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| background = solo_singer
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = Vincenzo Luvineri
| birth_name = Vincenzo Luvineri
| alias = Ikon the Verbal Hologram, Odrama Vin Laden, Pazmanian Damien, Louie Doggs, The Pazmanian Devil, Pazienza, Vin Laden, Boxcutter Pazzy, Pistelero Pazzy
| alias = Ikon the Verbal Hologram, Odrama Vin Laden, Pazmanian Damien, Louie Doggs, Pazienza, Boxcutter Pazzy, Pistelero Pazzy
| birth_place = [[Agrigento]], [[Sicily]], [[Italy]]
| birth_place = [[Agrigento]], [[Sicily]], [[Italy]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|10|05|mf=yes}}
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1977|10|05|mf=yes}}

Revision as of 19:49, 9 April 2013

For the boxer, see Vinny Paz.
Vinnie Paz
File:Vinnie Paz in 2012.jpg
Vinnie Paz performing in 2012
Background information
Birth nameVincenzo Luvineri
Also known asIkon the Verbal Hologram, Odrama Vin Laden, Pazmanian Damien, Louie Doggs, Pazienza, Boxcutter Pazzy, Pistelero Pazzy
Born (1977-10-05) October 5, 1977 (age 46)
Agrigento, Sicily, Italy
GenresHip Hop, underground hip hop
Occupation(s)Rapper, Producer
Years active1992–present
LabelsEnemy Soil
Websitewww.jmthiphop.com/

Vincenzo Luvineri (born October 5, 1977), better known as Vinnie Paz (formerly known as Ikon the Verbal Hologram), is an Italian-American rapper and the lyricist behind the Philadelphia underground hip hop group Jedi Mind Tricks. He is also the frontman of the hip hop supergroup Army of the Pharaohs. [1]

Paz is known for his raw and gritty lyrical delivery. He is also known for his extensive use of studio punch-ins, seldom recording a verse in one take. His lyrics frequently contain references to religion, war, politics, mythology, conspiracy theories, and the paranormal. [2] His more recent albums such as Servants in Heaven Kings in Hell show a more obvious approach to politics and world issues.

This gritty style of Paz became apparent with the release of Violent by Design, and has become progressively more defined since its release. Vinnie Paz has a number of aliases, such as: Ikon the Verbal Hologram, Louie Doggs, Vinnie P, The Pazmanian Devil, Ikon The Python, Pazienza, and Vin Laden. Raised Catholic, Vinnie Paz is now a Muslim, which plays a major role in much of his lyrics, often controversially, as on Heavenly Divine, where he rapped "I'm with Allah 'cause he chose me, I broke into The Vatican, strangled The Pope with his rosary."[3] Vinnie is also a heavy metal fan, and occasionally uses song titles and band names in JMT tracks and lyrics. Paz started occasionally writing articles for the website maxboxing.com in 2011.[4]

Biography

Early Career (1992-1997)

Paz was born in Sicily, Italy, where he lived for a short time before moving with his family to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This Italian heritage, however, can be seen in his love for Italian food. During the early 1990's, Paz realized he had a passion for music, and started rapping at the age of 16. Originally taking the pseudonym of Ikon the Verbal Hologram. Paz originally started rapping with fellow Jedi Mind Tricks member Stoupe in his basement.

In 1996, Vinnie Paz released The Amber Probe EP. This was the debut EP from the duo and it was released in 1996. It featured guest appearance from The Lost Children of Babylon. It was in 1997, Jedi Mind Tricks released their debut album; The Psycho-Social, Chemical, Biological & Electro-Magnetic Manipulation of Human Consciousness (often abbreviated as The Psycho-Social CD. The group only consisted of Vinnie Paz, and Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind at this time and featured Apathy, Jus Allah, and Black Thought.[5]

From Ikon to Vinnie, Forming AOTP, Violent By Design (1999-2002)

In 1998, Paz formed together Army of the Pharaohs. Paz formed the horrorcore outfit with the original roster of Bahamadia, Chief Kamachi, Virtuoso, 7L & Esoteric, plus Jedi Mind Tricks' other members Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind and Jus Allah. The group first released the "Five Perfect Exertions" and "War Ensemble" 12" on Paz's short-lived Recordings in 1998, but then the underground supergroup remained silent for several years.[6] Together they released The Five Perfect Exertions EP.

