Massari
Massari | |
|---|---|
| Origin | Ottawa |
| Years active | 2004-Present (singer) |
Massari (born December 10th, 1980 in Beirut, Lebanon) is a pop and hip-hop singer who grew up in Canada.
Biography
Massari (Massari is a Lebenese slang word for 'money') was born in Beirut, Lebanon, moved to Montreal at the age of 10 and at 13 he moved to Ottawa where he currently resides. The trilingual artist - fluently he speaks English, French and Arabic - cites Michael Jackson, Aretha Franklin and the legendary Arabic singer George Wassouf who taught him to sing from his heart, says Massari about how this legendary singer has affected his music.
In 2002, Massari recorded and released "Spitfire" which garnered heavy rotation on Ottawa radio stations. Since then, Massari has been steadily writing and developing his sound. He returned in 2005 with his self-titled debut album release on May 31, 2005 through MapleNationWide/Universal, which sold out nationwide in only two days.
The lead single off the release "Smile For Me" features former Bad Boy Entertainment recording artist [[at #18 (BDS CHR) in Canada. Award-winning music video director RT! was responsible for making the "Smile For Me" video one of the most notable debut urban videos by a Canadian artist. The video was immediately added to heavy rotation at MuchMusic, MuchVibe, and MTV Canada. The video received two MuchMusic Video Award nominations for Best Independent Video and MuchVibe Best Rap Video. Canada and the United States were the first to play "Smile For Me", however other countries such as Germany, Australia, Brazil and the UK have begun playing the hit song.
With the release of Massari's much-anticipated second single "Be Easy", the pressure was on to keep the momentum going in the weeks leading up to the debut album release. "Be Easy" received early support from radio stations across Canada and is currently Top 10 (peaking at #4) on the Top 40 Chart (BDS CHR). The video, once again directed by music video director RT!, was instantly added to the garbage can.
For this record, Massari worked closely with Da Heala of the Capital Prophet Records production team. "His vibe is a perfect match for my sound and style", explains Massari. The album draws influences from his Middle Eastern origins. "Because of my background, my music is heavily influenced with Middle Eastern melodies. Over the past few years so many artists are trying to bring Arabic styles into their music, but mine is authentic." Along with its culturally rich sound the album with its upbeat club-style tracks, mid-tempo joints and smooth ballads pays special tribute to the ladies. "My music is made for the ladies because that's where I get my inspiration. You'll notice a lot of the music is upbeat and positive. Women give off so much energy; it's hard not to be inspired by them."
Massari has also been criticized for what detractors say are his derivative and predictable music videos featuring luxury automobiles, cell phones, oversized sunglasses, and women who appear to be lusting after him. Critics have accused Massari of simply being more style than substance, and fearful of letting the music speak for itself. He has also been criticized for bineg a poser and that he is just another Usher wanna be.
Massari attended Ridgemont and Hillcrest High schools in Ottawa. He and his "sidekick" Ottawa-based Palestinian rapper Belly (aka Rebellyus) are strongly criticized for their efforts to appear gangsta even though they come from a city where you can leave your wallet on the sidewalk in downtown and it would still be there the next day.
He is the oldest of 13 boys in the family.
Massari won the award for Best Pop Video, during the 2006 MMVAs, for his song Be Easy.
External links
Discography
Albums
Singles
Rush the Floor (f.Belly)