Summary
Issa (self-styled ISSA in caps or I$$A, pronounced "e-suh",[1] stage name of Issa Diop) is a singer, songwriter, and record producer. Born in Dakar, Senegal, his musical style blends various styles, including contemporary R&B, pop, and reggae.[1][2]
Issa | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Amadou Issa Diop |
| Origin | Dakar, Senegal |
| Genres | contemporary R&B, pop, reggae |
| Occupation(s) | singer, songwriter, record producer |
| Labels | Hitlab Music Company, Just 4 the Records |
| Website | [1] |
Music career edit
Issa's self-titled debut EP, Issa, was released on November 14, 2007. International cable television broadcaster BET selected Issa as a "Ya Heard? Break-out Artist of the Month" in August 2008 for "Used to Be the One", the first official single and video from his upcoming album Rules of Attraction.[3][4]
In July 2009, Issa performed in Portland, Oregon as the opening act for Cash Money Records recording artist Jay Sean's single release party for "Down" (featuring Lil Wayne), which peaked at Number 1 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart.[5] He performed various songs from his upcoming album, including his latest single, "Blowin up My Phone."
In August 2009, Issa was selected by Portland radio station Jammin 107.5 as one of eight top finalists competing for a chance to open for LMFAO at their performance as part of the summer 2009 Dew Tour.[6]
In January 2010, Akon announced Issa as the challenger artist to be featured during week 11 on Akon's new Hitlab Radio Show on Virgin Radio, in which Issa's single "Blowin up My Phone" was featured.[7]
In August 2011, Akon signed Issa to the music label Hitlab Music Company. Issa performed with Akon during his 2011 Canada Tour in Montreal and Toronto.[8]
Education edit
Issa graduated from Portland State University in Portland, Oregon with a degree in business marketing in 2008.[9][10]
Awards and nominations edit
- 2008: BET Ya Heard? Break-out Artist of the Month (August 2008)
- 2009: LL Cool J's First Annual Boomdizzle All-Star Competition (Finalist)
- 2009: WiLD 107.5 Dew Tour Concert Competition (Finalist)
- 2010: WiLD 107.5 Open for Snoop Dogg Contest (Finalist)
- 2011: Akon's Show presented by Hitlab Music Company
Discography edit
- 2007: Issa – EP
- 2008: "Used to Be the One" – single
- 2009: "Won't B Da Same" – single
- 2015: "All About You" feat. Zito – single
- 2015: "Wake up the Bea(S)T" – album
- 2015: "Good times (Before It All Ends)" – single
- 2015: "Sleep On You" feat. Tory Lanez – single
- 2017: "Bambi" – single
References edit
- ^ a b "Global Conspiracy: The Rising International Sensation of Issa". Daily Vanguard
- ^ "Issa, Emerging Portland Artist, Has Eye on Business". The Skanner
- ^ Issa – Makin' Moves" Archived July 18, 2011, at the Wayback Machine. Yo! Raps Magazine
- ^ "BET Ya Heard? Break-out Artist of the Month (August 2008)". BET. Archived from the original on September 15, 2008. Retrieved May 7, 2009.
- ^ What's Happening PDX article
- ^ "Portland Singer Issa Selected as a Top Finalist to Perform at LMFAO Concert at the 2009 Dew Tour's Wendy's Invitational". Press Release
- ^ "HITLAB Radio". Archived from the original on January 22, 2010. Retrieved January 22, 2010.
- ^ "Portland recording artist Issa to perform with R&B superstar Akon". The Oregonian
- ^ "Portland State Portland State Magazine |". www.pdx.edu. Archived from the original on April 26, 2010.
- ^ "Issa's Global Conspiracy" Archived October 14, 2008, at the Wayback Machine. Willamette Week