Redfoo

Redfoo

Redfoo during the launch of his clothes line in Sydney, Australia, September 2014
Born Stefan Kendal Gordy
September 3, 1975
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Residence Sydney, Australia
Occupation Rapper, singer, dancer, record producer, DJ
Parent(s) Berry Gordy, Jr.
Relatives Sky Blu (nephew)

Musical career

Genres Hip hop, pop, electropop, house, EDM
Instruments Vocals, keytar
Years active 1996–present
Labels will.i.am Music, Cherrytree, Interscope, Party Rock Records
Associated acts LMFAO, will.i.am, David Guetta, Flo Rida, Far East Movement, GoonRock, Lauren Bennett, PSY, Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Steve Aoki, Pitbull, Lil Jon
Website http://www.redfoo.com

Stefan Kendal Gordy (born September 3, 1975), better known by his stage name Redfoo, is an American rapper, dancer, record producer, DJ and singer best known as part of the musical duo LMFAO. He formed the duo with his nephew Sky Blu in 2006 and they released two studio albums before going solo in 2013. He is the youngest son of Motown Record Company founder Berry Gordy, Jr.

Early life

Redfoo was born on September 3, 1975 to Berry Gordy, Jr., founder of the Motown record label,[1] and writer-producer Nancy Leiviska. He attended junior high school with will.i.am and GoonRock.[2] Redfoo graduated from Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California in 1995.[3]

Career

2006–10: LMFAO formation and Party Rock

He formed the electro-pop band LMFAO with his nephew Sky Blu in 2006. The duo started building a local buzz through their shows and radio play.[4] Once they had recorded some demos, Redfoo's friend will.i.am introduced them to Interscope head Jimmy Iovine, who gave the green light for them to be signed to Interscope/will.i.am Music.[4] Interscope A&R and will.i.am manager Neil Jacobson told HitQuarters that the demos sounded like "finished records", and that so little artist development work was needed it was essentially a "turnkey operation" for the label.[4]

LMFAO released Party Rock EP on the iTunes music store on July 1, 2008 and released their full album on July 7, 2009. The album charted at number 33 on the Billboard 200 and number two on the U.S. Dance Chart. Los Angeles Times described Party Rock as "14 virtually interchangeable odes to night life."[5] Their first single was "I'm in Miami Bitch", which was released in December 2008, and peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 37 in Canada. In early 2009, a little known DJ/producer 'DJ Inphinity' created a bootleg using the Silvio Ecomo remix of DJ Chuckie's 2008 hit "Let the Bass Kick" and the a cappella of LMFAO, creating "Bass Kick in Miami". The bootleg was spread across the internet and became a massive success at the Miami Winter Music Conference 2009. Weeks later the song became the theme song for the E! television show Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami and "Get Crazy" was used for the television show Jersey Shore in 2009. LMFAO were a featured storyline on MTV's The Real World: Cancun in August 2009, which covered the group's appearance in Cancun during 2009 Spring break. That same year, LMFAO was featured in The Crystal Method's song "Sine Language".[6]

2010–12: Sorry for Party Rocking and LMFAO hiatus

In 2010, they were featured in David Guetta's song "Gettin' Over You", which was an international hit, peaking in the top ten in eleven countries and at number one in three of them, including in the United Kingdom. It also peaked at number 31 on the U.S. Hot 100 and at number 12 in Canada. The duo then recorded their second album, Sorry for Party Rocking, late in 2010 and released it on June 17, 2011 in the U.S. The first single taken from the album, "Party Rock Anthem", was released on January 1, 2011. It features British singer Lauren Bennett formerly of the girl pop group Paradiso Girls and producer GoonRock, and showcases the Melbourne Shuffle dance style in its popular video. The song is so far the most successful of their career, peaking at number one in the United States,[7] Canada, the UK and over ten other countries, as well as being in the top ten in many others. The second single from Sorry for Party Rocking, "Champagne Showers", was released on May 27, 2011 and features English singer-songwriter Natalia Kills.[8] The third single, "Sexy and I Know It", was released on October 3, 2011 and reached number one on the iTunes charts worldwide and number one on the Australian and Canadian Hot 100.

