Paul Wall

Paul Michael Slayton (born March 11, 1981),[1] better known by his stage name Paul Wall, is an American rapper, actor, and DJ. He has spent much of his career affiliated with Swishahouse Records, and has released several albums under the label and collaborated with numerous other rappers signed to the label. He began his career performing alongside Chamillionaire with whom he released several albums, including 2002's independently released Get Ya Mind Correct, which went on to sell over 350,000 copies despite no major label distribution. In 2005, he was signed to Atlantic Records and became successful with his major label debut The Peoples Champ. Get Money, Stay True followed in 2007.[2] He has been nominated for one Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance as a Duo or Group for the song "Grillz", his 2007 collaboration with rapper Nelly.

Paul Wall
Slayton in June 2005
Background information
Birth namePaul Michael Slayton
Born (1981-03-11) March 11, 1981
Houston, Texas, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Occupation(s)
  • Rapper
  • songwriter
  • actor
  • disc jockey
Years active1998–present
Labels
Associated acts
Children2
Websitewww.paulwallbaby.com

Career

Swishahouse (1998–2005)

Wall attended Jersey Village High School and studied mass communications at the University of Houston for three years.[3][4] After proposing to do promotions for Michael "5000" Watts' company Swishahouse, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall came to 97.9 the Box (KBXX), Watts' radio station.[5] Paul and Chamillionaire convinced Watts to let them rap on his radio show and put the verses on one of his mixtapes. That mixtape was titled Choppin Em Up Part 2, which was released in mid-1999. The freestyle became so popular locally that Chamillionaire and Paul Wall became regular staples on Houston's mixtape circuit, appeared on several of Watts' mixtapes and became permanent members of Swishahouse.

After fellow member Slim Thug left the label, Chamillionaire and Paul Wall followed suit and the two started their own group known as The Color Changin' Click (named after Chamillionaire's chameleon persona). Each successive mixtape released by The Color Changin' Click led to more business opportunities; the most notable of which was a contract to do a full album for Paid in Full Records. A one-album contract was negotiated between the Color Changin' Click and Paid in Full's label head, DJ Madd Hatta from 97.9 The Box, and the CCC's first album, Get Ya Mind Correct, would go on to sell over 200,000 copies. Wall's first music exposure came as a street team member on the Northwest side of Houston, promoting southern labels like Def Jam Records, Cash Money and No Limit Records. He is an accomplished and proficient mixtape and party DJ, known for producing mixtapes in the now well-known screwed & chopped style, which was invented by DJ Screw.[6]

In 2004, Paul Wall returned to Swishahouse and appeared on Mike Jones' first commercially distributed single, "Still Tippin'".[7]

Solo success (2005–2007)
Paul Wall shows off his grills with a smiling fan in Baghdad, 2007.

In 2005, Paul Wall released his first album, The Peoples Champ, which debuted at number one on the Billboard 200.[8] The first single was "Sittin' Sidewayz" featuring Big Pokey, which peaked at no. 34 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Chart and no. 93 on the Billboard Hot 100.[9][1][10] The second single, "They Don't Know", featured Bun B of UGK, and the video version also featured Mike Jones. The third single, "Girl", became the most successful single off The Peoples Champ, peaking at no. 35 on the Hot 100.[10]

In 2007, Wall released his second album Get Money, Stay True, which debuted in the number one spot on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums. The album spawned the singles "Break 'Em Off" featuring Lil Keke, and "I'm Throwed" featuring and produced by Jermaine Dupri. "Break 'Em Off" peaked at no. 72 on the Hot 100 and no. 58 on the R&B charts, and "I'm Throwed" peaked at no. 87 on the Hot 100 and no. 47 on R&B.[10][9]

Paul Wall was a member of the rap group Expensive Taste, with his friends Travis Barker and Skinhead Rob (Transplants).[11]

In 2007, Paul Wall appeared alongside other celebrities in the music video for "Rockstar" by Nickelback. He appeared on reggae artist Collie Buddz's self-titled debut album.[12]

Other projects and newer releases (2008–present)
Paul Wall performing in Baghdad, 2007.

In the spring of 2008, Paul Wall joined Strange Music recording artist Tech N9ne on a nationwide tour, which featured rapper Ill Bill.

Paul Wall appears as fictional rapper Grillionaire in the movie I Hope They Serve Beer In Hell, released on September 25, 2009. He, along with screenwriters Nils Parker and Tucker Max, co-wrote tracks for the movie.

