WHO'S MARKY?!

Change is inevitable and Marcus D. Plater aka “Marky” - a 20-year-old artist from Washington, D.C. - is at the forefront of a new wave of artists prepared to revolutionize the industry and transform the conventional approach to contemporary hip hop and its perception. With an innovative and diverse style that combines a mixture of his unique experiences, infectious charisma and personality, Marky floods every track with an impeccable delivery and peerless creativity.

Raised in Kenilworth, Washington, D.C., and heavily influenced by the District’s infamous percussion-based rhythms of “Go-Go”, Marky has also become a student of hip-hop, embracing a variety of influences. At the tender age of 11, Marky began his journey as an artist - from rapping over hip-hop classics and teaming up for a song with the legendary Erick Sermon of EPMD, to experiencing the opportunity to freestyle with Big Daddy Kane.

In a matter of time, a deafening buzz arose in the industry as heavyweights including Interscope, Atlantic Records, and Def Jam began to recognize Marky’s greatness. In 2006, Ken Williams introduced Marky to Mark “TarBoy” Williams of the St. Louis-based production duo Trackboyz, known for crafting chart topping hits for Nelly (“Air Force Ones”), Jermaine Dupri, J-Kwon ("Tipsy"), Nappy Roots, and Trina. From the moment they met Marky and his signature flow, the Trackboyz had no choice but to sign him to their upstart label. While with the Trackboyz, Marky learned to perfect his flow, all the while determined to return to his roots and start a movement back home in Washington, D.C.

Enter Kenny Burns, CEO of the boutique label Studio 43 and music industry veteran who has worked with superstars such as Mariah Carey, Kanye West, Akon, Dream and Monica, to name a few. Upon being introduced to Marky by his sister and business partner Robin Lyon, Burns heard his sound and told Marky, “I’m gonna put you in the studio and see what we can come up with.”

No sooner had Marky joined the Studio 43 family than he began to make noise with the go-go anthem “Thug Passion” and opened the Scream Tour '07 in Washington, D.C., with Ciara and T.I. to name a few. He then went on to release two amazing mixtapes: “Homework 4.3” and “The Drive-Thru”, both of which were hosted by renowned DJ Mick Boogie, who is known for his creative mixtapes with Jay-Z, Kanye West, Coldplay, Adele, Little Brother and many others. Shortly after, Marky’s first single “Sheila” caused a commotion in DC and gained some national notoriety for its original sound, so much so that it caught the attention of SRC Records chairman Steve Rifkind.

Fast forward to 4.3.09, when Marky released his latest project “Nothing is 43ver”, a “minialbum” with a plethora of personal songs that provided a peek into his life and outlined the growth of Marky as an artist. Currently, Marky is working on his debut studio album with Studio 43, set for release in 2009-2010. Marky says that, "Im my protege of my imagination," and with him determined for success, his future has no limits.