May 09, 2006 @ 12:52 pm

Ron Browz: Producer For the Most Known Unknowns

by: Elle Castro

Although Ron Browz has distinguished himself as one of the top beatsmiths in the game, being behind the scenes making music wasn’t his first love.

Browz grew up on Manhattan Avenue, aka “Money Ave.,” and started chasing his dream at the age of twelve, when he became a lyricist for a rap group called The Uptown Kidz. “I was a young guy growing up watching videos and fell in love with hip hop,” explains Browz. “At age twelve I got signed to this company called Big Boss Records. I rapped until I was like 16, 17.”

A few years later, Big Boss Records was shut down, and all the music equipment was left behind. Inspired by the likes of Dr. Dre, DJ Premier, Pete Rock and Naughty By Nature’s Kay Gee - and later RZA, Havoc, Eric Sermon, Timbaland, Pharrell Williams, and Swizz Beatz - Ron took these machines and taught himself how to create music. “I took the equipment and taught myself how to make beats, and along came a career that I didn’t expect,” says Browz.

right As a self-taught producer, Browz naturally developed a fine-tuned musical ear, which was the same quality that caught the eye of fellow Harlem-ite, Big L. After embarking on Big L’s project, it was only a matter of time before others began to notice Browz’ underlying talents.

When Big L suddenly died in 1999, Browz took his death as a sign to make major decisions as far as his musical career went. “I started branding my name as a producer,” Browz says, and eventually his infectious sound made its way to the ears of hip hop heavyweight Nas. Browz was later brought on board Nas' Stillmatic project, and produced none other than the ever-popular “Ether.”

After adding a few other A-list names to his roster, including Ludacris, Jae Millz, Lil’ Kim, DMX, 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and Tony Yayo, Browz launched his own company, Money Ave Entertainment. “Me and my partner Pesh are from Manhattan “Money Ave” Avenue in New York, and that’s where we used to dream about working in the music industry,” says Browz.

Today, Browz’ imprint is the home to a number of future stars including T-Rex, Severe, Paper Ova, and Angelique.

Aside from serving as the CEO of Money Ave Entertainment, Ron is currently working on a number of projects which include Amerie’s upcoming album, Tony Yayo’s next joint, and Jae Millz’ debut project, to name a few. A couple of Ron Browz-produced tracks that are heavy in radio at this time are 50 Cent’s “I’ll Whip Your Head Boy,” featuring Young Buck, from the Get Rich Or Die Tryin’ soundtrack, and Jae Millz’ “Bring It Back,” featuring Jadakiss.

Ron Browz has paid his just due, and though the recognition is being served to him on a silver platter, Browz claims this is just the beginning. “I like making someone who’s not known, known,” he states. “When I started making beats for dudes from the hood, I was making them sound great. I’m used to making nothing into something. I’ve worked with some of the greatest already. I want to work with emerging artists like Jae Millz, Maino and Stack Bundlez. I feel good when people say that they are hot even though they are not A-list artists.”

There’s no telling what the future holds for him, but rest assured it will be nothing short of grand success.