Sav Killz aka Jamel Hampton (born January 15, 1978) is a

Brooklyn Brooklyn () is a borough of New York City, coextensive with Kings County, in the U.S. state of New York. Kings County is the most populous county in the State of New York, and the second-most densely populated county in the United States, be ...

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States New York may also refer to: Film and television * '' ...

-based emcee, rapper and lyricist. He is part of the hip hop underground in New York City.

Early life

Hampton was born and raised in the Flatbush neighborhood of

. As a musician, he grew up in and was influenced by the Bedford–Stuyvesant neighborhood of Brooklyn. Hampton was raised by his grandmother.

Career

Hampton got his start as a

graffiti writer Graffiti (plural; singular ''graffiti'' or ''graffito'', the latter rarely used except in archeology) is art that is written, painted or drawn on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and within public view. Graffiti ranges from s ...

in New York City, known for his tag, "Savage." As early as 1997 when he was young, he got started on the block, rapping. One of his early MC names was Savage Killa, based on his graffiti handle, and which he later shortened to Sav Killz. Hampton was part of the early "Bed-Stuy, Do or Die!"-era of Brooklyn music. He got his start as part of the

Wu-Tang Clan Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop group formed in Staten Island, New York City, in 1992. Its original members include RZA, GZA, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, and Masta Killa. Close affili ...

cypher Cypher is an alternative spelling for cipher. Cypher may also refer to: Arts and entertainment * Cypher (French Group), a Goa trance music group * Cypher (band), an Australian instrumental band * Cypher (film), ''Cypher'' (film), a 2002 film * C ...

and was connected to

Popa Wu The following is a list of Wu-Tang Clan's associated acts and affiliates, known as the Killa Beez, the Midwest Wasps, and the Wu Fam. At times, they are directly funded, supported, or produced by Clan members, are formed as extension groups origin ...

, learning how to rap at 36 Chambers Studio and Restoration Plaza. He was also part of the

Sunz of Man Sunz of Man is a New York-based Wu-Tang Clan affiliated group that currently consists of Prodigal Sunn, Killah Priest, Hell Razah and 60 Second Assassin. The group's first incarnation also included Shabazz the Disciple, 7th Ambassador and pr ...

and Brooklyn Zu cyphers. Hampton performed at many open mic events, including End of the Week at the Pyramid, Nuyorican Poets Café, Club Speed, and Bowery Poetry Club among others. During this time, Hampton worked in the underground scene with fellow artists like Stronghold Crew, Immortal Technique,

Shabaam Sahdeeq Marcus Vialva (born January 13, 1974), better known by his stage name Shabaam Sahdeeq, is an alternative hip hop artist from Brooklyn, New York. He first reached fame with Rawkus Records and was featured alongside artists including Busta Rhymes, ...

C Rayz Walz Waleed Shabazz (born August 3, 1975), better known by his stage name C-Rayz Walz, is an American rapper from the Bronx, New York. He has been a member of the collective Stronghold. Early life Waleed Shabazz was born and raised in the Bronx, Ne ...

, Loer Velocity and others. Hampton's first record was 2006's ''Determination Through Time.'' Throughout the mid-2005 to 2006 era, he came up as emcee during that time period. Hampton said that since 2010, he has been able to work full time on his music. Hampton specializes in

mixtape A mixtape (alternatively mix-tape, mix tape or mixed tape) is a compilation of music, typically from multiple sources, recorded onto a medium. With origins in the 1980s, the term normally describes a homemade compilation of music onto a cassette ...

collections distributed through independent rap channels, including selling the CDs on the street. He estimates that he has sold 50,000 to 60,000 CDs since 2006, with the help of Fat Beats and Underground Hip Hop distribution. Hampton adapted the alias Jamel Rockwell for his 2012 record, ''Bangers & B-Sides,'' for a song that was highly autobiographical. His song, "Steadfast," from 2015's ''Immovable Kings,'' was part of the soundtrack of ''

The New York Times ''The New York Times'' (''the Times'', ''NYT'', or the Gray Lady) is a daily newspaper based in New York City with a worldwide readership reported in 2020 to comprise a declining 840,000 paid print subscribers, and a growing 6 million paid ...

