Sweat Shop Recordings: Bios

Sweat Shop Recordings

Sweat Shop Recordings is a record label founded by brothers, Tony AFX and Mad Man Smooth, one a producer and the other an artist. Their plans are to bring to the industry and public what they have been wanting themselves...good music...creativity...and lastly fairness.

Before Sweat Shop Recordings was founded, the founders performed at clubs and talent shows as well as put out music on the underground scene. Their common goal is to put out good music and make a name for themselves.

Tony AFX - Artist/Producer

Tony AFX, a California native born in Los Angeles, has been involved in music since he was child. At the age of 7, he sung in the choir at church. As he grew up, his interest turned to playing drums, which he did in the marching band in junior high. At the same time, he started to beat box, which he became very skilled at, earning himself a good reputation. In 1986, his family moved to Pomona, California during his sophomore year of high school. Soon after, he joined the choir and started deejaying. Tony AFX deejayed for two groups, Two Def Creations and Chill & The Wiz, and became interested in learning how to play keyboards and producing. In 1988, Tony AFX, along with two friends, started an music organization called P.I.E. (Posse In Effect then changed to Pomona's Insane Empire). That same year, Tony AFX met Steven Hicks also known as Big Steve, and was given business and musical guidance. Tony AFX's musical talents became more focused and produced tracks for artists in the organization and independent. Tony AFX became one of the main producers in the organization as well as his own group, 1st Brigade. In 1993, after the break up of 1st Brigade, Tony AFX, along with his brother, Mad Man Smooth, and Dub Sak formed the group IV L.I.F.E..

Tony AFX has expanded his skills to producing a wide range of genres. These genres include Rap, Hip Hop, Funk, Rock, R&B, Jazz, Reggae, Techno, House, Scoring, and a little Salsa. Being of a bi-racial background, Black & Puerto Rican, he has been exposed to a wide range of music growing up, fueling his constant journey to learn more and more musical styles.

"My main focus is to keep building my skills to reflect the different types of music I listened to growing up.", says Tony AFX. "I listened to music from The Temptations, The Gap Band, and Led Zeppelin to The Police, Cindy Lauper, and Prince as well as jazz. I try to keep my mind open to all kinds of music. Since I am a true musician, I have learned to appreciate all types of music...even those I don't personally buy. When I buy CDs, I like to look for unknown artists. I like to hear what's going on the underground scene. I also pick up CDs from unknown artists by word of mouth. What I have come to believe over the years is that those who do music because they really love music will eventually succeed. Those who do music just for the money will fall off. Some are lucky enough to be in it for the money and become successful. But, they usually don't last long. You have to have love for the music to think you are going to be in it for a long time. The reason why I do music is because I love music. I will be doing music whether I am rich or poor. I just love music. Always have...Always will!"

Tony AFX's music and skills definitely make a statement to those who hear it. The statement is that he is here to stay and shows longevity in this industry. He's definitely got skills and he definitely will make a statement!

Afeezy - Artist

Afeezy is the Electronica/Techno/Trance/Dance side of Tony AFX, one of the producers of Demolition Men Productions. Tony AFX didn't want to be pigeon holed into just one style or genre. So, he toyed with the idea of doing a instrumental only album for the clubs and euro scene in addition to other styles. Tony AFX is using three names to do just that. The name Afeezy is being used for Electronica/Techno/Trance/Dance, Tony AFX for Hip Hop/Rap, and Ivan Clay for Smooth Jazz. Each name is a different side of the same person.

To describe the Afeezy side of Tony AFX is to use words such as energetic and fun. "I know that some people may not understand why I use different names for different genres. But, it makes sense when you look at it from my point of view. I wouldn't want to pick up a CD expecting one style and find out it is totally the opposite. So, I use three different names for 3 distinct genres or categories.", says Afeezy. "Besides, it makes music fun when I can explore different genres. It allows me to grow as a musician as well as a producer."

Big P - Artist/Producer

I was Born in Saint Paul, Minnesota in the early 1970's. I was raised around a variety of musicians including aunts and uncles who have years of experience in music. As a child, I had experience in playing several different instruments such as the clarinet, trumpet, saxophone, and a little piano. I relocated to Los Angeles, California in 1983 where I played in the junior high and senior high school orchestras. I started off as an M.C. in the early 1990's by being introduced to rapping by my homie 2Tone. In the mid 1990's, I hooked up with my rap partner, Mr. P-Nutt, and started recording several songs including "2 G'z In A Lac", "Dank Vs. Drank", and "Mo Shit". Around 1997, I was introduced to Dub Sak aka Mr. Doja, Mad Man Smooth, and Tony AFX. It was then my music savvy really expanded. I started doing music all day everyday. Now a part-time MC and full time producer, I've been part of several projects dealing with Sweat Shop Recordings.

