Currensy

Shante Scott Franklin (born April 4, 1981), better known by his stage name Currensy (stylized as Curren$y) is an American rapper, songwriter, entrepreneur and record executive. He was one of the original members of Young Money Entertainment, a label founded by Lil Wayne. In 2011, Franklin founded the label Jet Life Recordings.[1]

Currensy
Franklin performing in 2010
Background information
Birth nameShante Scott Franklin
Also known as
  • Spitta Andretti
  • Juke
  • Currency
Born (1981-04-04) April 4, 1981
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • entrepreneur
  • record executive
Years active2002–present
Labels
Associated acts
Websitewww.currensyspitta.com

Music career

2002–08: No Limit and Young Money

In 2002, Currensy was signed to Master P's No Limit Records and was a late addition to the 504 Boyz.[2] The song "Get Back"[3] by 504 Boyz Produced by Donald XL Robertson was featured on the Malibu's Most Wanted soundtrack. Currensy appeared on 5 songs in Master P's Good Side, Bad Side album.[4] Even though he was signed with No Limit, he represented C-Murder's TRU label. Currensy has several songs with C-Murder, and was featured on the late Soulja Slim's album, Years Later.

In 2004, Currensy signed with Cash Money Records and Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment. He was featured on Lil Wayne's mixtape Dedication 2, The Suffix and several unreleased songs while with Young Money. He released a mixtape entitled Welcome Back in 2004. He was featured in Lil Wayne's "Grown Man" on Tha Carter II. While still at Young Money, Currensy created Fly Society with skateboarder Terry Kennedy, first as a clothing company, then expanding to release music. He released the song, "Where da Cash At" as the lead single for his Young Money debut, Music To Fly To, in 2006. In 2007, another mixtape was released entitled Life at 30,000 Feet. He remained with Young Money until late 2007. In 2008, Currensy released Independence Day, his first project after leaving Young Money and the first of seven mixtapes to be released that year while he struck out as an independent artist.[2]

2009–10: This Ain't No Mixtape, Jet Files and Pilot Talk

Currensy signed with Amalgam Digital to release his debut album, This Ain't No Mixtape, in 2009.[5] This album was entirely produced by Monsta Beatz. Currensy was also selected to XXL magazine's annual "Freshman Class" list, and released his second album, Jet Files, through Amalgam Digital that same year.[6] Amalgam Digital released physical copies of This Ain't No Mixtape and Jet Files on May 31, 2010.

Currensy's third album, Pilot Talk, was released on July 13, 2010. The album featured guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Big K.R.I.T. and Mos Def, amongst others, with most of the songs produced by Ski Beatz. Prior to the album's release, there was news of Pilot Talk being released under a newly relaunched Roc-A-Fella Records.[7] However, Currensy stated in interviews with both XXL and Complex Magazine that the album would be released under Damon Dash's DD172 record label division, BluRoc Records[8][8][9][10] and distributed through Def Jam Recordings. Currensy made numerous appearances on labelmate Ski Beatz' debut studio album, 24 Hour Karate School, which was released on September 21, 2010.

2010–11: Pilot Talk II and Weekend at Burnie's

Currensy's fourth album, Pilot Talk II, was released on November 22, 2010,[11] which featured Fiend and Raekwon, among others, with many of the songs produced by Ski Beatz.[12] 2010 also saw the release of mixtape Smokee Robinson with DJ Don Cannon.

On February 1, 2011, it was announced that Currensy signed a label deal with Warner Bros. Records for his imprint, Jet Life Recordings.[13] Covert Coup was his first project on his Jet Life Recordings imprint under Warner Bros. Released for free via Currensy's official website on April 20, the album contains ten songs completely produced by The Alchemist.[14] He released a mixtape, Weekend at Burnie's on June 28, 2011, featuring his Jet-Life anthem "#JetsGo", which was produced by Rahki. The rest of the mixtape was produced by frequent collaborator Monsta Beatz.[15] In 2011, Currensy and his Jet Life crew released the album Jet World Order, under Jets International / iHipHop. Every track on this album features Young Roddy and Trademark da Skydiver. Frequent collaborators of Currensy are also featured on this album, including Smoke DZA, The Cool Kids' Mikey Rocks, Cornerboy P, Fiend, Street Wiz, and Nesby Phips. Currensy himself appears on three tracks.

2012–13: The Stoned Immaculate and Live in Concert

On November 10, 2011, Currensy announced through Twitter the release of a new album. Muscle Car Chronicles, a 2-Disc set, was released on February 14, 2012. Currensy also planned on releasing Pilot Talk III in 2013, and mentioned the possibility of it being a free album. In February 2012, Currensy released the EP Here..., and a few days later released another EP #The1st28 with Styles P.