In 2010, Paul Wall featured on the album Przyjaźń, Duma, Godność, (English: Friendship, Pride, Dignity) by Polish rap artist Kaczor.

In October 2011, Paul Wall collaborated with Silicon Valley-based social and mobile game company Jump Shot Media to create the world's first mobile battle rap game, Battle Rap Stars. Paul is featured as the "main event" and is the rapper to beat in order to win the game.[13] On March 7, 2012 Paul Wall released a mixtape entitled No Sleep Til Houston.[14] Paul Wall released a collaboration mixtape with Slim Thug for the 2013 NBA All-Star Game in Houston.[15]

On December 10, 2013, Paul Wall released his seventh studio album, an 11-track offering, titled CheckSeason, which featured contributions from Stunna Bam, Killa Kyleon, Slim Thug, Lil Keke, Kid Ink and Young Dolph. The record was released independently via his Paul Wall Music imprint.[16]

Paul Wall followed up Check Season on December 2, 2014 with the release of his seventh studio album, titled The Po-Up Poet which was produced by June "The Jenius" James. According to a Vibe magazine article in November 2014, "The almost circus-like production reestablishes the idea that as long as Wall's been in the game, he's been a beloved Texas rap legend".[17][18]

On September 25, 2015, Paul Wall followed up The Po-Up Poet with his eight studio album, titled SlabGod which contains the single "Swangin' In The Rain". On March 11, 2016, Wall released a remix of "Swangin' In The Rain" which features Slim Thug, Lil' Keke, J-Dawg, Z-Ro, and Chamillionaire. On October 21, 2016, he followed up SlabGod with his ninth album, titled Houston Oiler, released in October 2016. In February 2017, he released the mixtape Diamond Boyz with rapper C Stone. His tenth album Bounce Back Over Setbacks was released on January 19, 2018. His eleventh album, Mind Over Matter followed in March 2020. On June 5, 2020, Wall released a mixtape with Lil Keke, titled Slab Talk.

Acting career

During his break from rapping, Paul Wall appeared in Furnace with Ja Rule. He appeared in the 2009 film I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell along with Jesse Bradford and Matt Czuchry. He was in the 2010 science fiction film Xtinction: Predator X.[19] In 2014 he starred in Isaac Yowman's independently released theatrical film "The Holy Spoof" which sold out in all of its theater showings before its digital stream release online.[20]

Musical style and image

Allmusic critic Andy Kellman described Wall's rapping style as having a "thick but swift Southern drawl" whose lyrics had "countless local slang terms (slabs, swangas, candy paint, tippin') that necessitate a glossary for many listeners."[21] Pitchfork Media contrasted Wall with other white rappers: "Paul Wall is probably the first white rap star who doesn't feel the need to talk about his race."[22]

Personal life

Paul Wall is married to a black woman. They have two children.[23][24] In 2010, he went on an extreme diet and had gastric sleeve surgery,[25] resulting in an over 100 lb. weight loss.[26]

Political views

In 2008, Wall supported Democratic candidate Barack Obama.[27]

Influenced by his marriage to a black woman and having mixed race children, Wall supports the Black Lives Matter movement.[23]

Discography
Main article: Paul Wall discography
Studio albums
Collaboration albums

Filmography
Film
Year Title Role
2006 Furnace Joey Robbins
2009 I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell Grillionaire
2010 Ghetto Stories Prison Inmate
2010 Alligator X Froggy
2011 Cash or Crash

Video games

Awards and nominations

Ozone Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2006 Paul Wall Taste Maker (style and trendsetter) Won
"I'm N Luv (Wit a Stripper)" (Remix) Best Rap/R&B Collaboration Won
"Holla at Me" Best Rap Collaboration Won

Grammy Awards

Year Nominee / work Award Result
2007 "Grillz" Best Rap Performance as a Duo or Group Nominated

