Videos: Terrace Martin

Bounce Rock Skate

Do It Again

Terrace Martin is a Hip hop producer and rapper from Los Angeles, California who has produced beats for artists including Snoop Dogg, Shawnna, Warren G, Talib Kweli, Glasses Malone, Kurupt, Lalah Hathaway, Murs, Nipsey Hussle and collaborated with other producers such as DJ Quik, Battlecat, Hi-Tek and Pete Rock.

Beginning his career as a rapper and producer, Terrace Martin has lent his skills to artists such as Snoop Dogg, Busta Rhymes, Lalah Hathaway, Raphael Saadiq, Charlie Wilson, Stevie Wonder and the legendary Emotions, just to name a few. Martins big break came when he produced a Power 106 radio drop with Snoop Dogg. Shattering the acknowledged rules of hip-hop production, he samples everything from funk to jazz to classical to create fresh and original tracks. His productions have made him one of the most sought after upcoming producers on the streets of Los Angeles. Born to father, a jazz drummer and mother, a singer, Martins birthright was music. Growing up listening to everyone from Coltrane to Parliament, he began playing the piano at the age of six. Producing his first tracks on his Casio CZ101 Keyboard and an E-mu SP-1200, Martin decided to broaden his musicality and picked up the saxophone. At Locke High, under the auspices of Reggie Andrews, Martin became first chair of the All-State jazz band. As a child prodigy, Martin gained the interest of talk show host Jay Leno, who presented him with a scholarship and later purchased his first professional horn. Not only did Hollywood elite recognize Martin but also world-renowned jazz musician, Billy Higgins, who later made Martin a member of his World Stage All-Stars. Fresh out of high school, Martin attended CalArts but decided school wasn't for him and began touring with Puff Daddy and gospels own God's Property. From jazz to hip-hop, Martins role models include Miles Davis, Charlie Parker, Jackie McLean, John Coltrane, Herbie Hancock, Sonny Stitt, Grover Washington, Jr., Dr. Dre, DJ Quik, Battlecat, Premier, Pete Rock, and 1580 K-Day. Martin says, I started producing hip-hop tracks because it was the music of my time, but I never lost my love for jazz.[2]
[edit] 2010-Present: The Demo, Melrose, Here, My Dear and The SEX ep

A new face to some, Terrace Martin has actually been a steady contributor to albums from rappers and crooners for many years. But, like with many producers, his name is only now popping up prominently after he's decided to step from behind the boards to focus on his own project. The Demo, Martin's debut, features the producer flexing his vocal chops and rapping skills while also laying down most of the beats. And all that time spent working with others has led to a slew of guests on his record. That means verses and production from the likes of Snoop Dogg, Wiz Khalifa, Pete Rock, DJ Quik, Kurupt, and plenty of others.[3] On September 28, Terrace Martin and Radio personality Devi Dev released an EP entitled "Here, My Dear." The first single is Roll Up Another One featured Wiz Khalifa and Overdoz and was released on September 8. The EP has appearances from Snoop Dogg, Charlie Wilson, Kurupt, U-n-i, James Fauntleroy II, Kendrick Lamar and pianist Kenneth Croutch,[4] Terrace Martin also stated the EP is inspired by Marvin Gaye's critically acclaimed 1978 album of the same name, "Here, My Dear" showcases the raw & varying emotions of love in a Hip Hop form, On this project Terrace blends his live instrumentation and production with new Hip Hop elements.[5] On December 21, 2010 Terrace Martin and Devi Dev launched their online music series #DeviTerraceTuesday and on February 22, 2011 will release their second project together The SEX ep.[6]
[edit] Discography
Main article: Terrace Martin production discography

Collaboration albums

2011: Melrose (with Murs)

Official Mixtapes

2007: Signal Flow
2008: Locke High
2010: Here, My Dear
2011: Locke High 2

EPs

2009: 808s & Sax Breaks
2011: The Sex EP