Tha Realest
Tha Realest | |
|---|---|
| Born | Jevon Jones October 11, 1973 Dallas, Texas, U.S. |
| Occupation(s) | Hip-hop artist, actor |
| Years active | 1990s–present |
| Known for | Vocal similarity to Tupac Shakur, affiliation with The Regime |
Jevon Jones (born October 11, 1973) is an American hip-hop artist professionally known as Tha Realest, who was formerly called Tenkamenin The Vigilante. His first album, Witness Tha Realest, finally came out on July 14, 2009, following several postponements. Tha Realest is distinguished by his vocal similarity to the late rapper and former label colleague Tupac Shakur. He is also affiliated with The Regime.
Personal life
Born in Dallas, Texas, Jones grew up in Oak Cliff where his father served as a preacher. He began rapping at the age of 10 and took part in local rap competitions. In the early 1990s, he co-established Puppy Dog Unlimited Records alongside ex-Dallas Cowboys player Kevin Smith. He entered into marriage on July 7, 2011.
Death Row Records
Jones’ connection with Death Row Records started in March 1996 when he auditioned for Tupac Shakur in Las Vegas. Following Shakur's passing in September 1996, Suge Knight extended a contract offer to Jones. His musical debut occurred on the Gang Related soundtrack, where he appeared on two tracks with rapper J-Flexx under the alias Tenkamenin. In 1999, he participated in the Death Row compilation Suge Knight Represents: Chronic 2000, collaborating with Swoop G and Lil' C-Style on songs originally penned by Tha Realest for his solo project Inside Out. Additionally, he featured on the compilation Too Gangsta for Radio, contributing tracks such as "Fuck Dre," which criticized former Death Row artists and affiliates including Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Eminem.
On October 17, 1999, after recording sessions with Tha Dogg Pound (Kurupt and Daz Dillinger), Tha Realest sustained serious injuries in a drive-by shooting incident that also resulted in the death of Dwayne "Draws" Dupree, a security guard present at the scene.
After Death Row Records
After Suge Knight’s release from prison, Tha Realest parted ways with Death Row in late 2001 to pursue a record deal for his debut album, having recorded approximately 150 tracks. However, record companies were reluctant due to his ties to Death Row's contentious reputation. In 2002, he launched his own label, initially named 2 Real Entertainment and later rebranded as Omertà Entertainment. In 2004, he created the mixtape From East 2 West with Mob Life Records artist 730; this project included appearances by Swoop G and New Child of Outlawz, and it was released in early 2007.
Tha Realest signed with Tru 'Dat' Entertainment in 2006, a label founded by Hysear Randell aimed at recruiting talent across various entertainment fields. His debut single under this label, "Eurry Now and Then," featured guest appearances from artists such as C-Bo, Yukmouth, and Ray J. Nevertheless, Tru 'Dat' Entertainment dissolved in 2007 after Randell was charged with embezzling millions through fraudulent transactions.
On July 14, 2009, Tha Realest finally unveiled his debut album Witness Tha Realest, which had been delayed due to Tru 'Dat's collapse. The album was distributed by E1 Music through RBC Records and Team Dime Entertainment. Tha Realest stressed his dedication to delivering a comprehensive product to fans after years of setbacks, focusing on providing a full album experience rather than just isolated hit songs.
The Witness Tha Realest Mixtape, released in November 2006, included leftover tracks from an initially planned 2004 album that never received proper distribution.
Tha Realest worked toward releasing his anticipated second studio album titled Remember My Name, originally expected in Summer 2013. Plans included producing two music videos, one directed by Tha Razor who had previously collaborated with him. He also contributed to projects alongside longtime collaborator C-Bo and underground artist Don Twizzi and took part in The Regime's debut studio album. Remaining active on social media platforms, he continues to support up-and-coming hip-hop talent.
In 2021, Tha Realest officially released "2nite We're Enemies," featuring C-Bo and WC. This track had earlier appeared in Benjamin Crump's documentary series Who Killed Tupac?
Films
Tha Realest has been featured in multiple adult films centered around hip-hop culture, following the example of artists such as G-Unit and Ice-T. His prominent works, Tha Realest #1 and #2, showcase his own music alongside appearances by well-known adult film stars including Mika Tan and Brooke Haven. These productions were created by Antiqua Pictures and Fatt Entertainment. Additionally, he had a role in the modestly budgeted 2005 movie Slumber Party, which also starred former Death Row Records artists like Daz Dillinger and Crooked I.
Discography
- Studio albums
- Witness Tha Realest (2009)
Filmography & TV Series
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Slumber Party | Himself | Cameo appearance |
| 2008 | Triloquist | Himself | Performer role |
| 2008 | Keeping Up with the Kardashians | Himself | Season 2, Episode 11 |
| 2011 | Old Skool with Terry & Gita | Himself | Season 1, Episode 5 |
Pornographic movies
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Tha Realest – The Party's Just Getting Started! | Himself | Host role |
| 2006 | Tha Realest – Volume 2: The Party Continues! | Himself | Host role |
Music Videos
| Year | Title | Artist | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1999 | Unconditional Love | 2Pac | Tha Realest acts as 2Pac |
| 1999 | Because of You Girl | Tha Dogg Pound featuring Tha Realest | |
| 2000 | Cindafella | Top Dogg | Cameo appearance |
| 2006 | Get Wild | The Regime | |
| 2006 | Apple Bottom Anthem | Yukmouth featuring Tha Realest & Dru Down | |
| 2007 | Eurry Now & Then | Tha Realest | |
| 2010 | Peep'N Game | Tha Realest featuring Ray J | |
| 2010 | Thug Lover | Parlay Starr featuring Tha Realest |