On April 21, 2012 the track listing for The Stoned Immaculate was released.[16] In July 2012, Currensy released the EP featuring all production by Harry Fraud, Cigarette Boats. On October 31, 2012 he released the mixtape Priest Andretti.

He will release a new tape with Wiz Khalifa, titled Live in Concert.[17] In November 2012 Currensy gave an update on his and Wiz Khalifa's mixtape Live in Concert saying its release is being held up by sample issues.[18] In January 2013, Currensy said that due to these same legal issues, the mixtape would likely become a retail album.[19] It was released as an iTunes only EP on April 20, 2013.

On February 3, 2013, Currensy released his latest mixtape New Jet City with guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Jadakiss, Juvenile, Juicy J, Trinidad James and Rick Ross among others.[20]

On October 30, 2013, Currensy released The Stage EP with Smoke DZA and Harry Fraud.[21]

2014–present: The Drive In Theatre and Pilot Talk III

Currensy announced a new mixtape, The Drive In Theatre, in January 2014.[22] He followed up on January 26, 2014, with the release of a new single, "Godfather 4" featuring Action Bronson.[23] On February 4, 2014, Currensy took to Twitter to announce a release date for The Drive In Theatre, it was released on February 14, 2014.[24]

On January 17, 2013, Currensy announced on Twitter that he and Ski Beatz began the process of making Pilot Talk III.[25] The album has been in development ever since, with Currensy, in various interviews, naming possible guest appearances from Lil Boosie,[26] Lil Wayne,[27] Wiz Khalifa, Ab-Soul, French Montana, Action Bronson,[28] Jadakiss, Styles P, and Riff Raff, with a majority of the production handled by Ski Beatz, along with some production from Cool & Dre.[29] On January 19, 2015, Currensy posted the album's possible artwork on his Instagram account, created by David Barnett, who was also responsible for the artwork of the first two Pilot Talk albums.[28] On March 1, 2015, DJ Skee released the first single "Alert" featuring Styles P and produced by Ski Beatz.[30] On March 15, 2015, Currensy announced that he'll be releasing Pilot Talk III exclusively on a $100 USB drive, "bundled with a Jet Life shirt and Pilot Talk 3 look book" with accompanying music videos. However, he also hinted at the album may be up for streaming.[31] The bundle was available for pre-order on the Jet Life website, which also confirmed that it will not be released on iTunes.[32] It was set for release on April 4, 2015.[29] He released 12 mixtapes in 2016.[33]

Jet Life Recordings
Jet Life Recordings
Founded2011
FounderCurrensy (CEO)
StatusActive
Distributor(s)iHipHop Distribution
Empire Distribution
Atlantic Records
GenreHip-hop
Country of originUnited States
LocationNew Orleans, LA[34]
Official websitehttp://www.jet-life.com/

On February 1, 2011, Currensy started his imprint Jet Life Recordings.

Current artists

In March 2012, news surfaced of legal action being taken against Damon Dash by Currensy. In the lawsuit, the rapper claimed that he never legally signed to Dash's DD172 label, and the record executive released the pair of albums (Pilot Talk I and Pilot Talk II) as well as Muscle Car Chronicles without authorization. Currensy demanded that Dash immediately stop releasing his music for profit, and is seeking $1.5 million in damages.[38] On October 6, 2015, Currensy was awarded $3 million in settlement stemming from the 2012 lawsuit against Dash for releasing material of his music without his consent.[39]

Discography
Main article: Currensy discography
Studio albums
Collaboration albums
gollark: Really? Memory leaks? That's a bug, how did *that* happen?
gollark: *Weird.*
gollark: What, "testing"?
gollark: Debugging? Really? All your code should just work perfectly first time.
gollark: I have many opinions. For example, I consider OCaml to be an interesting language unfortunately lacking in tooling and libraries.

