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Currensy
American rapper from Louisiana

Shante Scott Franklin (born April 4, 1981), better known by his stage name Currensy (stylized as Curren$y), is an American rapper. Born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, he signed with the local record labels Cash Money Records and Young Money Entertainment in the mid-2000s, but parted ways with both without any major releases. He signed with DD172 to release four albums before signing with Warner Records to release his fifth album and major label debut, Weekend at Burnie's (2011). In February of that year, he founded the record label Jet Life Recordings.

Currensy is perhaps best known for his 2015 single, "Bottom of the Bottle" (featuring Lil Wayne and August Alsina), which remains his sole entry on the Billboard Hot 100.

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Music career

2002–2008: No Limit and Young Money

In 2002, Currensy was signed to Master P's No Limit Records and was a late addition to the 504 Boyz.2 The song "Get Back"3 by 504 Boyz, produced by Donald XL Robertson, was featured on the 2003 film Malibu's Most Wanted soundtrack. Currensy appeared on 5 songs in Master P's Good Side, Bad Side album.4 Even though he was signed with No Limit, he represented C-Murder's TRU label. Currensy has several songs with C-Murder, and was featured on the late Soulja Slim's album, Years Later (2002).

In 2004, Currensy signed with Cash Money Records and Lil Wayne's Young Money Entertainment. He was featured on Lil Wayne's mixtape Dedication 2, The Suffix and several unreleased songs while with Young Money. He released a mixtape entitled Welcome Back in 2004. He was featured in Lil Wayne's "Grown Man" on Tha Carter II. While still at Young Money, Currensy created Fly Society with skateboarder Terry Kennedy, first as a clothing company, then expanding to release music. He released the song, "Where da Cash At" as the lead single for his Young Money debut, Music To Fly To, in 2006. In 2007, another mixtape was released entitled Life at 30,000 Feet. He remained with Young Money until late 2007. In 2008, Currensy released Independence Day, his first project after leaving Young Money and the first of seven mixtapes to be released that year while he struck out as an independent artist.5

2009–2010: This Ain't No Mixtape, Jet Files and Pilot Talk

Currensy signed with Amalgam Digital to release his debut album, This Ain't No Mixtape, in 2009.6 This album was entirely produced by Monsta Beatz. Currensy was also selected to XXL magazine's annual "Freshman Class" list, and released his second album, Jet Files, through Amalgam Digital that same year.7 Amalgam Digital released physical copies of This Ain't No Mixtape and Jet Files on May 31, 2010.

Currensy's third album, Pilot Talk, was released on July 13, 2010. The album featured guest appearances by Snoop Dogg, Big K.R.I.T. and Mos Def, amongst others, with most of the songs produced by Ski Beatz. Prior to the album's release, there was news of Pilot Talk being released under a newly relaunched Roc-A-Fella Records.8 However, Currensy stated in interviews with both XXL and Complex Magazine that the album would be released under Damon Dash's DD172 record label division, BluRoc Records91011 and distributed through Def Jam Recordings. Currensy made numerous appearances on labelmate Ski Beatz' debut studio album, 24 Hour Karate School, which was released on September 21, 2010.

2010–2011: Pilot Talk II and Weekend at Burnie's

Currensy's fourth album, Pilot Talk II, was released on November 22, 2010,12 which featured Fiend and Raekwon, among others, with many of the songs produced by Ski Beatz.13 2010 also saw the release of mixtape Smokee Robinson with DJ Don Cannon.

On February 1, 2011, it was announced that Currensy signed a label deal with Warner Bros. Records for his imprint, Jet Life Recordings.14 Covert Coup was his first project on his Jet Life Recordings imprint under Warner Bros. Released for free via Currensy's official website on April 20, the album contains ten songs completely produced by The Alchemist.15 He released a mixtape, Weekend at Burnie's on June 28, 2011, featuring his Jet-Life anthem "#JetsGo", which was produced by Rahki. The rest of the mixtape was produced by frequent collaborator Monsta Beatz.16 In 2011, Currensy and his Jet Life crew released the album Jet World Order, under Jets International / iHipHop. Every track on this album features Young Roddy and Trademark da Skydiver. Frequent collaborators of Currensy are also featured on this album, including Smoke DZA, The Cool Kids' Mikey Rocks, Cornerboy P, Fiend, Street Wiz, and Nesby Phips. Currensy himself appears on three tracks.

