The Wrldfms Tony Williams facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The WRLDFMS Tony Williams
Williams in 2006
Background information
Birth name	Antony Von Williams
Also known as	Penafire the World Famous Tony Williams
Born	Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, U.S.
Origin	Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Genres	R&B hip hop soul gospel
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter record producer
Years active	2003–present
Labels	GOOD The High Society Uncle Pete's Parade

Antony Von Williams, known as the WRLDFMS Tony Williams, is an American singer and songwriter. He was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Tony Williams is the first cousin of famous American rapper Kanye West. He has sung or helped write songs for most of Kanye West's albums. His work with West started with the album The College Dropout in 2004.

Early Life and Musical Beginnings

Tony Williams grew up as an only child in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Both his parents loved music. He received his first instrument, a saxophone, when he was eight years old. Williams sang in youth choirs at church. He also played in the marching band until his tenth year of high school.

His love for music continued as he grew up. He formed several bands that played different styles of music. These styles included funk, rock, and Christian alternative. Tony Williams was always the lead singer in these bands.

Tony Williams' Music Career

Tony Williams has had a successful career as both a songwriter and a singer. He has worked with many well-known artists. His unique voice and writing skills have made him famous.

Becoming a Songwriter

Tony Williams uses the name "Penafire" when he writes songs. He helped write two songs on Kanye West's album The College Dropout. This album won a Grammy Award in 2004. After this success, Williams was asked to write for all of West's future albums.

In a 2005 MTV show, Composing History, Williams was shown working. He was helping Brandy record vocals for the song "Bring Me Down." He co-wrote this song. During the show, Kanye West said Williams was "a great writer with a cutting edge voice."

Tony Williams as a Singer

Tony Williams first became known as a singer on Kanye West's album The College Dropout. He sang a version of the gospel song "I'll Fly Away" on it. On West's second album, Late Registration, Kanye would mention Williams in the song "We Major." This led to fans saying, "I gotta say what's up to Tony Williams."

On the same album, Tony wrote the main part for the song "Roses." He sang on this song with Patti LaBelle. This album helped fans connect his voice and name with his face. He was also featured in the song and music video for "Drive Slow." Later, he sang with Kanye on the MTV show Life and Rhymes of Kanye West.

Williams became known as the background singer who always joined Kanye West on tour. He traveled with West on several world tours.

Tony Williams has performed at two different Inaugural Balls. He sang with Jay-Z on the song History at the Neighborhood Ball. He also performed with Kanye West at the Youth Ball. His voice is recognized on many popular Hip Hop songs. He has performed with artists like Jay-Z, Kanye West, Nas, Game, and Rick Ross.

In March 2010, Williams released his first big project, a mixtape. It was called The World Famous Tony Williams: Finding Dakota Grey. This mixtape was released with the GOOD Music label. It included new songs, covers of other songs, and remixes.

In October 2010, Williams released his first single, "Everything About You." This song was from his first studio album, King or the Fool. The album came out on February 14, 2012.

Becoming a Featured Artist

Williams first got to show his own artistic style in 2007. He appeared on Kanye's Can't Tell Me Nothing mixtape. He sang a song he wrote called "Dreaming of Your Love," which Kanye produced. This helped him become known as a "featured artist."

Around this time, Williams added "The World Famous" to his name. He did this to avoid confusion with a famous drummer who had the same name. Also, in the song "Dreaming of Your Love," the intro says, "You're listening to the world famous." Williams has had songs played on the radio in Brazil. He sang some parts in Portuguese. He also had some success on music charts in France.

On January 13, 2024, Kanye (now known as "Ye") posted a picture of himself and Williams. The picture was from the 2016 Yeezy Season 3 event. This post hinted that they might work together on Kanye's upcoming album, "Bully."

Discography

This section lists the music Tony Williams has released.

Studio Albums

EPs

Mixtapes

Singles

As Lead Artist

Other Charted Songs

Album Credits

This table shows the albums and songs Tony Williams has worked on. It lists his roles, like singing or writing.

Images for kids

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  Kanye West performing at the Coachella festival with Tony Williams in 2006.