In 2000, Vinnie Paz, along with Jedi Mind Tricks, released his second album Violent by Design.[7] Stoupe and Vinnie recruited Camden, New Jersey rapper Jus Allah to join them on the album, and while he was never officially inducted into the group, it can be assumed he became JMT's third member on the release, as his contributions were not marked as "featuring Jus Allah", while other close group affiliates such as Army of the Pharaohs members Chief Kamachi, Esoteric and Virtuoso were marked as featured guests[8]. On the album, Ikon the Verbal Hologram changed his name to Vinnie Paz, after the Rhode Island boxer Vinny Pazienza.<erf>From Ikon to Pazienza Vincent changes his rapper name</ref>

Visions of Gandhi, Legacy of Blood & Collaborations (2003-2006)

In 2003, Jedi Mind Tricks released their third studio album Visions of Gandhi. The album title was inspired by Foxy Brown's verse on the song "Affirmative Action" from Nas' 1996 album It Was Written, in which she raps "They praise Allah with visions of Gandhi". Vinnie Paz explained that it was "always something that stuck in my head but I never applied it to anything. Then I thought with everything going on in Palestine, the war with Iraq, Mumia's in jail. I just felt this is a time right now that the world and society need someone like Gandhi. So Visions of Gandhi just kind of reflects that."[9] In the following year they released Legacy of Blood.

In 2005, Paz shifted his focus back on to the supergroup Army of the Pharaohs. They collaboratively worked to release their debut album The Torture Papers. It was released on March 21, 2006 on Babygrande Records. [10] After the release of this Paz went back to his group Jedi Mind Tricks and worked on fifth studio album; Servants in Heaven, Kings in Hell. It was released September 19, 2006 through Babygrande Records.[11]

In 2006, Vinnie Paz released his first ever solo album; The Sound & The Fury (mixtape). It featured guest appearance from Apathy & OuterSpace. It was hosted by DJ Kwestion and altogether had 19 tracks.[12]

Ritual of Battle, A History of Violence, The Unholy Terror and Solo Career (2007-2010)

File:Vinnie-Paz.jpg
Vinnie Paz performing in 2009

Paz got together members of Army of the Pharaohs to release their second album; Ritual of Battle. It was released September 21, 2007 on Babygrande Records.[13]

On November 11, 2008, Jed Mind Tricks released their sixth studio album; A History of Violence. Just like most albums, it was released on Babygrande Records.[14] The album followed multiple summer releases from the Jedi Mind Tricks camp, including the group's first DVD, titled Divine Fire: The Story of Jedi Mind Tricks, and the Vinnie Paz-executive produced projects Jedi Mind Tricks presents Doap Nixon: Sour Diesel, Jedi Mind Tricks presents King Syze: The Labor Union, and Jedi Mind Tricks presents OuterSpace: God's Fury.[15]

In 2010, The Unholy Terror was released. It is the third studio album by Army of the Pharaohs. The official street release date was March 30, 2010, but the album was released early on March 19, 2010 on UGHH.com.[16] It was during this time Paz released his debut solo album; Season of the Assassin. It was originally supposed ti be called 'Assassin's Creed' and it's official release date was June 22, 2010.[17]

Violence Begets Violence & God of the Serengeti (2011-2012)

In 2011, Jedi Mind Tricks released their seventh studio album Violence Begets Violence. It is the first JMT album without the production help of Stoupe The Enemy Of Mankind because Vinnie Paz and Jus Allah grew tired of waiting.[18]

Paz released his second studio album God of the Serengeti. It was officially released on October 22, 2012.[19] This effort followed up 2010's Season Of The Assassin.

Digital Dynasty 23 & In Death Reborn (2013-present)

In 2013, it was announced that The Digital Dynasty would continue once more with another host from Philadelphia. Following from Digital Dynasty 22, which was hosted by Freeway, Digital Dynasty23 was hosted by Vinnie Paz.[20] It was released on January 31, 2013.

The Army Of The Pharoahes will reunite for their fourth LP called In Death Reborn. [21] On December 27, 2011, Vinnie Paz announced from his Facebook page, "Army of the Pharaohs - In Death Reborn - 2012". As of April, 2013, the album has still not been released.[22]. Through the official Facebook Page of Army of the Pharaohs, it was posted "New album is not finished. Don't know when it will be finished. Will let you know when there's a release date. No need for further questions."[23]