2012–2013: The Stoned Immaculate and Live in Concert

On November 10, 2011, Currensy announced through Twitter the release of a new album. Muscle Car Chronicles, a two-disc set, was released on February 14, 2012. Currensy also planned on releasing Pilot Talk III in 2013, and mentioned the possibility of it being a free album. In February 2012, Currensy released the EP Here..., and a few days later released another EP #The1st28 with Styles P.

On April 21, 2012, the track listing for The Stoned Immaculate was released.17 In July 2012, Currensy released the EP featuring all production by Harry Fraud, Cigarette Boats. On October 31, 2012, he released the mixtape Priest Andretti.

He released a tape with Wiz Khalifa, titled Live in Concert.18 In November 2012 Currensy gave an update on his and Wiz Khalifa's mixtape Live in Concert saying its release is being held up by sample issues.19 In January 2013, Currensy said that due to these same legal issues, the mixtape would likely become a retail album.20 It was released as an iTunes only EP on April 20, 2013.

On February 3, 2013, Currensy released his latest mixtape New Jet City with guest appearances from Wiz Khalifa, French Montana, Jadakiss, Juvenile, Juicy J, Trinidad James and Rick Ross among others.21

On October 30, 2013, Currensy released The Stage EP with Smoke DZA and Harry Fraud.22

2014–present: The Drive In Theatre and Pilot Talk III

Currensy announced a new mixtape, The Drive In Theatre, in January 2014.23 He followed up on January 26, 2014, with the release of a new single, "Godfather 4" featuring Action Bronson.24 On February 4, 2014, Currensy took to Twitter to announce a release date for The Drive In Theatre, it was released on February 14, 2014.25

On January 17, 2013, Currensy announced on Twitter that he and Ski Beatz began the process of making Pilot Talk III.26 The album has been in development ever since, with Currensy, in various interviews, naming possible guest appearances from Lil Boosie,27 Lil Wayne,28 Wiz Khalifa, Ab-Soul, French Montana, Action Bronson,29 Jadakiss, Styles P, and Riff Raff, with a majority of the production handled by Ski Beatz, along with some production from Cool & Dre.30 On January 19, 2015, Currensy posted the album's possible artwork on his Instagram account, created by David Barnett, who was also responsible for the artwork of the first two Pilot Talk albums.31 On March 1, 2015, DJ Skee released the first single "Alert" featuring Styles P and produced by Ski Beatz.32 On March 15, 2015, Currensy announced that he'll be releasing Pilot Talk III exclusively on a $100 USB drive, "bundled with a Jet Life shirt and Pilot Talk 3 look book" with accompanying music videos. However, he also hinted at the album may be up for streaming.33 The bundle was available for pre-order on the Jet Life website, which also confirmed that it will not be released on iTunes.34 It was set for release on April 4, 2015.35 He released 12 mixtapes in 2016.36

In June 2023, Currensy released Vices, a joint album with producer Harry Fraud.37

Jet Life Recordings

On February 1, 2011, Currensy started his imprint Jet Life Recordings.

Current artists

"Pilot Talk" Lawsuit

In March 2012, news surfaced of legal action being taken against Damon Dash by Currensy. In the lawsuit, the rapper claimed that he never legally signed to Dash's DD172 label, and the record executive released the pair of albums (Pilot Talk I and Pilot Talk II) as well as Muscle Car Chronicles without authorization. Currensy demanded that Dash immediately stop releasing his music for profit, and pay $1.5 million in damages.40 On October 6, 2015, Currensy was awarded $3 million in settlement stemming from the 2012 lawsuit against Dash for releasing material of his music without his consent.41

Discography

Main article: Currensy discography

See also: 504 Boyz discography

Studio albums Collaboration albums

References

  1. Higgins, Keenan (January 8, 2019). "Curren$y Blesses His Cult Fan Base With New Jet Life Apparel to Start Off 2019". The Source. Retrieved May 21, 2019. http://thesource.com/2019/01/08/currensy-jet-life-apparel-jan-2019/ ↩

