Denaun Porter

Denaun Porter

Denaun Porter (born December 7, 1978), better known by his stage name Kon Artis or his production title Mr. Porter, is an American rapper, singer and record producer, who rose to fame as an original member of Detroit rap group D12.

Biography

He is known around the world by his legion of fans as Kon Artis, member of the critically acclaimed multi-platinum selling group Murda Overload. He has gained the reputation as being one of the best producers in the business, a musical mastermind who was honored for his music writing skills by ASCAP. He is also known by his old comrades on Detroit’s Runyon Avenue as Denaun Porter, the guy who would grow up and conquer great things. Whatever the arena, “Mr. Porter” is a musical force to be reckoned with.

Porter’s career journey began when he founded the Hip Hop duo, Da Brigade, which featured fellow group-mate Kuniva and himself. Da Brigade was later approached by their friend, the late emcee “Proof, to start D12. It was his friendship with former roommate and current D12 comrade, Eminem, that assisted in opening doors. “Everyone wants to be successful in this business but everyone doesn’t get the chance to,” Denaun says. “When Em first began recording in California, he would come home and play music for me. I got a whiff of the beats Dre was doing. It was like the music we were already doing but to the 10th power. It was a learning experience, being able to hear the music before it came out. I was trying to do my own thing. I wanted to develop my own style. Then Dre took me under his wing.” Soon after meeting, Dr. Dre bought several of Denaun’s amateur beats. One of them became, the now ubiquitous, 50 Cent single, “P.I.M.P”. It was through his association with Dr. Dre that Denaun seriously learned the ropes of the music business.

Mr. Porter gained immense popularity with the release of “P.I.M.P” and G-Unit’s “Stunt 101”, two his best known works. The success of these singles earned him several accolades and increased the demand for his production. In addition to these artists, Denaun has produced hits for a healthy roster of who’s who in Hip Hop. Among those noted are Snoop Dogg, Game, Busta Rhymes, Pharoahe Monch, Black Rob and others. Porter’s credits can also be found on Burt Bacharach’s “Please Explain” and on the Beyonce & Shakira duet, “Beautiful Liar”.

Further demonstrating his writing skills and surprising vocal range, Denaun can often be heard singing soulful hooks on several works including Busta Rhymes’ “They’re Out To Get Me”, Young Bucks’ “Look At Me Now” and Lil Kim’s “Slippin”; all of which were produced by him as well. He has also contributed music to the movie soundtracks “Shark Tales” and “Barber Shop 2”. Mr. Porter diversified his portfolio by adding film scoring to the line-up. His work can be heard woven through the fabric of the 2006 Rogue Pictures release, “Waist Deep”.

Influenced by a diverse group of musical talent, such as Stevie Wonder, J Dilla, Jamiroquai, Curtis Mayfield, NWA and A Tribe Called Quest, Denaun’s production style is one that combines a unique blend of live instruments with tripped-up computer generated sounds. His music is often characterized as possessing a certain “soul”. “I’m stuck on classic producers and innovators like Quincy Jones, Stan Getz, Dr. Dre, Timbaland and Swizz Beatz,” he states. “I inspire to produce in massive ways. To produce whole albums for people like Quincy Jones and Curtis Mayfield did back in the day is one thing I aspire to accomplish. I haven’t hit my peak yet.”

Living thankfully and passionately is an underlining theme in Mr. Porter’s life and can be felt through his music. “I take nothing for granted. I’m extremely thankful for all that I have gained and accomplished. I thank God for the gifts and talents He’s given me. I express myself through my music. To express a tear with a kick, to express joy through a piano, it’s all relative. It’s how I express myself best.” “If I could put down a melody for every emotion I felt I would be so satisfied with my music,” he continues. “My music is my wife. It’s the only thing I’m committed to besides God and my life. I’m at a grown up stage right now. I’m in a place where I’m always in a motivated ‘state of music’. I’m always inspired. Beautiful women, hurt, pain, misunderstandings, the weather, people crying, it all inspires me.” As often credited, Mr. Porter is a producer who ‘thinks outside of the box’, one of the ‘greats’ raising the bar. He is truly proving to be ‘one to watch’!

He will be releasing a production solo album titled Who Is John Doe as well as working on Dr. Dre's Detox and D-12's third album. He has recently produced and featured on 2 tracks in 2008 for Aftermath Records recording artist Bishop Lamont's new mixtape titled, "The Confessional" hosted by DJ Whoo Kid. It now appears that Kon Artis is Eminem's hype man at concerts since the death of fellow D12 member Proof because he is Eminems oldest living friend. He is one of the most prominent members of D12 after Proof and Eminem.

He is currently replacing Proof (rapper) as Eminem's hype man.

Discography

Main article: Kon Artis discography