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Saigon

 
Artist: Saigon
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Similar Artists:

Nino Bless, Joell Ortiz, Re-Up Gang, Termanology, Lupe Fiasco, Grafh, Cassidy, Immortal Technique, Papoose

Influenced By:

Beanie Sigel, 50 Cent, Dead Prez, Mos Def, Jay-Z, Nas
  • Active: 2000s
  • Genres: Rap
  • Instrument: Vocals, Main Performer
  • Representative Albums: "Welcome to Saigon," "Warning Shots: Street Classics & Freestyles," "Warning Shots, Vol. 2"

Biography

Analogous to mixtape kingpins 50 Cent and Papoose, Saigon rose to prominence within hip-hop's top ranks, particularly in New York, just on unofficial singles and mixtapes alone. Politically conscious and street-smart, the rapper became a formidable force as he was taken under the wings of Roc-A-Fella Records' high-in-demand producer Just Blaze, who shared his passion for early-'90s hip-hop. Born in Brooklyn but raised in Rockland County, NY, Saigon (aka Brian Carenard) developed his deft rhyming skills during his seven-year stint in prison, where he also earned the nickname "the Yardfather." Only a teenager, he spent much of his time delving into politics and black history, educating himself on topics like the Vietnam War and Toussaint L'Ouverture, but he identified the most with the history and background of Malcolm X. After his prison release in 2000, he established the company Abandoned Nation, which was partly a nonprofit foundation that provided support for the children of incarcerated parents, but it also helped him and associated artists to pursue their music careers. His first important musical contact was DJ/producer Mark Ronson, who gave him studio time and access to other valuable contacts. The rapper later left Ronson's company, on good terms, in order to explore better options. Saigon began producing mixtapes in 2002. It didn't take the raw lyricist much time to gain a sizable fan base with songs like the political "Shok TV," the street gang-focusing "The Color Purple," and the alliterating exercise of "The Letter P," one of his first tracks with Just Blaze. Blaze was looking for an atypical rapper with whom he could start his new Fort Knox imprint, and after hearing Saigon, he signed him almost immediately. To say Saigon became just a promising up-and-comer is an understatement. Saigon was listed in tons of "Artists to Watch" columns (including in Time magazine) and graced the covers of many hip-hop publications throughout the early to mid-2000s. His songs always found their way onto the mixtapes of various reputable DJs, like DJ Kay Slay, DJ Whookid, and DJ Drama, and his own mixtapes, including the Yardfather volumes and Warning Shots (2004), sold very well. By 2005, the MC was signed to Atlantic Records via Blaze's imprint and had landed a recurring role in the HBO hit series Entourage. However, his official Atlantic debut album was constantly delayed, causing his buzz in the industry to subside slightly, but still leaving many in anticipation. ~ Cyril Cordor, All Music Guide
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Wikipedia: Saigon (rapper)
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Saigon

Background information
Birth name Brian Daniel Carenard
Born June 16, 1977 (age 32)
Origin Brooklyn, New York, United States
Genres Hip hop
Occupations Rapper, Actor
Years active 2001-Present
Labels Amalgam Digital
Hip Hop Since 1978
Fort Knocks Entertainment
Violator
Associated acts Just Blaze, Tru-Life, Jay-Z
Website Official site

Brian Daniel Carenard, better known by his stage name Saigon, is an American rapper.

Saigon is currently signed to Amalgam Digital and Just Blaze's Fort Knocks Entertainment record label and is awaiting the release of his label debut entitled The Greatest Story Never Told.

Contents

Biography

1978-2000: Early life

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Saigon spent his upbringing in Rockland County. He spent 7 years in prison, where he earned the nickname "Da Yard Father""[1]. After his release in 2000, he established the company Abandoned Nation http://www.abandonednation.com/ , which was partly a non-profit foundation that provided support for the children of incarcerated parents, but it also helped him and associated artists to pursue their music careers.

