Masta Killa
Masta Killa | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Birth name | Elgin Evander Turner[1] |
Also known as | Jamel Irief, Noodles, High Chief |
Born | [2] New York City, U.S. | August 18, 1969
Genres | Hip hop |
Occupation(s) | Rapper |
Years active | 1993–present |
Labels | Nature Sounds |
Jamel Irief (born Elgin Evander Turner; August 18, 1969), better known by his stage name Masta Killa, is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan.[3] Though one of the lesser-known members of the group (he was featured on only one track on their 1993 debut album Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)), he has been prolific on Clan group albums and solo projects since the mid-1990s. He released his debut album No Said Date in 2004 to positive reviews, and has since released three additional albums.
Career
I never performed until we launched Wu-Tang. That was my first time as an MC. I have history since elementary school doing talent shows.
pop. That was me. Always doing shit around music. As far as with a mic in my hand, Wu-Tang was the first time. There never was next level for me. It was Wu-Tang and that was it. I never tried to get on. Never looked for any of this, because it was never my vision. I'm kinda like hanging out with GZA, and just stumbled across some shit. "Oh word?" And I was like, "Maybe I can do this." When I was young going to clubs, I was just hanging out. I never went in there like I was trying to be an MC. I never tried to get a record deal, or pass out tapes. It's just been Wu-Tang and I'm here.[4]
Born in
During the first round of solo projects, he made several appearances on Wu-Tang tracks, such as "Winter Warz", "Duel of the Iron Mic", and "Glaciers of Ice". His flow at the time attracted attention for being very slow and laid-back, in contrast to the more manic, forceful styles of members like
Masta Killa was the last member to release a solo project, after it was delayed for several years and finally released in June 2004 with the title
In December 2012 he released his third album titled Selling My Soul, an LP with heavy soul grooves and guests including Kurupt and the late Ol' Dirty Bastard. The album was intended as a precursor to his long-awaited album Loyalty is Royalty, first announced in 2010 and eventually released in 2017.[6][7]
Personal life
On the Wu-Tang Corp. website, Masta Killa stated, "I know I seem serious and quiet to a lot of the fans. That's because I take my work seriously. It's not a game. The Clan and I work hard to give you the best."[8] He is a fan of Gladys Knight, Patti LaBelle, Barry White, Parliament-Funkadelic and Ohio Players.[9]
Like fellow Wu-Tang Clan members
Masta Killa is related to both
Moniker and aliases
Masta Killa gets his name from the 1978 kung fu movie
Discography
Studio albums
- No Said Date (2004)
- Made in Brooklyn (2006)
- Selling My Soul (2012)
- Loyalty is Royalty(2017)
References
- ^ "D T D DO THE DANCE". ASCAP. American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. Retrieved April 29, 2023.
- ^ Cyril Cordor. "Masta Killa Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
- ^ "Masta Killa on MSN Music". MSN Music. Archived from the original on December 7, 2013. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
- ^ Noah Fowle (August 2006). "MVRemix Urban Interviews – Masta Killa". MVRemix.com. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
- ^ Bernard, Adam (October 3, 2006). "RapReview Feature for October 3, 2006 – Masta Killa Interview". RapReviews.com. Retrieved April 4, 2014.
- ^ Steven Horowitz (October 22, 2012). "Masta Killa Announces New Album "Selling My Soul," Due December 11th". HipHopDX. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
- ^ Paul Arnold (March 21, 2010). "Masta Killa Preps "Live," "Loyalty Is Royalty" & "Soul & Substance"". HipHopDX. Retrieved June 25, 2015.
- ^ "Masta Killa Biography at Wu-Tang Corp. – The Official Site of the Wu-Tang Clan". Wu-Tang Corp. Retrieved April 24, 2014.
- ^ Michael Ivey. "Masta Killa – Lion Heart Pt.2 – Interview". Nobody Smiling. Archived from the original on August 23, 2006. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
- ^ Reskin, Lauren (June 16, 2010). "Meatless in Miami: Vegetarians in Popular Song". Miami New Times. Retrieved August 19, 2010.
- ^ Michael Ivey. "Masta Killa – Lion Heart Pt.1 – Interview". Nobody Smiling. Archived from the original on August 13, 2006. Retrieved June 24, 2015.