Wanz facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Wanz
Wanz at the University of San Francisco, 2013
Background information
Birth name	Michael Wansley
Also known as	TeeWanz
Born	(1961-10-09) October 9, 1961 (age 63) Seattle, Washington, U.S.
Genres	Hip hop alternative hip hop R&B Pop
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter rapper
Instruments	Vocals bass guitar
Years active	1980–present
Associated acts	The Rangehoods Macklemore Ryan Lewis J-HAZE

Michael "Mike" Wansley (born October 9, 1961), known as Wanz or TeeWanz, is an American singer, songwriter, and rapper. He sings in many styles, like rock, R&B, soul, hip hop, and pop music.

Wanz became famous for being featured on the song "Thrift Shop". This song was a huge hit for the Seattle-based duo Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. "Thrift Shop" even won two Grammy Awards for Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song.

Wanz's Early Life and Music Journey

Wanz started singing when he was young. He performed in church, at school, and even on the street. He learned about jazz and pop music early on and studied jazz in school.

He has been performing since the early 1980s. When he was 21, he started a band called Boys Will Be Boys. They played cover songs, including music by INXS.

In the early 1990s, Wanz became the bass player for a Seattle band called The Rangehoods. He was also the bass player and singer for a hard-funk band named Lifering. Later, he led a band called the Ghetto Monks, which also found some success.

For about ten years, Wanz sang the main catchy parts (called hooks) in songs for D. Sane and Street Level Records. In the summer of 2011, he also took part in an opera called Porgy and Bess.

From Software to Superstardom

Wanz went to Lakes High School in Lakewood, Washington. Before he became famous with "Thrift Shop", Wanz worked full-time as a software test engineer. He worked for big companies like Microsoft, Adapx, and Volt.

In 2012, D. Sane called Wanz and introduced him to Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. They wanted him to sing the hook for their song "Thrift Shop". This song became a massive international hit!

After the song's success, Wanz toured with Macklemore and Ryan Lewis. He performed with them on popular TV shows like The Ellen DeGeneres Show, Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, and Saturday Night Live. You can also see him in the official music video for "Thrift Shop".

Wanz has written a book about his sayings, called #The Book of Wanz. He also gave a special talk called a Ted Talk, titled "You Too Can Be Your Own Unicorn".

In 2015, Wansley went back to working as a quality-assurance engineer for a software company called Tableau. He also works with young people who need help and supports other good causes. At the same time, he continues to create new music.

Wanz's Music: Albums and Songs

Wanz has released his own music and has been featured on many other artists' songs.

Albums and EPs

• Long Way Home (1991) - with The Rangehoods
• High Steppin' (1999) - with Ghetto Monks
• Wander (2013) - an Extended Play (EP)

Songs Featuring Wanz

Wanz is well-known for lending his voice to other artists' tracks.

• "Thrift Shop" (2012) - by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis featuring Wanz. This song was a huge hit around the world.
• "Pull with Me" (2003) - by Dividenz featuring Wanz
• "Take This Flight" (2004) - by Crytical featuring Dividenz & Wanz
• "Rain" (2006) - by Dividenz featuring Wanz
• "No Way" (2006) - by Dividenz featuring Wanz
• "I'm Gon' Preach" (2010) - by The Competitive Hustle League featuring Wanz
• "Family" (2014) - by Ridsa featuring Wanz
• "To: Nate Dogg" (2014) - featuring Warren G, Grynch & Crytical
• "Still Believe" (2015) - by J-HAZE featuring Wanz
• "Back to Work" (2018) - by Wizdom featuring Wanz