Praiz'

Vance Lee Watt II (born August 16, 1976), better known by his stage name Praiz', is an American entertainer, songwriter, producer, singer, and worship leader. As an artist, Praiz' is best known for the single "Deliver Me".

Praiz'
Praiz' in 2005
Background information
Birth nameVance Lee Watt II
Also known asV'land, V'leezy, Bro. Vance
Born (1976-08-16) August 16, 1976
Gary, Indiana, U.S.
OriginSt. Louis, Missouri
GenresR&B, Pop, Gospel, Christian Rap, CCM
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter, music producer, recording engineer, mixing engineer
InstrumentsVocals, piano, drums, guitar, bass, talkbox
Years active1995–present
Labels5464 Music, Parking Lot Praiz' Beats, Lighthouse Records, Jericho Records, 5464 Entertainment, W.B.M.S
Associated acts
  • Thi'sl
  • Flame
  • Dalon Collins
  • Linton Weems Jr.
  • Andre Forbes
Websitewww.iampraiz.com

Early life

Praiz', a native of Chicago, Illinois was born in Gary, Indiana but later relocated to St. Louis, Missouri after his father died. He is the youngest of four children.

Career

1995–1999 Career Beginnings

Praiz' began to make a name for himself as a producer, performer and writer in St. Louis, Missouri. Traveling with his uncle, promoter and manager Sonny Metcalfe, Praiz' learned the business and honed his studio and performing skills. After performing with several R&B groups, Praiz' decided to go solo. In 1999 Praiz' released his first self-produced R&B solo album entitled Wave Yo Hands. Praiz' performed concerts with R&B acts Boyz II Men, Ginuwine, Outkast and oldie artists Con Funk Shun and The Dells.

1999–2003: Jericho Records

Wave Yo Hands became the only R&B album Praiz' officially released. After a serious car accident, he turned his focus to producing, engineering and writing for several hip hop, R&B, gospel and christian rap artists including Chingy and Thi'sl. During this time, Praiz' formed Jericho Records with his business partner and mentor Darren Mack Sr. Together, with Praiz' as the sole producer and writer, they produced for a series of Contemporary Gospel artists including Young Saint, Holy Child, Psalms and 2 Life 2 Christ compilations. This led them to win several awards such as Praise God Productions "Record Company of the Year Award" in 2000. During this time Praiz' released two self-produced and written independent contemporary gospel albums: The Race and Preacha's Ball.

2004–2011: Parking Lot Praiz' Beats

Praiz' parted ways with his previous recording artists and partners to form Parking Lot Praiz' Beats. In 2005 Praiz' released The Take Over as an independent artist. The album led with singles "Deliver Me", "Selah Selah", "Praiz" and "More Than Conquerers". Weeks later, his song "Deliver Me" became highly requested on top R&B and Gospel Clear Channel radio stations, leading the song to become No. 1 for several weeks and remained in the top 10 for more than a year. Chris King, chief editor of The St. Louis American wrote a detailed review of the album with front page cover, stating "The devil must be mad as hell at STL's new prince of Praiz'".[1]

Awards

In 2006 Praiz' won "Best Contemporary Gospel Artists" from Saint Louis Music Awards, sponsored by KDHX FM 88.1 and Playback STL magazine.[2]

Best Gospel Artist of 2006[3]

2012 The Best St. Louis Gospel Musicians of All Time[4]

Style of music

Praiz' has been called the Nelly of Gospel. Reporter Chris King described Praiz' in an article saying, "But where Nelly came up with the club, the grind and the streets in his verses, Praiz' is all about God and Jesus and the Holy Ghost. What can I say? The Nelly of gospel is in the house – God's house, that is, but we get to listen, and it sure does sound good."[1]

Personal life

Praiz' married in 2003 and has 4 children. Praiz' is a worship pastor and musician leading worship weekly in the community.

Discography

Albums
  • Wave Yo Hands (1998)
  • The Race (1999)
  • Preacha's Ball (2002)
  • The Take Over (2005)
  • Pride (2008)
  • Anthem Lineage (2014)
  • The Perfect Peace Project (2016)

Singles
  • Let Go (2010)
  • Stomp On the Devil (2011)
  • We Are Family (2015)
  • Celebrate Joy Is Here (2016)
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See also
  • List of American musicians

References
  1. King, Chris (July 28, 2005). "The Nelly of gospel". St. Louis American. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  2. King, Chris (April 27, 2006). "Praiz' live at Music Awards and Christian Ferguson benefit". St. Louis American. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  3. "Best of St. Louis 2006". Riverfront Times. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
  4. "The Best St. Louis Gospel Musicians of All Time". June 1, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
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