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Redfoo
Redfoo in 2011
Born
Stefan Kendal Gordy

(1975-09-03) September 3, 1975 (age 49)
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Occupations
  • Rapper
  • singer
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • dancer
  • record producer
  • DJ
Years active1993–present
Parents
RelativesSky Blu (half-nephew)
Rockwell (half-brother) Rhonda Ross Kendrick (half-sister)
Rodney Kendrick (half-brother-in-law)
Bianca Lawson (first cousin once removed)
FamilyGordy family
Musical career
Genres
Instruments
  • Vocals
  • piano
  • keytar
Labels
Websiteredfoo.com

Stefan Kendal Gordy (born September 3, 1975), better known by his stage name Redfoo, is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, actor, dancer, record producer and DJ best known for being part of the musical duo LMFAO, and for their hit songs "Party Rock Anthem" and "Sexy and I Know It". Redfoo formed the duo with his half-nephew, Sky Blu, in 2006. They released two studio albums, "Party Rock" in 2009, and "Sorry for Party Rocking" in 2011, before going on an indefinite hiatus in 2012. He is the only son of Nancy Leiviska, and the youngest son of Berry Gordy Jr; the founder of Motown Record Corporation; his half-brother is recording artist Rockwell.[2]

Early life

Gordy was born on September 3, 1975, to Berry Gordy Jr., the founder of the Motown record label,[3] and writer-producer Nancy Leiviska. His maternal grandfather was Finnish.[4] He attended junior high school with will.i.am and GoonRock.[5] Gordy graduated from Palisades Charter High School in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, California in 1993.[6]

Career

1994–2005: Balance Beam

In 1994, Redfoo scored his first major production credit for the song "Back in the Day" by Los Angeles rapper Ahmad and co-produced seven other tracks on Ahmad's self-titled debut album.[7] In 1996, he signed with Bubonic Records, and he worked in collaboration with the rapper Dre' Kroon for an album together.[8] The album, Balance Beam, was released on October 10, 1997.[9] Redfoo and Kroon released two singles: "Life Is a Game Of Chess"[10] and "The Freshest".[11] In 1999, he collaborated on "Duet" with The Black Eyed Peas, from their album Behind the Front.[12] He also produced Focused Daily for Defari.[13] In 2004, Figgkidd released "I Gotta Know" as single which featured vocals from Redfoo and Tech N9ne.[14] The song peaked at number 50 in Australia.[15]

2006–12: Breakthrough with LMFAO

Redfoo during the LMFAO's Sorry for Party Rocking Tour, in 2011

He formed the electro-pop band LMFAO with his nephew Sky Blu in 2006. The duo started building a local buzz through their shows and radio play.[16] Once they had recorded some demos, Redfoo's friend will.i.am introduced them to Interscope head Jimmy Iovine, who gave the green light for them to be signed to Interscope/will.i.am Music.[16] Interscope A&R and will.i.am manager Neil Jacobson told HitQuarters that the demos sounded like "finished records", and that so little artist development work was needed it was essentially a "turnkey operation" for the label.[16] LMFAO released the debut album, Party Rock on July 7, 2009. The album charted at number 33 on the Billboard 200 and number two on the Billboard Dance Chart.[17] Their first single was "I'm in Miami Bitch", which was released in December 2008, and peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100 and number 37 in Canada. In early 2009, a little-known DJ/producer, "DJ Inphinity", created a bootleg using the Silvio Ecomo remix of DJ Chuckie's 2008 hit "Let the Bass Kick" and the a cappella of LMFAO, creating "Bass Kick in Miami". That same year, LMFAO was featured in The Crystal Method's song "Sine Language".[18]

In 2010, they were featured in David Guetta's song "Gettin' Over You", which was an international hit, peaking in the top ten in eleven countries and at number one in three of them, including in the United Kingdom. It also peaked at number 31 on the U.S. Hot 100 and at number 12 in Canada. The duo then recorded their second album, Sorry for Party Rocking, late in 2010 and released it on June 17, 2011, in the U.S. The first single taken from the album, "Party Rock Anthem", was released on January 1, 2011. It features British singer Lauren Bennett formerly of the girl pop group Paradiso Girls and producer GoonRock, and showcases the Melbourne Shuffle dance style in its popular video. The song is so far the most successful of their career, peaking at number one in the United States,[19] Canada, the UK and over ten other countries, as well as being in the top ten in many others. The second single from Sorry for Party Rocking, "Champagne Showers", was released on May 27, 2011, and features English singer-songwriter Natalia Kills.[20] The third single, "Sexy and I Know It", was released on October 3, 2011, and reached number one on the iTunes charts worldwide and number one on the Australian and Canadian Hot 100.

