Silkk the Shocker
Silkk the Shocker | |
|---|---|
| Born | Vyshonn King Miller June 18, 1975 New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S. |
| Other names | Silkk |
| Occupation(s) | Rapper, actor |
| Years active | 1996–present |
| Known for | Gangsta rap performer, member of No Limit Records |
| Notable work | Albums: The Shocker, Charge It 2 da Game, Made Man; Films: Hot Boyz, More Money, More Family |
Vyshonn King Miller (born June 18, 1975), professionally recognized as Silkk the Shocker (previously known simply as Silkk), is a prominent American gangsta rap performer hailing from New Orleans, Louisiana. As the sibling of Master P, Miller joined his brother's label, No Limit Records, an imprint under Priority Records, to debut his first album, The Shocker in 1996. While receiving varied critical feedback, his follow-up albums—Charge It 2 da Game (1998) and Made Man (1999)—both attained Platinum recognition; notably, Made Man entered the Billboard 200 chart at number one.
1996–1998: The Shocker and Charge It 2 Da Game
During the mid-1990s, Silkk the Shocker rose to prominence as a significant figure within No Limit Records. After aligning with Priority Records, No Limit launched his debut project, The Shocker, in August 1996, featuring production by Beats by the Pound, DJ Daryl, K-Lou, and T-Bone. Following his transition to the moniker Silkk the Shocker, he contributed to numerous No Limit releases including TRU's Tru 2 da Game, Mia X's Unlady Like, and Mystikal's Unpredictable. In 1997, he appeared on Master P’s chart-topping track "Make 'Em Say Uhh!" from the album Ghetto D. That same year, Silkk released singles such as "It Ain't My Fault" alongside Mystikal and "Just Be Straight with Me" featuring Destiny's Child. Additionally, he was featured on Mya’s successful single "Movin' On" from her debut album. The album Charge It 2 Da Game enjoyed prolonged commercial success, maintaining its presence on the Billboard charts for over twelve months and achieving Platinum status shortly after release.
1999: Made Man
Silkk the Shocker’s third solo effort, Made Man, was unveiled in January 1999. Singles such as "It Ain't My Fault 2" featuring Mystikal and "Somebody Like Me" featuring Mya gained frequent rotation on MTV and BET. Despite its popularity, critics noted that the album followed a predictable formula.
2001–2004: My World, My Way and Based on a True Story
In 2001, Silkk released the album My World, My Way, which included tracks like "That's Cool" featuring Trina and "He Did That" with Mac, the latter reaching number 13 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Singles chart. His 2004 project, Based on a True Story, distributed through New No Limit/Koch Records, experienced modest commercial performance.
2010–present: Incredible
On June 3, 2010, Silkk shared a freestyle video over DJ Khaled’s "All I Do Is Win" on YouTube. He subsequently released his inaugural mixtape titled All I Do Is Win on August 21 of that year. Signing with his nephew Romeo’s label, No Limit Forever Records, Silkk began working on his sixth studio album, Incredible. The production team included Manny Streetz, Marvz, Mike Bangum of Da Beat Kadetz, and JoJo Ryder. In 2010, he toured alongside brother Master P and nephew Romeo Miller during the "No Limit Forever International" tour.
On April 24, 2014, Silkk unveiled "Don't Give Up," the lead single from Incredible, followed by its music video release on May 15. The second single, "We Ain't Even Trippin," was issued on May 19. On March 2, 2015, via YouTube, he announced a forthcoming single titled "Business," featuring in-house producer BlaqNmilD; this was scheduled for release later that month alongside the album and a film starring Silkk himself. The music video for "We Ain't Even Trippin," directed by T. Church, premiered on August 24. Subsequently, on September 4, 2015, Silkk released "Business," the third single featuring BlaqNmilD.
Other endeavors
Silkk contributed to World Wrestling Entertainment's WWE Wreckless Intent compilation, released on May 23, 2006. His song "I'm Comin'" was used as the entrance theme for WWE Smackdown competitor Montel Vontavious Porter until 2010. Additionally, he performed the theme "Do It Big" for former SmackDown! wrestler Orlando Jordan.
Acting career
Silkk took a leading role in the No Limit Records production Hot Boyz in 1999.
In 2007, he co-starred in the film More Money, More Family, produced alongside Tracy McGrady and shot in Orange, California. Initially planned for a DVD release through Wal-Mart, the film later secured distribution via Grindstone Entertainment and Lionsgate Films, ultimately premiering on November 3, 2015.
In 2011, Silkk appeared as a co-lead in the horror movie Reservation, which was produced by Sedona Studios.
Personal life
Silkk is related to fellow artists: he is the younger cousin of Mo B. Dick and brother to rappers C-Murder and Master P. In 1990, his older brother Kevin Miller tragically lost his life during a robbery. Silkk is married to Junalyn "JuJu" Pattugalan, who is the sister of Cymphonique Miller's mother, and they have three children together.
Studio albums
- The Shocker (1996)
- Charge It 2 da Game (1998)
- Made Man (1999)
- My World, My Way (2001)
- Based on a True Story (2004)
- It Will All Make Sense Later (2018)
Filmography
- Films
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1997 | I'm Bout It | Vito "Silk" McKnight | Supporting role |
| 1998 | I Got the Hook-Up | T-Lay's Friend #4 | Cameo appearance |
| MP da Last Don | D.J. | Supporting part | |
| 1999 | Corrupt | M.J. | Lead role |
| Hot Boyz | Kool | ||
| No Tomorrow | Himself | Cameo | |
| 2002 | Undisputed | Gat Boyz Rapper 2 | |
| 2003 | Honey | Himself | |
| 2004 | Still 'Bout It | Vito "Silk" McKnight | Supporting role |
| 2006 | God's Gift | Man | |
| Little Girl Blue: What's Become of You? | Ace Capone | ||
| 2010 | Reservation | Drez England | |
| 2015 | Incredible | Himself | Biographical |
| More Money, More Family | Shawn | Lead role | |
| 2019 | I Got the Hook-Up 2 | Shawn | Cameo |
| 2021 | Kingz of the Castle | Montez | Supporting role |
| 2022 | My Perfect Wedding | Himself | Cameo |
- Video games
| Year | Title | Voice role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2002 | Street Hoops | Himself | Provided vocals |