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Shade Sheist
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Key Information
Tramayne Rayel Thompson (born October 22, 1979),[1] known by his stage name Shade Sheist, is an American rapper from Inglewood, California. He began his career in 2000 by contributing the single "Where I Wanna Be" to a compilation executive produced by himself and local producer Damizza. After writing and recording tracks for other artists, television, film and video game soundtracks, Shade Sheist released his debut album Informal Introduction, featuring "Where I Wanna Be" in 2002 under Universal Records.
Early life
[edit]Thompson was born in Inglewood, California and grew up in both Inglewood and neighboring city South Central Los Angeles.[2] He started writing music around the age of 10 and formed a performing group with his best friends that won first and second place prizes at local talent shows produced by ASCAP. He worked with producers Johnny "J", Howie Hersh and Ronnie King on his early recordings.
Career
[edit]Shade Sheist performed from 1994 to 1999 as Shady Montage, signed to Hollywood Records. Two singles he released under this moniker, "Shake You Down" and "Leaving You Again" were well received and aired on major market radio stations nationally. At one point during this period he became label mates and recorded with The Notorious B.I.G.[3] As a teen, he appeared in several music videos including 2Pac's "So Many Tears" and South Circle's "Attitudes". Shade Sheist graduated from Alexander Hamilton High School in 1997.[4]
He first performed commercially as Shade Sheist in 2000 on the song "If You Were My Bitch" from the compilation Irv Gotti Presents: The Murderers. That year, he also appeared on the song "It's Your Life" from Ja Rule's triple Platinum-selling album Rule 3:36. Additionally, Shade Sheist met Los Angeles-based producer Damizza, who worked as senior director for artist relations at Los Angeles hip hop station Power 106 and released a various-artists compilation titled Where I Wanna Be.[2] Shade Sheist, Kurupt and Nate Dogg performed the title single, which peaked at No. 60 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart but at No. 1 on the Hot Rap Singles. Shade Sheist and Nate Dogg collaborated again on the track "Cali Diseaz" on the soundtrack to the 2001 film The Fast and the Furious.[5] Damizza recorded the track "Bad News" with Shade Sheist and N.U.N.E. for the soundtrack to the Fox television drama Dark Angel.
In 2002, Shade Sheist released his debut album Informal Introduction through a deal between MCA Records and his own Baby Ree label. Informal Introduction featured production by Timbaland, DJ Quik, Damizza and KayGee of Naughty by Nature. The singles included "Money Owners", "Wake Up", and "John Doe". The "Where I Wanna Be" music video featured cameos from N.U.N.E., TQ, Irv Gotti, Ja Rule and The D.O.C. The "Money Owners" music video featured a special appearance from Dr. Dre, who worked in the studio room next door to Shade Sheist during the recording of the Informal Introduction album. Shade Sheist stated that Dr. Dre was a big help during the creation of his debut album.
The Los Angeles Times asserted that Power 106 played Shade Sheist's singles more than any other urban radio station in the U.S. and reported that Peter Hart of Fairness & Accuracy in Reporting brought up conflict of interest issues given that Emmis Communications funded both the radio station and Shade Sheist's label Baby Ree, which is owned by Damizza.[6] Power 106 decided to disclose its ties to Shade Sheist after the LA Times brought up the issue.[7] Emmis president Rick Cummings stated that his station played Shade Sheist's music based on listener tastes.[8]
Shade Sheist returned in 2004 with the single "What Would You Do" featuring Nate Dogg and Mariah Carey. The track appeared on Shade Sheist's second album Before the Waitin' Before the Hatin' which originally released in 2005 and re-released in late 2006 with new tracks included.
In 2008, Shade Sheist and N.U.N.E. set off on an international tour that would cover two years and several continents.
In 2010, Shade Sheist released a new album with N.U.N.E., Movin Units which was his first original studio release in four years. The album featured the single "Movin Like a Boss" which spawned several international remixes.[9]
On August 1, 2013, Shade Sheist released a brand-new seven-track EP titled Blackops: Lite, which featured himself on production as well as vocals. The EP served as a preview of his upcoming full-length LP of the same title. Shade Sheist simultaneously unveiled his Gfunkisforever label with the release of the EP.
