ARTIST ROSTER
D:V::E:::: Company Info
AD
Birth Name:
Anthony Duarte
Performance Name:
A.D.
Musical genre:
Hip Hop
Origin:
Washington, DC
If the company you keep is any indication of your own merit, Deja Vu’s latest recruit, A.D. is destined for greatness. A.D.’s distinctive gravel-stone voice and laid back presence has already blessed projects that include: "We Don’t Give A F*#k" a single on the DVE Vol. 3 Position of Power Mixtape;;" and "Lil Sumthin" from DVE’s Vol. 2 mixtape. With the highly anticipated release of his still untitled debut, A.D. will establishes his place as a force to be reckoned with in today’s competitive environment.
Born and raised in Takoma Park, Maryland A.D. started rhyming at the age of 13. Shortly after the beginning of his rap career AD moved to our nation’s capitol of Washington, DC. “Growing up in Southeast gave me my persona, style, views, and behavior” says AD. A.D. made his first vocal appearance on “Family Ties" along side underground rapper Frog. While people might recognize AD for his mellow contributions on the underground hit “Moment in Time”; his debut effort will be a hard hitting yet soulful salute to the street.
AD’s unique blend of lyrical cockiness combined with his powerful subject matter will guarantee him a niche alongside hip hops elite. "I’ve learned to deal with the pressure," says a confident AD. In addition to his forthcoming album, AD’s slated projects include: the DVE album compilation “This Is DVE”, a guest appearance of label mates Famm First’s debut, along with a lengthy list of additional industry guest spots. "I don’t want people to think I’m piggy backing on anyone," explains AD, whose name will be swarming the streets by this summer. "I just want everyone to feel me. When my album drops, I want my fans to have a clear picture of who I am”. In a nutshell everyone should expect the unexpected... I'm graphic; I speak only about things I know about. When I talk you get the truth, expect a message in my music deeper than what you normally see and hear.
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Famm First
Birth name:
Cartrel Baboolal
Performance name:
Famm First
Musical Genre:
Hip Hop
Origin:
Baltimore, Maryland
Famm First is a new breed of rapper who possesses the balance of skills needed to please not only the suburban MTV crowd but also the street-level crowd as well.
Born in 1989 in Baltimore, Maryland to a harsh environment and an unsettled family Famm First was predestined for success. As he began to mature differences between his parents left only his grandparents to provide for him. As a young boy he dreamed of being in the NBA but that dream was soon overshadowed by his overwhelming love for Hip Hop. He would spend countless hours writing and mastering his technique for his profound lyrics.
Eventually his desire for money would ease him into the streets of Prince George’s County Maryland. There Famm First stepped his rep up amassing a small fortune, street knowledge and a crowded rap book. Famm First quickly became self-supportive, and made a name for himself as a fledging rapper. He started publicly rapping just to gain attention, and soon found his lyrics broadly embraced in his hometown. With continued concentration on his rhyming skills, Famm First amassed a heavy regional following. Capitalizing on his success Famm First comprised a group of fellow teens to form the group “CL”. With continued dedication to his craft Famm First worked to introduce himself to the Déjà Vu Entertainment family where he was quickly embraced.
Influenced by the likes of AZ, Jay Z, and 2 Pac, Famm’s unique combination of lyrical content combined with his powerful delivery will guarantee him a spot among the greats in the Hip Hop game. Famm First is currently working on his still untitled solo debut, and will be introduced on Déjà Vu’s compilation “This is D.V.E.”.
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Troy Wise
Birth Name:
Troy Wise
Performance Name:
Troy Wise
Musical genre:
R&B, Neo Soul, & Gospel
Origin:
Baltimore, MD
Troy Wise is an urban vocalist / songwriter from Baltimore Maryland who joins Déjà Vu Entertainment as their first male vocalist. Drawing vocal comparison to James Ingram and Maxwell, while simultaneously drawing penmanship comparisons to R. Kelly, and Stevie Wonder, Troy Wise has created a niche for himself before dropping his first album. With his natural blend of genuine sultriness and pure talent Troy Wise brings many key ingredients and flavor to his new family at D.V.E.
Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland like many of today’s equally talented musicians, Troy’s musical career began in the church. “I have been surrounded by music all my life. I can hear anything, and learn how to play it in 20 minutes. It’s a God given talent” says Troy. One showcase of his immense talent was enough to land Troy Wise a recording deal with the Fort Washington Maryland based company. “Troy is an incredibly talented individual with an uncanny ability to play many instruments and has a far greater voice” says D.V.E. head Scott “Skeeter J” Jones.
Troy Wise draws his musical influences from Babyface, Stevie Wonder, and Luther Vandross just to name a few. Troy can honestly be described as an electrifying person that demands your attention as soon as he opens his mouth. “I’m just glad to be in a position to please people with my music” says Troy. Currently working on his still untitled solo debut, Troy Wise will be introduced on D.V.E.’s compilation “This is D.V.E. (The Definition OF Déjà vu Entertainment)”.
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Hakeema Jones
Birth name:
Hakeema Jones
Performance name:
Hakeema Jones
Musical Genre:
R&B
Origin:
Aquasco, Maryland
In joining Deja Vu as their first female vocalist Hakeema brings, a unique style and edge never before seen in R&B music. Her soon to be released vocal debut on the Famm First track “Can’t Change My Ways” will show the world she is an expressive singer able to put the full power of her voice behind her music.
Born in our nations capitol of Washington DC and now residing in Aquasco, Maryland, Hakeema admits singing has always been a part of her life. “My mother and father were always playing records of people such as Stephine Mills, Luther Vandross and Earth Wind and Fire so we were always singing.” Around the fifth grade is when Hakeema realized her singing abilities. Never wanting to be the center of attention Hakeema rarely displayed her blessing.
After completing her college studies at Temple University Hakeema decided to concentrate on her music. “College is where I really decided that singing was something I really wanted to pursue.” At every chance competing in open mic and karaoke contests Hakeema developed a strong yet balanced stage presence. She soon earned a reputation for blowing away the competition at each contests, and was convinced she had found her calling..
By weaving her diverse musical influences, and experience together Hakeema has created a rich unheard vocal style. Influenced by the likes of India.Arie and Eryka Badu it is easy to understand why Hakeema strives to be different. With her carefully crafted debut album, Hakeema will be placed in a category all by herself. When her still untitled debut album, hits the street critics and fans will be floored by its powerful combination of edgy urban influenced R&B blended with the class of Neo Soul. In bringing her more urbanesqe feel to neo soul Keema will pave the way for a whole new generation of musicians while carving her own spot into music history.
COMPANY ROSTER
BLAC MARKIT MUSIK
Birth name:
Vortex Productions
Performance name:
Blac Markit Musik
Musical Genre:
All
Origin:
Birmingham, Alabama / Fort Washington, Maryland
Blac Markit Musik (bka Blac Markit) is Skeeter J's soon to be legendary squad of producers who are all relatively unknown individually but as a group will soon be known as music industry hit makers. Blac Markit is not your typical music production team. They do not concentrate on just hard banging beats or excessively synthesized backdrops. And NO every song does not have hand claps, finger snaps or a sample. "We just do what everyone else is scared to do, which is be different" says producer Scott "Skeeter J" Jones who is the core of Blac Markit's staff. Blac Markit was formed in late 1999 by co founders Scott “Skeeter” Jones, and the late Derik “Bassline” Murray. Blac Markit is as diverse as a music production company can get. Already having worked in many genres of music from R&B to Trip Hop the crews goal is to work in all. Unlike many of their contemporaries, they have secured street credibility while at the same time gaining attention in the sample-heavy commercial market. Congregating all the musical influences into each track is where Blac Markit has found their trademark mystique.
Backing Skeeter J is a freshman class of producers ready to add their own hits to the
mix. Blac Markit Musik deserves a lot of credit for without them, Deja Vu would not have become the movement that it currently is today.
