| Sahpreem King | |
|---|---|
| Background information | |
| Also known as | King Sahpreem, DJ Sahpreem, Saphreem King |
| Genres | Hip Hop, R&B, Bass, Latin, Dance |
| Occupations | Producer, author, consultant, educator, multimedia designer |
| Years active | 1987–present |
| Labels | Sewer Ratz Records, Sony/BMG |
| Associated acts | SWV, Beenie Man, Eric Benet, Wyclef Jean |
| Website | www.sahpreemking.com |
Sahpreem A. King (born July 7, 1970) is an American author, rapper, producer, writer, consultant and public speaker who resides in south Florida.[1] He contributed[2] as writer and producer to the multi-platinum[3] album It's About Time (SWV Album).
King is also the author of the best-selling book Gotta Get Signed: How to Become a Hip-Hop Producer along with Surviving the Game: How to Succeed in the Music Business and Dude, Face It You Need a Day Job. As an author his articles and commentary have been featured in music trade publications including DJ Times Magazine,[4] The Source magazine,[5] Play Magazine, Urban America, Beat Talk Magazine, Blackbeat Magazine, MIX Magazine, Remix Magazine, and Music Connection.[6]
He has been a panelist, keynote speaker, clinician, and consultant for music industry conventions and conferences including the SXSW, Winter Music Conference,[7] DJ Times Convention, How Can I Be Down?,[8] Atlantis Music Conference,[9] Midem Music Conference, DJ Laz Music Conference, and Ultra Music Festival. Sahpreem has also served as a product clinician for Akai Professional[10] and Numark conducting seminars and training sessions for professional audio production & recording equipment.[11]
Sahpreem holds a Master of Education (Media Design & Technology) degree from Full Sail University, a Bachelor of Information Technology (New Media & Internet Marketing) degree from Kaplan University, an Associate of Applied Science in Business Management degree from Kaplan University and a professional certificate in Audio and Video Production from the Connecticut School of Broadcasting.
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Born in Amityville, New York, Sahpreem grew up in Wyandanch, New York and got his first taste of hip-hop in the mid-eighties breaking dancing and carrying record crates for the Mangum Force M.C.s. Sahpreem and his high school friends Dennis “Denone” Bertty and Curtis “Cool Curt” Johnson released their first record together called the “Ultimate Get Down.” King then moved to Atlanta, Georgia to attend Morris Brown College. While in Atlanta, he honed his skills as a DJ, rapper, producer, promoter, and engineer. Soon after, Sahpreem and classmate Rick Green (Jam House Live/Butta Sopht Ent.) started the rap group the Restless Natives. The group caught the attention of music executives including Dallas Austin, Jermaine Dupri, and Ian Burke, and performed as the opening act for groups such as A Tribe Called Quest, Big Daddy Kane, and KRS-ONE.
In the early 1990s, King got his first big break as a producer, writer, and rapper at RCA/BMG Records. He worked with newly signed female act SWV (Sisters With Voices). After collaborating with Tamara “Taj” Johnson, Sahpreem adapted his song “Blak Pudd’n” into a duet between him and Taj. The single appeared on SWV’s premiere release, It’s About Time, and the album went on to becoming a smash hit, selling millions worldwide and earning the Recording Industry Association of America's (RIAA) certified multi-platinum status.[12]
The next year, Sahpreem reunited with Denone (AlterNative, Funk Master Flex), and former high school buddy Eddie "Goalfingaz” Berkeley (of Brothers Grym) and formed Sewer Ratz Records. The label’s first commercial release was with rapper Chad “Kaleber” Mohammed, “Game from the Truth,” b/w “This is How it Runs,” produced by Sahpreem King, Denone, and Goalfingaz.
Producing tracks for artists such as SWV, Wyclef,[13] Beenie Man and Eric Bene’t, along with the Latin flavors laid down for artists including DJ Laz, Paulina Rubio, Ivy Queen, Tono Rosario and Fat Joe, and A.B. Quintanilla y Los Kumbia Kings, King and his production partner Anthony “Vitaman” Saint Amand have not only elevated their productions to RIAA multi-platinum status, but their music[14] has earned a number Top 5 position on Billboard’s Latin 50.[15]
His influences are Grand Master Flash and the Furious Five, Eric B & Rakim, EPMD, Treacherous Three, Fab 5 Freddy, Spoonie Gee, Sugar Hill Gang, Cold Crush Brothers, Run-D.M.C, Jungle Brothers, De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Heavy D, and Groove B Chill.