Torch (American rapper)

Last updated
Torch
Birth nameKevin Christopher Belnavis
Born (1982-07-12) July 12, 1982 (age 41)
Bronx, New York City, New York, United States
Origin Miami, Florida, United States
Genres Hip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper
Labels Maybach Music Group, Def Jam Records
Website www.torchisny.com

Kevin Christopher Belnavis (born July 12, 1982), better known by his stage name Torch, is a Haitian-American rapper signed to Maybach Music Group as part of the group Triple C's. [1] Born and with a childhood in the Castle Hill [2] area of the Bronx, he was sent by his mother to live with his older sister in Miami, Florida, as a teen.

Contents

While living in Miami, he met William Leonard Roberts II, who came to be better known as musician Rick Ross; a Miami rapper called Gunplay, and rapper Young Breed; together, the four young men formed the Southern rap group Triple C's (aka Carol City Cartel). [3]

Childhood

Torch was born Kevin Christopher Belnavis to his parents Lorna and Christopher Belnavis on July 12, 1982, in the Castle Hill area of the Bronx, New York City. [2] Kevin spent most of his childhood on the streets of this rough neighborhood and earned the nickname "Torch" for his volatile and unpredictable misbehavior. [2] Fearful of the dangerous path her son was on, his mother Lorna sent Torch to Miami, Florida to live with his older sister.[ citation needed ] While living in Miami, Torch met Rick Ross, Gunplay, and Young Breed, future members of his Triple C's group. [2] [3]

Education

Though skilled with words and wit, Torch struggled academically. Having attended PS 136 and Junior High School 125 in New York, he was expelled from three high schools before finding an advocate in the principal at the fourth. At Lehman High School, the school principal helped Torch catch up in his classes and makeup months of neglected work to graduate on time with his class. While in high school, Torch met Kenta "Geter K" Geter, future VP of Maybach Music Group, with whom he later signed. [4]

Incarceration

In 2005, Torch served a brief sentence in a New York state prison on drug charges. [5] Shortly after his release, Rick Ross shot to fame with his platinum single "Hustlin'." Torch has said that he began to believe that his own life might amount to something larger than the struggle on the streets. [2]

Music

Triple C's

Newly out of prison, Torch joined Rick Ross, Gunplay and Young Breed to form the rap group Triple C's (aka Carol City Cartel). The group was recorded and featured on Ross's certified gold albums, Port of Miami (2006) and Trilla (2008). [6] Their own first studio album, Custom Cars & Cycles, was released in 2009. The album reached peak positions of number two on the Billboard Rap Album chart and number 44 on Billboard's Top 200. [7]

After releasing a series of independent mixtapes, Torch was given music's official stamp of approval from L.A. Reid, who dubbed the rapper, "what hip-hop's been missing." [8]

Specialyst Entertainment

Torch is also CEO of Specialyst Entertainment, a music and artist management company based in New York. [2]

Discography

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
TitleYearOther artist(s)Album
" Street Judge"2010 Masspike Miles Supafly
"Home Run"2011 Young Buck, Young Breed Bond Money
"Main Event"Masspike MilesThe Road Less Traveled
"Live And Let Die"2012 DJ Kay Slay, A-Mafia, ShootaGrown Man Hip-Hop
"U Can Do It"2013 J-Hood, Project Pat, Lil' Flip, Ron Browz —
"Good Alcohol" [14] Young Breed, Gunplay Young Nigga Old Soul
"Count Your Blessings" [15] DJ Kay Slay, Vado, Uncle Murda Grown Man Hip Hop Part 2 (Sleepin' With The Enemy)
"FTBS" [16] Torae Admission of Guilt
"Wherever I Fall" [17] 2013 Richard Osborne Nothing Personal
"No Sympathy" [18] 2014 DJ Kay Slay, N.O.R.E., Saigon The Rise of a City
"Fort Apache" [19] DJ Kay Slay, Fred the Godson, Oun-PThe Last Hip Hop Disciple

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Plies (rapper)</span> American rapper (born 1976)

Algernod Lanier Washington, known professionally as Plies, is an American rapper. Born in Fort Myers, Florida, Plies was a wide receiver on the Miami Redskins football team of Miami University in Ohio in 1996 and 1997 before beginning his musical career. After dropping out of college, he was signed to Slip-n-Slide Records, he released four studio albums from 2007 until 2010. Plies debuted in 2007 with The Real Testament with successful singles "Shawty" and "Hypnotized". Plies also released two albums in 2008, Definition of Real and Da REAList, and later released Goon Affiliated in 2010.

