Michael Uzowuru

Michael Uzowuru (born November 10, 1991), also known by his nickname Uzi, is a Nigerian–American record producer, musician, and songwriter from Cypress, California. He has produced for Frank Ocean, Vince Staples, Earl Sweatshirt, and Vic Mensa, among others.

Early life

Michael Uzowuru was born on November 10, 1991 in Los Angeles and raised in both Cypress, California and Rancho Cucamonga, California.

Music career

Michael Uzowuru began his music career by working with a number of collaborators. His earlier projects include works with Vince Staples and Odd Future's Domo Genesis, Matt Martians from The Jet Age of Tomorrow, and Hodgy Beats.

In 2012, Uzowuru released a mixtape entitled Winter in Prague with longtime friend and collaborator Vince Staples.^[1] The mixtape received positive reviews, sending waves through the independent music world. In 2013, Uzowuru produced the opening track "Pre" for Earl Sweatshirt's debut album Doris. Later that year, he produced "Tweakin" and "Yap Yap" for Chicago rapper Vic Mensa's second mixtape Innanetape, gaining Uzowuru more recognition for his production.

In addition to producing for other artists, he has released a number of instrumental and solo projects. Notably Paisley Palm Trees, which was premiered by The FADER magazine^[2] and his most recent project Pink Orchids', released in August 2014. A departure from his beat production, the project is composed of cinematic instrumentals with a feature from Vic Mensa on the track "Waves".

In 2016, Uzowuru's name appeared on the production credits for Frank Ocean's project "Endless" as well as Frank Ocean's long awaited second album Blond. Uzowuru is credited as both a writer and a producer on the track "Nights".^[3][4] Released on August 20, 2016, the album is a follow up to Frank's critically acclaimed 2012 album Channel ORANGE. He is slated to appear on rapper Kevin Abstract's second album American Boyfriend as a producer and collaborator.^[5]

Discography

Solo

• Space is the Place (2010)
• The Mellowest Trip (2010)
• No Need For Sense (2010)
• Paisley Palm Trees (2011)
• Pink Orchids (2014)

Collaborations

• Winter in Prague (with Vince Staples) (2012)

Production discography

2016

Frank Ocean – Endless

• 17. "Rushes To" (produced with Frank Ocean, Troy Noka & Joe Thornalley)

Frank Ocean – blond

• 09. "Nights" (produced with Frank Ocean, Buddy Ross & Vegyn)

2014

Vic Mensa –

• "Major Payne"

2013

Earl Sweatshirt – Doris

• 01. "Pre" (featuring SK La' Flare)

Vic Mensa – INNANETAPE

• 04. "Tweakin" (featuring Chance the Rapper)
• 12. "Yap Yap"

2012

Domo Genesis –

• "Crushed Velvet"

Vince Staples –

• "Champagne Wishlist"
• "Vicoden"

2011

Domo Genesis –

• "Cashmere"

Domo Genesis – Under the Influence

• 12. "Mind Games"

Vince Staples –

• "Martin Ruger King"
• "Barreta Scott King"
• "Gold Chain Ricky"

Vince Staples – Shyne Coldchain Vol. 1

• 06. "Versace Rap"

Hodgy Beats –

• "April 27th"

2010

The Jet Age of Tomorrow – Journey to the 5th Echelon

• 11. "Want You Still" (featuring Kilo Kish)

References