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Biography
Albert Devon Tatmon, A.K.A. Oktayne, born in Berkley, CA – moving to Oakland as a youngster and long-time friend, Eugene “G-Funk” Bentley reunite to create his two-and-half-year project, “Self-Explanations,” released Feb. ’09 on iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon, Napster and other online stores. During the long production time, Oktayne produced and released a mix tape, “Self-Explanatory, Vol. I,” self-published under the name, “The Publishing Kid” that sold over 1000 online downloads with little marketing on www.thatcrack.com. If listeners are into LL Cool J, Lupe Fiasco or Fabolous, they definitely want to listen to Oktayne.
“The style of production originated from the musical roots I have, from the Dirty South to the Midwest to West Coast, to the East Coast but all the beats speak to you, letting you know I am what I say I am in my lyrics,” says Oktayne.
Oktayne’s family moved him out of Oakland to Rodeo, CA when he was three-years-old. In Rodeo he fell in love with hip-hop in the early ‘90s. Picking up a microphone when he was in 8th grade, this to-be emcee began recording music with his father’s DJ equipment and a couple friends. His second love is rhythm and blues; Oktayne took voice lessons and a class about contemporary music.
“My dad used to do parties for years when I was younger. All ages of people would contact him to play music at their parties. He still to this day asks me what's hot to young people,” Oktayne explains.
It has been a struggle and a long process but Oktayne’s determination and love for what he does is already paying off. He has been growing as an emcee in his community with the support of his people.
“Self-Explanations,” produced by Beat Catererz, Kajmir Royale, G-Funk and Sap Da Beat Man’s hottest single, “California Soul” which has a cool, summertime beat along with clean lyrics, keeping it real. Other singles, such as, “Neva Thought,” “Sun Up” and “The Dreamer have been gaining popularity and are set to become music videos. The mix tape was created to promote the actual album, “Self-Explanations.” The album is made up of songs that are easy to dance to and made for hip-hop lovers, especially the ladies.
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