My goal as a producer in this new day and age is to bring a clean but funky head bobbin' sound to America so the public can feel me and my music. My production credits include works on Mr. Doja's solo project, "Tha' Audio-ah-graphy", my compilation, "It's On & Krackin' Volume 1", and the album by 2-4-7, "Hate It or Luv It".

"When I make my music, I'm always in my own state of mind.... Therefore, when my audience listens to my music, I want them in their own state of mind."

Big P.

DBI (Dolla Bomb Individual) - Artist/Producer

On the West Coast, in Los Angeles County, the city of West Covina houses a lyrical engineer known for dismantling emcees across Southern California.

Once part of a popular local group called the Puhzul Clik, DBI is finally ready to make his debut as a soloist with accomplishments including appearances on 92.3 the Beat’s (Now 100.3 the Beat) Wake Up Show with Sway &Tech, as well as recording a radio drop for the station’s disk jockey/platinum selling artist “ Tre Blak”. A drop at which time knocked off the popular rap group “The Fugees” and caught the attention of many celebrities and listeners. His performances includes some of Hollywood’s hot spots such as The Coconut Teaser and Da’ Joint. The Del Mar Import Car Show, which had an attendance of 10,000 people, had a chance to experience the raw energy and pure excitement of a DBI live performance and was thrilled. DBI appeared with the main act, Novelist, a member of Kansascali, and writer for hip-hop’s first Latin rap group, Lighter Shade of Brown and also performing with members from the multi-platinum-selling group AZ Yet. Needless to say, the show was a hit!

DBI aka Dolla Bomb Individual, is not just another emcee, but an artist expression of lyrical captivation and longevity.

Dub Sak aka Mr. Doja - Artist

Dub Sak a.k.a. Mr.Doja was born in Inkster, Michigan, a small suburb of Detroit. Transplanted to the west coast at a young age, Pomona (known as "The Land") became home. Mr. Doja states, "I was bred in these P-Town streets. They taught me how to survive. Popz wasn't around. So the streets took his place. His loss, not mine." Dub's interest in music was sparked from the whole break dancing era. His love for words goes back even further, as he has always been an avid reader. "I guess around high school I truly learned of the power of words. To be able to heal or hurt with words alone was appealing to me. The gift of being able to vividly recreate a scenario and put a listener in the passenger's seat was and still is a rush for me."

In 1988-89 Dub was introduced to Mad Man Smooth through a mutual friend. "I had wrote my 1st rap with my dogg D.V.S. during a class we had together. I thought it was cool. But D.V.S. was like "Man, you gotta bust that for the homiez." He took me by Smooth's and I flowed for him and like 3 other cats. They liked my material and I became part of Pomona'z Insane Empire (P.I.E.)" Surrounded by a vast assortment of tight lyricists, Dub Sak began to evolve his style. "My delivery has always been one of my strong points. I've spent the majority of my time trying to work on my lyrical content. To spit lyrics that will make the listener rewind like "Damn, did you hear what he said?"

"My style is rhythmical...it's like the track speaks to me. One of the hardest questions posed to me has been "What style is your music?" Not as easy to answer as one may think. See, music is an expression of the soul or mood. I write what I feel. If I'm angry at the time, hard lyrics come out. My goal is to be universal. True music. To make songs that even anti-rap activists hate to love. I'm a true artist and what's most important to an artist is to be heard."

Mr. Doja has performed in clubs, at shows, house parties, and talent shows. Record deals have come. But, an understanding of the business aspects prevented Dub from "selling his soul for a jelly roll" as he puts it. "I got "Da' Remedy" for the musick industry," Mr. Doja states. "Don't believe it, check the stats!"

Gambino Liavazzi - Artist

Gambino Liavazzi aka Black Ceasar is an artist that represents Pomona, CA. He was born and raised on the Eastside of South Central L.A., where he first discovered his love and skills for the lyrical aspect of Hip Hop.