Also in 2011, LMFAO embarked on their first Asian tour. They performed in Singapore, Manila in the Philippines, Taipei in Taiwan and Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, among other cities.[9] On June 30, 2011, LMFAO performed a set on the Isle of MTV 2011 Malta Special on the Fosos (Granaries) in Floriana, Malta, in front of a crowd of 50,000, together with Far East Movement and Snoop Dogg.[10]

During 2011, the group LMFAO focused on growing their Party Rock clothing line. They were also one of the opening acts for American singer Kesha's "Get Sleazy Tour", along with Spank Rock and Natalia Kills, for the third and fifth legs of the tour in 2011. On August 13, 2011, they opened for Kesha at the St-Jean-sur-Richelieu hot air balloon festival in Quebec, Canada, attracting close to 100,000 fans.

On August 29, 2011, LMFAO filmed a video for their single "Sexy and I Know It" in Venice Beach, California.[11] Pornographic actor Ron Jeremy is featured in the video, which focuses thematically on male genitalia. Actors Simon Rex and Wilmer Valderrama, the playwright Daniel Kanengieter (as Shufflebot) and mixed martial artist Alistair Overeem also make cameo appearances. The song achieved success similar to that of "Party Rock Anthem", topping charts all over the world. “Sexy and I Know it” became the duo's second number one in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The group guested on the first elimination show of the 13th series of Dancing with the Stars on September 20, 2011, which was broadcast live.

In October 2011, LMFAO's song "Party Rock Anthem" was used in a Halloween house light show when a Southern California man timed lights to the popular song. After the YouTube video of the house went viral, even receiving news coverage, the duo visited the house and recorded a Kia commercial featuring the house.[12] In December 2011, the group played "Party Rock Anthem" on live national television broadcast of "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve".

On February 5, 2012, the group appeared with Madonna at the Super Bowl XLVI during the Bridgestone Halftime Show. They performed during her song "Music", which contained a mash-up with "Party Rock Anthem" and "Sexy and I Know It". During the commercial break they also appeared in a Budweiser ad featuring their remix of Madonna's single "Give Me All Your Luvin'", which is included in the video game FIFA Street and the deluxe edition of her album MDNA.[13] Also in 2012, Redfoo was sued by a previous management company for $7 million, claiming breach of contract.[14]

On September 21, 2012, the duo released a statement announcing their hiatus. Redfoo said, "I feel like we've been doing this for so long, five or six years", and that he and Sky Blu would not be performing together anytime soon as they would be taking their careers in different directions.[15] Once the news surfaced that band members Redfoo and Sky Blu had split, the group went to MTV News to set the record straight. Sky Blu said, "Well, you know, first of all, we're not breaking up. I know that for sure. We're family and stuff, so it's always love ... It's interesting because somebody will say one thing [and] it's just like high school, then all of a sudden [it's] 'They're breaking up. They're fighting.'"[16] However, it has been revealed by Sky Blu that their plan is for fans to see the band as individuals and then come back stronger than ever.[17]

2012–present: Solo career and television endeavors

In December 2012, he released his first solo single "Bring Out the Bottles" after LMFAO announced their hiatus in September 2012. The song was used as soundtrack in the Hollywood feature production Last Vegas, starring Michael Douglas, Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman and Kevin Kline. Redfoo also appeared in the film (as himself).

On April 21, 2013, Redfoo was confirmed as Guy Sebastian's replacement for the fifth series of the Australian version of The X Factor, a singing talent television show, joining Ronan Keating, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and fellow debuting judge Dannii Minogue, who replaced Melanie Brown. Because of commitments to the The X Factor, he relocated to Sydney, Australia in 2013.

In September 2013, Redfoo released a new single titled "Let's Get Ridiculous", which he premiered on The X Factor Australia, performing live during the third live show. The single debuted at number one on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified four times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association for selling 280,000 copies.[18]

On January 8, 2014, Redfoo performed under the LMFAO moniker at the FACE club located in Guangzhou, China.

On October 19, 2013, Redfoo released the pilot episode of his new comedy web series, Behind the Speedo.[19] A second episode was released on March 25, 2014.[20]

In June 2014, Redfoo released a new single titled "Where The Baes At" with Eric D-Lux and Rio. In August 2014, Redfoo released a new single titled "New Thang", which he premiered on The X Factor Australia, performing live during the fourth live show.[21] The single peaked at number three on the ARIA Singles Chart.[22] Another single called "Like Ya Just Don't Care" was released on September 2.

