Denaun Porter
He is known around the world by his legion of fans as Kon Artis, member of the critically acclaimed, multi-platinum selling group D12. He has gained the reputation as being one of the best producers in the business, a musical mastermind who was honored for his music writing skills by ASCAP. He is also known by his old comrades on Detroit's Runyon Avenue as Denaun Porter, the guy who would grow up and conquer great things. Whatever the arena, Mr. Porter is a musical force to be reckoned with.
Porter's career journey began when he founded the Hip Hop duo, Da Brigade, which featured fellow group-mate Kuniva and himself. Da Brigade was later approached by their friend, the late emcee Proof, to start D12. It was his friendship with former roommate and current D12 brother, Eminem, that assisted in opening doors.
"Everyone wants to be successful in this business but everyone doesn't get the chance to", Denaun says. "When Em first began recording in California, he would come home and play music for me. I got a whiff of the beats Dre was doing. It was like the music we were already doing, but to the 10th power. It was a learning experience, being able to hear the music before it came out. I was trying to do my own thing. I wanted to develop my own style. Then Dre took me under his wing."
Soon after meeting, Dr. Dre bought several of Denaun's amateur beats. One of them became, the now ubiquitous, 50 Cent single, PIMP. It was through his association with Dr. Dre that Denaun seriously learned the ropes of the music business.
Mr. Porter gained immense popularity with the release of PIMP and G-Unit's Stunt 101, two his best known works. The success of these singles earned him several accolades and increased the demand for his production. In addition to these artists, Denaun has produced hits for a healthy roster of who's who in Hip Hop. Among those noted are Snoop Dogg, Game, Busta Rhymes, Pharoahe Monch, Black Rob and others. Porters credits can also be found on Burt Bacharach's Please Explain.
Further demonstrating his writing skills and surprising vocal range, Denaun can often be heard singing soulful hooks on several works including; Busta Rhymes They're Out To Get Me, Young Bucks Look At Me Now and Lil' Kim's Slippin'; all of which were produced by him as well. He has also contributed music to the movie soundtracks Shark Tales and Barber Shop 2. Mr. Porter diversified his portfolio by adding film scoring to the line-up. His work can be heard woven through the fabric of the 2006 Rogue Pictures release, Waist Deep.
Influenced by a diverse group of musical talent, such as Stevie Wonder, J Dilla, Jamiroquai, Curtis Mayfield, NWA and A Tribe Called Quest, Denauns production style is one that combines a unique blend of live instruments with tripped-up computer generated sounds. His music is often characterized as possessing a certain soul.
"I'm stuck on classic producers and innovators like Quincy Jones, Stan Getz, Dr. Dre, Timbaland and Swizz Beatz," he states. "I inspire to produce in massive ways. To produce whole albums for people like Quincy Jones and Curtis Mayfield did back in the day is one thing I aspire to accomplish. I haven't hit my peak yet."
Living thankfully and passionately is an underlining theme in Mr. Porters life and can be felt through his music.
"I take nothing for granted. I'm extremely thankful for all that I have gained and accomplished. I thank God for the gifts and talents He's given me. I express myself through my music. To express a tear with a kick, to express joy through a piano, its all relative. Its how I express myself best. If I could put down a melody for every emotion I felt I would be so satisfied with my music, he continues. My music is my wife. Its the only thing I'm committed to besides God and my life. I'm at a grown up stage right now. I'm in a place where I'm always in a motivated state of music. I'm always inspired. Beautiful women, hurt, pain, misunderstandings, the weather, people crying, it all inspires me."
Equipment Used
Purchased MiKo LX
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