Promise (rapper)
Promise Shepherd (born September 16, 1982) is a Canadian Hip hop soul artist/songwriter from Toronto. Currently he is being managed by Duck Down Music (via Duck Down Management).[1]
Biography
Labeled as a hip-hop sensation, Promise has a proven ability to take any person beyond the shallow surface of life. Distinctly layering his positive vibes with intricate wordplay has had Peace Magazine write; “[Promise has a] rhyme style reminiscent of Rakim.” He himself is quoted saying, “I’m impressed; they compare me to Nas, Common, Kanye West.” Promise comes with lyrical proficiency, reality based content, and moving. Inevitably, this man is well on his way to becoming one of the most distinguished artists of his time.
Sustained by deep understanding and real knowledge, Promise is known for his smooth flow and lyrical substance. He demonstrates superior skills as a hip-hop artist, and because of that he garnered much attention from fans, media, and industry professionals after releasing his debut album, The Promise That Heaven Kept[2], in late 2002. Always making music, this artist is also recognized for his production and songwriting ability. Having been busy writing, producing, and recording with other artists; the signature sound of Promise can be heard on different recordings, at various events, and on the works of some of his colleagues.
With many awards, numerous successful shows, a few nationally televised performances, and two mixtape releases later Promise is preparing to do it again. Currently working on his sophomore album, plans are to have this project released in spring 2007. With features like, Rhymefest, Mikkey, Malik Yusef, Tonex, Calvin Richardson, J. Ivy, Slum Village, Darien Brockington, Tanya Morgan, Wordsworth, Melanie Durrant, Gary Beals, and Ray Robinson this album is anticipated to be filled with chart-making hits[3]. As usual, listeners can expect that there will be something for everyone. Get ready, Promise is about to build a legacy.
Performed Alongside
• Jeru the Damaja • Malik Yusef • CL Smooth • Special Ed • Drake • Shad • Kardinal Offishall • Shawn Desman • Melanie Durrant • Rascalz • The Cross Movement • Tonex • Israel Houghton • Boot Camp Clik • Heltah Skeltah (Sean Price & Rock) • Pharoahe Monch • 9th Wonder & Buckshot • Skyzoo & !llmind • Elzhi • Smif-n-Wessun (Tek & Steele) • Black Rob • Strong Arm Steady • Pete Rock • Talib Kweli • Jean Grae • Kidz in the Hall • Blue Scholars • Masta Ace • Marco Polo & Torae • O.G.C. (Originoo Gunn Clappaz) • Just Blaze • David Dallas • Saigon • Statik Selektah • Black Moon
Discography
Studio albums
- 2002: "The Promise That Heaven Kept"[4]
- 2008: "More Than Music" (featuring Supastition, Royce da 5'9", Mr. Probz, Rhymefest, Malik Yusef, Shad, J. Ivy, Calvin Richardson, Elzhi of Slum Village, Montell Jordan, Sy Scott, Melanie Durrant, Darien Brockington, Tonéx and many more
- 2011: "Awakening"[5] (featuring The World Famous Tony Williams, Jhené Aiko, Liya, J. Ivy etc.) Plus production from Boi-1da and many more
Singles
Mixtapes
- 2005: "AmiRacle" (featuring Drake, Eternia, Masia One, Prestege, Jd Era, SonReal, Ayah and many more)
- 2006: "Music" (featuring Greg Sczebel, Wordsworth (rapper), Drake, and many more)
- 2009: "2dopeboyz Presents: D.O.P.E. Mixtape" (featuring Drake, Sacario, Grafh, Krys Ivory and many more)
Guest appearances
- 2002: Mark J - "National Anthem Remix" featuring Shabach, 2nd Nature, Promise, R-Swift, J Silas , Da' T.R.U.T.H. , Lecrae, Japhia Life, Triumph
- 2004: Nifty - "The Real" featuring Manafest and Promise (The Preface Ep)
- 2004: Nifty - "Hope" featuring Janée Olivia (The Preface Ep) Producer credit
- 2005: Roshana - "Intro", "I Know I", "Care For You", "Steady", "Soul Searching" featuring Voyce Alexander aka Aion Clarke & Drake (Roshana) Co-producer/Writer credit
- 2006: Nifty - "What's Right" featuring Promise and Jessica Jones (The Candidate)
- 2006: Drake - "Thrill Is Gone" (Room For Improvement) Writer credit. Hook performed by Darp Malone
- 2006: Manafest - "Critics" (Glory)
- 2008: Tonéx aka Ton3x - "Maverick" featuring Promise (The London Letters)
- 2008: Manafest - "Free" (Citizens Activ) Prod. Boi-1da