In October 2014, Redfoo was featured on Play-N-Skillz song and video "Literally I Can't" along with Lil Jon and Enertia McFly. The song attracted widespread criticism for being misogynistic, leading many to declare it the 'Worst Song of 2014.' [23] Online petitions for Channel 7 to remove him as a judge on The X Factor Australia also gained traction on social media websites.

On February 24, 2015, Redfoo was announced as one of the celebrities who will compete on the 20th season of Dancing with the Stars. He is partnered with professional dancer Emma Slater.[24] He previously was a guest judge on the 18th season of the show, and is the first guest judge ever to return as a contestant. He and Slater were the first couple eliminated from the competition on March 23, 2015.[25] On May 1, 2015, Redfoo announced that he would not be returning for the seventh series of The X Factor Australia.[26]

Personal life

Foo began dating former #1[27] ranked tennis player Victoria Azarenka in 2012, but the couple split in 2014, though they still remain good friends. He attended the 2012 US Open, 2013 Australian Open, 2013 Wimbledon Championships and 2014 Australian Open as a member of Azarenka's player box.[28] As a tennis player, he attempted to qualify for the 2013 US Open as a wild-card entry. He entered the USTA Northern California Sectional qualifying tournament in June and was knocked out 6-1, 6-2 in his first match.[29]

Redfoo, through his line of Party Rock clothing, sponsors the Party Rock Open, an ITF Women's Circuit tournament held in Las Vegas since 2009. Tyler Weeks, a tennis pro at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, mentioned to Foo that his tournament needed a new sponsor after giving him a lesson, and Foo agreed for Party Rock clothing to be the new sponsor. The event is usually held at the end of September.[30][31]

On 28 August 2014, Redfoo was injured in an attack when a glass thrown by a patron struck his head in a Sydney bar.[32]

Discography

Studio albums

Title Album details
I Look Good Naked!

Singles

As lead artist

List of singles as lead artist, with selected chart positions and certifications, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Certifications Album
AUS
[22]		 BEL (Vl)
[33]		 BEL (Wa)
[34]		 FRA
[35]		 NL
[36]		 NZ
[37]
"Bring Out the Bottles" 2012 — 62 52 — 86 — I Look Good Naked!
"I'll Award You with My Body" 2013 58 — 76 — — —
"Let's Get Ridiculous" 1 31 49 106 97 31
"New Thang" 2014 3 — — — — 3
"Like Ya Just Don't Care"[40] — — — — — —
"Juicy Wiggle" 2015 35 — — — — —
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

As featured artist

List of singles as featured artist, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
US US
R&B		 US
Rap		 AUS
"I Gotta Know"
(Figgkidd featuring Tech N9ne and Redfoo)		 2004 — — — 50 Who Is Figgkidd?
"Drop Girl"
(Ice Cube featuring Redfoo and 2 Chainz)		 2014 42 — 22 — Everythang's Corrupt
"Literally I Can't"
(Play-N-Skillz featuring Redfoo, Lil Jon and Enertia McFly)		 — — — — Non-album single
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Other charted songs

List of songs, with selected chart positions, showing year released and album name
Title Year Peak chart positions Album
AUS CAN
"Run"
(Flo Rida featuring Redfoo)		 2012 44 29 Wild Ones
"—" denotes a recording that did not chart or was not released in that territory.

Guest appearances

List of non-single guest appearances, with other performing artists, showing year released and album name
Title Year Other artist(s) Album
"Duet" 1999 The Black Eyed Peas Behind the Front
"Took My Love" 2011 Pitbull, Vein, David Rush Planet Pit
"Live My Life (Party Rock Remix)" 2012 Far East Movement, Justin Bieber Dirty Bass

Production and songwriting discography

Song Year Artist(s) Album
"I Gotta Know" 2004 Figgkidd What Is Figgkidd?
"Took My Love" 2011 Pitbull Planet Pit
"Run" 2012 Flo Rida Wild Ones
"More Than a Memory" Carly Rae Jepsen Kiss
"Wrong Feels So Right"
"This Kiss"
"Drop Girl" 2014 Ice Cube Everythang's Corrupt