'' video feature series, "Block by Block," on Bedford–Stuy. Hampton has performed on stage with and as an opener for many artists including

Kool Keith Keith Matthew Thornton (born October 7, 1963), better known by his stage name Kool Keith, is an American rapper and record producer from The Bronx, New York City, known for his surreal, abstract and often profane or incomprehensible lyrics. Kool ...

, Jadakiss, Slick Rick,

Saigon , population_density_km2 = 4,292 , population_density_metro_km2 = 697.2 , population_demonym = Saigonese , blank_name = GRP (Nominal) , blank_info = 2019 , blank1_name = – Total , blank1_ ...

, AZ, The Beatnuts, Rakim, Foxy Brown.

All Elements

In 2004, Hampton met DJ J-Ronin through a friend, 9th Prince from Killarmy. J-Ronin created a community called the All Elements aka The Elemental Cartel, which later turned into a record label. From the early 2000s, DJ J-Ronin and Hampton have run the multimedia company All Elements and record label, All Elements Music Group, as partners and co-CEO. Through All Elements, Ronin also manages Sav Killz. All Elements has chapters all over the world. All Elements also has a weekly radio station.

Personal life

Hampton is a member of the

Nation of Gods and Earths The Five-Percent Nation, sometimes referred to as the Nation of Gods and Earths (NGE/NOGE) or the Five Percenters, is a Black nationalist movement influenced by Islam that was founded in 1964 in the Harlem section of the borough of Manhattan, N ...

cultural movement. He said he was introduced to the movement, which was a huge part of the community growing up, through a mentor, Born Supreme. Born Supreme also connected Hampton to

Discography

Releases

* 2006: ''Determination Through Time'' – Collection of works featuring

Killah Priest Walter Reed (born August 16, 1970), better known by his stage name Killah Priest, is an American rapper, member of Sunz of Man and Wu-Tang Clan affiliate who was raised in Bedford-Stuyvesant and Brownsville, Brooklyn. He is known for his inten ...

RZA Robert Fitzgerald Diggs (born July 5, 1969), better known by his stage name the RZA ( ), is an American rapper, actor, filmmaker, and record producer. He is the ''de facto'' leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, having produced most albums ...

Bronze Nazareth Bronze Nazareth (born Justin Cross; December 8, 1979 in Grand Rapids, Michigan) is a hip hop music producer and emcee associated with the Wu-Tang Clan. He has a solo career as an emcee and is also a part of the hip-hop group Wisemen along with ...

, Kevlaar 7, Breez Evah Flowin, Loer Velocity, and more * 2008: ''Success is Inevitable'' (Hardtimes Records) – Mixedtape hosted by DJ J-Ronin featuring Sean Price,

Ali Vegas Ollie Bruce Williams (born February 22, 1982), better known by his stage name, Ali Vegas, is an American rapper from Queens, New York and founder of the record labels Council Recordings and Rich Soil Entertainment. After two failed deals with maj ...

, Capadonna, Planet Asia, Steele of Smif-N-Wessun,

, Nina B,

, Teflon of

M.O.P. M.O.P. (short for Mash Out Posse) is an American hip hop duo composed of East Coast rappers Billy Danze and Lil' Fame. The song " Ante Up", was released on their ''Warriorz'' album in 2000. The group has frequently collaborated with DJ Premi ...

, Famoso, and more * 2009: ''Scratchin the Surface'' (All Elements Music Group) – Mixedtape hosted by DJ Superstar Jay and DJ J-Ronin mixed by DJ Snips featuring

Skyzoo Gregory Skyler Taylor (born December 24, 1982), known professionally as Skyzoo, is an American Songwriter and rapper. He has released a number of notable solo and collaborative albums, including '' Cloud 9: The 3 Day High'' with 9th Wonder in ...