Rodney Ramone Hill Jr., better known by his stage name Rocko, is an American rapper.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Hustle Hard</span> 2011 single by Ace Hood

Hustle Hard is the first official single from Ace Hood's third studio album Blood, Sweat & Tears. It originally appeared on Ace Hood's preceding mixtape The Statement. It is produced by Lex Luger. The official remix features Rick Ross and Lil Wayne. The original music video and half of the remix music video was made on the same day. A version of the track featuring Swizz Beatz was also a part of Swizz' "Monster Mondays" program. The remix music video was released to 106 & Park: BET's Top 10 Live, on his birthday, May 11, 2011.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Stalley</span> American rapper from Ohio

Kyle Alfonso Myricks, better known by his stage name Stalley, is an American rapper from Massillon, Ohio.

<i>Self Made Vol. 1</i> 2011 compilation album by Maybach Music Group

Self Made Vol. 1 is a compilation album by MMG. The album was released on May 24, 2011, by Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records. It features MMG's new roster additions, Wale, Meek Mill, Teedra Moses, Pill and Stalley along with Torch and Gunplay of Triple C's. Outside of the label, the album features guest appearances from Curren$y, Jadakiss, Jeremih, J. Cole, CyHi the Prynce and French Montana.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">DJ Kay Slay</span> American DJ from New York (1966–2022)

Keith Grayson, professionally known as DJ Kay Slay, was an American disc jockey (DJ) from New York City. He is referred to by The New York Times as "Hip Hop's One-Man Ministry of Insults". He released four successful studio albums, The Streetsweeper, Vol. 1, The Streetsweeper, Vol. 2, The Champions: North Meets South, and More Than Just a DJ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Aone Beats</span> American record producer (born 1984)

William Alfred, better known as Aone, is a Nigerian-born American record producer and songwriter, signed to Rick Ross' label Maybach Music Group. He became active in the music industry in 2008 and is known for his work with urban music artists such as Juicy J, Birdman, Meek Mill, Young Buck, Rick Ross, Wale, Young Jeezy, D Block, The Outlawz, and others. His major influences in producing come from Just Blaze, Drumma Boy and Dr. Dre. His work is marked with a "You are now rocking with Aonebeats" tag in most of his recent music.

<i>Dreamchasers 2</i> 2012 mixtape by Meek Mill

Dreamchasers 2 is the ninth mixtape by American rapper Meek Mill. It was released on May 7, 2012, by Maybach Music Group and Warner Bros. Records, and also released for digital download on DatPiff. It serves as the second installment in the Dreamchasers series, following Dreamchasers (2011). The mixtape features guest appearances from American rappers Travis Scott, Rick Ross, Fabolous, French Montana, Wale, Big Sean, Kendrick Lamar, Mac Miller, 2 Chainz and Canadian rapper Drake – along with singing vocals by Jeremih, Trey Songz and Jordanne; as well as production that was provided by Jahlil Beats, SAP, All Star, Cardiak, Reginald Smith, and Jesse Wilson, among others. The mixtape consists mostly of original material, including a remix to Meek Mill's single from his previous mixtape Dreamchasers, "House Party", and a cover of Drake's "The Ride".

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

The discography of American rapper Meek Mill consists of five studio albums, six extended plays, one compilation album, three collaborative albums, eleven mixtapes, fifty-four singles, ten promotional singles and thirty music videos.