Also in 2011, LMFAO embarked on the world tour Sorry for Party Rocking Tour.[21] They were also the opening acts for American singer Kesha's "Get Sleazy Tour". After they released "Sexy and I Know It" as single and became the duo's second number one in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.[22] On February 5, 2012, the group appeared with Madonna at the Super Bowl XLVI during the Bridgestone Halftime Show. They performed during her song "Music", which contained a mash-up with "Party Rock Anthem" and "Sexy and I Know It".[23] Also in 2012, Redfoo was sued by a previous management company for $7 million, claiming breach of contract.[24] On September 21, 2012, the duo released a statement announcing their hiatus. Redfoo said, "I feel like we've been doing this for so long, five or six years", and that he and Sky Blu would not be performing together anytime soon as they would be taking their careers in different directions.[25]

2012–15: Television and solo releases

Redfoo performing in 2012

In December 2012, Redfoo released his first solo single "Bring Out the Bottles" and appeared in the film Last Vegas. On April 21, 2013, Redfoo was confirmed as Guy Sebastian's replacement for the fifth season of the Australian version of The X Factor, a singing talent television show, joining Ronan Keating, Natalie Bassingthwaighte and fellow debuting judge Dannii Minogue, who replaced Mel B. Because of commitments to The X Factor, he relocated to Sydney, Australia in 2013. In September, Redfoo released a new hit single titled "Let's Get Ridiculous", which he premiered on The X Factor Australia, performing live during the third live show. The single debuted at number one on the ARIA Singles Chart and was certified four times platinum by the Australian Recording Industry Association.[26] On October 19, 2013, Redfoo released the pilot episode of his new comedy web series, Behind the Speedo.[27] A second episode was released on March 25, 2014.[28] In 2014, Redfoo returned for the sixth season of The X Factor Australia. In June 2014, he released a new single titled "Where The Baes At" with Eric D-lux and Rio. In August 2014, Redfoo released a new single titled "New Thang"[29] and peaked at number three in Australia.[30]

The promotional single "Like Ya Just Don't Care" was released on September 2, 2014.[31] The single is part of his solo debut album, Party Rock Mansion, but under the title "Keep Shining", the first track on the album. In October 2014, Redfoo was featured on Play-N-Skillz song and video "Literally I Can't" along with Lil Jon and Enertia McFly. The song attracted widespread criticism for being misogynistic.[32] On February 24, 2015, Redfoo was announced as one of the celebrities who will compete on the 20th season of Dancing with the Stars. He was partnered with professional dancer Emma Slater.[33] He had been a guest judge on the 18th season of the show, and is the first guest judge ever to return as a contestant. He and Slater were the first couple eliminated from the competition on March 23, 2015.[34] On May 1, 2015, Redfoo announced that he would not be returning for the seventh season of The X Factor Australia.[35]

2016–present: Party Rock Mansion

Redfoo announced his second album, Party Rock Mansion, near the end of December 2015. He released a promotional single, "Lights Out", on January 15, 2016. The album was released on March 18, 2016, receiving mixed reviews from music critics, as well as being a commercial failure, with only 144 copies sold throughout Australia in its first week of release.

He has since released the singles "Brand New Day" and "Sock It to Ya" in 2017, and "Everything I Need" in 2018.

In 2020, his previously released single "New Thang" went viral on TikTok, being used in many videos and gaining newfound traction.[citation needed]

Business interests

Redfoo is a former day trader and has been featured on business television CNBC's Mad Money with Jim Cramer.[36]

Personal life

Redfoo began dating former number one[37] ranked tennis player Victoria Azarenka in 2012, but the couple split in 2014. He attended the 2012 US Open, 2013 Australian Open, 2013 Wimbledon Championships and 2014 Australian Open as a member of Azarenka's player box.[38] As a tennis player, he attempted to qualify for the 2013 US Open as a wild-card entry. He entered the USTA Northern California Sectional qualifying tournament in June and was knocked out 6–1, 6–2 in his first match.[39] Since 2018, he has been dating Jasmine Alkouri, a chef and road manager who now lives with him in his mansion.