References
  1. Higgins, Keenan (2019-01-08). "Curren$y Blesses His Cult Fan Base With New Jet Life Apparel to Start Off 2019". The Source. Retrieved 2019-05-21.
  2. "How Curren$y Rose as the King of New Orleans, In His Own Words". CentralSauce. 2019-04-04. Retrieved 2019-04-29.
  3. "504 Boyz - Get Back (CD)". Discogs.com. Retrieved 2015-07-15.
  4. "Master P - Good Side, Bad Side (CD, Album)". discogs.com.
  5. David D. (2009-05-12). "Review Of Currensy's This Ain't No Mixtape | The Smoking Section". Smokingsection.uproxx.com. Archived from the original on 2009-05-18. Retrieved 2011-02-20.
  6. "Sorry, the page you were looking for is not here". The Source. Archived from the original on 2010-02-23. Retrieved 2011-02-20.
  7. "Damon Dash Resurrects Roc-A-Fella To Start A 'Positive Movement'". Shaheem Reid.
  8. "Curren$y's Rocafella Chain Powered By BLUROC". Retrieved September 6, 2010.
  9. "Curren$y, My Sophomore Year". Archived from the original on April 10, 2010. Retrieved September 6, 2010. XXL Magazine
  10. "Interview: Curren$y On "Pilot Talk," Dame Dash, And His Relationship With Lil Wayne". Green, Dominic. Retrieved September 6, 2010. Complex Magazine
  11. "Video: Curren$y Pilot Talk 2 Coming November 22nd!". Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  12. Vasquez, Andres (2010-09-02). "DX News Bits: Kid Cudi, Queen Latifah, Curren$y | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. Retrieved 2011-02-20.
  13. "Curren$y Signs to Warner, Preps EP With The Alchemist | Hip-Hop On A Higher Level". Xxlmag.Com. Retrieved 2011-02-20.
  14. "Curren$y and Alchemist Release Free EP". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved 2011-06-20.
  15. "Curren$y's New Album: Weekend at Burnie's". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved 2011-06-20.
  16. "Curren$y releases 'Stoned Immaculate' Tracklist". DJ Smallz. Archived from the original on 2015-04-14. Retrieved 2012-04-21.
  17. "Curren$y "#PriestAndretti" Mixtape Cover Art & Release Date". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on 28 October 2012. Retrieved 27 October 2012.
  18. "Curren$y Explains "Live In Concert" Delays, Says "New Jet City" May Be Free". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on 12 November 2012. Retrieved 10 November 2012.
  19. "Curren$y Says "Live In Concert" With Wiz Khalifa Will Release At Retail". HipHopDX. 9 January 2013. Archived from the original on 28 May 2013. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  20. Isenberg, Daniel (February 3, 2013). "Mixtape: Curren$y "New Jet City". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved February 3, 2013.
  21. Ellis, Stacy Ann (October 30, 2013). "New Music: Curren$y, Smoke DZA And Harry Fraud 'The Stage' EP". Vibe. Retrieved November 9, 2013.
  22. "» Curren$y Announces New Mixtape, 'The Drive In Theatre'". 2DOPEBOYZ. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  23. Rose Lilah. "Curren$y - Godfather 4 Feat. Action Bronson". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  24. "Spitta on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  25. Andres Tardio. "Curren$y Announces "Pilot Talk III" With Ski Beatz". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 13 March 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  26. Bruce Smith. "Curren$y Shares Hopes To Feature Lil Boosie On "Pilot Talk 3"". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  27. Andres Tardio. "Curren$y Discusses Lil Wayne's "Pilot Talk III" Appearance Potential". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  28. Christopher Harris. "Curren$y "Pilot Talk III" Cover Art". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 15 March 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  29. Danielle Harling. "Curren$y Explains "Pilot Talk 3" Delay". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on 12 March 2015. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  30. DJ Skee. "Curren$y - Alert - Listen". Audiomack. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  31. Jay Balfour. "Curren$y To Release "Pilot Talk 3" As $100 USB Drive Bundle". HipHopDX. Retrieved 15 March 2015.
  32. "Welcome to JET LIFE APPAREL - Official Merchandise For Curren$y & The Jets". jetlifeapparel.com.
  33. Goddard, Kevin (19 November 2016). "Curren$y mixtapes in 2016". Hotnewhiphop. Retrieved 19 November 2016.
  34. "Search for Louisiana Business Filings". coraweb.sos.la.gov.
  35. Crawford, Percy (July 18, 2019). "Fendi P Delivers With "Fendi P3'… "My Goal Is To Have Each Project Better Than The Last Project!"". Hype Magazine. Retrieved March 29, 2020. Cite magazine requires |magazine= (help)
  36. Diep, Eric (2013-11-12). "Meet MaryGold, Curren$y's Latest Jet Life Signing - XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved 2015-07-15.
  37. Y, T (2019-07-08). "Son of A Gangsta Vol.2". jet-life.com. Retrieved 2015-10-08.
  38. "Curren$y Files Lawsuit Against Damon Dash For Unauthorized Release Of His Music". BallerStatus.com. 2012-03-25.
  39. Hernandez, Victoria (October 6, 2015). "Curren$y & Damon Dash Reach $3 Million Agreement In Lawsuit". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 17, 2015.
  40. "Curren$y Announces "Pilot Talk III" With Ski Beatz". HipHopDX. 18 January 2013. Archived from the original on 13 March 2015. Retrieved 9 March 2015.
  41. Marie, Erika (20 December 2019). "Curren$y Is "Back At Burnie's" With Ninth Project Of The Year Ft. Rick Ross, Juicy J, & More". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  42. "Wiz Khalifa & Curren$y Announce '2009' Tour: See Dates". Billboard. Retrieved February 13, 2019.
This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.