Brown was born in Woodbury, New Jersey on November 10, 1989.[5][2] His mother was an immigration lawyer and his father was a musician. Early on in life, Brown was highly interested in basketball and music.[6]Allen Iverson was a muse for the young boy.[6] According to Brown, his father highly influenced his musical interest, and while they attended a viewing of Drumline, Brown decided to solely focus on music.[6] He attended Clark Atlanta University on a musical scholarship as a part of the drumline at HBCUs.[7] It was here that he received the alias "The Human Torch", which would later transform into Charlie Heat.[6]
Influences
Michael Jackson, Earth, Wind & Fire, Selena and Rick James have been cited as influences, and inspired him through their musical works. There is a noticeable Latin sound in the works of Charlie Heat, as evident in the song "Undercover", and this influence is partly due to his interest in music from Mexican-American vocalist Selena, and Cuban vocalist, Celia Cruz, a notable Cuban singer.[8] Charlie had piano instruction by his father at an early age, and this was a positive influence that has helped shape the talented producer into a great force in the recording industry.[9]
Critical reception
HotNewHipHop wrote of Heat's "impressive production discography", praising “Facts (Charlie Heat Version)” from The Life of Pablo.[10]
Danny Schwartz wrote about Heat's remix of Gucci Mane's song "Trap House" saying of it, "His remix of the song is the standout of his new 5-track EP of remixes, Till August."[11]
Bryan Hahn wrote that "Charlie Heat is a name you’ll be seeing a lot more of in 2017."[12] Hahn also wrote: "He’s been consistently delivering quality remixes."[12] In a later article, Hahn wrote that, "Charlie Heat had a great 2016. And he’s not kicking back to rest on his laurels."[13]
Christopher Harris, writing in HipHopDx, calls him "...an upstart beat-maker who has already worked on tracks for Madonna, Pusha T, Kanye and Vic Mensa."[14]
James Elliott, writing for Complex, said that "Charlie Heat might not be on your radar yet, but he will be when this year is over."[3]
Awards and nominations
Heat received three Grammy nominations for his work on The Life of Pablo.[13]
