ISRAEL NEGASI
(El overcomes, He will become king)
Summer of ‘92 in the nation’s capitol of Washington D.C., Israel Negasi was born Israel Tesfaye, son of Ethiopian immigrants, and the first African-American in his family. Armed with nothing, but sheer will and an unbreakable confidence, Negasi is thrust into a life he may not have been all too prepared for. To learn what it means to be a man is a quest he still rides on to this day. Through it all came many experiences that groomed his sound that range from the passionate melodies to an aggressive, yet slick confidence.
From the DMV, in the Fall of 2012 Negasi finds himself at art school in Atlanta, while simultaneously making his way into local studios for internships and guidance. After getting hands-on experience with many talented professionals, learning to mix for local legends like Pill, DJ Unk, and more, he finds himself ready to step out on his own in the industry. After mastering his first single, Supernatural Love, he takes a trip with his camp to the illustrious Magic City where songs are known to break….if they were good enough, of course.
To his surprise the song performed way better than expected and managed to get a double feature by Esco that same night. With that came a lifelong boost in his desire to create more and push harder! Unfortunately, Negasi had soon to realize that his success in this industry wasn't going to be as clean cut as he imagined it to be. After a few years of producing, performing, and overall trial and error, struggle takes on a new meaning for the up and comer, and is called to leave the promising city of ATL, to land in "the windy city", Chicago. Clearly, Negasi had a lot to learn about the business, and after losing everything, this journey challenges the young cub with the task of making a name for himself on the notorious South Side with nothing, but his vision and his music.
It only took a few months for his latest single, 'Tell Me (What You Want)' to catch the attention of South Side Legend, DJ Ope Ski (Katt Williams, Floyyd Mayweather, and more) and EDITW Entertainment, who sensed the young man’s drive and fresh energy. Getting invited to shows lead to the production of the rejuvenated artist's career and the release of his fist music video by TevDesh productions. After a resounding wave of support from the city, Negasi is invited to perform at the Riddles Club for acts featuring Damon Williams, Spanky Hayes, and Mike Samp. It is here where the journey finds new hurdles as COVID-19 becomes a nationwide pandemic and shuts down the city, the shows, and potentially Negasi’s budding career.
How the future will unfold is yet to be seen, but as we enter into a new phase of life and industry, Negasi promises to overcome any hurdle that comes his way. It’s in the name, and a part of the game. Stay in tune and watch how Negasi manages to overcome the next wave of trial and triumph….
Purchase his new single on Amazon.