D:V::E:::
Andrea Harrison - Management Associate
Birth name:
Andrea Harrison
Stage name:
Azotic
Origin:
Pemberton, New Jersey
Position:
Management Associate
Though thousands of people are discouraged from pursuing careers in entertainment due to its instability, a small handful with relentless dedication, undying passion, and seemingly limitless creativity somehow always seem to break through, making a lasting impact on the entertainment marketplace. Andrea Harrison is one of these individuals.
A native of Pemberton New Jersey, Andrea moved to Oxon Hill with her Grandmother in 1991. My mother’s death when I was three enraged me, but at the same times set me on a path to self- fulfillment. I was always instilled with the idea that life can be taken at any time so just go for what you want and don't let anyone stop you. And that drive and mentality has clearly been translated into the effort Andrea has given to DVE.
From the start it was clear that Andrea Harrison’s passion was not music…it was business. “I just like being in the mix of it all....My passion is design and business. I like being in the business world and making things happen.” And making things happen is exactly what Andrea Harrison has done for DVE. Working closely with company CEO Scott ”Skeeter J” Jones, Andrea is a complementing force in closing deals, and keeping the daily operations flowing smoothly.
Andrea is currently putting herself through school to become a designer and a businesswoman. With the goal to open several successful businesses including a design firm, school and clothing line this young lady is destined for greatness.
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John 3:16 - Head of A&R and Live Music
Birth Name:
John Bowens
Stage Name:
"John 3:16" aka DJ DejaVu
Origin:
Orange, New Jersey
Resides:
Southeast D.C.
Born in Orange, New Jersey- raised in the D.C. Metropolitan area (Southeast, Forestville, Suitland, Ft. Washington- in that exact order, lol.) My direct influences are basically life experiences. I'm a fan of no one person but I appreciate everyone and what they bring to the table in this thing we call the industry. I have a vast appreciation for all music, sounds and messages. Music is more or less my life force. It's the reason we smile, laugh, cry, and reminisce. It's the basis and backbone of everything we do. It's the soundtrack to our lives. It influences our lifestyle and way of life on a level we haven't even grasped yet. To be a part of a music movement is to be a part of a revolution. A part of something way bigger than we can ever imagine.
I wouldn't even consider myself the traditional DJ or even a DJ at all actually. I would describe myself as more of the ear to the street. I just feed off of positive energy and try to tap into what the masses want.
The music speaks for itself, so the only thing you'll hear from me is
when, where, and what's happening... ;)
BTUF- Ball Til' U Fall...
D:V::E:::
Skeeter J - CEO
Birth name:
Scott Jones
Performance name:
Skeeter J
Musical Genre:
All
Origin:
Fort Washington, Maryland
Skeeter J (born Scott Jones) is a new breed of entertainment icon hailing from Fort Washington, Maryland. Whether it's fashion, events planning, or his specialty original music composition and production, Skeeter J is about selling attitude and image. Skeeter J is dedicated to building long-term relationships with fans & customers through consistently superior quality products and events.
Born in our nations capitol of Washington DC and raised footstep away in the Maryland suburb of Fort Washington Skeeter J began creating music at the young age of eleven. In 1998 shortly after finishing High School Skeeter J formed D:V::E::: Skeeter J made his production debut on Jyants debut album Since Day One. Tracks such as The Time Has Come pushed Skeeter J into a class by himself. Added approval came from his ghost production work with DMX, Mary J Blige, & NAS to name a few. “Continued work with many industry newcomers such as Royce Da 5’9” showed everyone I could actually put a hot track down properly" says Skeeter J.
In addition to providing the listening public with quality music, Skeeter J makes sure that everyone always has a great time. Thru his event planning and promotions department Skeeter J hosts and participates in a variety of events such as parties each Friday at the world famous LOVE nightclub, Saturday nights at the historic Republic Gardens, music showcases throughout the Mid Atlantic Region, as well as the infamous Annual DVE Community Cookout.
With his work to date, Skeeter J has proven himself as not just another music producer....he is an entertainment impresario, as well as a self-proclaimed renaissance man. Skeeter J's undeniably intense approach to the entertainment industry will place him alongside the elite entertainment icons of his era.“ To sum up it all up me and D:V::E::: has one collective goal, which is to “Entertain The World By Any Means Necessary” says Skeeter J.
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