Discography
[edit]Albums
[edit]| Year | Title | Chart positions[10] | |
|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. R&B | U.S. Heat | ||
| 2002 | Informal Introduction
|
69 | 20 |
| 2006 | Before the Waitin' Before the Hatin'
|
||
| 2008 | Informal Introduction OG
|
||
| 2010 | Movin Units (with N.U.N.E)
|
||
| 2013 | Blackops: Lite
|
||
Singles
[edit]| Year | Title | Chart positions[11][12] | Album | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| U.S. | U.S. R&B | U.S. Rap | UK | |||
| 2000 | "Where I Wanna Be" (featuring Nate Dogg and Kurupt) | 95 | 49[13] | 1 | 14 | Informal Introduction |
| 2002 | "Money Owners" (featuring Timbaland) | — | 81[14] | — | — | |
Other charted songs
[edit]| Year | Title | Chart positions |
|---|---|---|
| U.S. R&B[11] | ||
| 2002 | "Wake Up" (featuring Nate Dogg and Warren G) | 53 |
| 2003 | "John Doe" (featuring DJ Quik, Hi-C, AMG and Swift) | 66 |
| 2004 | "What Would You Do" (featuring Nate Dogg and Mariah Carey) | 57 |
References
[edit]- ^ "Tramayne Rayel Thompson, Born 10/22/1979 in California | CaliforniaBirthIndex.org". www.californiabirthindex.org. Retrieved 2022-05-22.
- ^ a b Henderson, Alex (2002). "Shade Sheist > Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
- ^ "Interview Shade Sheist". Archived from the original on December 21, 2013. Retrieved November 27, 2008.
- ^ "Tramayne Thompson | Alexander Hamilton High School | Los Angeles, CA | Classmates.com is now part of - Memory Lane". Classmates.com. 2008-09-18. Retrieved 2012-03-27.
- ^ "The Fast and the Furious > Overview". AllMusic. 2001-06-05. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
- ^ Philips, Chuck (2002-10-16). "Airplay Raises Disclosure Issue". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
- ^ Moss, Corey (2002-10-18). "Shady? Radio Station Admits Ties To Heavy-Rotation Rapper Shade Sheist". MTV News. Archived from the original on March 27, 2005. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
- ^ Philips, Chuck (2002-10-18). "KPWR to Reveal Ties to Rapper". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
- ^ Hay, Jonathan (January 2009). "Shade Sheist". DubCNN.com. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
- ^ "Shade Sheist > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". AllMusic. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
- ^ a b "Shade Sheist > Charts & Awards > Billboard Singles". AllMusic. Retrieved 2009-06-10.
- ^ "SHADE SHEIST Featuring NATE DOGG & KURUPT". The Official Charts. Archived from the original on February 17, 2011. Retrieved August 10, 2018.
- ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2011-03-16.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - ^ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2011-07-08. Retrieved 2011-03-16.
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
External links
[edit]
Shade Sheist
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
Biography
Early life
Tramayne Rayel Thompson, known professionally as Shade Sheist, was born on October 22, 1979, in Inglewood, California.[10][11] He spent his early years in Inglewood, attending events at the local Great Western Forum and aspiring to perform on its stage, before later residing in South Central Los Angeles.[7][12] These neighborhoods exposed him to street life and survival dynamics, which he later described as providing raw material for his music: "Yes I grew up where there’s always up to no good... and where Ice Cube taught us how to survive (South LA)."[12] From childhood, Thompson displayed an early affinity for music and performance, purchasing his first record—a Sesame Street 45 vinyl—and progressing to cassettes by Kris Kross, A.B.C., MC Hammer, and Vanilla Ice.[12] He began writing and performing as a youth, immersed in the West Coast gangsta rap culture while being aware of East Coast and Southern hip-hop artists.[13][12] As a teenager, he ventured into acting through an agency, securing roles in music videos such as 2Pac's "So Many Tears" and "Dear Mama," as well as South Circle's "Attitudes," initially considering paths in film directing and acting before focusing on rap.[7][12]Entry into hip-hop
Tramayne Rayel Thompson, known professionally as Shade Sheist, was born on October 22, 1979, in Inglewood, California, where he grew up immersed in the local gangsta rap scene alongside influences from broader hip-hop developments on the East Coast and South.[14] He began pursuing music in the mid-1990s under the stage name Shady Montage, securing a deal with Hollywood Records and releasing early singles that showcased his emerging West Coast style.[1] During this period, Sheist collaborated with producers including Johnny J, a key figure in 2Pac's sound, on initial recordings that blended G-funk elements with personal narratives from Inglewood and South Central Los Angeles life.