Jazze Pha facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Jazze Pha
Jazze Pha in 2019
Background information
Birth name	Phalon Anton Alexander
Born	Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop
Occupations	Songwriter rapper singer record producer
Instruments	Keyboards vocals sampler percussion bass drums
Years active	1988–present
Labels	Elektra Sho'nuff Atlantic Futuristic
Parent(s)	James Alexander (father)

Phalon Anton Alexander, known professionally as Jazze Pha (/ˌdʒæzi ˈfeɪ/ JAZ-ee-_-fay), is an American songwriter, rapper, and record producer. He founded the record label Sho'nuff Records in 1995, through which he signed R&B singer Ciara in 2003. He produced her 2004 single "1, 2 Step," which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 as he served as the executive producer for its parent album, Goodies (2004). Released in a joint venture with LaFace Records, the album was met with critical and commercial success, although she parted ways with Sho'nuff shortly after.

During the remaining decade, Alexander's subsequent productions proved commercially successful. He is credited on the Billboard Hot 100-top ten singles "Get Up" also for Ciara and "So What" for Field Mob, the top 20 singles "Let's Get Down" for Bow Wow, "Let's Get Away" for T.I. and "Just Fine" for Mary J. Blige, as well as the top 40 singles "Area Codes" for Ludacris and "Do That..." for Birdman. Alexander is also known as a hype man for many of his productions, for which he may often perform as a credited recording artist or backing vocalist. Apart from Ciara, his Sho'nuff label has signed the musical acts Ayo & Teo and Cherish. As a recording artist himself, he signed with Elektra Records to release his debut album in 1990.

Early life

Jazze Pha was born and raised in Memphis, Tennessee. His father is James Alexander, bassist for the Bar-Kays, an influential group on the Memphis soul scene in the 1960s. His mother, Denise Williams, is an accomplished singer, having worked with everyone from Earth, Wind, and Fire to Barbra Streisand. Pha was named after the late Phalon Jones, another member of the Bar-Kays, who died in the December 10, 1967, plane crash.

Career

Pha is known for announcing "Ladies and gentlemen" or "This is a Jazze Phizzle product-shizzle!", both at the beginning and, occasionally, at the end of songs in which he produced. In 1990, Pha was signed to Elektra Records.

Discography

Studio albums

• Rising To The Top (1990)

Guest appearances

See also

In Spanish: Jazze Pha para niños