Wash x Kevin Gates - "Where You Been" | @theofficialWash @iamKevinGates
byHipHopOnDeck
0
CHECK OUT WASH’S NEW SINGLE
“WHERE YOU BEEN” FEAT KEVIN GATES
Speak to this dynamic artist about his sound and he’ll label it contemporary soul.
Challenge him to rattle off his list of influences and he’ll give you a
spectrum ranging from Nat King Cole to Anita Baker to R. Kelly. He’ll
speak of his gospel upbringing—his parents were both pastors and
singers; his sister, a musician. And his instrumental prowess will show
him to be fluent on the piano, saxophone and drums.
Wash is truly rich in depth; both the artist and the man.
While his musical expertise is astonishingly mature, the 24 year old
still finds a way to hold his own among his fellow R&B crooners.
Signed to AyeGirl Music/Interscope Records, his debut single, “Can’t
Trust Thots” featured label mate and wildly successful rapper, French
Montana, while cleverly paying musical homage to artists such as TLC and
BBD. His smooth vocals are gripping and the upbeat record fits
seamlessly into any of today’s contemporary playlists.
It was this degree of musical savvy which first enticed renowned
songwriter-producer, Chef Tone (Justin Bieber/Trey Songz/Drake). In
2014, the industry heavyweight took Wash under his wing; flying him to
Atlanta for a round of artist development before arranging a meeting
with a handful of Interscope executives. Stunning the label with his
talent, personality and overall stage presence—yes, he can dance as
well—he was able to land a deal on the spot.
Off stage, Wash—born Ronald Washington Jr.—is equally captivating. He
has the ability to lend himself to a variety of audiences; a dynamic
quality which extends far beyond music.
He possesses a keen sense wisdom; a testament to deep retrospection. A
product of Port Arthur, TX, Wash’s family and early church involvement
provided a positive contrast to the city’s gritty reality. Witnessing
the hardships faced by those in his community and congregation, he
consciously steered away from many of the inner city’s harsher elements.
As a teenager, he opted to focus on both music and work—gaining a fan
base on YouTube while sustaining a well-paying job at an oil refinery.
Content with his gig, he paid little mind to the industry attention he
was receiving; dismissing calls from a number of producers and
executives. However, a near death experience at the refinery snapped his
journey into perspective. Realizing that he had become stagnant, he
tracked down Chef Tone—who had once shown interest—and alerted him that
he was finally ready to work.
His transition to Atlanta, GA proved intense, yet promising. He
appreciated the change of scenery; particularly fond of its level of
southern hospitality. Determined not to return home empty handed, Chef
Tone’s guidance and tough love provided a strong framework. Once
mentored by R. Kelly, Chef now leads the way for Wash, allowing him to
key in on what he considers both an intriguing quality and lesson:
Successful people can remain genuine.
Now, at the start of the next phase of his journey, Wash says that his
main goal is to inspire. With regards to his future, he is both
optimistic and fearless: he foresees a possible acting career; various
partnerships and business ventures; and he hopes to one day give back to
Port Arthur through the creation of an arts center.
Wash’s new single, "Where You Been" ft. Kevin Gates is available now on iTunes.
And when it is all said and done, Wash will leave an impression; both the artist and the man.