[7] Notable outputs under Shady Montage included the 1997 single "Merry-Go-Round" featuring J'Son, released via Grand Motif Records, which highlighted smooth flows over laid-back beats typical of late-1990s West Coast production.[15] These efforts marked his initial foray into professional recording, though commercial traction remained limited amid a competitive landscape dominated by established acts. By 2000, Sheist transitioned to the Shade Sheist moniker, executive producing and contributing the breakout single "Where I Wanna Be" (featuring Nate Dogg and Kurupt) to the compilation Game of Life, helmed by producer Damizza.[14] This track, with its infectious hook and collaboration with Death Row affiliates, propelled his visibility within hip-hop circles, signaling a shift toward mainstream recognition while building on his foundational 1990s groundwork.[7]Career
Early mixtapes and compilation features
Shade Sheist's earliest commercial recordings appeared on compilation albums in 2000, marking his entry into the hip-hop scene without prior solo mixtape releases documented in major discographies. He contributed verses to "If You Were My Bitch," a track on Irv Gotti Presents: The Murderers, alongside Tah Murdah, Ja Rule, and Black Child, distributed by Murder Inc. Records and Universal Music Group.[16] [17] This appearance showcased his affiliation with East Coast production circles through Damizza's involvement, though Sheist remained rooted in West Coast styles.[18] The same year, Sheist featured on the compilation Damizza Presents Where I Wanna Be, released October 31, 2000, via London Records, where his breakout single "Where I Wanna Be" with Nate Dogg and Kurupt served as a centerpiece, executive produced by Sheist and Damizza.[19] This track, blending G-funk hooks and street narratives, received radio play and laid groundwork for his major-label trajectory, appearing also on promo compilations like Street Tracks 48.[20] These features, rather than independent mixtapes, provided Sheist's initial exposure, leveraging collaborations with established artists to build buzz ahead of his 2002 debut album.[21]Breakthrough single and major label signing
"Where I Wanna Be," featuring Nate Dogg and Kurupt, marked Shade Sheist's breakthrough, initially appearing on the compilation album Damizza Presents Where I Wanna Be, released October 31, 2000, via London Records. Produced by Damizza, the track emphasized melodic hooks and West Coast G-funk elements, with Nate Dogg's layered vocals providing a signature smoothness over introspective lyrics about ambition and street life. The single achieved notable radio airplay, peaking at No. 95 on the Billboard Hot 100, No. 60 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and No. 2 on the Hot Rap Songs chart.[22] In the UK, it climbed to No. 14 on the Singles Chart upon re-release in August 2001, broadening Sheist's international appeal.[12] The track's commercial traction, driven by its crossover accessibility and features from established Dogg Pound affiliates, prompted major label interest after Sheist's earlier independent efforts under the Shady Montage moniker with Hollywood Records (1994–1999). This led to a distribution agreement between Sheist's imprint, Baby Ree Productions, and MCA Records, positioning "Where I Wanna Be" as the lead single for his major-label debut. The deal capitalized on the song's momentum, with MCA handling promotion and distribution to elevate Sheist from mixtape and compilation contributor to a signed solo artist.[4] Subsequent singles like "Money Owners" with Timbaland built anticipation, but "Where I Wanna Be" remained the pivotal hit that solidified Sheist's viability for MCA's roster, amid a post-Death Row era for West Coast rap seeking fresh voices.[1] The partnership reflected MCA's strategy to invest in regional talents with proven singles, though Sheist's signing occurred without a precise public announcement date, predating the September 10, 2002, album drop.[23]Debut album and commercial peak
Shade Sheist's breakthrough single "Where I Wanna Be", featuring Nate Dogg and Kurupt, was released on October 7, 2000, as part of a compilation executive-produced by Sheist and Damizza; it peaked at number 49 on the Billboard Hot 100, number 14 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart, and number 1 on the Hot Rap Songs chart, propelling him to a major-label deal with MCA Records via his own Baby Ree Productions imprint.[11][24] The track's West Coast G-funk sound and hooks from Nate Dogg contributed to its regional radio play and street popularity in California, marking Sheist's highest-charting release to date. The ensuing debut album, Informal Introduction, arrived on September 10, 2002, comprising 13 tracks with production from Eddie Berkeley, Damizza, and others, emphasizing laid-back gangsta rap themes rooted in Inglewood street life.[25] Key singles included "Money Owners" (released June 2002), which garnered minor airplay on West Coast stations like Power 106 but failed to replicate the predecessor's impact, peaking outside the top 100 on relevant charts.[26] Despite featuring high-profile guests like Warren G on "Wake Up" and Kurupt throughout, the album reached only number 69 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, hampered by MCA's waning promotional resources amid Universal's corporate shifts.[23] This modest performance represented Sheist's commercial zenith, buoyed by pre-album single momentum, before label instability curtailed further breakthroughs; no certified sales figures were reported, underscoring limited national penetration beyond loyal West Coast audiences.[8]Post-MCA decline and independent era
