by her stage name 070 Shake, is an American rapper and singer. She is best known for her guest appearance on English singer Raye's 2022 single "Escapism," which peaked at number 22 on the Billboard Hot 100, peaked atop the UK Singles Chart, and won Song of the Year at the 2024 Brit Awards.

Anthony Clemons Jr. is an American singer, rapper and songwriter from Willingboro Township, New Jersey. He rose to prominence as a guest performer on Kanye West's 2018 single "All Mine", while extensively contributing to West's Wyoming Sessions and subsequent album, Jesus Is King (2019). Clemons' debut studio album, Happy 2 Be Here (2020) was nominated for Best R&B Album at the 63rd Annual Grammy Awards; with a total of four, his three other nominations yielded from his songwriting work on albums for Mary J. Blige and H.E.R. Clemons is also known for his contributions to the original version of West's 2021 single, "Hurricane", and other songs intended for his tenth album Donda (2021), most of which were ultimately unused.

References

  1. ↑ Dandridge-Lemco, Ben (March 7, 2018). "Here's how Kanye West put his touch on Valee's new EP". The Fader. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  2. ↑ Mahadevan, Tara. "7 Things You Need to Know About G.O.O.D. Music's Newest Signee Valee". Complex. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  3. ↑ Garvey, Meaghan (January 26, 2018). "Introducing Valee, the G.O.O.D. Music-Approved Rapper With an Elegant Trap Sound". Pitchfork. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  4. ↑ Kot, Greg (March 9, 2018). "Chicago rapper Valee makes his mark on new EP, but gently". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved July 15, 2019.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Biography of Valee". Valee Music. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  6. 1 2 Holmes, Charles. "10 Things To Know About Valee, The Chicago Rap Rookie Backed By Kanye And Chance". MTV News. Archived from the original on January 25, 2018. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  7. ↑ Klinkenberg, Brendan (November 1, 2018). "Valee Is a Quiet Rapper Making a Lot of Noise". Rolling Stone. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  8. ↑ Terry, Bryan Allen Lamb,Josh (April 21, 2017). "Welcome to the Warped World of Valee'". Vice. Retrieved February 12, 2020.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  9. ↑ "Valee". Genius. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  10. 1 2 "Valee: GOOD Job, You Found Me EP". Pitchfork. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  11. ↑ Breihan, Tom (May 2, 2018). "Valee – "Womp Womp" (Feat. Jeremih)". Stereogum . Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  12. ↑ Hough, Quinn (June 21, 2019). "Every Song On Netflix's Beats Soundtrack". Screen Rant . Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  13. ↑ "Billboard Canadian Hot 100, week of June 1, 2019". Billboard . January 2, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  14. ↑ "Bubbling Under Hot 100, week of June 8, 2019". Billboard . January 2, 2013. Retrieved September 16, 2022.
  15. 1 2 3 "Valee drops surprise EP Runnin' Rich". The FADER. Retrieved January 31, 2020.
  16. ↑ two, Eric HendrixWriter at Red RollJust a native south side Chicago kid with an opinion or (January 28, 2020). "Valee: A New Wave of Music". Red Roll. Retrieved February 11, 2020.
  17. ↑ Coscarelli, Joe (May 7, 2018). "Valee, Kanye West's New Signee, Is a Rapper Who Just Might Build You a Koi Pond". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved January 31, 2020.
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.