Redfoo, through his line of Party Rock clothing, sponsored the Red Rock Pro Open, an ITF Women's Circuit tournament held in Las Vegas, from 2012 to 2013. Tyler Weeks, a tennis pro at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, mentioned to Foo that his tournament needed a new sponsor after giving him a lesson, and Foo agreed for Party Rock clothing to be the new sponsor. The event is usually held at the end of September.[40][41]

Redfoo became a vegan in 2017.[citation needed]

Discography

Main article: Redfoo discography
For the discography with his band, see LMFAO discography.
Studio albums

Filmography

Films
Year Title Role
2006 Very Heavy Love Chris Williams
Potheads: The Movie Loco
2013 Last Vegas Himself
2015 Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Road Chip[42] Himself
Television
Year Title Role Notes
2013–14 The X Factor Australia Himself / Judge / Mentor Season 5–6
2014 The X Factor Himself / Judge / Mentor "Live Show 5" (Season 11, Episode 23)
Dancing with the Stars Himself / Judge / Performer Season 18, Episode 6
2015 Dancing with the Stars Himself / Contestant Season 20
Web
Year Title Role Notes
2015–present Say It In Song[43] Presenter Web-show
2016 Good Mythical Morning Participant Episode #879

References

  1. ^ "Redfoo Biography, Songs, & Albums | AllMusic". AllMusic. Archived from the original on 2021-10-06. Retrieved 2021-10-06.
  2. ^ "Spectacular Isle of MTV on the Granaries". Timesofmalta.com. June 30, 2011. Archived from the original on November 5, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  3. ^ "Pop Music Listings for June 22–29". The New York Times. 21 June 2012. Archived from the original on 29 June 2012. Retrieved 23 August 2012.
  4. ^ Jenkkistaralla suomalainen pappa Archived 2016-09-01 at the Wayback Machine (in Finnish) Yle
  5. ^ Jones, Steve (28 January 2010). "Grammy-nominated LMFAO is having the last laugh". USA Today. Archived from the original on 29 August 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  6. ^ "LMFAO: Looking at the Dance-Party Gurus' Rise to Music Dominance!". Snakkle.com. Pontiac Digital Media. Archived from the original on 19 April 2012. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  7. ^ Murphy, Nick (June 4, 2015). "He's Still Here, Bitch: The Bizarre Life of LMFAO's Redfoo". Rolling Stone. Archived from the original on June 7, 2015. Retrieved June 26, 2015.
  8. ^ "Red Foo & Dre Kroon – Balance Beam". Discogs. 2011-05-30. Archived from the original on 2011-06-24. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  9. ^ "Red Foo & Dre Kroon – Balance Beam". Allmusic. 2011-05-30. Archived from the original on 2014-03-05. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  10. ^ "Red Foo & Dre Kroon – Life Is A Game Of Chess". Discogs. 2011-05-30. Archived from the original on 2016-03-10. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  11. ^ "Red Foo & Dre Kroon – The Freshest". Discogs. 2011-05-30. Archived from the original on 2011-06-23. Retrieved June 4, 2011.
  12. ^ "iTunes – Music – Behind the Front by The Black Eyed Peas". Itunes.apple.com. 1998-06-29. Archived from the original on 2021-10-26. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
  13. ^ "Focused Daily – Defari". Allmusic. 1998-06-29. Archived from the original on 2012-09-11. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
  14. ^ "Figgkidd featuring Red Foo – I Gotta Know". Discogs. Archived from the original on 10 March 2016. Retrieved 1 August 2015.
  15. ^ Hung, Steffen. "Discography Redfoo". Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien (Steffen Hung). Archived from the original on 2013-10-02. Retrieved 2013-06-03.
  16. ^ a b c "Interview with Neil Jacobson (part 1)". HitQuarters. 18 June 2012. Archived from the original on 18 November 2015. Retrieved 26 August 2012.
  17. ^ "LMFAO df Los Angeles Times Review". Interscope.com. Archived from the original on June 23, 2012. Retrieved April 25, 2011.
