Born and raised in Durham, North Carolina. Known nationally for being the home of Duke University, one of the most notable educational institutions in America and for the 1988 movie Bull Durham, but to the people who grew up in this culturally diverse town, its known as the, Bull City. To say that WHUTSIZNAIM is a reflection of his hometown is an understatement. With nearly 15 years under his belt, WHUTSIZNAIM has an interesting story that anyone can and will relate to.
Growing up a diehard hip-hop fan in the 80s, WHUTSIZNAIM was enamored by hip-hop music and knew that his passion was deeper than just being a fan, he wanted to create the music. By age 13 WHUTSIZNAIM and his neighborhood friend Mario (ICE MD) began making tapes recorded strictly by playing a beat in one speaker of the radio and rapping in the other. Many of the beats were done strictly by attempting to loop pieces of songs and putting them together on a dual deck boom box. After two to three years of making pause tapes and making numerous performances in talent shows WHUTSIZNAIM decided it was time to move on. At age 15 he met 17yr old King James, who was a budding producer and engineer at the time. Their relationship produced many songs and helped WHUTSIZNAIM to master the art of songwriting and recording.
"by the time I got to the booth, the entire song was choreographed in my head. Verses, hooks, background vocals and adlibs were all mentally arranged. I never really realized it until my manager Rue brought it to my attention. I've always recorded very fast because King James taught me to count bars, what to emphasize and what to double up. Most importantly it all taught me how to become comfortable with my own voice. You'd be surprised how many rappers have to record their music over and over again because they don't think they sound right. Meanwhile, the average listener can't tell one take from the other."
WHUTSIZNAIM knew that this is what he was meant to do with his life. His music is nothing less than cutting edge, featuring bass pounding beats by the likes of Ski (Jay-Z, Lil Kim, Camp Lo), King James (Das EFX, Graph) and up and coming beat smiths K Hill (Almost Home) and K. Slack (There It Goes). With song topics ranging from the lyrical braggadocio like "There it Goes", to women and past relationships, and even uplifting motivational songs such as "Almost Home" which tells the listener "be patient we're almost home" and urges them never to give up on their dreams no matter how hard the journey.
"I realize now that talent isnt always a factor. I've learned to dumb my lyrics down, but talent isn't something you can hide or suppress. It's just something that ensures longevity and separates you from the average flash in the pan gimmicks".
In 99 WHUTSIZNAIM independently released the King James produced "ASAP" 12" single to critical acclaim. The song hit ..1on 102jamz in Greensboro, NC and stayed in heavy rotation for a few months. Inexperience and lack of music industry knowledge left WHUTSIZNAIM a local celebrity but a definite favorite with all the local DJs around North Carolina. After years of trying to make it on his own, he partnered with his best friend and manager Jimmie "Rue" Flippen and formed their label JimmieJoshua Lifestyle. In December 2002 with roughly $2500 between them, and a free place to crash, the two of them quit their jobs, put their clothes in garbage bags, rented a van and moved to NYC in hopes of music stardom. Since then, the label has flourished into a full fledged movement. Releasing 3 singles, one of which was distributed worldwide by av8 records (Holla Back Gurl), and 4 mixtapes that have moved close to 20,000 combined. WHUTSIZNAIMs grind and dedication to his success has gained attention from the masses.
"...man, I'm just doing what everybody should be doing but doesn't. Hot beats, hot rhymes, hot songs..period" when asked how he would classify his sound WHUTSIZNAIM responds, "East Coast rap, with a down south swag. Simple as that. I'm from Durham, NC. Its country as hell for sure, but nobody talks about candy paint, and calls each other shawty and all that. We all came up listening to rap from everywhere, but of course NY rap was the majority. We're not from NY so we talk how we talk, act like we act, and dress like we dress. My city is known for our swag throughout the state. I'm not trying to reinvent the wheel, I just wanna put my spin on it".
Hes a rappers rapper and North Carolinas next national star. His personal style even earned him a 2 page fashion spread in "MR (Men's Retail) Magazine" in their Sept 05 issue. With a sound that will penetrate the industry, a style that is undeniable, and an overall charismatic presence. WHUTSIZNAIM, is not a question. It's a statement.
