88-Keys

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88-Keys
U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Record producer
  • rapper
  • songwriter
  • musician
Years active1998–present
Labels
Websitewww.myspace.com/88keys

Charles Misodi Njapa (born March 5, 1976), better known by his stage name 88-Keys, is an American record producer and rapper from New York City.

Biography

Born in

Bronx and later in West Hempstead on Long Island, where he attended high school.[1][2]

88-Keys first took an interest in hip hop after hearing Prince Paul's production on De La Soul's 1989 critically acclaimed album 3 Feet High and Rising.[3] In the early 1990s, 88-Keys met rapper-producers Q-Tip, Pete Rock and Large Professor working as an intern at West Hempstead's The Music Palace recording studio. It was Large Professor who gave Charles his 88-Keys moniker after witnessing his skills on the Ensoniq ASR-10 keyboard.[4]

Upon considering a serious career in music, 88-Keys's parents and older brother began trying to point him into the field of medicine because it was a more "professional field" and the music industry did not seem like a lucrative move.

Queens College, 88-Keys dropped out to pursue his dreams of being a record producer. His decision was fueled by an opportunity to record some tracks with The Pharcyde who were recording in California.[6]

In addition to his passion for music, 88-Keys has expressed his love for fashion, most notably

Polo Ralph Lauren
every day for 16 years.

I try to stay true to Ralph's vision. I don't want to bastardize his vision – no offense to the urban community – because we all know what happened to Tommy Hilfiger once the hip hop community embraced it. I'll walk out of the door dressed in loafers when everyone else is wearing Timberland boots. I definitely stand out. I'll tag along with Kanye on shopping trips and look at clothing by designers whose names I'd need to take French lessons to pronounce. He'll ask me what I think and I'll be like, whatever. I've turned down paying gigs because they've tried to dress me in clothing by other designers. Besides record shopping, the only other place I need is a Polo store. I'll go to Paris and they ll be like, 'here's the Eiffel Tower' and I'm like, 'whatever, where's the record store and the Polo store.[7]

According to the article, 88-Keys began wearing Polo Ralph Lauren as a Long Island high school student in 1992, when he developed a liking for its classic, preppy style. He asserted that he had worn a complete look from the brand every day, without fail. As of 2008, his wardrobe included over 700 Polo pieces.[7]

Since his days as an assistant engineer, 88-Keys has produced records for numerous artists including

Addictive
on a track for a forthcoming album.

In June 2019, 88-Keys announced that a song he produced titled "That's Life", featuring Sia and Mac Miller, had been approved for release by Miller's estate, and was released through Warner Records on June 20, 2019.[11][non-primary source needed]

Discography

Main article: 88-Keys production discography
  • Adam's Case Files Mixtape (2008)
  • Stay Up! (Viagra) Prescription Pack – EP (2008)
  • The Death of Adam (2008)

References

  1. ^ "Polo Ralph Lauren fits 88-Keys just fine". Los Angeles Times. November 23, 2008.
  2. ^ "Cooking at Home with 88-Keys". First We Feast. July 8, 2013.
  3. ^ "88-Keys Bio". Decon Records. Archived from the original on September 11, 2018. Retrieved August 29, 2008.
  4. ^ "88-keys: The Process of Making a Beat". Dork Magazine. Archived from the original on September 19, 2008. Retrieved September 3, 2008.
  5. ^ "88-Keys – The Piano Man". Serge Fleury. July 9, 2008. Archived from the original on August 2, 2008. Retrieved September 7, 2008.
  6. ^ "Solid as a Rock". Anthony Roberts. May 1, 2008. Archived from the original on July 18, 2008. Retrieved September 7, 2008.
  7. ^ a b "Sticking with the Brand". Kenya Hunt. November 10, 2008. Archived from the original on March 28, 2009. Retrieved November 17, 2008.
  8. ^ "88-Keys "The Death of Adam" News Piece No. 2". Archived from the original on September 16, 2008. Retrieved September 3, 2008.
  9. ^ "88-Keys ft. Kanye West – Stay Up (Viagra)". M. Burmy. August 26, 2008. Archived from the original on August 29, 2008. Retrieved August 29, 2008.
  10. ^ "ARTIST OF THE DAY: 88-KEYS". Joseph Coscarelli. December 11, 2008. Archived from the original on December 17, 2008. Retrieved December 29, 2008.
  11. ^ "For all of you who have been wondering about 'benji the dog'... here you go: 'That's Life' by me (88-Keys) ft. @MacMiller & @Sia dropping June 20th. Real & official version approved my Mac's family & estate. Save the date & the word please... with love. 💕✌🏾". June 13, 2019. Retrieved June 14, 2019 – via Twitter.

External links

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=88-Keys&oldid=1219097309"