  2. "How Curren$y Rose as the King of New Orleans, In His Own Words". CentralSauce. April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 29, 2019. https://centralsauce.com/curreny-spitta-new-orleans ↩

  3. "504 Boyz – Get Back (CD)". Discogs.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015. http://www.discogs.com/504-Boyz-Get-Back/release/3147578 ↩

  4. "Master P – Good Side, Bad Side (CD, Album)". discogs.com. ↩

  5. "How Curren$y Rose as the King of New Orleans, In His Own Words". CentralSauce. April 4, 2019. Retrieved April 29, 2019. https://centralsauce.com/curreny-spitta-new-orleans ↩

  6. David D. (May 12, 2009). "Review Of Currensy's This Ain't No Mixtape | The Smoking Section". Smokingsection.uproxx.com. Archived from the original on May 18, 2009. Retrieved February 20, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20090518022928/http://smokingsection.uproxx.com/TSS/2009/05/sail-on-review-of-currenys-this-aint-no-mixtape ↩

  7. "Sorry, the page you were looking for is not here". The Source. Archived from the original on February 23, 2010. Retrieved February 20, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20100223095203/http://www.thesource.com/2009/09/curreny-jet-files-tracklist-press-release ↩

  8. "Damon Dash Resurrects Roc-A-Fella To Start A 'Positive Movement'". Shaheem Reid. Archived from the original on May 4, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100504224753/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1638284/20100503/dame_dash.jhtml ↩

  9. "Curren$y's Rocafella Chain Powered By BLUROC". Retrieved September 6, 2010. http://www.ddotomen.com/2010/02/17/currenys-rocafella-chain-powered-by-bluroc/ ↩

  10. "Curren$y, My Sophomore Year". Archived from the original on April 10, 2010. Retrieved September 6, 2010. XXL Magazine https://web.archive.org/web/20100410155940/http://www.xxlmag.com/online/?p=73349 ↩

  11. "Interview: Curren$y On "Pilot Talk," Dame Dash, And His Relationship With Lil Wayne". Green, Dominic. Archived from the original on July 16, 2010. Retrieved September 6, 2010. Complex Magazine https://web.archive.org/web/20100716234125/http://www.complex.com/blogs/2010/07/13/interview-curreny-on-pilot-talk-dame-dash-and-his-relationship-with-lil-wayne/ ↩

  12. "Video: Curren$y Pilot Talk 2 Coming November 22nd!". Retrieved October 27, 2010. http://www.islanddefjam.com/artist/news_single.aspx?nid=8194&artistID=7422 ↩

  13. Vasquez, Andres (September 2, 2010). "DX News Bits: Kid Cudi, Queen Latifah, Curren$y | Get The Latest Hip Hop News, Rap News & Hip Hop Album Sales". HipHopDX. Retrieved February 20, 2011. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.12118 ↩

  14. "Curren$y Signs to Warner, Preps EP With The Alchemist | Hip-Hop On A Higher Level". Xxlmag.Com. February 2011. Retrieved February 20, 2011. http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2011/02/curreny-signs-to-warner-preps-alchemist-ep ↩

  15. "Curren$y and Alchemist Release Free EP". Pitchfork.com. April 20, 2011. Retrieved June 20, 2011. http://www.pitchfork.com/news/42267-curreny-and-alchemist-release-free-ep/ ↩

  16. "Curren$y's New Album: Weekend at Burnie's". Pitchfork.com. Archived from the original on June 24, 2013. Retrieved June 20, 2011. https://archive.today/20130624210757/http://pitchfork.com/news/42493-currenys-new-mixtape-iweekend-at-burniesi/ ↩

  17. "Curren$y releases 'Stoned Immaculate' Tracklist". DJ Smallz. Archived from the original on April 14, 2015. Retrieved April 21, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20150414072953/http://www.djsmallz.com/blog/2012/4/22/news-curreny-currensy_spitta-reveals-tracklist-to-the-stoned.html ↩

  18. "Curren$y "#PriestAndretti" Mixtape Cover Art & Release Date". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on October 28, 2012. Retrieved October 27, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121028072952/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21660/title.curreny-priestandretti-mixtape-cover-art-release-date/ ↩