Following the release of Informal Introduction on September 10, 2002, Shade Sheist's major-label trajectory faltered, as the album achieved only modest chart success, peaking at number 69 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart despite featuring high-profile guests like Nate Dogg, Kurupt, and DJ Quik.[23] The project sold fewer than 50,000 copies in its first year, a sharp drop from the momentum of his 2000 single "Where I Wanna Be," which had reached number 52 on the Billboard Hot 100. Contributing factors included delays in the album's rollout—originally recorded earlier—and a shifting hip-hop landscape favoring East Coast and Southern sounds over West Coast G-funk, alongside MCA Records' absorption into Geffen Records during Universal Music Group's 2003 restructuring, which disrupted artist promotion and distribution.[27] Sheist subsequently pivoted to independent ventures, releasing Before the Waitin' Before the Hatin' on November 1, 2006, via the small PYO Entertainment label, a 10-track effort emphasizing street-level narratives and regional collaborations.[28] This was followed by mixtapes such as Out of Sight Out of Mind: USA Edition in 2008, distributed through underground networks like dubcnn.com, and a self-curated compilation Classic Hits & Familiar Sht Vol. 1* in 2007.[29] In 2010, he collaborated with rapper N.U.N.E. on Movin Units, another PYO Entertainment release blending G-funk production with gangsta rap themes, reviewed as a niche West Coast revival but lacking broader airplay or sales data indicative of mainstream resurgence.[30][31] These independent projects sustained Sheist's output in the underground West Coast circuit, often via digital platforms and limited physical runs, but marked a departure from national visibility, with no subsequent Billboard entries and reliance on local DJ support and fan-driven mixtape shares.[32]Recent activities (2010s–2020s)
In the 2010s, Shade Sheist continued releasing music independently, focusing on collaborations and West Coast hip-hop styles. In 2010, he issued the album Movin Units in partnership with rapper N.U.N.E., marking his first full-length studio project in several years and featuring tracks emphasizing street life and regional pride. Later that decade, he dropped Blackops: Lite in 2016, a nine-track effort produced under the Gfunkisforever label, which included guest appearances from artists like Mr. Criminal and Sergio Selim, maintaining his signature G-funk influences amid a subdued commercial presence.[33][34] Throughout the 2010s and into the 2020s, Sheist supplemented albums with sporadic singles and features, such as "Summertime Is All Year" in 2018 and "Better Than You" in 2021, distributed via digital platforms without major label backing.[35] His early hit "Where I Wanna Be" gained renewed visibility in 2023 when it was incorporated into the media player of Grand Theft Auto V Online, accessible through in-game content like a flash drive in an underground car club.[7] By the mid-2020s, Sheist's activities shifted toward reflection and diversification beyond music. In a 2024 interview, he expressed emphasis on personal development, authentic industry connections, and potential pursuits in film directing, acting, or business ventures, including AI applications, while allowing career momentum to unfold organically rather than forcing new releases.[7] No major album announcements or high-profile collaborations emerged post-2021, aligning with his post-peak independent trajectory.Musical style and influences
Lyrical themes and production
