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BIOGRAPHY "At the end of the day, as an artist, I should only and ultimately be judged by my music," says Pressha, the latest artist to emerge out of the Tony Mercedes/LaFace Records hit making camp. If only the industry follows that rule, Pressha's debut album Don't Get It Twisted will certainly surprise ears and be held as one of this years hottest R&B albums. Pressha, influenced by the likes of Bobby Womack, "he made me want to sing, period", and other R&B legends, mixes 80's R&B, with 90's reality, and a slight southern feel, which Pressha claims is in demand now, to produce a well rounded must have album. Executive Produced by some of the biggest producers in the industry, LaFace Co-Presidents Antonio "L.A." Reid & Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds, and bass music mogul Tony Mercedes, Don't Get It Twisted is packed with 14 strong tracks written and produced by several unknown up and coming producers. "I didn't want the names and status of big name producers to overshadow my project because I'm trying to establish myself," explains Pressha confidently who also had the opportunity to co-write and produce several tracks himself ("Do Boy,""Shake It Down" and "Splackavellie"). "Splackavellie", the first single off Don't Get It Twisted , also featured on Ice Cube's Player's Club Soundtrack, is turning into a nationwide anthem for people in need of love and attention. The catchy lyrics and suggestive video, featuring Shemar Moore of The Young & The Restless and Mori Morrow of Def Jam's How To Be A Player, narrate the story of a woman in need. "Every woman needs her own Splackavellie, a brother she can call when her man ain't treaten her right." "Splackavellie' is not necessarily a guy or a girl, 'Splackavellie' is more or less a message to people that aren't handling their business at home, if you aren't handling business somebody else is gonna handle it" explains Pressha. "To put it bluntly, Splackavellie is a 90's version of the hit song Jody." Just like "Splackavellie," all the songs on Don't Get It Twisted are based on "every day common life." "The market is so flooded with everybody talking about how much "ice" they got, watches and this, that and the other. That ain't common because everyone doesn't live like that. I deal with situations that are true to life and common, situations that everyone can relate to." "Do Boy" a romantic slow jam, is the total opposite of "Splackevellie", according to Pressha. "You've got that average everyday brother who's doing what ever he has to do to please his woman." "You make me wanna wash your car, paint your house, if that's what being with you girl is all about 'cause I love you, Girl I will be your Do Boy." The title cut is a mid-tempo bumpin' groove laced with a witty female rap that will leave you grooving to the simple but catchy hook, "I know you think you know me seen the face before, you've heard a few stories, but you don't know me, so don't get it twisted." "No Way To Win" deals with the strife & struggles of everyday 9-5 life, "Down Under" and "My Angel" are both heartfelt ballads of a man's love for his woman, "Shake It Down" featuring B-Rock & The Bizz ("My Baby Daddy") and "Make You Dance" add their own funky twist to the album; and a cover of Ray Parker Jr.'s "Let Me Go", one of Pressha's favorite songs in the world, highlights Pressha's strong vocal ability and provides you with an old school feel. Pressha is no stranger to the music industry, he's been performing since his early teens. His most recognizable contribution is the top ten hit "Get Ready Here It Comes (Choo Choo)" by the Southsyde B.O.I.Z.(LaFace Records), which he was a part of for 1 year. Pressha has also recorded on Atlantic Records and other various independent labels, but is clearly turning heads since he hooked up professionally with Tony Mercedes who signed him to LaFace Records. "I knew Tony since I was 16 years old," says Pressha, who got his name from a childhood expression about fighting and putting 'pressha' on somebody. "Tony was from Augusta and I lived 15 minutes away in Aiken." Pressha and his brother would frequently compete in local talent shows where Tony would always have groups competing as well. "I would always challenge his artists 'cause I thought they were wack! After eliminating all his artists, he took me on." That was the beginning of a long and prosperous friendship although, Tony did not give Pressha's tape to L.A. Reid until almost a year after joining LaFace. "He waited for a project worthy of letting people hearing it," says Pressha confidently. When asked, Tony Mercedes said "there's only one word to describe Pressha's album, soulful." Soulful and worthy it is, judging by the music, of course. |
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