Sha Stimuli Sha Stimuli (born Sherod Khaalis on August 9, 1978) is an American rapper from Brooklyn, New York City. He is known for his mixtape releases, beginning with ''Let Me Show You the Way'' in 2002, which earned him a spot in ''Source Magazine''s "U ...

Donny Goines Donny Scott, also known by his stage name Donny Goines, is an American rapper. Early life Goines was born in Manhattan, New York City and spent the first years of his life there. At a young age his father was incarcerated for ten years, and he ...

, Esso, Big Lou, Hell Razah, Vast Aire of

Cannibal Ox Cannibal Ox is an American hip hop duo from Harlem, New York, United States. It consists of Vast Aire and Vordul Mega, often accompanied by DJ Cip-One. History In 2001, Cannibal Ox released their first album ''The Cold Vein'' on Definitive Jux, ...

, Planet Asia, Guilty Simpson, Iron Braydz, Louie Gonz, and more * 2012: ''Bangers and B-Sides'' (All Elements) – Mixedtape hosted by DJ J-Ronin featuring Jadakiss, M.O.P. Cappadonna, Math Hoffa, Ill Bil, Ruste Juxx, La The Darkman, and more * 2012: ''Determination Through Time (A Collection of Works)'' (All Elements / Fork and Spoon) – re-release of 2006 record * 2015: ''Immovable Kings'' EP ( Fork and Spoon Records) – Mixedtape featuring Planet Asia, Math Hoffa, Ruste Juxx,

Reef The Lost Cauze Sharif Talib Lacey, better known by his stage name Reef the Lost Cauze, is an underground hip hop artist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Cauze became well known on the underground circuit towards the late 1990s and more so in the early 2000 ...

, Illa Ghee, Poison Pen, Creature with production by Audible Doctor, Cee the Architek, Vokab, Young Cee, Bazooka Joe and Crummie Beats * 2016: ''Bangers and B-Sides 2'' (All Elements) – Mixedtape hosted by DJ J-Ronin featuring Tragedy Khadafi, Planet Asia, Frank Knight, Cappadonna of

* 2017: ''Still Determined'' (All Elements) – Upcoming release

Gold Chain Military

Gold Chain Military is a collective made up of Planet Asia, Killer Ben, TriState, Turbin,

Killa Kali ''Killa Kali'' is the second solo studio album by American rapper Celly Cel. It was released in 1996 through Sick Wid It/Jive Records. Recording sessions took place at K-Lou Studios in Richmond and at the Mob Shop in Vallejo. Production was handl ...

, Sav Killz, Montage One. The collective incorporates rappers from both the east and west coast of the United States. * 2009: ''Gold Chain Military'' with Planet Asia, ''Post War Mixtape 2009'' hosted by DJ J-Ronin (Gold Chain Military) – Mixedtape produced by

Alchemist Alchemy (from Arabic: ''al-kīmiyā''; from Ancient Greek: χυμεία, ''khumeía'') is an ancient branch of natural philosophy, a philosophical and protoscience, protoscientific tradition that was historically practiced in Chinese alchemy, C ...

, Large Pro,

Evidence Evidence for a proposition is what supports this proposition. It is usually understood as an indication that the supported proposition is true. What role evidence plays and how it is conceived varies from field to field. In epistemology, evidenc ...

, DJ Babu, Thayod, and more

Collaborations

* 2006: Planet Asia, ''The Sickness: Part 1'' – "Baby Food" featuring Sav Skills, Tri State * 2007: The Wisemen, ''

Wisemen Approaching The Wisemen is a hip hop group formed by Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Bronze Nazareth and his brother, the lyricist and producer Kevlaar 7, who died on December 23, 2014 from a blood disorder. Music career They are known for soulful, jazzy, gritty i ...