  19. "Curren$y Explains "Live In Concert" Delays, Says "New Jet City" May Be Free". HipHop DX. Archived from the original on November 12, 2012. Retrieved November 10, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20121112061406/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.21835/title.curreny-explains-live-in-concert-delays-says-new-jet-city-may-be-free ↩

  20. "Curren$y Says "Live In Concert" With Wiz Khalifa Will Release At Retail". HipHopDX. January 9, 2013. Archived from the original on May 28, 2013. Retrieved March 9, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20130528005533/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22479/title.curreny-says-live-in-concert-with-wiz-khalifa-will-release-at-retail ↩

  21. Isenberg, Daniel (February 3, 2013). "Mixtape: Curren$y "New Jet City". Complex. Complex Media. Retrieved February 3, 2013. http://www.complex.com/music/2013/02/mixtape-currensy-new-jet-city ↩

  22. Ellis, Stacy Ann (October 30, 2013). "New Music: Curren$y, Smoke DZA And Harry Fraud 'The Stage' EP". Vibe. Archived from the original on November 3, 2013. Retrieved November 9, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131103132857/http://www.vibe.com/article/new-music-curreny-smoke-dza-and-harry-fraud-%E2%80%98-stage%E2%80%99-ep ↩

  23. "» Curren$y Announces New Mixtape, 'The Drive In Theatre'". 2DOPEBOYZ. Retrieved March 9, 2015. http://www.2dopeboyz.com/2014/01/04/currensy-the-drive-in-theatre-announcement/ ↩

  24. Rose Lilah (January 26, 2014). "Curren$y – Godfather 4 Feat. Action Bronson". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved March 9, 2015. http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/currensy-godfather-4-feat-action-bronson-new-song.1801918.html ↩

  25. "Spitta on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved March 9, 2015. https://twitter.com/CurrenSy_Spitta/statuses/430875541252485120 ↩

  26. Andres Tardio. "Curren$y Announces "Pilot Talk III" With Ski Beatz". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on March 13, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150313154244/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22592/title.curren-y-announces-pilot-talk-iii-with-ski-beatz- ↩

  27. Bruce Smith. "Curren$y Shares Hopes To Feature Lil Boosie On "Pilot Talk 3"". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402170053/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/interviews/id.2440/title.curren-y-shares-hopes-to-feature-lil-boosie-on-pilot-talk-3- ↩

  28. Andres Tardio. "Curren$y Discusses Lil Wayne's "Pilot Talk III" Appearance Potential". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150402171014/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.29970/title.curren-y-discusses-lil-wayne-s-pilot-talk-iii-appearance-potential ↩

  29. Christopher Harris. "Curren$y "Pilot Talk III" Cover Art". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150315064621/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.32193/title.curreny-pilot-talk-iii-cover-art ↩

  30. Danielle Harling. "Curren$y Explains "Pilot Talk 3" Delay". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150312143755/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.32897/title.curreny-praises-riff-raff-talks-pilot-talk-3-delay ↩

  31. Christopher Harris. "Curren$y "Pilot Talk III" Cover Art". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on March 15, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150315064621/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.32193/title.curreny-pilot-talk-iii-cover-art ↩

  32. DJ Skee. "Curren$y – Alert – Listen". Audiomack. Retrieved March 15, 2015. http://www.audiomack.com/song/dj-skee/alert ↩

  33. Jay Balfour (March 15, 2015). "Curren$y To Release "Pilot Talk 3" As $100 USB Drive Bundle". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 15, 2015. http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.32958/title.curreny-to-release-pilot-talk-3-as-100-usb-drive-bundle ↩

  34. "Welcome to JET LIFE APPAREL – Official Merchandise For Curren$y & The Jets". jetlifeapparel.com. http://www.jetlifeapparel.com ↩

  35. Danielle Harling. "Curren$y Explains "Pilot Talk 3" Delay". HipHopDX. Archived from the original on March 12, 2015. Retrieved March 15, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150312143755/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.32897/title.curreny-praises-riff-raff-talks-pilot-talk-3-delay ↩

  36. Goddard, Kevin (November 19, 2016). "Curren$y mixtapes in 2016". Hotnewhiphop. Retrieved November 19, 2016. http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/currensy-announces-andretti-11-30-mixtape-news.25583.html ↩