Ventures

Jedi Mind Tricks

Main article: Jedi Mind Tricks

Paz formed Jedi Mind Tricks with high school friend Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind, a producer and DJ also from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1993. They released their first EP in 1996 called Amber Probe through the Label Superegular Records, which featured three original tracks, two remixes and one instrumental all produced by Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind. Jedi Mind Tricks’ first official album came out 4 years later in 1997 called The Psycho-Social, Chemical, Biological & Electro-Magnetic Manipulation of Human Consciousness, “The Psycho-Social” for short. The album originally sold 1000 vinyl copies through Superegular Records, but was re-released in 2003 to combine for 25,000 sales. The album focuses mostly on astronomy, history and physics. Jedi Mind Tricks added two new members DJ Kwestion from Philadelphia in 1997, and Jus Allah from Camden, New Jersey in 1999. They went on to record seven studio albums with sales totaling over 250,000 in the US and 450,000 worldwide (only some including Jus Allah and DJ Kwestion). They also recorded fourteen EPs/singles. The group has collaborated with many other mostly underground east coast rappers including GZA, Kool G Rap, 7L & Esoteric, Sean Price, Ras Kass, Canibus, Percee P, Killah Priest, Immortal Technique, Virtuoso, Louis Logic, R.A. the Rugged Man, Tragedy Khadafi, and Ill Bill. After a falling out with Babygrande Records, the group created their own record label called Enemy Soil. They produce for artists such as Reef the Lost Cauze, Dutch, and Army of the Pharaohs. Jedi Mind Tricks released its most recent album titled Violence Begets Violence in 2011.[24]

Army of the Pharaohs

Main article: Army of the Pharaohs

Paz formed Army of the Pharaohs, an underground East Coast hip hop group featuring himself, Apathy, Celph Titled, Chief Kamachi, 7L & Esoteric, Planetary & Crypt the Warchild (OuterSpace), King Syze, Faez One, Jus Allah, Doap Nixon, Reef the Lost Cauze, Demoz, Block Mccloud, and Des Devious, although not every artist is on every track.

The original incarnation of the group included five MCs: Vinnie Paz, Chief Kamachi, Esoteric, Virtuoso and Bahamadia, along with Jedi Mind Tricks producer/DJ 7L (of 7L & Esoteric fame). The group released their debut EP/single "The Five Perfect Exertions" b/w "War Ensemble" in 1998. Both tracks were later included on JMT's 2000 album Violent by Design; with "The Five Perfect Exertions" being remixed into "Exertions Remix", and both "Exertions" and "War Ensemble" shedding Chief Kamachi's appearance. The Army of the Pharaohs project was put on the back-burner while JMT's career took off.

Solo Albums

Vinnie released his debut solo album Season of the Assassin on June 21, 2010, which peaked at number 25 on the US Billboard rap charts. The album featured guest appearances from Paul Wall, Ill Bill, Clipse among others.

Vinnie was working on his sophomore solo album God of the Serengeti, which featured production from DJ Premier, Psycho Les, C-Lance, among others.[25][26] It was officially released on 22, October 2012.[27] On June 21, Paz released the first official video off the album, for the single "Cheesesteaks"[28]

Beliefs

Sexuality in lyrics

Many people have criticized Paz for his use of homophobic lyrics in his music, but he claims that he is not homophobic and instead claims that these references are from his ignorant days on the streets, “I think the homophobia things is really just taken out of context from people in certain parts of the country or the world, with me, that was some (stuff) you said on the street. Like ‘Oh, dude is a (homosexual)’... it doesn’t necessarily have anything to do with homosexuality. It was just some ignorant street (stuff), know what I mean?”[29]

Politics

Paz is very outspoken about his distaste for former President George W. Bush. In an interview with Hip-Hop Linguistics, Paz stated “I think the logical move is for Hilary (Clinton) to run with Barack Obama as a running mate, I think them competing is sort of counterproductive.” He also went on to say “A monkey would be better than what we have now. When you have the worst president in the history of your country, there’s really nowhere to go but up” in reference to President Bush.[30]

Music industry

Following a falling out with Babygrande records, Vinnie Paz and the rest of Jedi Mind Tricks founded their own record label called Enemy Soil. Paz has long been outspoken about record labels taking most of the money from sales for themselves, and wishes for more rappers to be independent from labels.[31]

Religion

Vinnie was raised a Roman Catholic just like the majority of the people in southern Philadelphia. Although his family practiced Catholicism, Vinnie always felt disconnected from the religion. In high school, a good friend of his was Muslim, and he frequented this friend’s household. This particular friend's father began teaching Paz about the Qu'ran. As an adult he gradually converted to Islam and currently still is a Muslim. In an interview with Jason Goss, Paz stated; "Growing up yeah, I'm Italian and from Philly, so obviously my family is Roman Catholic. Religion and spirituality are a strange thing, ya know? Most people just grow up and accept the propaganda that their parents pushed on them. Christian families produce Christian kids, Jewish families produce Jewish kids, and so on. Not many people break that mold. I just never felt any connection with Catholicism, or Christianity in general. I spent a lot of time in high school at my homeboy Arif's crib, and he came from a Muslim family. I learned a lot there from his family and I got interested in Islam through them."[32]