'' (Babygrande Records) – "Streets is My Home" (street album) * 2008:

, ''Transition to Power Hosted By Superstar Jay'' – "Fresh Gutta" featuring Sav Killz * 2009: Endemic, ''Terminal Illness'' (

Caroline Distribution Virgin Music Label & Artist Services is a music distributor of independent artists and record labels, owned by Universal Music Group. The subsidiary focuses on the distribution of new or emerging partners. Started by Virgin Records as Carolin ...

Record Store Day Sampler - April 18, 2009) – "Comin To Kill" featuring Sean Price, Ruste Juxx, Sav Killz * 2010: Big Lou, ''Goya Product With a Twist of Soul Food'' (Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes) – "Cipher Bullies" featuring Math Hoffa, Sav Killz * 2010: Ruste Juxx, ''Adamantine'' (Duck Down) – "Rap Assassins" featuring Ill Bill, Sav Kills, Cyrus Malachi * 2010:

9th Prince Terrance Hamlin, better known as 9th Prince, is an American rapper and one of the founding members of rap group Killarmy. He was initially responsible for bringing the various members together, under the guide of his brother. He released his so ...

, ''One Man Army'' (Babygrande Records) – "Assassins" featuring Sav Killz, Dasha * 2010: Iron Braydz, ''Devil May Cry'' – "Savin Artillery" featuring Guilty Simpson, Sav Killz * 2011: DJ JS-1, ''Ground Original 3: Nobody Cares'' (Fat Beats Records) – "Real Speak" featuring Sav Killz, Steven King, L.I.F.E. Long * 2011: V/A, ''Terminal 3 Presents The Academy'' (Terminal 3 Production) – "Rich Righteous Teachers" featuring Jadakiss,

La The Darkman Lason Jackson (born July 23, 1979), better known as La the Darkman, is a Wu-Tang Clan affiliated rapper and MC. Biography Jackson was born in New York City, New York and grew up Crown Heights, Brooklyn with his brother William Jackson. He negoti ...

, Sav Killz,

Billy Danze M.O.P. (short for Mash Out Posse) is an American hip hop duo composed of East Coast rappers Billy Danze and Lil' Fame. The song " Ante Up", was released on their ''Warriorz'' album in 2000. The group has frequently collaborated with DJ Premi ...

* 2011: Lewis Parker, ''Dangerous Adventures'' (KingUnderground Records) – "Murder One" featuring Eastkoast, Vast Aire, T.R.A.C., Sav Kills, Baron and "Big Impact" featuring Sav Kills, Killa Sha, John Robinson, T.R.A.C. * 2012: JP Beats, ''The Warning'' – "Bong!" featuring Kurupt, Math Hoffa, Sav Killz, King Marvey X, Slee 57, Khosi * 2012: Ras Kass, ''The Barmageddon Mixtape'' – "Dreadnoks" featuring

* 2012: Snowgoons, ''Snowgoons Dynasty'' (Babygrande Records) – “The Legacy” featuring Esoteric, Ill Bill, Godilla,

Fredro Starr Fred Lee Scruggs Jr. (born April 18, 1971), better known by his stage name Fredro Starr, is an American rapper and actor best known as a member of the hardcore rap group Onyx. Fredro Starr was discovered by the late hip hop star Jam Master Jay of ...

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, Punchline,

REKS Corey Isiah Christie (born August 24, 1977), better known as Reks (styled in all caps as REKS), is an American rapper. Reks emerged from Lawrence, Massachusetts' underground rap scene. His debut underground album, ''Along Came The Chosen'', w ...

, Thirstin Howl the 3rd, Planetary, Virtuoso, Maylay Sparks, Swann, Sav Killz,

M-Dot Michael Januario (born January 13, 1983) better known by his stage name M-Dot is an Italian-American rapper and producer. Before becoming a rap musician, Januario played college basketball at BHCC, MCLA and Fitchburg State. Career Born in R ...

Reef the Lost Cauze Sharif Talib Lacey, better known by his stage name Reef the Lost Cauze, is an underground hip hop artist based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Cauze became well known on the underground circuit towards the late 1990s and more so in the early 2000 ...