  37. Breihan, Tom (June 30, 2023). "Curren$y & Harry Fraud Release New Album 'Vices' Feat. Benny The Butcher, Larry June, Jim Jones, & More: Stream". Stereogum. Retrieved July 4, 2023. https://www.stereogum.com/2228942/stream-curreny-harry-frauds-new-album-vices-feat-benny-the-butcher-jim-jones-a-whole-lot-of-miami-vice-samples/music/ ↩

  38. Diep, Eric (November 12, 2013). "Meet MaryGold, Curren$y's Latest Jet Life Signing – XXL". Xxlmag.com. Retrieved July 15, 2015. http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2013/11/meet-mary-gold-currensy-latest-jet-life-signing/ ↩

  39. Y, T (July 8, 2019). "Son of A Gangsta Vol.2". jet-life.com. Retrieved October 8, 2015. http://www.datpiff.com/TY-Son-Of-A-Gangsta-Vol-2-mixtape.728259.html/news/2015/08 ↩

  40. "Curren$y Files Lawsuit Against Damon Dash For Unauthorized Release Of His Music". BallerStatus.com. March 25, 2012. http://www.ballerstatus.com/2012/03/25/curreny-filed-lawsuit-against-damon-dash-for-unauthorized-release-of-his-music/ ↩

  41. Hernandez, Victoria (October 6, 2015). "Curren$y & Damon Dash Reach $3 Million Agreement In Lawsuit". HipHopDX. Retrieved October 17, 2015. http://hiphopdx.com/news/id.35761/title.curreny-damon-dash-reach-3-million-agreement-in-lawsuit ↩

  42. "Curren$y Announces "Pilot Talk III" With Ski Beatz". HipHopDX. January 18, 2013. Archived from the original on March 13, 2015. Retrieved March 9, 2015. https://web.archive.org/web/20150313154244/http://www.hiphopdx.com/index/news/id.22592/title.curren-y-announces-pilot-talk-iii-with-ski-beatz- ↩

  43. Marie, Erika (December 20, 2019). "Curren$y Is "Back At Burnie's" With Ninth Project Of The Year Ft. Rick Ross, Juicy J, & More". Hot New Hip Hop. Retrieved December 24, 2019. https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/currensy-is-back-at-burnies-with-ninth-project-of-the-year-ft-rick-ross-juicy-j-and-more-new-mixtape.119928.html ↩

  44. DJ First Class (October 8, 2021). "Curren$y is 'Still Stoned On Ocean' on his latest album". Revolt. Retrieved October 8, 2021. https://www.revolt.tv/new-music/2021/10/8/22712092/currensy-still-stoned-on-ocean-album ↩

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  49. DJ First Class (June 25, 2021). "Curren$y drops off new 'Welcome to Jet Life Recordings 2' album". Revolt. Retrieved September 28, 2021. https://www.revolt.tv/new-music/2021/6/25/22548259/currensy-welcome-to-jet-life-recordings-2-album ↩

  50. DJ First Class (August 27, 2021). "Curren$y and Trauma Tone are the 'Highest in Charge' on new album". Revolt. Retrieved September 28, 2021. https://www.revolt.tv/new-music/2021/8/27/22640023/currensy-trauma-tone-highest-in-charge-album ↩

  51. DJ First Class (September 17, 2021). "Curren$y and Kino Beats wear 'Matching Rolexes' on new album". Revolt. Retrieved September 28, 2021. https://www.revolt.tv/new-music/2021/9/17/22677039/currensy-kino-beats-matching-rolexes-album ↩

  52. "Curren$y & Harry Fraud - Regatta EP". Apple Music. October 29, 2021. Retrieved October 29, 2021. https://music.apple.com/us/album/regatta/1592427387 ↩

  53. "Curren$y & The Alchemist - Continuance". Apple Music. Retrieved February 18, 2022. https://music.apple.com/us/album/continuance/1609125563 ↩

  54. "Curren$y & Fuse - Spring Clean 2". Apple Music. Retrieved June 10, 2022. https://music.apple.com/us/album/spring-clean-2/1628920547 ↩