Belly

After three successful mixtapes, a number-one selling album in Canada and countless top ten singles, Juno award-winning artist Belly is back and diligently preparing his highly anticipated sophomore album “SE7EN.“ Working for almost a decade as a hip-hop producer and songwriter, Belly’s first album “The Revolution” premiered at No. 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. This helped Belly gain recognition from coast to coast, and sparked a fire that continues to burn strong today. He went on to receive four 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.

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 as 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 four MuchMusic video awards and his video “I’m the Man,” Feat. Kurupt got nominated for as well, making him the only artist that year to get nominated in five 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. In 2009, Belly released his fourth mixtape to date: “Back For the First Time,” partnering up with DJ Smallz. The mixtape was featured on major online media outlets such as Thisis50.com [2 day takeover], AllHipHop.com, WorldstarHipHop.com 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” Feat. Snoop Dogg was released online 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," directed by MMVA award-winner RT!, was added on MuchMusic’s “BIG ONE” and is currently in rotation at MuchMusic.

Belly is currently working on his forthcoming album with notable producers from the South including the Grammy-award winning Jim Jonsin. “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 Grammys,” he says with a smile.