References
  1. Kellman, Andy. "Paul Wall Biography". Allmusic. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  2. "Paul Wall Biography". Atlantic Records. Archived from the original on 2008-11-22. Retrieved 2008-03-11.
  3. Dansby, Andrew (May 8, 2009). "Rapper Paul Wall is all smiles lately". Houston Chronicle. Archived from the original on May 16, 2009. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  4. "Paul Wall...the people's champ". AskMen.com. Archived from the original on March 3, 2016. Retrieved December 13, 2010.
  5. "Paul Wall World – Interview". Paulwallworld.com. Retrieved 2014-02-11.
  6. "Paul Wall | New Music Release | Rapindustry.Com Promotion". Rapindustry.com. Archived from the original on 2015-09-24. Retrieved 2014-02-11.
  7. Sarig, Roni (March 22, 2007). "Houston Hip-Hop". Houston Press. Archived from the original on February 9, 2008. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  8. Harris, Chris (September 21, 2005). "Kanye West Falls To Peoples Champ Paul Wall". MTV News. Archived from the original on November 30, 2005. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  9. https://www.billboard.com/music/paul-wall/chart-history/BSI
  10. https://www.billboard.com/music/paul-wall/chart-history/HSI
  11. Rodriguez, Jayson (February 16, 2007). "Travis Barker Gets Down With Paul Wall, Juelz Santana While Arm Heals". MTV News. Archived from the original on January 20, 2008. Retrieved March 11, 2008.
  12. Watson, Margeaux (2007-07-06). "Collie Budz". Entertainment Weekly. Archived from the original on July 17, 2007. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  13. "Paul Wall Featured in Mobile Battle Rap Game". allhiphop.com. October 31, 2011.
  14. "Paul Wall - No Sleep Til Houston Hosted by DJ Drama // Free Mixtape @". Datpiff.com. 2012-03-26. Retrieved 2012-03-31.
  15. "Slim Thug "Welcome 2 Texas Vol. 3"". Hotnewhiphop.com. Retrieved 2013-12-10.
  16. "Stream Paul Wall's "#CheckSeason" LP In Its Entirety". Hotnewhiphop.com. 2013-12-10. Retrieved 2014-02-11.
  17. "Paul Wall Kindly Asks For 'No Favors'". Vibe.
  18. Rose Lilah (2 December 2014). "Paul Wall Releases Stream For New Album "The Po-Up Poet"". HotNewHipHop.
  19. Xtinction (2010), IMDB.com
  20. "Hot Trailer: Paul Wall in The Holy Spoof". BET.com. Retrieved 2017-12-08.
  21. Kellman, Andy. "The Peoples Champ: Allmusic Review". Allmusic. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  22. Breihan, Tom (October 6, 2005). "Paul Wall: The People's Champ". Pitchfork Media. Archived from the original on October 13, 2005. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  23. Ju, Shirley (November 12, 2020). "Paul Wall has a strong stance on Black Lives Matter as a white man in America". Revolt. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  24. "Paul Wall Gives Happy Home Tips! Top 7 Family Keepers!". UrbLife.com. 2010-06-20. Retrieved 2014-02-11.
  25. "Paul Wall's Dramatic Weight Loss! Life Changing Surgery; How He Did It!". UrbLife.com. July 13, 2010.
  26. "Paul Wall and Wife Crystal Go Gangsta! Hot Pics!". UrbLife.com. February 13, 2011.
  27. Dureault, Zoe (December 20, 2014). "Paul Wall: "I Don't Want To Be In a Genre With A Bunch Of White Rappers"". HipHopDX. Retrieved January 29, 2021.
  28. "iTunes - Music - Chick Magnet by Paul Wall". iTunes. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  29. "iTunes - Music - Po Up Poet by Paul Wall". iTunes. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  30. "iTunes - Music - slab god by Paul Wall". iTunes. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  31. "iTunes - Music - Houston Oiler by Paul Wall". iTunes. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  32. "iTunes - Music - Bounce Backs over Setbacks by Paul Wall". iTunes. Retrieved 2018-01-19.
  33. "iTunes - Music - Mind over Matter by Paul Wall". iTunes. Retrieved 2020-03-20.
  34. "iTunes - Music - Subculture by Paul Wall". iTunes. Retrieved 2020-10-02.
  35. "iTunes - Music - The Legalizers: Legalize or Die, Vol. 1 by Paul Wall & Baby Bash". iTunes. Retrieved 2016-10-30.
  36. "iTunes - Music - Diamond Boyz by Paul Wall & C Stone". iTunes. Retrieved 2017-02-03.
  37. "iTunes - Music - The Legalizers, Vol. 2: Indoor Grow by Paul Wall & Baby Bash". iTunes. Retrieved 2020-10-31.
  38. "Statik Selektah & Paul Wall Announce Joint EP". Retrieved 2019-11-22.
  39. "iTunes - Music - Slab Talk by Paul Wall & Lil' Keke". iTunes. Retrieved 2020-06-05.
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