References

Notes

Citations

  1. ↑ "Pop Music Listings for June 22-29". The New York Times. 21 June 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  2. ↑ Jones, Steve (28 January 2010). "Grammy-nominated LMFAO is having the last laugh". USA Today. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  3. ↑ "LMFAO: Looking at the Dance-Party Gurus’ Rise to Music Dominance!". Snakkle.com. Pontiac Digital Media. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 "Interview with Neil Jacobson (part 1)". HitQuarters. 18 June 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
  5. ↑ "LMFAO df Los Angeles Times Review". Interscope.com. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  6. ↑ "The Crystal Method". The Crystal Method. 2010-06-03. Retrieved 2012-03-29.
  7. ↑ Trust, Gary (2011-07-06). "LMFAO Brings the 'Party' to Top of Hot 100". Billboard (Nielsen Business Media, Inc). Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  8. ↑ Singles Release Diary – Music. Digital Spy. Retrieved on 2011-10-05.
  9. ↑ "LMFAO Live in Malaysia, Philippines & Singapore". mistazam.com. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
  10. ↑ "Spectacular Isle of MTV on the Granaries". timesofmalta.com. Retrieved July 2, 2011.
  11. ↑ LMFAO “Sexy and I Know it” Video and Interview. Yo! Venice!. Retrieved on 2011-10-05.
  12. ↑ "The Kia Soul Shuffle Slam with LMFAO at Halloween House". Retrieved November 11, 2011.
  13. ↑ "MDNA (Deluxe Edition) by Madonna". iTunes. Apple, Inc. Retrieved 2012-02-03.
  14. ↑ TMZ Staff, "LMFAO The $7 Million SURPRISE at American Idol", tmz.com, April 20, 2012
  15. ↑ "LMFAO’s Redfoo, SkyBlu Split". B96 Chicago. September 21, 2012.
  16. ↑ "Don’t Worry Party Rockers,LMFAO Say It’s Just A Hiatus". B96 Chicago. September 25, 2012.
  17. ↑ "LMFAO Talks Break Up, Make Up Rumors & Collaborations". YouTube. 2012-09-25. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  18. ↑ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2014 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  19. ↑ Redfoo. "Behind The Speedo - Episode 1 (Pilot)". Youtube.
  20. ↑ Redfoo. "Behind The Speedo - Episode 2". Youtube.
  21. ↑ "Paloma Faith and Redfoo – Top 10 Live Decider Special Guests". Yahoo!7. 1 September 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 Hung, Steffen. "Discography Redfoo". Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien (Steffen Hung).
  23. ↑ "Redfoo And Lil Jon Have Released The Worst Song Of The Year, Literally". Pedestrian.TV. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  24. ↑ ABC News. "'Dancing With the Stars' 2015: Season 20 Celebrity Cast Announced". ABC News. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  25. ↑ "Dancing with the Stars 2015 Results Tonight March 23: DWTS Eliminates Redfoo". lalate news - America's Fastest Growing Celebrity News Site!. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  26. ↑ "The X Factor 2015: Redfoo will not return to The X Factor as a judge". The Daily Telegraph. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  27. ↑ "Rankings". WTA Tennis English. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  28. ↑ "Victoria Azarenka’s boyfriend is Redfoo of LMFAO". Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  29. ↑ "Stefan 'Redfoo' Gordy to make bid to play in U.S. Open - ESPN". Espn.go.com. 2013-03-15. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  30. ↑ "Musician Redfoo Backs USTA Pro Circuit's Party Rock Open". Tennis East Coast. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  31. ↑ "LMFAO's Redfoo: Party rocking on the court". US Open. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  32. ↑ "X Factor judge Redfoo glassed at Sydney hotel". ABC News. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  33. ↑ Hung, Steffen. "Discografie Redfoo". Belgium (Flanders) Charts Portal. Hung Medien (Steffen Hung).
  34. ↑ Hung, Steffen. "Discographie Redfoo". Belgium (Wallonia) Charts Portal. Hung Medien (Steffen Hung).
  35. ↑ Hung, Steffen. "Discographie Redfoo". French Charts Portal. Hung Medien (Steffen Hung).
  36. ↑ Hung, Steffen. "Discografie Redfoo". Dutch Charts Portal. Hung Medien (Steffen Hung).
  37. ↑ Hung, Steffen. "Discography Redfoo". New Zealand Charts Portal. Hung Medien (Steffen Hung).
  38. ↑ "ARIA Australian Top 50 Singles Chart - 16/09/2013". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on September 14, 2013. Retrieved September 14, 2013.
  39. ↑ "New Zealand single certifications – Redfoo – New Thang". Recording Industry Association of New Zealand. Retrieved January 9, 2015.
  40. ↑ "iTunes - Music - Like Ya Just Don't Care - Single by Redfoo". iTunes. Retrieved 24 March 2015.

External links