Derrick Jamison's Page

Profile Information

City & State: VA

Country: United States

Music Genre(s):: Hip Hop

Bio:: Derrick was born and raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It was in "O'Burg" where his creative “boot camp” commenced. He was a shy boy, enveloped by a loving and tunefully-talented family. His father was a pastor who sang at church services, while he and his sisters performed in the choir. His parents and siblings immersed him in a multitude of musical genres and styles that included southern Gospel and complex choral arrangements. Jamison explains, “I loved any type of music that had a beat. However, it was in church where I developed a strong ear for music and a powerful, unique voice.” Derrick became JaykeyZ when he started JaykeyZ Productions in 2006. He began to travel between South Carolina and Virginia to recruit artists. Along with his vocalist Karma, he began performing shows locally and doing production work for other acts. JaykeyZ’s experience gave him the ability to do it all, from compositions to vocals and production. He found himself on the mixing boards developing backbeats, while his career itself was gleaning a beat all its own. As 2010 began, JaykeyZ was working on a third mix tape and preparing his music for digital distribution. He continues to perform, compose and produce and draw inspiration from his young son, Isaiah. Affiliated with BMI, JaykeyZ main goal is to be picked up by a major label and take his career to the next level. With his energizing performances, crafted lyrics and powerful voice, JaykeyZ has everything it takes to accomplish his mission. After all, he is a sonic soldier, and a dynamic specialist. He says it best, “I love to create unique beats that everyone can vibe to. I have to challenge my ears to make my brain work on a higher level. This allows me to spark fiery tracks ranging from Gospel to the krunkest of the krunk!” Wherever his future musical missions take him, it will be with versatility, verve and vibe! MORE ABOUT JAYKEYZ A Specialist in Versatility, Verve and Vibe The Three V’s in JaykeyZ The Mission The adrenaline races through the soldiers’ veins as they jump in their Humvee and cue the stereo. The rhythm and bass blast against the bullet-proof glass while they blaze dusty tracks through the Iraqi desert. It will be a dangerous mission. This is a scene that musician, producer and songwriter Derrick Jamison knows all too well. This talented artist has had many dangerous expeditions as a Specialist in the US Army. This is the story of SPC Derrick Jamison, also known as; JaykeyZ. The Three V's While SPC Jamison’s tours of duty are over as a soldier, his missions continue as a musician. Now known as JaykeyZ, Derrick is blazing up new types of tracks... musical tracks! Instead of clutching an M-16 he is armed with a microphone. His ammunition is no longer golden-shelled bullets. Now, his ammo is comprised of powerful vocals, crafty lyrics and songwriting marksmanship. Indeed, he’s evolved into a “sonic soldier” and is a new specialist - in versatility, verve and vibe. Boot Camp Derrick was born and raised in Orangeburg, South Carolina. It was in "O'Burg" where his creative “boot camp” commenced. He was a shy boy, enveloped by a loving and tunefully-talented family. His father was a pastor who sang at church services, while he and his sisters performed in the choir. His parents and siblings immersed him in a multitude of musical genres and styles that included southern Gospel and complex choral arrangements. Jamison explains, “I loved any type of music that had a beat. However, it was in church where I developed a strong ear for music and a powerful, unique voice.” The Versatility Derrick taught himself to play instruments such as the drums and keyboards by ear. By the age of eleven, his love of music would be completely solidified. Jamison attributes this to his sister; “I was extremely inspired by Angela - a great singer and artist in her own right. I used to listen to her sing, and always tried to make beats with anything I could find.” In high school, Derrick became deeply involved in the jazz ensemble. As he entered his late teenage years he performed at weddings, talent shows and gigs. Jamison's musical experiences were vital in developing his versatility. The Verve As a soldier, Derrick had a chance to entertain his fellow troops. In both in Army talent shows and in impromptu moments with fellow soldiers, he expressed his creative gifts. These military musical experiences gave him much needed performance know-how and stage presence. Being a soldier gave him the confidence to perform and to be unafraid to display his talent. It was in the heart of Iraq where he collected his verve. The Vibe The development of a vibe - or style - was the next stage in Jamison's evolution. As soon as he was back in the USA as a civilian, he began to develop this aspect. He explains, “When I got back to the states, my father bought me a Roland Fantom X6. It was any musicians dream instrument. I began to work with it, and started creating amazing loops and beats.” With a new powerful instrument, Derrick started writing, singing, and producing his own compositions. He was pushing himself through the next level, he had found his vibe. Derrick Becomes JaykeyZ Derrick became JaykeyZ when he started JaykeyZ Productions in 2006. He began to travel between South Carolina and Virginia to recruit artists. Along with his vocalist Karma, he began performing shows locally and doing production work for other acts. JaykeyZ’s experience gave him the ability to do it all, from compositions to vocals and production. He found himself on the mixing boards developing backbeats, while his career itself was gleaning a beat all its own. The Vortices of His Versatility In 2007, JaykeyZ released his first mix tape entitled Southern Sippin The project was a unique blend of party anthems and club songs. It reflected his ability to write songs in various genres and his knack to mix and produce tracks with crafty precision. The mix tape had a “southern-fried” hip hop sound basted with smooth R&B flavors. In 2008, JayKeyZ produced a mix tape for 4 Deep Crew entitled My New Whip. This album showcased JaykeyZ as a producer and creative manager of artists. . Working with a set of twin brothers - one of which rapped and the other which sang - JaykeyZ proved he could produce hooky beats and manage the verses, vocals and engineering. In 2009, JayKeyZ decided to enroll in Norfolk State University to study audio engineering. It was during this time of study that he released KeyZ in Da’ Trunk. This mix tape solidified his desire to continue his dream to pursue music. Even in his earliest mix tapes JayKeyZ displayed the vortices of his versatility. 2010 And Beyond As 2010 began, JaykeyZ was working on a third mix tape and preparing his music for digital distribution. He continues to perform, compose and produce and draw inspiration from his young son, Isaiah. Affiliated with BMI, JaykeyZ main goal is to be picked up by a major label and take his career to the next level. With his energizing performances, crafted lyrics and powerful voice, JaykeyZ has everything it takes to accomplish his mission. After all, he is a sonic soldier, and a dynamic specialist. He says it best, “I love to create unique beats that everyone can vibe to. I have to challenge my ears to make my brain work on a higher level. This allows me to spark fiery tracks ranging from Gospel to the krunkest of the krunk!” Wherever his future musical missions take him, it will be with versatility, verve and vibe!