Belly

After three successful mixtapes, a number one gold selling album in Canada and countless top ten singles, Juno award-winning artist Belly, is back and diligently preparing his highly anticipated sophomore album “Champagne Dreams Marijuana Thought" Working for almost a decade as a hip-hop producer and songwriter, Belly’s first album “THE REVOLUTION” premiered at #1 on Soundscan Canada (Rap and R&B charts) in June of 2007. Earlier that year, Belly was announced as the opening act for Snoop Dogg’s 16 date Blue Carpet Treatment Tour. The tour also featured legendary icons Ice Cube, as well as the DoggPound (Kurupt, and Daz Dillinger). This helped Belly gain recognition from coast to coast, and sparked a fire that continues to burn strong today. He went on to receive 4 nominations at the MuchMusic Video awards (MMVA, equivalent to VMA) and took home Best Rap Video for his first single “Pressure” featuring platinum selling recording artist Ginuwine. He also performed alongside Ginuwine in what the Toronto Sun quoted as “the standout live performance of the night.” In October 2007, Belly became the first independent Canadian hip-hop artist to go Gold this decade. His debut album “THE REVOLUTION” was critically acclaimed and equally controversial. The album earned Belly a cult following and made him a household name in Canada. In April of 2008 his third video “Ridin” featuring Mario Winans got nominated for 4 MuchMusic video awards and his video “I’m the Man” ft. Kurupt got nominated for 1 making him the only artist that year to get nominated in 5 categories. He won Best Rap Video for the second year in a row. In 2008 Belly not only took home Best Rap Video of the Year but also a Juno Award (equivalent to a Grammy in Canada) for Best Hip-Hop Album of the Year. It was a feat that few expected, but many respected. Belly became a Canadian superstar headlining his own sold out tours across Canada. On October 27th, Belly released his fourth mixtape to date “Back For the First time” partnering up with DJ Smallz [Southern Smoke] and his Fear Factor brand. The mixtape was featured on major online media outlets such as Thisis50.com [2 day takeover], Allhiphop.com, HipHopCanada.com, WorldstarHipHop, 2DopeBoys,Smokingsection and more. The tape presents collaborations with an array of different artists including Snoop Dogg, Drake, Kurupt, the late Stack Bundles, Bynoe, P-Reign, and Belly’s younger brother Truth. The first single “Hot Girl” ft. Snoop Dogg was released to an online audience in July 2009 “It’s been a long time coming,” Belly explains. “This is a dream come true for the average person, but it’s defying the odds coming where I’m from. The first rap album I ever owned was Doggystyle, so this is a defining moment in my life.” The video for “Hot Girl” was directed by award-winning RT! and was added on MuchMusic’s “BIG ONE” and is currently on rotation. Belly is also working on his album with notable producers from the South including the Grammy award winning Jim Jonsin (Lollipop-Lil Wayne, Whatever You Like – T.I., Kiss Me Thru The Phone – Soulja Boy), Hugo Diaz (Diaz Brothers), Blackout Movement(This is Why I’m Hot – Mims), Infamous (Mr. Carter – Lil Wayne, Prom Queen – Lil Wayne), Da Heala, Whosane?? and various other reputable producers who have shown excitement towards his project. “I’m taking my time, and doing things right this time. With everything I accomplished, its sad to say I feel like I’ve accomplished nothing… I’ll let you know how I feel after I win a couple Grammy’s,” he says with a smile. DID YOU KNOW: · Belly’s first album “THE REVOLUTION” featured Fabolous, the legendary Scarface, Kurupt, Nina Sky, Ginuwine, Mario Winans and Massari. · Two videos from Belly’s debut album reached #1; “Pressure” ft. Ginuwine and “Ridin” feat. Mario Winans. Both videos were directed by RT! · Belly’s video “History of Violence” was banned by the AVN. Although graphic, it was not only a cry for peace, but also Belly’s take on the turmoil taking place in the Middle East. The video was both praised and criticized by international media for its graphic images and anti-war messages. The controversy landed Belly interviews with CNN International, the Associated Press, Reuters TV, and even made Belly the first Canadian rapper to be interviewed by Geraldo at Large for Fox News. · In 2007 Belly was invited to go on tour with Russell Simmons and his “Hip-Hop Summit” across the USA in 7 cities alongside entertainers such as Letoya Luckett, Ne-Yo, Mike Jones, Ciara, Gabrielle Union, Young Joc, Jim Jones, Free from 106 & Park and many others as well as Russell Simmons himself. The tour was highly successful and introduced Belly to a new wave of fans in cities like Miami, Houston, Atlanta, LA, Detroit, and more. While on the tour he was interviewed by USA Today and embraced well by media all over the U.S.A. · During NHL Playoff season 2007, Belly teamed up with Ottawa Senators goalie and friend Ray Emery and set the city ablaze when he released the Senators anthem “Go Sens Go”during Sens Fever which he performed in front of 15 000 people including the mayor of Ottawa. Profits from the songs downloads were donated to the “Sens Foundation for Kids.” · Belly co-founded CP Records with his mentor Tony Sal. He is now the co-owner, Vice President, and Head of A&R. · He wrote and co-produced for Canadian Pop/R’n’B international superstars Massari and Danny Fernandes on their debut albums. Massari’s 2005 self-titled release reached gold in 6 months with 4 top 10 singles on TV and Radio and Danny Fernandes’ debut album “INTRO” was released in October of 2008 with 2 Top 10 singles to date (“Private Dancer” and “Fantasy”) both of which reached gold on iTunes sales. This achievement has solidified Belly as a bonified ‘Hit Maker’ and he has since moved on to produce & write tracks with some of Canada’s best artists.