Ghanz was first introduced to music at the age of five, when he began playing drums at his home church in Detroit, Michigan. From there he learned about melodies by playing at home on his mother’s grand piano. This early love for music created the motivating drive that pushed him to self-teach himself how to produce by high school. This came in handy when he created his first rap group and since he didn’t know any producers, by the age of 16, Ghanz became the neighborhood producer. He was even offered a production deal by a top industry rapper but, being concerned with his education, his mother would not allow him to sign the deal.
By the age of 18 Ghanz was inspired by production teams like the Bomb Squad which started his quest in mastering the art of sampling. Ghanz later became the music director for Straight Jacket Records and a few years later started his own label Ghani Muzic with his friend Nestafa. After several years of success, Ghanz took some time off when his close friend and artist Devon was murdered. Fast forwarding to 2020, Ghanz is now back on the music scene as the Ceo of his label-Groove-Ment Records.
GHANZ Facts:
Known in Detroit as a “Pioneer” before his time.
He enjoys coming up with musical trends 5-6 years before they become popular.
Before Kanye and Jay-Z’s Blueprint, Ghanz was doing soulful samples.
Ghanz was sampling jazz records with his partner DJ Digital prior to J-dilla and Tribe Called Quest.
Early on, Ghanz was known for sampling music from other countries and genres such as Asia, Africa, Latin America and Switzerland.
16 years before it became popular, Ghanz stumbled upon trap soul music chopping up an old Bobby Valatino record as an experiment and telling his at the time production protege Dre Butterz this will be the next wave of music.
Eminem’s best friend former D12 member Proof once was asked who were the top producers in the world- his reply was Dr. Dre, J Dilla, Pete Rock and Ghanz and he emphasized “and not in that order” because Ghanz was listed last- not being as know as the other great producers.
Influences-Ghanz says his core sound has been influenced by Bomb squad, Rick Rubin, Teddy Riley, Devante Swing, R-Kelly, Pete Rock, Timberland and Dr. Dre.
Ghanz is especially gifted in the genres of Hip-Hop, R&B and Pop.
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