Influenced by Run-DMC, N.W.A., King Tee, and Big Daddy Kane, Gambino tuned into the KDAY Mack Attack Mix Masters Show every Saturday night. Gambino touched the mic for the first time at a Verbum Dei High School dance and since then he has ripped mics at Skateland USA, World on Wheels, and has also done shows with Uncle Jam's Army as a member of KAOS (Killing All Opposing Suckers).

Gambino moved to the city of Pomona, still L.A. County but considered the Inland Empire, where Hip Hop is intensified by 100%. It was there that he met Steven "Big Steve" Hicks (R.I.P.) who eventually hooked him up with P.I.E. (Pomona's Insane Empire), a group of lyrical assassins 50 deep and no joke.

Through this connection, Gambino laid vocals over tracks produced by various producers such as DJ Slip, Mike T, Sandman, and DJ Trigg and recorded in different well known studios like Skip Saylor's, Cherokee Studios in Hollywood, and Hot Tracks in Pomona, CA.

From there Gambino joined a local Pomona group called Hillside Stranglers. The group later changed their name, signed with an independent label, and went their separate ways. After two years away from the music game, he called producer and friend Tony AFX and they hooked up in the studio and recorded a hot demo in a couple of days.

Gambino's style is a smooth combo of West Coast G-Phunk and East Coast Underground. In short, Gambino says, "More than the average MC with and added twist in every bar.".

Experiences include performing at various car shows, college parties, and part of the opening acts on three different occasions for Xzibit, Blackmoon, and Homeless Nation. Gambino also has experience and knowledge in the business aspect of the music industry and with that he plans to succeed far beyond any expectations of the average artist.

His goals are to make his mark in Hip Hop history, to be more than just an artist/entertainer but to be an entrepreneur and music mogul in his own right.

"A Hip Hop Icon"

IV L.I.F.E. - Artist/Group

IV L.I.F.E. is a group that is comprised of three members that hail from Pomona, California. The group, which started in 1993, has been through many trial and error stages. After departing from a previous group, these members decided to do it on their own. The name IV L.I.F.E. has a lot of meaning behind it. L.I.F.E. is an acronym which means Living Insane For Ever, which to the members is their motto for life.

The group's members are Mad Man Smooth, Dub Sak, and Tony AFX. They have been working on music together for over 9 years. Dub Sak explains their group as "Trues that's been down since day one and till the day my casket drops." Mad Man Smooth adds, "Stay true and your trues will stay." Both members agree that this is what has kept them tight through and through. Tony AFX and Mad Man Smooth are brothers that's been deep in music since they can remember and treat Dub Sak just like family.

The musical background of this group ranges from junior high school band, choir, BSU talent shows, performances at local parties, battles, and even a backyard video that was aired on a local cable station. Tony AFX goes on to comment, "We get a lot of positive responses from our audience and that motivates us to do more and keep it real." Contributions come from all members to make this group a family. Both Dub Sak and Mad Man Smooth give Tony AFX input on the tracks and Tony AFX makes sure the artists give their best to assure the lyrics and the tracks compliment each other.

The future goals of this group are to expand their talents and help bring forth the many talents of P.I.E. (Pomona's Insane Empire), which IV L.I.F.E. is a part of. They're looking for longevity in the business and they are very confident that their skills, talents, love for the music, and trueness will make it all possible.

Ivan Clay - Aritst

Ivan Clay is the jazzy side of Tony AFX, one of the producers of Demolition Men Productions. Ivan Clay was "born" while Tony AFX played with the idea of doing a instrumental only album to display his talents as a self taught keyboardist. As each song was completed, it became apparent that his natural gift was jazz. Being that he also writes other styles, he incorporated those styles into his jazz repertoire. At that point, Tony AFX felt that he needed to separate his jazz and producer personas to be taken more seriously in the jazz world. So, as a jazz artist, the use of his middle and last name was chosen.

The term "Urban Jazz" can be used to describe the feel and flavor of Ivan Clay's songs. "I know that some people may not understand what I mean when I call my style of jazz "Urban Jazz". Simply, it is hip hop/rap beats with jazz music and melodies played on top. It's like some of the songs I hear on 94.7FM The Wave (KTWV). But, with a little more street edge.", says Ivan Clay. "Jazz is something that I have loved my whole life and is some of the best music I have been exposed to growing up. I have listened to music from Duke Ellington and Miles Davis to Dave Koz and The Rippingtons. Jazz has changed over the years and now incorporates a wide range of feel and flavor. So, I am trying to blend in with that.", says Ivan Clay.

