One of New Orleans’ best-kept secrets, producer and vocal engineer Darius “Deezle” Harrison, is smiling due to the three Grammy nominations for his work with Cash Money Records rapper and fellow Big Easy native Lil’ Wayne this past year. Deezle has been nominated for one Grammy as a Songwriter for Best Rap Song of the Year (“Lollipop”) and for two Grammys as a producer and mixer/engineer for Album of the Year (Tha Carter III).
Known for his innovative and distinct sound, Deezle earned a tag as the “go-to producer” after producing seven tracks on Wayne’s latest album including fan favorites “Mrs. Officer” and the mega hit “Lollipop,” which was the most downloaded ring tone for 2008, according to Nielsen Soundscan. The chemistry between the duo is noticeable to any fan; so much so that Lil’ Wayne name drops Deezle on the track “Let The Beat Build,” which he co-produced with Kanye West.
“I’ve worked so hard to get to this point in my career. This is the key that will open many doors to what I see is the start to what God has planned for me,” Deezle said recently. “Working on this album was a great experience and I’m honored to be nominated for my work on Tha Carter III.”
In addition to his Grammy-nominated work on Lil’ Wayne’s Tha Carter III, Deezle has produced songs for Cash Money, Yung Joc, Huey, Teena Marie and even jazz artist Donald Harrison. Deezle also worked on Lil’ Wayne’s first two Carter albums which were also critical and commercial successes. He has engineered tracks like Destiny’s Child “Soldier,” featuring Lil’ Wayne, “Crying Out for Me,” by Mario, the “Just Fine” remix by Mary J. Blige and Lloyd’s “Girls around the World,” also featuring Lil’ Wayne.
A classically trained dancer as well as an accomplished vocalist and musician who plays the guitar, drums, bass and saxophone, Deezle is currently growing his DRUM MAJOR Music label and brand. He says the DRUM MAJOR Music movement will be strong, with a sound easily recognizable, but difficult to copy.
This article was originally published in the January 19, 2009 print edition of The Louisiana Weekly newspaper
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