Shade Sheist's lyrics predominantly explore themes rooted in his experiences growing up in Inglewood and South Central Los Angeles, including street life, exposure to gang violence tied to Crips and Bloods rivalries, and personal assertions of avoiding direct gang involvement.[36] On the opening track "Somebody Steals the Show" from his 2002 debut album Informal Introduction, he declares himself "from the streets" while expressing pride in never having gangbanged, though other verses convey implicit familiarity with such environments.[27] His delivery style is mellow and soft-spoken, often described as nearly catatonic, which frequently cedes lyrical spotlight to guest artists like Kurupt and Fabolous for more dynamic flows and content.[27] Recurring motifs include aspirations for escape and tranquility amid urban pressures, as evidenced in the breakthrough single "Where I Wanna Be" (2000), which depicts a yearning to unwind with loved ones in a peaceful, weed-infused setting rather than street conflicts.[37] This reflects a broader West Coast gangsta rap ethos tempered by individual restraint from hardcore affiliation, prioritizing laid-back reflection over explicit glorification of violence. Sheist's production emphasizes West Coast hardcore rap signatures, with G-funk-derived beats echoing influences from Snoop Dogg, DJ Quik, Warren G, Dr. Dre, and Eazy-E—characterized by smooth, slow tempos, bouncy rhythms, and funky undertones.[36] Informal Introduction features executive production by Damizza and Kay Gee, alongside track-specific credits like DJ Quik on "John Doe" and Timbaland on "Money Owners," yielding high-caliber sounds that blend Teddy Riley-style funk, playful grooves, and hook-heavy arrangements.[27] The album's standout "Where I Wanna Be," produced by Damizza, exemplifies this with its infectious, radio-friendly bounce augmented by Nate Dogg's melodic chorus.[27] Subsequent releases sustain this nostalgic yet adaptable framework, merging classic hip-hop production with modern refinements for a consistently mellow sonic palette.[36]Key collaborations and associations
Shade Sheist's breakthrough came through his 2000 single "Where I Wanna Be," featuring vocals from Nate Dogg and Kurupt, with production handled by Eddie Berkeley, Kay Gee, and co-producer Damizza.[38][39] This track, which appeared on his 2002 debut album Informal Introduction, solidified his ties to West Coast G-funk traditions via Dogg Pound affiliates Nate Dogg and Kurupt, both known for their hooks and rhythmic flows in Death Row-era releases.[3] On Informal Introduction, released September 10, 2002, via his own Baby Ree Productions in partnership with MCA Records, Sheist collaborated with a range of West Coast and East Coast artists, including Warren G on "Cali Diseaz," Vita on "More Than a Player," Hi-C and AMG on "Check Yourself," and Knoc-turn'al on "58 Seconds."[40] Production was led by Damizza, who contributed to multiple tracks and served as a key mentor in Sheist's early career, alongside contributions from Timbaland and Eddie Berkeley.[41][27] These features bridged Inglewood street narratives with broader hip-hop networks, though the album's sales of around 50,000 copies reflected limited mainstream crossover despite radio play.[14] Sheist's associations centered on the late-1990s to early-2000s West Coast independent scene, operating through Baby Ree Entertainment, which facilitated his MCA distribution deal and emphasized self-produced compilations before major-label entry.[42] Damizza's involvement extended beyond production to promotional efforts, positioning Sheist alongside figures like Snoop Dogg in regional playlists, though direct joint projects with broader Dogg Pound or Death Row remnants remained sparse post-2002.[43] Independent releases in the 2010s, such as features with N.U.N.E. on "Wake Up," maintained loose ties to Long Beach and Inglewood rap circles without formal group affiliations.[44]Discography
Studio albums
Shade Sheist's debut studio album, Informal Introduction, was released on September 10, 2002, through Baby Ree Productions and MCA Records.[4][23] The project featured production from DJ Quik and contributions from artists including Nate Dogg, Kurupt, and Warren G, with recording sessions held at Larrabee Studios and Soundcastle in California.[45] His second studio album, Before the Waitin' Before the Hatin', appeared in 2005 as an independent release on PYO Entertainment.[28] The 10-track effort incorporated G-funk elements and gangsta rap themes, with features from Mack 10 and N.U.N.E., though it received limited commercial distribution.[46][47] In 2010, Sheist issued Movin Units, a collaborative studio album with rapper N.U.N.E.[10] The release marked his return to original material after a period of mixtapes and features, focusing on West Coast hip-hop production. Subsequent projects, such as the 2008 reissue Informal Introduction OG and 2014's Informal Introduction: Classic Edition, represent expanded or remastered versions rather than new studio recordings.[44]| Title | Release Date | Label | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Informal Introduction | September 10, 2002 | MCA Records / Baby Ree Productions | Debut album; 16 tracks; featured "Where I Wanna Be" single.[4] |
| Before the Waitin' Before the Hatin' | 2005 | PYO Entertainment | Independent follow-up; 10 tracks; G-funk influences.[28] |
| Movin Units (with N.U.N.E.) | 2010 | Independent | Collaborative project; original West Coast material.[10] |