* 2012: V/A & DJ Doo Wop, ''UnderGround: The New 90's'' (238 Beats) – “Retrospect” * 2013: Cappadonna, '' Eyrth, Wynd & Fyre/Love, Anger & Emotion'' (RBC Records) – “Welfare” and “Actual Facts” * 2013: Endemic, ''Terminal Illness Part 2'' – “Calisthenics” featuring Tragedy Khadafi, Sav Killz, Bugsy * 2013: C-Rayz Walz, ''ALMIGHTY: The Solar Facts'' Part 2 – “Eagle's Claw” featuring Godilla Jaguar Paw, Afu-Ra, Sav Killz, MyGrane McNastee, East Koast Lord Life, Swave Sevah, Iron Butterfly and "The Saga (PTG3)" featuring Formaldahyde Dankenstein, Subtex, Sav Killz * 2013: Gensu Dean & Planet Asia, ''Abrasions'' (Mello Music Group) – "Thyself" featuring David Banner, Tragedy Khadafi * 2013: Creature, ''Black Lagoon Radio'' (Coffee Grind Media) – "My Brudda Brudda" featuring Nutso, Sav Killz; produced by Omega One * 2014: The Society Of Invisibles Presents 2Ugli, ''Poor Quality 2'' (Johnny23 Records) – "Dead Man Walking" featuring C-Rayz Walz, Lex Starwind, Sav Killz * 2014: DJ JS-1, ''Ground Original 4: It Is What It Isn't'' (Ground Original) – "Infinite" featuring Ruste Juxx, Sav Killz * 2015: Dom Pachino, ''War Poetry'' – "9 Henchmen" featuring

Shyheim Shyheim Dionel Franklin (born November 14, 1977) is an American rapper from New York better known simply as Shyheim. He initially gained fame as a teenager, releasing his debut album ''AKA the Rugged Child'' at the age of 16 in 1994. He has sp ...

, Bugsy Da God, Shogun,

Timbo King Timbo may refer to: * Timbó, a municipality in Brazil * Timbo, Arkansas, a town in the United States * Timbo, Guinea, a town in Guinea * Timbo blanco or ''Albizia inundata'', a tropical tree with light wood * Timbo King (born 1973) See also * Th ...

, Sav Killz, Dro Pesci, C-Rayz Walz * 2015: Knightstalker & Falling Down, ''Kept In Perspective II'' – "Demolition Squad" featuring Sav Killz, Dark Skinned Assassin * 2016: Phalo Pantoja & Eastkoas, ''Merciless Beauty'' – "Freedom"

Videos

* 2007: Sav Killz, "Champion Rap" featuring Planet Asia * 2008: Loer Velocity ''Ready for a Renaissance'' (Embedded Music) – "Centrifugal Cyphers" featuring Sav Killz * 2010: Louie Gonz, "Elemental Cartel" featuring Sav Killz, J.Arch, Louie Gonz, Iron Braydz, M9 * 2010: Ruste Juxx, "Rap Assassins" featuring Ill Bill, Sav Killz, Cyrus Malachi * 2010: Sav Killz, "Danger" * 2010: Sav Killz, "God Like" * 2010: Sav Killz, "Scratchin The Surface" * 2010: Sav Killz, "Tarnish Ya Rep" featuring Tristate * 2010: Sav Killz, "We Don't Look to the Skies" * 2011: Sav Killz, "Look What I Become" featuring Verse * 2013: Endemic, ''Terminal Illness Part 2'' – “Calisthenics” featuring Tragedy Khadafi, Sav Killz, Bugsy da God * 2016: Sav Killz, ''Immovable Kings'' (All Elements) – "Dreadnoks 2 / Onslaught" featuring Math Hoffa * 2016: Sav Killz, ''Bangers and B-Sides'' (All Elements) – "Fearless"

References

External links

* * * {{DEFAULTSORT:Sav Killz Five percenters Hip hop collectives Wu-Tang Clan affiliates 1978 births Living people Rappers from Brooklyn 21st-century American rappers