BIOGRAPHY
American Music Award winner Chris Classic is a multi faceted artist, songwriter and producer. Born in Hempstead, NY, Classic began writing poetry influenced by Shel Silverstein at the age of 8. An eighth grade English class assignment influenced him to write his first rap. This would be his first, because in his Jehovah’s Witness household, rap music and especially the idea of him rapping was not an option. However his success in his school project began a cycle of hip hop music's influence in his future.
A few years later, Chris made his first music purchase. It was a Nas single, "It Aint Hard to Tell". He hid it under his bed. It was found, confiscated and condemned. The situation created quite a big stir in his home and was the catalyst for a rift in the family. His desire for independence and freedom of music expression caused him to pack his belongings and leave home at age 16 to live with relatives.
Hempstead High School and college at SUNY Buffalo were fun for Classic, who was very popular and often performed at talent shows and showcases. He left college early to help his uncle in law pen lyrics for his own album Crown Royal where he got the chance to meet and work with artists like Nas, Kid Rock, Stephen Jenkins of Third Eye Blind, Jermaine Dupri, Jagged Edge, and Sugar Ray.. From there in 2001, he met Ali Dee of Deetown Entertainment, his current producer and creative partner.Ali Dee was able to steer Classic's songwriting path, with the likes of LFO and O Town in 2002. Dee made a transition to JSM Music in 2005, and brought Chris along. JSM Music was one of the top producers of commercial music in America. The magic of Ali, Classic and JSM led to the creation of several ads for huge clients like the NBA, McDonalds, Sprint, Chevrolet and Dodge.
Since then, Classic, via DeeTown has been able to record songs for the themes of TV shows, and movie soundtracks or placements for many movies including Transformers, Underdog, Fantastic Four, Night at The Museum, Coach Carter, Sex and The City, Speed Racer and Friday the 13th. They are the proud writers and producers behind the surprise hit Alvin & The Chipmunks Soundtrack which is RIAA Certified Platinum and a winner of the 2008 American Music Award for Favorite Soundtrack. The movie, in which Classic makes an appearance has grossed over $350 million dollars world wide and is the 1 DVD in America 8 months after its release. He is currently working on the sequel due out Christmas 2009. Also in 2009 Classic, even as an unsigned artist, is looking to complete and release his first album entitled 'The Radio Project' in which he runs the gamut of the radio dial, infusing hip hop into the various musical genres. It's truly classic..
