William Cooper (rapper)
William Cooper (rapper) | |
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| Background information | |
| Birth name | Andrew Kissel |
| Also known as | Booth |
| Born | January 9, 1979 |
| Origin | Newark, New Jersey |
| Occupation(s) |
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| Years active | 2003 - present |
| Labels | Gemstarr Regime |
Andrew Kissel (born January 9, 1979), professionally known as William Cooper, is an American rapper, record producer and A&R from Newark, New Jersey. He is best known as one of the founding members of Underground Hip Hop super group Black Market Militia and recognized for his politically driven lyrics that blend spiritual metaphors with current global issues. Cooper has worked with numerous world-class artists including Sticky Fingaz, Sean Price, Ras Kass, members of Wu Tang Clan and even won "Independent Album Of The Year" at The UMA's (Underground Music Awards) for his sophomore solo album "God's Will" in addition to being a key subject of Mark Jacobson's book "Pale Horse Rider".[1][2]
Rap career
In the late 90's until the early 2000's, rapper William Cooper was primarily going by the name Booth, until Wu-Tang Clan affiliate Killah Priest suggested the name William Cooper to him as a nod to Milton William Cooper, a conspiracy theorist, radio broadcaster and author best known for his 1991 book "Behold A Pale Horse". Killah Priest insisted the name William Cooper fit like a glove because of the similarities both men shared when it came to overall mindset and content. Shortly after Killah Priest's suggestion, Booth purchased and read "Behold A Pale Horse" cover to cover, wholeheartedly agreed with Priest's recommendation, and has been professionally going by William Cooper ever since. Rapper, William Cooper, has also continuously stated the book "Behold A Pale Horse" was a moment of enlightenment for him and insisted there was no better way to honor that moment then taking on the name William Cooper.[2][3]
Cooper made his professional rapping debut in 2005 alongside well known Brooklyn, New York recording artists: Killah Priest (Sunz Of Man), Timbo King (Royal Fam) and Hell Razah (Sunz Of Man), along with Queensbridge "Intelligent Hoodlum" rapper: Tragedy Khadafi. The 5 rappers performed under the group name: Black Market Militia and released their self titled debut album March 22, 2005 on Nature Sounds / Performance Records and featured guest appearances from Dead Prez, Oscar Brown Jr. and The Last Poets.[4]
In 2009, due to the success of the group's Black Market Militia album, William Cooper landed a distribution deal with Traffic Entertainment / The Orchard to distribute his debut solo album: Black Market Militia Presents: William Cooper "Beware Of The Pale Horse", which was released on Cooper's newly founded label, Gemstarr Regime, on October 20, 2009 and featured guest appearances from Kool G Rap, Ill Bill, Nature (The Firm), Killah Priest, Hell Razah, 9th Prince (Killarmy), Stoneface, Majesty, Bloodsport and Blue Raspberry. The album was supported by two U.S. tours with Killah Priest and six music videos.[5]
William Cooper released his sophomore solo album "God's Will" on May 5, 2015 via his imprint Gemstarr Regime with distribution from Traffic Entertainment / The Orchard. "God's Will" featured guest appearances from Sticky Fingaz (Onyx), Rah Digga, Ill Bill, Diabolic, Sean Price, Big Noyd, Reef The Lost Cauze, Timbo King, Stoneface, Trife Diesel, Nature, 9th Prince, Big Twins, Planet Asia, Killah Priest, Pace Won and Young Zee. The album was supported by six music videos and won "Independent Album Of The Year" at The Underground Music Awards.[6]
Production career
William Cooper got earned his first professional producer credits when he produced songs on Tragedy Khadafi's "Still Reporting" album, which was released on October 21, 2003 on Solid Records / 25 To Life. William Cooper, under the alias Booth, produced the title track "Still Reporting", "Hood Love" ft Rashida and "Wake The Dead (Black Aura Skit)". The album peaked on Billboard Charts at #53 (Top R&B / Hip Hop Albums).[7]
In 2008, Cooper produced 9th Prince's "The Bottom Line" ft Tash Mahogany, which was featured on Killarmy Presents: 9th Prince "Prince Of New York" and released on November 7, 2008 via Babygrande Records. "The Bottom Line" was the lead single and music video for this release.
In 2009, Cooper produced "The Day Of Light" on his debut solo album "Beware Of The Pale Horse", which was released on October 20, 2009 via his label Gemstarr Regime.
William Cooper also has many Executive Producer credits, which include the following releases: Black Market Militia Presents: William Cooper "Beware Of The Pale Horse" (2009), Stoneface "Forgotten Stones" (2011), William Cooper "God's Will" (2015) and Stoneface "The Stone Age" (2017).
Appearances in books
Writer and journalist, Mark Jacobson, best known for his journalism, which was the basis for the movie "American Gangster" and the television show "Taxi", released his book "Pale Horse Rider" in 2018 documenting the life and times of Milton William Cooper. Rapper, William Cooper, is a key subject in this book and almost an entire chapter is dedicated to the rapper.[8]
Filmography
William Cooper has featured in two films, both as himself, "Tragedy: The Story of Queensbridge" (2005) and "Risen: The Story of Chron 'Hell Razah' Smith" (2018).[9]
Film Title- "Tragedy: The Story of Queensbridge"
Year- 2005
Director- Booker Sim
Role- "William Cooper" as himself
Film Title- "Risen: The Story of Chron 'Hell Razah' Smith"
Year- 2018
Director- Frank Meyer
Role- "William Cooper a/k/a Booth" as himself
Winner of "Best Music Documentary" at The People's Film Festival.
In the media
External links
- William Cooper on twitter
- William Cooper on instagram
- William Cooper on amazon
- William Cooper on discogs.com
References
- ↑ "William Cooper "God's Will" wins "Album of The Year" at the 12th Annual Underground Music Awards".
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 "The Black Market Militia". allhiphop.com.
- ↑ "The Conspiracist Manual That Influenced a Generation of Rappers". hiphopdx.com.
- ↑ "Black Market Militia: Struggle Onward". allhiphop.com.
- ↑ ""American Gangster" Writer Assists William Cooper For "Pale Horse Rider" Video". hiphopdx.com.
- ↑ "WILLIAM COOPER - GOD'S WILL LP Review". June 19, 2015.
- ↑ "Truth Music Directory: Artist Profile: William Cooper (Hip Hop / Rap)". July 8, 2016.
- ↑ "Life and Times of Bill Cooper". June 12, 2019.
- ↑ "Risen: The Story of Chron 'Hell Razah' Smith" – via www.imdb.com.
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