Remy Martin (rapper)

This page relates to Remy Martin, the rapper. For information about Remy Martin the brandy see Rémy Martin

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Hailing from The Bronx, New York, Remy Ma a.k.a. The Queen of NY was destined to be a star. Recalling back to the fateful day she made contact with the legendary Big Pun, while walking home from school, she ran into a family friend who told her that Terror Squad was looking for a female rapper. She was taken to meet Big Pun, where she captivated him with a non-stop two hour freestyle. From that day on, Remy never left his side. Fellow Terror Squad member, Prospect reminisces, "Pun was talking crazy about how dope Remy was. He was impressed, Pun was so approachable there were always people rapping for him, but none had the hunger that Remy had". Unfortunately, Pun passed in February of 2000, leaving Remy in a very awkward position where she was forced to make a way on her own. Every superstar will tell you that the journey to stardom wasn't easy, but what doesn't kill you only makes you stronger. Remy Ma, determined to succeed, exploded onto the scene where she blew the hip-hop world away with her captivating lyrics and delivery when she showed up on the hit remix "Ante Up (Remix)" with M.O.P. featuring Busta Rhymes. As the "Ante Up (Remix)" grew from a hit to an anthem, Remy's celebrity increased and her buzz continued to grow. She continued to keep her name buzzing within industry circles by releasing her own mixtapes hosted by Hot 97's DJ Kay Slay, as well as doing numerous features with artists such as Fat Joe, D-Block, and the Diplomats to name a few. Success comes when preparation and opportunity meet, that's why when her fellow Terror Squadian, Fat Joe, called on her to complete the Terror Squad album True Story, Remy Ma was on a plane to Miami in one day. Nine days later, Remy returned to New York after co-writing a number of hits, most notably the smash of the year, "Lean Back".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Once Remy returned from Miami, she was challenged by a fellow rapper to battle in what is now known as the legendary rap battle at the Fight Klub, where Remy was the unanimous two-time champion. Not long after the battle, the world was introduced to last summer's monster hit "Lean Back," which had everyone from Bruce Willis to Jennifer Lopez "doing the Roc-Away".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

"Lean Back" reached an estimated audience of 2.84 billion people, helping Remy to become a household name. In 2004, Remy Ma, also achieved what has suddenly become a rare honor at least in this year's hip hop sweepstakes - becoming the only "female rapper" to snag a Grammy nod for 2004. Remy received the nomination with Terror Squad for the Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group" for their #1 hit, "Lean Back", In addition to the Grammy nod, Remy won two Source Awards, two Vibe Awards, and an ASCAP Pop Award. She was also recently nominated for three BET Awards for Best Female Hip-Hop Artist Of The Year, Best Group (with Terror Squad) and BET.com Viewer's Choice Award. As she readies her soon-to-be-released solo debut, "There's Something About Remy: Based On A True Story", scheduled to hit stores this summer, The Bronx native has teamed up with multi-platinum producer Swizz Beatz to create what will be her first single, "Whuteva".

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

The 23-year old emphasizes that she writes her own rhymes, earning the respect of her peers throughout hip hop for her insightful and tough lyrics but also for being such a personable entertainer who is able to relate to her fans on a deeper level. On her goal as an artist, Remy states "For me, it's not about trying to be a good female rapper, my goal is to be a great rapper, period. I can hold my own. I grew up in the gutter just like you. Just cause I'm a girl doesn't mean it was any easier. You had to sell drugs? I saw my brother go through the same struggle. You got locked up? My mother was in jail. My pops? I've never seen my father. All that, I express in my rhymes." Besides teaming up with Swizz Beatz, the album will also include production from Scott Storch, Alchemist, Buckwild, and Miami's Cool & Dre.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Remy Ma now steps to the limelight as a dual threat with both street credibility and mainstream appeal. This summer's solo venture, "There's Something About Remy: Based On A True Story", is sure to seal her role as a major contender whatever-the-gender throughout the world of hip-hop and beyond.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~