Multi-Platinum Producer "DIGGA"
Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez and 50 Cent All have two things in common, and thats Darrell "Digga" Branch and platinum hits. Digga's vision and talent have allowed a multitude of musical superstars to become household names through his ability to create a sound and an album that reaches the top of the musical charts. Digga is one of the most sought after producers in the music business.
Digga was born in New York City and raised in the Harlem section. He began playing the drums at age five but quickly switched to another interest of being a disc jockey. After mastering his skills as a "DJ", Digga began to search for something more. Eventually, Digga became interested in music production and business under the influence of his uncle and grandfather.
In 1988, Digga wrote and produced his first song. It wasn't an ease task for a thirteen year old but Digga managed to learn his way around the recording studio and recording equipment. After making hundreds of songs, he convinced his friend Cameron Giles professionally known as Cam'Ron to join him some recordings. Cam'Ron's cousin Derek "Bloodshed" Armsted would later join Cam'Ron and Digga and form a group called "Caged Fury" in 1990. Caged Fury made several demos and made performances at local neighborhood talent shows gaining notoriety in the process. As a direct result, Big-L a well-known artist from the neighborhood asked Caged Fury, Mason "MA$E" Betha, McGruff and several others to be a part of his rhyming crew called "Children of the Corn". Digga produced a few songs featuring the members but mainly worked closely with Cam'Ron, Bloodshed and Mase.
In 1995, Digga produced a song that is considers to be a classic by many called "American Dream". This featured the entire "C.O.C." The song gained moderate success but opened many doors for the members of C.O.C. Big L had already signed with Columbia records, Mase signed a recording contract with Bad Boy Entertainment, McGruff signed a recording contract with Uptown records while Digga, Cam'Ron and Bloodshed signed with Freeze/Priority records. 1997 proved to be an unforgettable year for Digga. While attending the University of New Haven in Connecticut, Digga, Cam'Ron and Bloodshed now known as "C.O.C" worked on songs for their debut release. As their dreams were approaching, Derek "Bloodshed" Armsted was fatally killed in a car accident. This devastated Digga and Cam'Ron. While dealing with lost of Derek and preparing for graduation, Digga managed to continue producing music with Cam'Ron.
Receiving a B.A degree in music, Digga had no idea what direction his career was going in until Cam'Ron received interest from Lance "UN"Rivera, CEO of Undeas Recordings (Notorious B.I.G, Lil Kim, Junior Mafia). "Un" wanted to sign Cam'Ron as a solo artist and after hearing some of Digga's production work, "UN" wanted to sign him as well. In September of 1997, Digga signed an exclusive production deal allowing him to produce for the entire artist roster of Untertainment Records as well as Undeas recordings.
In 1998, Cam'Ron's debut album "Confessions Of Fire" was released, Digga produced nine songs as well as being named one of the album's executive producers. Working on the album with artist such as DMX, Usher, Jermaine Dupri, Charli Baltimore, Kelly Price and Mase gave Digga the needed experience to become one of the music industry's most sought after producers. With over 500,000 albums sold, Digga became in demand throughout the industry. Today, Digga has worked with artist such as Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, 50 Cent, Cam'Ron, Charli Baltimore, Dutch and Spade, Ghostface, Camp Lo, Lil Cease, Funkmaster Flex, Nore, Beanie Seigel, Destiny's Child, Nature, Disturbing tha Peace, Ol-Dirty Bastard, Prodigy of Mobb Deep, Memphis Bleek, Young Gunz among others.
With over twenty million albums sold, Digga has established himself as one of the industry's hit makers. His involvements with every aspect of these projects have paved the way for Digga to enter the new millennium with even more accolades under his belt. As a result of his success, this multitalented producer is the creator of a production company, studio facility, publishing and clothing company, thus positioning Digga as one of the industry's top up and coming executives. Fab Nickel"
Friends since childhood and making music since ‘98, Fab Nickel is the tight knit family consisting of five members Blezzed, B.Cliff (both Brothers and MC’s), Matter ov Fact, G.Grhymey (Brothers and MC’s as well) and E Pillz (MC/ Producer and doesn’t have a brother in the group..lol). Growing up in Orange County (845), New York, the rap scene has never been given the credit it deserved. When you mention exit 16 off the thruway, most people think of the Woodbury Commons Shopping outlets, not hip hop. Yet, there is a large hip hop scene brewing.See, growing up as a drug kingpin on the mean streets is not easy, especially when your busting caps in everyone. That's why the Nickel has gone another route. Making synthesized beats with the generic hand clap and 808 along with the usual poppy chorus is what they have decided NOT to do either. Actually, when your favorite MC’s are Big L, AZ, NaS, Rakim, etc. it’s kind of hard to fall into the trap of making complete bullshit records. So in turn, Fab Nickel has recaptured the essence with slick, comedic and informative tales laid over E Pillz produced boom bap, bass heavy, hard snare hitting beats!!!! If you claim to bust your gun (and you really don’t as most of these “Game Spitters” and “Hustlers” or shitty excuses for rappers say they do) then you look completely idiotic because you’re trying to portray yourself as a killer...when you’re not. Now, if your talking about outlandish shit that is so far fetched it’s obvious its not true (as Big L did R.I.P. or we do) then its all in good fun and most importantly hip hop.Fab Nickel doesn’t really have an image because “They say” only backpack music has concepts these days, but why does the Nickel have such a good sense of style? Backpackers don’t dress “fresh” do they? So how can you box Fab Nickel? It’s kind of hard to. The bottom line is they just have a love and passion for making music and if they can get signed and make money from it then fine, but the love is there and that’s all that matters. We have nothing but love for Hip Hop and just want to make the music we want to make. We’re not a movement, we’re not “hustlers”, we’re not “GANSTAAZ” (lol)!!!! We’re just us....five guys with the hunger to be heard and bring to the table something else besides the force-fed, music of today.The Group consists of 5 talented members: G Grhymey, Blezzed, B Cliff, Matter Ov Fact & E Pillz. 1998 in Orange County, NY it all began for Fab Nickel. The members struggled to grab any instrumentals they could to lay down their lyrics as they realized they had true talent .After years of low quality songs and weak beats, Producer/MC E Pillz (who currently works under the guidance of Harlem's own legendary producer Darrell "Digga" Branch who worked with 50, Jay-Z, Cam'ron, etc.) decided to get serious with the production aspect. After mastering his craft, the group began recording day and night. The hard work paid off and now this team is ready to prove to the world their talent.Infectious beats with Deep, Descriptive and sometimes comedic rhymes provide the perfect combo to this group. They are not some gimmick with the bullshit lyrics of today's rap. They spit about whats going on around them and might take a lyrical stab at your wack ass gear (for all those who still rock Southpole and such..step your game up!) The buzz is already intense and the name is circulating throughout the tri-state area so stay tuned because Fab Nickel is destined for Greatness! THONIO"
PARTY MAN
COMING SOON