2001-2006: Rise to fame, Entourage

Starting from 2001, he started to appear on mixtapes and make contacts inside the music industry. His first important musical contact was DJ/producer Mark Ronson[1], who gave him studio time and access to other valuable contacts. The rapper later left Ronson's company, on good terms, in order to explore better options. In 2002, Saigon released his first mixtape Da Yard Father 1 - The Best of Saigon, which XXL ranked 14 on their top 20 artist-driven mixtapes list.[2] Saigon quickly gained popularity in the underground circuit and on the internet. Saigon was listed on many "Artists to Watch" columns (including Time magazine) and graced the covers of many hip-hop publications throughout the early to mid-2000s.[1]

In 2005, Saigon landed a recurring role in the popular HBO show Entourage.[3] He appeared as himself in the second and third seasons of the show. Entourage is credited as being a big boost to his career, making him more recognizable to the mainstream U.S. population.[4]

2007

Moral of the Story and album with Tru-Life

The Moral of the Story is Saigon's street album [5], which consists of new original material and songs that were cut from The Greatest Story Never Told. This album was released to create hype for his debut album and to hold fans over until his major label debut was released. Despite the mixtape not featuring some of his best material, Saigon claims that it's still better than most rappers' studio albums. The album was released on November 13, 2007.

On November 17, 2007, Saigon and fellow New York rapper Tru-Life announced they would be recording a collaborative album.[6] Speaking on the album Saigon stated:

We’re using what got us here, and that’s our talent. Our talent put us in this situation to get our music out there. At times we get sidetracked by the bullshit, but we have to bring it back to what made me love hip-hop and that’s the genuine shit, not the gimmicky shit. The radio is pretty much destroying hip-hop. The bullshit music is fucking it up because now everybody feels like they can do it. When everybody can do something, it gets so diluted and the music won’t be as potent. We’re not even going to call this a mixtape. We’re doing an album together.

Saigon and Tru-Life have reportedly recorded about six songs for the album.[7]

The Greatest Story Never Told and the "I QUIT" blog

The Greatest Story Never Told is Saigon's highly anticipated debut album set to be released on Just Blaze's Fort Knocks Entertainment. It was originally scheduled for a 2005 release, but has been constantly delayed.

On June 1, 2007, Saigon posted a blog on his Myspace stating that he felt Atlantic Records didn't have the desire to release his album because he is an artist, and they only care about the money, not the music he's producing. He stated that the album will be released independently if Atlantic Records will not release it.[8]

Saigon later took down that blog because he thought it offended Just Blaze. On June 14, 2007, Just Blaze responded to Saigon's comments on his own blog. He stated that he was not offended by the blog but just didn't understand why Saigon would post it now when the only thing holding up the album release is a sample clearance for the single "C'mon Baby" which Craig Kallman—president of Atlantic—was personally handling.[9]. Saigon then posted an apology and announced he signed a deal with Violator Management.[10] Just Blaze later posted that all samples had been cleared.[11] The Greatest Story Never Told was set to be released early 2008.[5]

After his arrest for a minor felony weapon charge and release on bail[12], On November 19, [[2007 Saigon posted a blog on his MySpace entitled "I QUIT"[13] stating he was quiting the music industry because of how the media spins what he says in interviews and how they don't care about his real message. Saigon said in his blog:

Fuck this bum ass rap game anyway, its full of fake ass niggaz who pump poison to the kids, make a few dollars and act like they're larger then life when they know their music is detrimental to their fucking communities, If it ain't about sex, it's about drugs or violence, where are the songs about getting an education, or being responsible parents and shit, or stopping the gang violence...This shit is sickening... SAIGON IS DEAD... Should I say I'll slap a rapper so they run and put it in all their news sections and gossip columns... Okay I'll slap the shit outta EVERY rapper, how's that....I QUIT. Now I have time to focus on my non-profit organization, "In Arms Reach / Abandoned Nation". Please if you get the chance, check out http://www.inarmsreach.net and lend your support to the work we do for the children in NYC whose parent(s) are incarcerated. Thank you. Now I gotta figure out how I'm gonna break this to Just Blaze... THE GREATEST STORY NEVER TOLD.... hahahahahahaha.. PROPHECY

Later in the day, Saigon gave a statement to HipHopGame.com confirming what he said in his MySpace blog.[14] He told HipHopGame that he was going to focus more on his nonprofit organizations In Arms Reach and Abandoned Nation, which help New York City kids whose parents are incarcerated.

