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Praiz'
Praiz'
	Praiz' in 2005
Background information
Birth name	Vance Lee Watt II
Also known as	V'land, V'leezy, Bro. Vance
Born	August 16, 1976 (age 48); Gary, Indiana, U.S.
Origin	St. Louis, Missouri
Genres	R&B, Pop, Gospel, Christian Rap, CCM
Occupation(s)	Singer, songwriter, music producer, recording engineer, mixing engineer
Instrument(s)	Vocals, piano, drums, guitar, bass, talkbox
Years active	1995–present
Labels	5464 Music, Parking Lot Praiz' Beats, Lighthouse Records, Jericho Records, 5464 Entertainment, W.B.M.S
Website	www.iampraiz.com

Vance Lee Watt II (born August 16, 1976) professionally known as Praiz', is an American entertainer, songwriter, producer, singer, and worship leader.

Early life

Praiz' was born in Gary, Indiana but later relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, after his father died.^{[citation needed]} He is the youngest of four children.

Career

1995–1999 Career beginnings

Praiz' began as a producer, performer and writer in St. Louis, Missouri. Travelling with his uncle, promoter and manager Sonny Metcalfe, Praiz' learned the business and honed his studio and performing skills.^{[citation needed]}

After performing with several R&B groups, Praiz' decided to go solo. In 1999, Praiz' released his first self-produced R&B solo album, Wave Yo Hands. Praiz' performed concerts with R&B acts, including Boyz II Men, Ginuwine, Outkast and oldie artists Con Funk Shun and The Dells.^{[citation needed]}

1999–2003: Jericho Records

Wave Yo Hands became the only R&B album Praiz' officially released. After a serious car accident, he turned his focus to producing, engineering, and writing for several hip hop, R&B, gospel and Christian rap artists, including Chingy and Thi'sl. During this time, Praiz' formed Jericho Records with his business partner and mentor, Darren Mack Sr. Together, with Praiz' as the sole producer and writer, they produced for a series of Contemporary Gospel artists including Young Saint, Holy Child, Psalms and 2 Life 2 Christ compilations. This led them to win several awards such as Praise God Productions' 'Record Company of the Year Award' in 2000. During this period, Praiz' released two self-produced and written independent contemporary gospel albums: The Race and Preacher's Ball.

2004–2011: Parking Lot Praiz' Beats

Praiz' parted ways with his previous recording artists and partners to form Parking Lot Praiz' Beats. In 2005 Praiz' released The Take Over as an independent artist. The album led with singles Deliver Me, Selah Selah, Praiz' and More Than Conquerors. Weeks later, his song Deliver Me became highly requested on top R&B and Gospel Clear Channel radio stations, leading the song to become No. 1 for several weeks and remained in the top 10 for more than a year. Chris King, the chief editor of The St. Louis American, wrote a detailed review of the album with a front page cover, stating, "The devil must be mad as hell at STL's new prince of Praiz'".^[1]

Awards

In 2006 Praiz' won 'Best Contemporary Gospel Artists' from Saint Louis Music Awards, sponsored by KDHX FM 88.1 and Playback STL magazine.^[2]

Praiz' has also won Best Gospel Artist of 2006^[3]

Praiz' is included in the 2012 list, The Best St. Louis Gospel Musicians of All Time.^[4]

Style of music

Praiz' has been called the 'Nelly of Gospel'. Reporter Chris King described Praiz' in an article saying, "But where Nelly came up with the club, the grind and the streets in his verses, Praiz' is all about God and Jesus and the Holy Ghost. What can I say? The Nelly of the gospel is in the house – God's house, that is, but we get to listen, and it sure does sound good."^[1]

Personal life

Praiz' married in 2003 and has four children. Praiz' is a worship pastor and musician leading worship weekly in the community.

Discography

Albums

Wave Yo Hands (1998)
The Race (1999)
Preacher's Ball (2002)
The Take Over (2005)
Pride (2008)
Anthem Lineage (2014)
The Perfect Peace Project (2016)

Singles

Let Go (2010)
Stomp On the Devil (2011)
We Are Family (2015)
Celebrate Joy Is Here (2016)

References

^ ^a ^b King, Chris (July 28, 2005). "The Nelly of gospel". St. Louis American. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
^ King, Chris (April 27, 2006). "Praiz' live at Music Awards and Christian Ferguson benefit". St. Louis American. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
^ "Best of St. Louis 2006". Riverfront Times. Retrieved May 11, 2018.
^ "The Best St. Louis Gospel Musicians of All Time". June 1, 2012. Retrieved May 11, 2018.