  18. ^ "The Crystal Method". The Crystal Method. 2010-06-03. Archived from the original on 2012-04-22. Retrieved 2012-03-29.
  19. ^ Trust, Gary (2011-07-06). "LMFAO Brings the 'Party' to Top of Hot 100". Billboard. Archived from the original on 2020-11-30. Retrieved 2011-07-06.
  20. ^ Singles Release Diary – Music Archived 2011-05-26 at the Wayback Machine. Digital Spy. Retrieved on 2011-10-05.
  21. ^ "LMFAO Live in Malaysia, Philippines & Singapore". mistazam.com. Archived from the original on October 26, 2021. Retrieved April 22, 2011.
  22. ^ "The Kia Soul Shuffle Slam with LMFAO at Halloween House". YouTube. Archived from the original on November 30, 2011. Retrieved November 11, 2011.
  23. ^ "MDNA (Deluxe Edition) by Madonna". iTunes. Apple, Inc. Archived from the original on 2012-02-05. Retrieved 2012-02-03.
  24. ^ TMZ Staff, "LMFAO The $7 Million SURPRISE at American Idol", tmz.com, April 20, 2012
  25. ^ "LMFAO's Redfoo, SkyBlu Split". B96 Chicago. September 21, 2012. Archived from the original on November 13, 2013. Retrieved August 18, 2013.
  26. ^ "ARIA Charts – Accreditations – 2014 Singles". Australian Recording Industry Association. Archived from the original on 8 August 2014. Retrieved 2 September 2014.
  27. ^ Redfoo. "Behind The Speedo – Episode 1 (Pilot)". Youtube. Archived from the original on 2014-04-10. Retrieved 2014-04-21.
  28. ^ Redfoo. "Behind The Speedo – Episode 2". Youtube. Archived from the original on 2014-04-10. Retrieved 2014-04-21.
  29. ^ "Paloma Faith and Redfoo – Top 10 Live Decider Special Guests". Yahoo!7. 1 September 2014. Archived from the original on 8 September 2014. Retrieved 1 September 2014.
  30. ^ Hung, Steffen. "Discography Redfoo". Australian Charts Portal. Hung Medien (Steffen Hung). Archived from the original on 2013-10-02. Retrieved 2013-06-03.
  31. ^ "iTunes – Music – Like Ya Just Don't Care – Single by Redfoo". iTunes. 2 September 2014. Archived from the original on 6 January 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  32. ^ "Redfoo And Lil Jon Have Released The Worst Song Of The Year, Literally". Pedestrian.TV. 10 November 2014. Archived from the original on 20 March 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  33. ^ "'Dancing With the Stars' 2015: Season 20 Celebrity Cast Announced". ABC News. Archived from the original on 12 February 2018. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  34. ^ "Dancing with the Stars 2015 Results Tonight March 23: DWTS Eliminates Redfoo". lalate news – America's Fastest Growing Celebrity News Site!. Archived from the original on 2 April 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  35. ^ "The X Factor 2015: Redfoo will not return to The X Factor as a judge". The Daily Telegraph. 1 May 2015. Retrieved 1 May 2015.
  36. ^ LMFAO's Redfoo Tops Music and Stock Charts Archived 2013-03-02 at the Wayback Machine CNBC. August 19, 2011. Retrieved 2011-08-21.
  37. ^ "Rankings". WTA Tennis English. Archived from the original on 2019-06-05. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  38. ^ "Victoria Azarenka's boyfriend is Redfoo of LMFAO". 24 January 2013. Archived from the original on 31 March 2015. Retrieved 24 March 2015.
  39. ^ "Stefan 'Redfoo' Gordy to make bid to play in U.S. Open". ESPN. 2013-03-15. Archived from the original on 2014-10-27. Retrieved 2014-07-29.
  40. ^ "Musician Redfoo Backs USTA Pro Circuit's Party Rock Open". Tennis East Coast. Archived from the original on September 28, 2012. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  41. ^ "LMFAO's Redfoo: Party rocking on the court". US Open. Archived from the original on October 25, 2012. Retrieved November 9, 2012.
  42. ^ "Redfoo Juicy Orange Studded Flat Top Glasses from Alvin". The Take. 2015-02-11. Archived from the original on 2017-07-05. Retrieved 2015-03-22.
  43. ^ "Say It In Song". MTV. 2015-02-11. Archived from the original on 2015-08-08. Retrieved 2015-03-22.
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