On December 19, Saigon posted another blog, entitled "It Feels Good....,",[15] stating that he had decided not to retire. In his blog Saigon said:

After all the messages from y'all, the phone calls from the ‘real’ industry people, and just the thinking I did... I decided two things, I decided that right now, quitting is not an option for me, and number 2, that if I’m going to continue to make music and do this rap thing... Im playing by MY OWN RULES... If you’re not with me, you're against me... We have a plight to help save lives and enlighten people that we have some serious adjustments to make.[16]

2008

On May 14 2008, Saigon, in an exclusive interview with Providence's 95.5 WBRU, announced that his contract with Atlantic Records had been dissolved. Recent media speculation has indicated that Saigon will be signing to Jay-Z's Roc Nation, a soon-to-be newly established, joint venture with Live Nation. However, this did not occur.

Saigon has also recently worked on a project with Hot97 DJ Peter Rosenberg, an EP produced by Oddisee.[17]

2009

Saigon's received press online by participating in a rap battle with Joe Budden. They exchanged 2 diss songs each; Saigon's being "Underachiever" and "Pushin' Buddens" and Joe Budden's being "Letter To Saigon" and "Pain In His Life".

Early in the year, he completed an album in 24 hours with DJ/Producer Statik Selektah titled "All In A Day's Work". It was released March 17, 2009 under Amalgam Digital.[18]

Saigon is also releasing his first major retail album, Warning Shots 2, on October 6, 2009 [19]. It is a sequel to his "street album" Warning Shots. It is being released through Amalgam Digital, and will feature guests OJ Da Juiceman, Lil' Fame of M.O.P., Grand Puba, and more, along with production from Just Blaze, Buckwild, Scram Jones, and Saigon himself.[20]

Discography

Mixtapes

  • Welcome to Saigon (2006)
  • Abandoned Nation
  • Belly of The Beast (The Scram Jones Files) (2007)
  • Da Yard Father 2 - On the Go Back
  • The Return Of The Yardfather
  • Departure From Tha Yardfather

Albums

Filmography

Year Title Role Notes
2005-2006 Entourage Himself 4 episodes
2006 Rap Sheet: Hip-Hop and the drops Himself
2006 Bring That Year Back 2006: Laugh Now, Cry Later Himself TV

Personal life

  • He was arrested and spent 7 years in prison earning the nickname "The Yardfather"
  • On the night of January 17, 2006, Saigon was stabbed in the temple with a wine bottle as he left a diner in the Chelsea, Manhattan, NYC.[21] A man approached Saigon and attempted to steal a chain of his. When Saigon grabbed it back, a fight started. Saigon, bleeding from the head, tried to hail down a taxi, but was unsuccessful. As a result, Saigon ended up driving himself to Bellevue Hospital where he received seven stitches.
  • On the night of September 19, 2007, after an impromptu performance by Saigon during a Mobb Deep show, words were exchanged between Saigon and Prodigy of Mobb Deep.[22] This escalated into an argument, which resulted with Saigon punching Prodigy twice in the face.[23] Two video versions of the events have since emerged. One version with slow motion footage shows a clear look of Saigon punching Prodigy, while another video being endorsed by Mobb Deep shows Saigon being chased and running out of the club.[24]
  • On August 22, Saigon was arrested in Manhattan on felony weapon charges. According to the New York Post, a small knife was found by authorities in Saigon's car after he was pulled over for a traffic infraction. Saigon was released on $1500 bail, and appeared in court on December 5, 2007.
  • At the end of 2008, Saigon became a father. His daughter's name is Rayne Dior.[25]

