If you can impress Damon Dash and Mos Def on the spot then chances are your music is probably worth listening to. Although Stalley has only been rapping for 2 years, he was fortunate enough to walk into DD172, a media organization owned by Damon Dash, win him over with his music and charisma, then utilize all the DD172 resources available to him at his disposal. What were the resources? Let’s just say that for a hip hop artist having somewhere to record, make videos, perform, and brand yourself all under one roof is a dream come true. Along with that, Stalley took advantage of an opportunity to build a relationship with Mos Def after meeting him at a clothing store in Manhattan. With a buzz surrounding him partially due to videos shot by Creative Control TV, it’s no wonder Rozay decided to sign him to Maybach Music Group. Stalley is one example of how first impressions can mean everything no matter how long you’ve been in the game.
- Stalley was born Kyle Myricks in Massillon, Ohio.
- He went to Washington High School in Massillon and played basketball throughout high school.
- Stalley moved to New York to play basketball for Long Island University but injured his foot.
- Due to his injury, he decided to focus on music and he started writing and free styling.
- Before he started rapping, he was working a full time job and wasn’t really sure what he wanted to do in life until a few of his friends convinced him to go to the studio to record.
- While at the studio he recorded 6 tracks and immediately received a positive response. After the positive response, Stalley realized that he wanted to be a rapper.
- The name Stalley is a nick name given to him when he played basketball because he was a workhorse on the court.
- His motivation behind growing his beard is for religious reasons; which signifies strength and growth and so that he can focus more on music versus other influences.
- His musical influences include Nas, Mos Def, Common, 50 Cent, Ice Cube, Scarface, Outkast, and Snoop.
- Stalley is also influenced by Jazz and Rock.
- After recording the 6 tracks in the studio, he took his music to a clothing store in New York called ‘Prohibit’ and played it in the store. Mos Def happened to walk in.
- Mos Def was impressed with Stalley’s music and gave Stalley his information and they kept in contact with each other.
- In 2008, Stalley released the Goin Ape mixtape and toured and opened for Mos Def.
- In 2009, he released MadStalley: The Autobiography.
- Stalley linked up with Damon Dash by going to DD172 after a show that Stalley had at BB Kings with Wiz Khalifa and Curren$y in 2009.
- While at DD172, he sat and talked to Damon Dash and Dame invited him back to DD172.
- Stalley shot the video for Autobiography with Creative Control TV.
- Stalley credits Creative Control TV for being the turning point in creating a buzz around him.
- Stalley has worked with Camp Lo, Jay Electronica, Mos Def, Jay Z, Curren$y, and Ski Beatz.
- Rick Ross contacted Stalley randomly one day and asked Stalley to meet with him while on the I Am Music II tour.
- Stalley built a relationship with Rick Ross and Maybach Music Group members.
- In mid 2011, Stalley signed with Maybach Music Group/Warner Bros.
Here is what Stalley says he learned from working with Damon Dash: “Believe in what you do. Believe in yourself and believe in what you do and it’s gonna come. Cause as long as you’re doing it right and you got good energy behind it and you have positive goals and your motives are definitely on a positive note it’s gonna work out. And that’s definitely something that I learned from him is just like nobody’s gonna believe in you like you. Nobody’s gonna work hard like you and work hard for yourself. That’s definitely something that I’ve learned through him and that I’ll always take through life period.”
Post by: Rosie J – music marketer
@StudioDiva