Conspiracy theories

Jedi Mind Tricks and specifically Vinnie Paz are known for rapping about many different conspiracy theories. Most are chronicled in Paz’s song “End of Days” from his first solo album. The song features speech clips from famous conspiracy theorist David Icke. In this particular song, Paz raps about mostly conspiracy theories within the United States government. For instance he mentions that the terrorist attack on the World Trade Center towers was an inside job. He also introduces listeners to a place in California called Bohemian Grove, where world leaders and other influential men meet to discuss things that for the most part remain a mystery. Most of these conspiracy theories stem from the beliefs of a New World Order and the Illuminati.[33]

Discography

Solo albums

Mixtapes

  • Pazmanian Devil (2005)
  • The Sound and the Fury (2006)
  • Before the Assassin (2010)
  • Fires Of The Judas Blood (2010) [35]
  • The Priest of Bloodshed (2012)
  • Digital Dynasty 23 (2013)[36]

Extended Plays

  • Prayer for The Assassin (2010)[37]

EP's

Jedi Mind Tricks

Main article: Jedi Mind Tricks § Discography

Army of the Pharaohs

Main article: Army of the Pharaohs § Discography

References

  1. ^ HipHopUg
  2. ^ Vinnie Paz on Last.fm
  3. ^ Gloss, Jason. Philly should have been its own state. Philaflava. Accessed June 13, 2008.
  4. ^ "Ritual and Reflections of Battle"
  5. ^ Lyric Shall Bio
  6. ^ in.com jedi-mind-tricks-presents-army-of-the-pharaohs
  7. ^ http://www.undergroundhiphop.com/audio/detail.asp?ID=3861
  8. ^ http://rapreviews.com/archive/BTTL_violentbydesign.html
  9. ^ Joel & Andy. Vinnie Paz Interview. Art of Rhyme. Accessed April 13, 2008.
  10. ^ http://www.undergroundhiphop.com/store/detail.asp?UPC=BBG0324CD]
  11. ^ AllHipHop review
  12. ^ The Sound & The Fury (mixtape)
  13. ^ Vinnie on in.com
  14. ^ Babygrande News
  15. ^ Babygrande Jedi Mind Tricks News
  16. ^ "Army Of The Pharaohs - The Unholy Terror - Audio CD - Underground Hip Hop - Store". Underground Hip Hop. Retrieved 2012-10-04.
  17. ^ https://www.billboard.com/artist/vinnie-paz/chart-history/
  18. ^ http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.16798/title.jedi-mind-tricks-address-stoupes-departure-citing-lost-passion
  19. ^ "Vinnie Paz: God of the Serengeti (Cover)". Retrieved 2012-08-13.
  20. ^ Digital Dynasty 23
  21. ^ Planetary and PAz are recording
  22. ^ http://www.facebook.com/shariflacey/posts/4226755398087?comment_id=4066555&offset=0&total_comments=122
  23. ^ AOTP
  24. ^ http://artistwiki.com/vinnie-paz
  25. ^ Horowitz, Steven (2011-05-03). "Vinnie Paz Taps DJ Premier, Alchemist For Sophomore LP | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2012-09-23.
  26. ^ "Music - 411 Music Interview: Jedi Mind Tricks". 411mania.com. Retrieved 2012-09-23.
  27. ^ "Twitter / vinnie_paz: God of the Serengeti coming". Twitter.com. Retrieved 2012-09-23.
  28. ^ "Vinnie Paz "Cheesesteaks"". YouTube. 2012-06-21. Retrieved 2012-09-23.
  29. ^ “Vinnie Paz on Politics and HomoSexuality”, ‘’Hip-Hop Linguistics’’
  30. ^ “Vinnie Paz on Politics and HomoSexuality”, ‘’Hip-Hop Linguistics’’
  31. ^ “Jedi Mind Tricks”, ‘’Lyrics Freak’’
  32. ^ "Vinnie Paz Interview [PhilaFlava]". Retrieved 2012-10-09.
  33. ^ "End of Days Lyrics"
  34. ^ Paine, Jake (2012-09-04). "Vinnie Paz "God Of The Serengeti" Tracklist, Production Credits & Cover Art | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHop DX. Retrieved 2012-09-23.
  35. ^ "Fires Of The Judas Blood". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  36. ^ Digital Dynasty 23
  37. ^ "Vinnie-Paz-Prayer-Of-The-Assassin-EP". Discogs. Retrieved 2012-09-04.
  38. ^ http://conspiracyworldwide.podomatic.com/entry/index/2013-04-04T10_07_50-07_00
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