Praiz'
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Praiz' | |
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 Praiz' in 2005 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Vance Lee Watt II |
| Also known as | V'land, V'leezy, Bro. Vance |
| Born | August 16, 1976 Gary, Indiana, U.S. |
| Origin | St. Louis, Missouri |
| Genres | R&B, Pop, Gospel, Christian Rap, CCM |
| Occupation(s) | Singer, songwriter, music producer, recording engineer, mixing engineer |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals, piano, drums, guitar, bass, talkbox |
| Years active | 1995–present |
| Labels | 5464 Music, Parking Lot Praiz' Beats, Lighthouse Records, Jericho Records, 5464 Entertainment, W.B.M.S |
| Website | www |
Vance Lee Watt II (born August 16, 1976), known professionally as Praiz', is an American entertainer, singer-songwriter, record producer, and worship leader.
Early life
[edit]Praiz' was born in Gary, Indiana but later relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, after his father died.[citation needed] He is the youngest of four children.[citation needed] Lee Watt II has been writing songs since he was 13, teaching himself to play piano at 16. [1]
Career
[edit]1995–1999 Career beginnings
[edit]Praiz' began as a producer, performer, and writer in St. Louis, Missouri. He advanced his production and performing skills while travelling with his uncle, promoter, and manager, Sonny Metcalfe.[citation needed]
Praiz' performed with several R&B groups before performing as a solo act. In 1999, Praiz' released his first self-produced R&B solo album, Wave Yo Hands. He has since performed in concerts with R&B acts, including Boyz II Men, Ginuwine, Outkast and oldie artists Con Funk Shun and The Dells.[citation needed]
1999–2003: Jericho Records
[edit]Wave Yo Hands became the only R&B album Praiz' officially released. After a serious car accident, he turned his focus to producing and writing for several hip- hop, R&B, gospel and Christian rap artists, including Chingy and Thi'sl.[citation needed] During this time, Praiz' formed Jericho Records with his business partner and mentor, Darren Mack Sr.[citation needed] Together, with Praiz' as the sole producer and writer, they produced for a series of Contemporary Gospel artists including Young Saint, Holy Child, Psalms and 2 Life 2 Christ compilations. They received several awards for production work, including Praise God Productions' 'Record Company of the Year Award' in 2000.[citation needed] During this period Praiz' released two self-produced and written independent contemporary gospel albums: The Race and Preacher's Ball.[citation needed]
2004–2011: Parking Lot Praiz' Beats
[edit]Praiz' parted ways with his previous recording artists and partners in 2004 to form Parking Lot Praiz' Beats. In 2005, Praiz' released The Take Over as an independent artist. The album led with singles Deliver Me, Selah Selah, Praiz' and More Than Conquerors. After its release, Deliver Me became highly requested on top R&B and Gospel Clear Channel radio stations and became the No. 1 most requested track for several weeks. It remained in the top 10 for more than a year after. Chris King, the chief editor of The St. Louis American, wrote a detailed review of the album with a front page cover, stating "The devil must be mad as hell at STL's new prince of Praiz'".[2]
Awards
[edit]In 2006, Praiz' won 'Best Contemporary Gospel Artists' from the Saint Louis Music Awards, sponsored by KDHX FM 88.1 and Playback STL magazine.[3]
Praiz has also won 'Best Gospel Artist of 2006'.[4]
Praiz' is included in the 2012 list 'The Best St. Louis Gospel Musicians of All Time'.[1]
Style of music
[edit]Praiz' has been called the 'Nelly of Gospel'. Reporter Chris King described Praiz' in an article, saying "But where Nelly came up with the club, the grind, and the streets in his verses, Praiz' is all about God and Jesus and the Holy Ghost. What can I say? The Nelly of the gospel is in the house – God's house, that is, but we get to listen, and it sure does sound good."[2]
Personal life
[edit]Praiz' is a worship pastor and musician leading worship weekly in the community. He married in 2003 and has four children.
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]- Wave Yo Hands (1998)
- The Race (1999)
- Preacher's Ball (2002)
- The Take Over (2005)
- Pride (2008)
- Anthem Lineage (2014)
- The Perfect Peace Project (2016)
Singles
[edit]- Let Go (2010)
- Stomp On the Devil (2011)
- We Are Family (2015)
- Celebrate Joy Is Here (2016)
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ^ a b "The Best St. Louis Gospel Musicians of All Time". June 1, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
- ^ a b King, Chris (July 28, 2005). "The Nelly of gospel". St. Louis American. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
- ^ King, Chris (April 27, 2006). "Praiz' live at Music Awards and Christian Ferguson benefit". St. Louis American. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
- ^ "Best of St. Louis 2006". Riverfront Times. Retrieved May 11, 2018.