Birth name Kwamé Holland Genres Hip hop, R&B, Pop Nationality American | Also known as K-1 Million, K1 Mil Occupation(s) Rapper, Producer Spouse Tamekia Flowers | |
Years active 1988–1994, 2001–present Associated acts Skillz, Missy Elliott, Tweet, Christina Aguilera, LL Cool J, Fantasia, Salt-N-Pepa, Kid 'n Play, Sweet Tee, Antoinette Big Daddy Kane Rakim MC Lyte KRS-One New Edition Keith Sweat Rodney O and Joe Cooley Eazy-E Ice-T Wesley Snipes Albums Kwamé the Boy Genius: Featuring a New Beginning Record labels Atlantic Records, Cold Chillin' Records Similar Dana Dane, Chubb Rock, Vivian Green, Special Ed, Sonny Fodera Profiles | ||
Kwamé (born 1973) is an American rapper who enjoyed brief popularity in the late 1980s and early 1990s. He is currently a music producer, sometimes credited as K-1 Million or K1 Mil.
Contents
Biography
In 1989, aged 16, Kwamé released his debut album, Kwamé the Boy Genius featuring a New Beginning, which he also produced with the aid of Hurby "Luv Bug" Azor. The 'A New Beginning' of the title refers to his backing band, which was unusual amongst emcees of the time. The album spawned the singles "The Man We All Know and Love" and "The Rhythm." The accompanying music videos featured a polka-dot motif in the costumes and production design. This was to become Kwamé's trademark and a hip hop fashion trend, as fans of his began wearing polka-dotted clothing. In 1990, Kwamé released his second album A Day in the Life: a Pokadelick Adventure, a concept album about a day in the life of a high school student. The album spawned the hit singles "Oneovdabigboiz" and "Ownlee Eue."
In 1992, aged 18, he released his third album, Nastee. This album marked a departure for him, discarding the polka-dots and writing more sexually charged lyrics, in contrast to his previously playful, intellectual persona. The title track was a minor hit but the album quickly fell from the charts. His fourth album, 1994's Incognito failed to chart.
In 2000, Kwamé reemerged as a music producer, sometimes working under the name K-1 Million. He has produced for many artists, such as LL Cool J, Mary J. Blige, Keyshia Cole, Missy Elliott, and Christina Aguilera. In 2004, he had a major success as the co-producer (with Eminem) of Lloyd Banks' smash hit song "On Fire." In 2005, he had more success with co-writing and co-producing Tweet's single "Turn da Lights Off and Will Smith's single "Switch". As a producer, Kwamé has sold over 30 million records.
In 2012, Kwamé teamed up with Vin Diesel to help score his web series The Ropes. He also formed the boutique label Make Noise, with signees including Beyond Belief, and released an instrumental album, Break Beat Diaries.
Kwamé has also written scores and original music for film and TV., including Drumline, Step Up 1 & 2, Stomp the Yard, Freedom Writers, The Comebacks, Coach Carter, and Fantastic Four and recently produced Vivian Green's fifth album Vivid. He has also joined the hip hop group the Alumni, alongside Chubb Rock, Dana Dane, Special Ed, and Monie Love.
Personal life
Kwamé is a cousin of Vin Diesel, who danced in some of his early music videos.
Albums
Songs
Ownlee EueA Day in the Life: A Pokadelick Adventure · 1990
The RhythmKwamé the Boy Genius: Featuring a New Beginning · 1989
The Man We All Know and LoveKwamé the Boy Genius: Featuring a New Beginning · 1989