Ivan Clay plans to establish the validity of making music that has feelings as well as show that talent can go a long way.

Mad Man Smooth - Artist

Mad Man Smooth is an artist who hails from the inner depths of Pomona, California, a city he describes as "Home of Raw Undiscovered Talents." Born in the Los Angeles area, Mad Man Smooth and his family relocated to "P-Town", which he calls "The Land". There he first discovered a love for the lyrical aspects of Hip Hop. He has always had a passion for music, being raised by a single mother who was deeply into dancing, and an older brother (Tony AFX) who was into deejaying and beatboxing. Mad Man Smooth got involved early in the game and soon went from recording weekend KDAY programs to break dancing and poetry writing. Then, taking it a step further, becoming a lyricist "I was bred into music. As far as I can remember, saving allowances just to go buy records and 45 singles." From this spawned an attraction like no other, spending numerous weekends recording on a broken 4 track reel to reel owned by his mother, who gave it to her sons to record their sessions and ideas.

In 1988, Mad Man Smooth was introduced into a music family that his brother (AFX) and a couple of friends started called "P.I.E." (Posse In Effect then changed to Pomona's Insane Empire). "They were the talk of the school. I would watch them freestyle and create ideas in our garage and go to high school games and serve other MCs. I wanted to be a part of that!" Soon after he became a member, he began the journey of honing his skills.

Mad Man Smooth states that his style took time to develop. "The writing came naturally. But, the delivery part I worked on for years. But, I stayed at it even when I was criticized. My style is unorthodox. It's an on and off beat combination and that took time to "lock in pocket".", says Mad Man Smooth. He continues by stating that his content isn't the usual West Coast Gangsta and has a lot more to offer. "I've been blessed with a talent, been thru many life experiences, plus I'm an intelligent individual and I want my music to portray just that...music for every type of vibe." He takes pride in the fact he's not a bandwagon jumper, staying true to what his heart, mind, and pen create.

Experiences include performing at house parties, clubs, shows, and talent contests. He has also been offered contract agreements from record labels but, was unable to accept. Besides performing, his greatest experience has been understanding the business aspects of the music industry and with that knowledge build on a dream. "We were ahead of our time. From here on in, it's all "Hand Ova Fist"."

Future goals are to put Sweat Shop Recordings on the map to hold it's own against the larger players in the music industry. "We are in this to make a statement. It's like a football game. It's 4th & Inches with 20 seconds left on the clock. We have the ball. The play is called. The snap is made. Touch Down! We are victorious!", says Mad Man Smooth.

As Mad Man Smooth walks out of the room, he turns around and says, "Nowadays people think that because they have a contract, they got skillz. But, money and a contract doesn't equal skillz."

Menace aka Young Terrific - Artist

As the youngest, Menace was to be seen and not heard until now. Interfering with the game in a positive manner, Young Terrific’s artistic content increases his life points to damage the Industry crucially. Born in Montana, he was raised from parts of the east coast to the southern parts of California. At 20 years of age, he has been constructing music since 1998 and is still working on developing a crisp style. Intrigued by Tupac, The Outlawz's Regime, and Tech Nine, music burrowed into his heart and soul through his older brother FirstBorn, who back in the day ran with the Savages: Young Dawn, Tantrum the Mercenary and M.C.E. Menace then began writing music as a member of the Savage Committee. Approximately one year later he sub-sided with Triple Play Management, where he met his manager Big Cedric. He booked home studio time and recorded a small portion of product.

After six solid years of self-improvement, Youngin’ accidentally ran across Mad Man Smooth and Sweat Shop Recordings. Losing all hope once before, he refused to let an opportunity like this pass him up. He promised himself that he would be heard one way or another. It’s been a struggle but business is being conducted and progress is walking.

As we speak, his hands are full with his EP “Gravel Foundation” and his first full length solo album “The Unheard Cry”. Future plans hold a spiritual album. As far as being involved with the whole business side of things, he is still new behind the scenes; creating an unbreakable ambition to learn what he doesn’t know and accomplish what he has always wanted. Underneath it all, he has performed in plays, school talent shows, house parties, church organizations and two firm years in mass choir.

Deep thoughts brought to the surface of today’s expectations; Menace a.k.a. Young Terrific speaks the real with a twist.