The average up and coming rapper’s debut boasts an impressive history of thousands of mixtape downloads and viral video spins. But Houston’s newest son, 22-year-old Lil Playy, opted for a grander introduction. Lil Playy, who penned the infectious hook to RIAA certified platinum single, “My Chick Bad,” has the honor of being the first rap artist signed by entertainment executives—the legendary Suzanne de Passe and heavyweight producer Rodney Jerkins. Impressed with Lil Playy’s talent, the pair formed a joint partnership between their companies de Passe Jones Entertainment and Darkchild Productions.
The rapper, known for his quick-witted freestyle rhymes, began writing raps when he was 15. His mother, after having warmed up to the idea of his becoming a rapper, built him a makeshift studio in the house. Lil Playy found early success in rap competitions at the Royal Peacock, Atlanta’s 18 and over nightclub, under the guidance of his father, Rick Davidson of Racer Entertainment. It was at the Peacock that music, TV and film executive Madison Jones discovered him—later linking him with co-manager Larry Layfield. In 2008, he gained notoriety as a promising contestant in the BET Hot 16 Challenge with Jermaine Dupri.
After graduating from high school, Lil Playy’s years of grinding on the underground scene in Houston and Atlanta paid off. His managers introduced him to the Legendary Traxster who worked with Lil Playy to create “My Chick Bad.” The song caught the attention of Ludacris, who made a bid to purchase the record for use on his “Battle of the Sexes” album. Lil Playy’s decision to sell the song proved to be a genius business move. Within months, Ludacris’ version, featuring Nicki Minaj, peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The song was also nominated for a Grammy Award in 2011.
The success of “My Chick Bad” put Lil Playy on the national map. Soon after, Madison Jones introduced Lil Playy to his business partner Suzanne de Passe and, together, they signed Lil Playy to the de Passe Jones Entertainment roster. The duo introduced their new artist to super producer Rodney Jerkins, with whom he connected immediately, recording more than 30 songs. The works impressed Interscope Geffen A&M head Jimmy Iovine, who brought Lil Playy into the label home of superstar acts such as the Black Eyed Peas, Lady Gaga, and Eminem.
Not wasting any time, Lil Playy dropped his mixtape, Tour Bus Muzik. The project, helmed by Jerkins’ Darkchild Productions, featured his well received street track, “B.B.M. (Bigger Better Moneyy).” He also released “Birthday Dress (featuring Matthew Koma),” the lead single from his upcoming debut album, which is currently set for a spring 2012 release.
And let’s not forget to add “entrepreneur” to Lil Playy’s list of endeavors. He has launched a multi-media company with Suzanne de Passe and Madison Jones called Stunny Moneyy Entertainment.
Now that Lil Playy’s exceptional talent is backed by the support of the biggest forces in music and television, it’s only a matter of time before he will become a household name.