Moodymann
Kenny Dixon Jr.,[4] better known by his stage name Moodymann, is an American musician based in Detroit, Michigan.[5] He is the owner of the record labels Mahogani Music and KDJ Records.[6] He is a member of 3 Chairs.[7]
Moodymann | |
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![]() Moodymann performing at the 2010 Sónar | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Kenny Dixon Jr. |
Also known as |
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Born | Los Angeles, California, U.S.[1] |
Origin | Detroit, Michigan, U.S. |
Genres | |
Occupation(s) | |
Years active | 1992–present |
Labels |
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Associated acts | 3 Chairs |
Website | www |
Career
In 1997, Moodymann released his debut album, Silentintroduction, on Planet E Communications.[8] It compiled the previously released tracks from his own KDJ Records.[9] He released Mahogany Brown in 1998,[10] Forevernevermore in 2000,[11] and Silence in the Secret Garden in 2003.[12]
In 2012, he released Picture This as a free download.[13] It was followed by ABCD in 2013.[14] His self-titled album, Moodymann, was released in 2014.[15] He released Sinner in 2019,[16] and Taken Away in 2020.[17]
Style and influences
Moodymann is considered to have "developed hybrid modes of recording and performance incorporating analog and digital media—the playing of 'real' instruments with 'pushing buttons live'."[18] Philip Sherburne of Pitchfork wrote: "His sample-heavy productions have drawn on artists like Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, and Chic, not to mention gospel music, and his beats have always remained rooted in disco's bump and swirl."[19]
Personal life
In January 2019, Moodymann released a video on Instagram, which he later removed, showing the Highland Park police holding him at gunpoint in his parked car, on his property.[20] The Highland Park police department released a statement saying that during the incident, Moodymann did not show proof of ownership of the property or even an ID, which led to the arrest.[21] Moodymann was later released after an investigation showing that he was indeed the owner of the property.[21]
Discography
Studio albums
DJ mixes
- Moodymann Collection (2006)
- DJ-Kicks (2016)
EPs
- The Telephone (2001)
- I Guess U Never Been Lonely (2012)
Singles
- "I Like It" / "Emotional Content" (1994)
- "Moodymann" (1995)
- "Long Hot Sex Nights" / "The Dancer" (1995)
- "The Day We Lost the Soul" (1995)
- "Don't Be Misled!" (1996)
- "I Can't Kick This Feelin When It Hits" / "Music People" (1997)
- "U Can Dance If U Want 2" (1997)
- "In Loving Memory" (1997)
- "Dem Young Sconies" / "Bosconi" (1997)
- "Silent Introduction" (1997)
- "Music Is..." (1997)
- "Joy Pt. II" (1997)
- "Amerika" (1997)
- "Forevernevermore" (1998)
- "Just Anotha Black Sunday Morning with Grandma" (1998)
- "Sunday Morning" / "Track Four" (1998)
- "Black Mahogany" (1998)
- "Shades of Jae" (1999)
- "The Thief That Stole My Sad Days... Ya Blessin' Me" (1999)
- "Don't You Want My Love" (2000)
- "Deleted Rehearsals" (2000)
- "Analog: Live" (2000)
- "J.A.N." (2001)
- "Nmywagon" (2001)
- "Sweet Yesterday" (2003)
- "Shattered Dreams" (2003)
- "Silence in the Secret Garden" (2003)
- "Untitled" (2004)
- "Ampapella" (2005)
- "How Sweed It Is" (2005)
- "I'd Rather Be Lonely" (2007)
- "Technologystolemyvinyle" (2007)
- "Ol' Dirty Vinyl" (2010)
- "Freeki Mutha F*cker (All I Need Is U)" (2011)
- "Why Do U Feel" (2012)
- "Sloppy Cosmic" / "Hangover" (2014)
- "Pitch Black City Reunion" / "Got Me Coming Back Rite Now" (2018)
Productions
- Norma Jean Bell – "Yes I Am (I'm Gonna Get You)", "Nobody", and "Mystery" from Come into My Room (2001)
- José James – "Desire (Moodymann Remix)" from Desire & Love (2008)
- Andres – II (2009)
- Rick Wilhite – "Drum Patterns & Memories (Moodymann Mix)" from The Godson & Soul Edge (2010)
- José James – "Detroit Loveletter" from Blackmagic (2010)
- Junior Boys – "Banana Ripple (Moodymann Remix)" from Even Truer (2013)
References
- "Moodymann". Red Bull Music Academy. May 3, 2017. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Dalphond, Denise (May 27, 2011). Glasspiegel, Wills; Bishop, Marlon (eds.). "Get Familiar With Detroit Techno: 10 Essential Songs". NPR. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Leight, Elias (June 5, 2019). "Song You Need to Know: Moodymann, 'I'll Provide'". Rolling Stone. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Matos, Michaelangelo (April 18, 2017). "Prince devotee Moodymann stages a Detroit house party in this week's recommended mix". City Pages. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
- Cardew, Ben (June 7, 2016). "Cult heroes: Moodymann – the enigma who remade dance music". The Guardian. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Gadiano, Jerry (February 26, 2016). "Carhartt Show Love to Detroit's Techno, House and Electronic Legacy with This Mahogani Music Collaboration". Complex. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- "3 Chairs retrospective from Theo Parrish, Moodymann and Rick Wilhite". Fact. September 22, 2009. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Lhooq, Michelle (June 8, 2016). "Moodymann's Private Prince Palace is Detroit's Best-Kept Secret". Vice. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Pearl, Max (December 24, 2015). "The 10 Best House Albums of the '90s: Moodymann, Silentintroduction". Complex. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Poe, Jim (June 13, 2018). "20 Tracks That Prove 1998 Was Also The Best Year Ever For House Music". Junkee. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Birchmeier, Jason. "Forevernevermore - Moodymann". AllMusic. Retrieved August 9, 2014.
- Battaglia, Andy (July 8, 2003). "Silence In The Secret Garden". The A.V. Club. Archived from the original on December 8, 2015. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- "Moodymann – '9 Nites N Nowhere'". Fact. April 9, 2012. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Sussman, Jesse (June 1, 2013). "Moodymann releases mini-album, ABCD". Resident Advisor. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- "Moodymann by Moodymann". Metacritic. CBS Interactive. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Minsker, Evan (June 10, 2019). "Moodymann Announces New Album Sinner". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
- Pierre, Alphonse (May 1, 2020). "Moodymann Announces New Album Taken Away, Shares New Song "Do Wrong": Listen". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
- Zuberi, Nabeel (2004). "Sound Exchange: Media and Music Cultures". In Downing, John D. H. (ed.). The Sage Handbook of Media Studies. Sage Publications. p. 436.
- Sherburne, Philip (May 29, 2018). "Moodymann's Soulful Anthems Redefined Detroit Dance Music. Here Are 8 of His Best". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- O'Neil, Luke (January 16, 2019). "Moodymann: police aim rifles at Detroit DJ in encounter caught on video". The Guardian. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- Yoo, Noah; Minsker, Evan (January 17, 2019). "Moodymann Shares Chaotic Police Video, Says He Was Arrested at Gunpoint". Pitchfork. Retrieved June 18, 2019.
- "Moodymann". Bandcamp. Retrieved June 13, 2020.
External links
- Mahogani Music
- Moodymann discography at Discogs