<i>Dreamchasers</i> Album

Dreamchasers is the eighth mixtape by American rapper Meek Mill. It was released on August 11, 2011, by Maybach Music Group and on professional mixtape website DatPiff and is the first installment in the Dreamchasers series. Dreamchasers features guest appearances by American rappers Young Chris, Rick Ross, Beanie Sigel, Mel Love, NH, Yo Gotti, and Young Pooh. Production includes A One, All Star, The Beat Bully, Jahlil Beats, and Lex Luger.

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

The discography of Moroccan-American rapper French Montana consists of four studio albums, twenty-four mixtapes, 39 singles including 45 as featured artist, 32 music videos and 18 promotional singles.

<i>Mac & Cheese 3</i> Album by French Montana

Mac & Cheese 3 is the sixteenth mixtape by American rapper French Montana, and the third installation in his "Mac & Cheese" series of mixtapes. It was released on November 19, 2012. The mixtape features guest appearances from Diddy, Red Cafe, MGK, Los, Future, Chinx Drugz, Ma$e, Rico Love, Fat Joe, Wale, Mac Miller, Curren$y, J. Cole, Rick Ross, Trina, Prodigy, Fabolous, Tyga and Ace Hood.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Young Scooter</span> American rapper (born 1986)

Kenneth Edward Bailey, better known by his stage name Young Scooter, is an American rapper who is affiliated with Freebandz and 1017 Brick Squad Records and CEO of his own label Black Migo Gang. Scooter grew to prominence in 2012 after releasing a number of successful mixtapes and collaborating with notable rappers such as Gucci Mane, Future, Waka Flocka Flame and Chief Keef. His mixtape Street Lottery received positive reviews and was certified gold on popular mixtape site DatPiff. It was placed at number 24 on SPIN's 40 Best Hip-Hop Albums of 2013.

<i>Self Made Vol. 3</i> 2013 compilation album by Maybach Music Group

Self Made Vol. 3 is the third compilation album by MMG. The album was released on September 17, 2013, by Maybach Music Group and Atlantic Records. Like the two previous albums in the Self Made series, the album features contributions from members signed to the MMG label including Rick Ross, Meek Mill, Wale, Stalley, French Montana, Omarion and Rockie Fresh along with Gunplay, Young Breed and Torch of Triple C's. The album features additional guest appearances from Yo Gotti, Lil Boosie, Birdman, J. Cole, Fabolous, Pusha T, Hit-Boy, and Lupe Fiasco among others.

<i>Electric Highway</i> 2013 mixtape by Rockie Fresh

Electric Highway is the fifth mixtape by American rapper Rockie Fresh, it was released on January 21, 2013. The mixtape features guest appearances from Lunice, Rick Ross, Nipsey Hussle, Sasha Go Hard and Currensy. The mixtape is hosted by DJ Ill Will.

Richard Welton Morales Jr., better known by his stage name Gunplay, is an American rapper. He embarked on his career in hip hop as a member of fellow Florida-based rapper Rick Ross's Southern hip hop group Triple C's. Triple C's released their debut album, Custom Cars & Cycles, in 2009. After signing to Ross's Maybach Music Group label, upon its inception in 2009, Gunplay would announce he secured a solo recording contract with Def Jam Recordings, in July 2012. He released several mixtapes, such as 601 & Snort. His debut studio album, titled Living Legend, was released in 2015.

The discography of American hip hop recording artist Gunplay, consists of two studio albums, three compilation albums, ten mixtapes, and eleven singles. He has also released and recorded music with Southern hip hop group, Triple C's.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Maybach Music Group</span> Record label

Maybach Music Group is a record label imprint founded by American rapper Rick Ross. Maybach Music Group albums are distributed by Atlantic Records, a division of the Atlantic Records Group. Atlantic took over distribution following the expiration of a deal with Island Def Jam. As of December 12, 2012, the label releases are now distributed by Atlantic Records. 19 solo and three compilation albums have been released by Maybach Music Group, including five certified Gold albums and three certified Platinum albums.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">B.M.F. (Blowin' Money Fast)</span> 2010 single by Rick Ross featuring Styles P

"B.M.F. " is the second single from Rick Ross' fourth studio album Teflon Don. It features Styles P. It was produced by Lex Luger. The song was originally released as an unmastered version on Ross' promotional mixtape, the Albert Anastasia EP. The song was named as MTV News' #4 Song Of 2010.