References

  1. ^ a b c Cyril Cordor. "Saigon: Biography". Yahoo! Shopping. http://shopping.yahoo.com/p:Saigon:1927797810:page=biography. Retrieved 2008-11-04. 
  2. ^ Leah Rose and Anslem Samuel (July 27, 2006) Hustler Musik XXL. Accessed November 22, 2007.
  3. ^ Entourage at the Internet Movie Database
  4. ^ Campbell, Dwayne (2006-06-20). "Not about the bling". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=439009. Retrieved 2008-10-20. 
  5. ^ a b Shaheem Reid and Jayson Rodriguez, with additional reporting by Rahman Dukes and Liz Hernandez. Mixtape Monday: Jay-Z Borrows The-Dream's 'Hook'; Young Buck Says His Album 'Is Better Than Kanye's And 50's' MTV. Accessed November 19, 2007.
  6. ^ Saigon and Tru Life recording album together; HipHopGame bringing continuous, exclusive coverage on the album HipHopGame.com (November 17, 2007). Accessed November 19, 2007.
  7. ^ Saigon and Tru Life still recording album together HipHopGame.com (December 3, 2007). Accessed December 3, 2007.
  8. ^ Verbal Walker (June 4, 2007) Saigon Vs Atlantic Records!?!? HipHopDX.com. Accessed December 19, 2007.
  9. ^ Just Blaze (June 14, 2007). Strictly Business The Megatron Don. Accessed November 21, 2007
  10. ^ Shake (June 16, 2007). Saigon Apologizes and Signs With Violator Management HipHopDX.com. Accessed November 21, 2007.
  11. ^ Just Blaze (June 20, 2007).Word! The Megatron Don. Accessed December 2007.
  12. ^ Slava Kuperstein (August 24, 2007). Saigon Arrested for Weapons Possession HipHopDX.com. Accessed November 21, 2007.
  13. ^ LINK: Saigon Announces He’s Quitting Rap XXL (November 19, 2007). Accessed November 19, 2007
  14. ^ Saigon releases exclusive statement on HipHopGame HipHopGame.com November 19, 2007. Accessed November 19, 2007.
  15. ^ Watch Out Hip-Hop Saigon is Back HipHopGame.com (December 19, 2007). Accessed December 19, 2007.
  16. ^ BLOG: Saigon Decides Not To Retire XXL December 19, 2007. Accessed December 19, 2007.
  17. ^ The First "Love Lockdown " Remix! Prod. by Oddisee.... RosenbergRadio.com (September 26, 2008). Accessed October 1, 2008.
  18. ^ YouTube - Saigon & Statik Selektah complete an album in 24 hours.... YouTube (February 6, 2009). Accessed February 23, 2009
  19. ^ Video: Saigon ft. Just Blaze - Gotta Believe It Nah Right (September 4, 2009). Accessed September 14, 2009
  20. ^ Warning Shots 2 Web Flyer Nah Right (August 14, 2009). Accessed August 16, 2009
  21. ^ Shaheem Reid (January 19, 2006).Saigon Assaulted Outside Diner In New York MTV. Accessed November 4, 2006.
  22. ^ Saigon, Mobb Deep Get Into Physical Altercation During Music Showcase In New York BallerStatus.com (September 20, 2007). Accessed December 19, 2007.
  23. ^ Saigon Punches Prodigy of Mobb Deep HipHopDX.com (September 20, 2007). Accessed November 21, 2007.
  24. ^ Saigon Talks Fight With Prodigy Sohh.com (September 20, 2007). Accessed November 21, 2007.
  25. ^ Kayser, Brian (2009-01-22). "Saigon". HipHopGame.com. http://www.hiphopgame.com/index2.php3?page=saigon12209. Retrieved 2009-01-30. 

External links

v • d • e
Saigon
Albums

The Moral of the Story · The Greatest Story Never Told
Singles
"What a Life" · "C'mon Baby" · "Believe It"
Related articles

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