- 2009: Dillin Hoox - "Liar" featuring Promise & Sha Stimuli
- 2009: Gary Beals - "Excuse Me", "Waiting", "You" (The Rebirth Of...) Writer credit
- 2009: Revived - "Free", "Come Back", "I Am" (Revived) Writer credit
- 2010: Dj Mick Boogie - "MCs Act Like They Don't Know" (Survival Kit) featuring Sha Stimuli, Promise, J.A.M.E.S. Watts, & Fashawn
- 2010: SonReal - "What If" (Where's Waldo?) Prod. Rich Kidd
- 2010: Shad - "Time" (TSOL) iTunes exclusive bonus track
- 2010: Dan Johns - "I Don't Write For (Remix)" featuring Promise and Supastition
- 2010: "The Bridge" (The Stupendous Adventures of Marco Polo) Prod. Marco Polo
- 2010: "HIStory" featuring Peter Katz. Prod. Colin Munroe
- 2011: NBA 2K11 OST - "Better Than You"[6] featuring Duck Down All-Stars[7]: Buckshot, Skyzoo and Sean Price (prod. Double-O of Kidz in the Hall) and in video game as character on celebrity list[8]
- 2011: The Get By - "These Girls" (Let Go) Writer credit. Hook performed by GMF
- 2011: Buckshot - "Run To Remember"[9] featuring Smif N' Wessun and Promise[10]
- 2012: Various Artists - "These Girls Too" featuring Promise, Tona, Rich Kidd and The Get By
Awards
- 2002 Tropicana's Youth Day at Mel Lastman Sq. Winner of Hip-Hop/Rap Category
- 2002 CGMA Covenant Award for Hip-Hop/Rap Song of the Year: "Alright"
- 2003 Kardinal Offishall Strength In Numbers Award for Best Performance
- 2003 Vibe Award Nominee for Best Hip-Hop/Rap Album of the Year
- 2003 UMAC Award Nominee for Best Gospel Recording: "Alright"
- 2003 Maja Award Nominee for Best Male Artist of the Year
- 2003 Maja Award Nominee for Best New Artist
- 2003 Maja Award for Best Urban Gospel
- 2005 C.G.M.A. Nominee for ‘Album of the Year’ – “Roshana” by: Roshana [Producer/Writer]
- 2005 C.G.M.A Nominee for ‘Song of the Year’ – “Hope” by: N.i.F.T.Y. [Producer/Writer]
- 2005 C.G.M.A. Nominee for ‘Urban Song of the Year’ – “Steady” by: Roshana [Writer]
- 2006 Maja Award for Best Urban Gospel “Roshana” [Producer/Writer]
- 2007 Shai Award Nominee for ‘Best Hip-Hop/Rap Album of the Year’
- 2009 CGMA Covenant Award for Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year: More Than Music
References
- ^ Fox, Luke (2009) "Exclusive: Workaholic Toronto Hip-Hop Artist Promise Signs to Duck Down Records", Exclaim!, September 10, 2009, retrieved 2011-06-19
- ^ Bonner, Gerard (2003). "The Promise That Heaven Kept (review)". GospelFlava. http://www.gospelflava.com/reviews/promisedapostle.html. Retrieved 2011-03-13.
- ^ Moore, C.E. (2008). "More Than Music (review)". rAPZILLA. http://www.rapzilla.com/rz/features/reviews/1226-review-promise-more-than-music. Retrieved 2008-12-29.
- ^ Bonner, Gerard (2003). "The Promise That Heaven Kept (review)". GospelFlava. http://www.gospelflava.com/reviews/promisedapostle.html. Retrieved 2011-03-13.
- ^ Hill, Kellus (2011) "Awakening (review)". DaSouth.com. http://www.dasouth.com/reviews/6438-promise-qawakeningq/.
- ^ "NBA® 2K11 Compiles Most Powerful Hoops Soundtrack Ever". 2KSports.com. http://2ksports.com/news/nba2k11/402.
- ^ "Celebrating 15 Years of Duck Down Music". Rap-N-Blues.com. http://www.rap-n-blues.com/15-years-of-duck-down-music-album-tracklist-announced/.
- ^ Hayward, Andrew (2011) "NBA® 2K11 Ranked #3 in Top 25 Video Games Featuring Hip-Hop Stars As Playable Characters". Complex.com. http://www.complex.com/video-games/2011/11/25-games-featuring-hip-hop-stars-as-playable-characters#24/.
- ^ "Duck Down Brings Attention To Alzheimer’s Disease". Okayplayer.com. http://www.okayplayer.com/news/audio-buckshot-smif-n-wessun-promise-run-to-remember-prod-double-o.html.
- ^ Samuel, Kiran (2011) "Duck Down Artists Collaborate For the Alzheimer’s Research Foundation". TheFader.com. http://www.thefader.com/2011/10/24/stream-buckshot-smif-n-wessun-and-promise-run-to-remember/.
External links
Persondata |
Name |
Shepherd, Promise |
Alternative names |
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Short description |
Recording Artist from Toronto, Ontario |
Date of birth |
September 16, 1982 |
Place of birth |
Toronto, Ontario |
Date of death |
|
Place of death |
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