Triple C's, also known as Carol City Cartel, is an American hip hop group founded by Rick Ross in 2005. The group takes its name from the Carol City neighborhood of Miami Gardens, and consists of Gunplay from Miami, Torch from the Bronx, New York, and Young Breed.

References

  1. ↑ "Maybach Music". Archived from the original on June 11, 2011. Retrieved 2022-10-07.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: unfit URL (link)
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 Torch Interview. Music is Life Magazine. Nov. 2010. "Music is Life Magazine > Interview with Torch". Archived from the original on 2011-12-29. Retrieved 2012-03-05.
  3. 1 2 Caramanica, Jon (2011-05-27). "In the Hip-Hop World, Blogs Mean Business". The New York Times. ISSN   0362-4331 . Retrieved 2022-10-07.
  4. ↑ "The Annual A&R Power Summit." 2012. http://www.thearpowersummit.com/panelists/
  5. ↑ "Torch Interview." Lumiere magazine, 13 Jan. 2010. http://www.lumieremagazine.com/jan/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=48:torch-interview&catid=37:interviews&Itemid=210
  6. ↑ Watkins (@GrouchyGreg), Grouchy Greg (2009-04-04). "Rick Ross' Triple C's Ink Deal With Def Jam". AllHipHop. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
  7. ↑ "Chart History." Billboard.com. Triple C's.https://www.billboard.com/artist/triple-c's/chart-history/
  8. ↑ "Triple C's Torch Talks Ghostwriting, Being A "UFO", Ross' Chess Game On Current Rappers & MMG's Future". MsDramaTV. 2012-01-26. Retrieved 2022-10-07.
  9. ↑ Markman, Rob. "Maybach Music's Torch Puts 'Little Flip' On U.F.O. Mixtape: Rick Ross signee talks to Mixtape Daily about new release, featuring Busta Rhymes and Trey Songz." MTV. 23 May. 2011. http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1664441/torch-ufo-mixtape.jhtml
  10. ↑ Santos, Nate. "Mixtape: Torch x DJ Scream - UFO Vol. 2." The Source. Ed. Andrieux, Amy Aimstar. 25 Feb. 2012. http://www.thesource.com/articles/202684/Mixtape%3A-Torch-x-DJ-Scream---UFO-Vol.-2/
  11. ↑ "» Torch – No A/C (Mixtape)". 2DOPEBOYZ. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  12. ↑ "New Music: Torch Ft. Ameer x Styles P "Supa Hard" - Rap Radar". Rap Radar. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  13. ↑ "Torch - No AC Vol 2 Hosted by Big Mike & DJ Instynctz". DatPiff. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  14. ↑ "Young Breed - Young Nigga Old Soul". DatPiff. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  15. ↑ "DJ Kay Slay - Grown Man Hip Hop Part 2 (Sleepin' With The Enemy)". DatPiff. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  16. ↑ HipHopDX (5 March 2013). "Torae "Admission Of Guilt" Tracklist & Cover Art". HipHopDX. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  17. ↑ "ENDZ2ENDZ.COM - New Music: Richard Osborne – Wherever I Fall (ft. Torch)". ENDZ2ENDZ.COM. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  18. ↑ Big Homie (January 24, 2014). "New Mixtape: DJ Kay Slay The Rise Of The City". RapRadar. Retrieved January 25, 2014.
  19. ↑ Rose Lilah (May 8, 2014). "DJ Kay Slay - The Last Hip-Hop Disciple". HowNewHipHop. Archived from the original on May 11, 2014. Retrieved May 10, 2014.
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.