Polow da Don

Jamal Fincher Jones (born October 15, 1977, or 1978), known professionally as Polow da Don, is an American record producer and rapper.

Polow da Don
Birth nameJamal Fincher Jones
Also known as
  • Awesome Jones
  • Shorty Pimp
Born(1977-10-15)October 15, 1977 or 1978 (age 45–46)
OriginAtlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres
Occupation(s)
  • Record producer
  • songwriter
  • rapper
  • hype man
Years active1997–present
Labels
Formerly ofJim Crow

Jones has produced a variety of singles for a number of artists, including "Anaconda" by Nicki Minaj (2014), "Love In This Club" by Usher (2008), "Buttons" by the Pussycat Dolls (2006), "Forever" by Chris Brown (2008), "Baby By Me" by 50 Cent (2009), "Throw Some D's" by Rich Boy (2007), "Promise" by Ciara (2006), and "John" by Lil Wayne (2011), among others. In addition, Jones served as a producer for artists on his own label imprint under Interscope Records, Zone 4. Jones is also known for being a charismatic hype man for his records, with his vocals present on most of his productions.

Jones began his career as a rapper in the late 90s, leaving college to pursue a rap career with the group Jim Crow. The group signed to Sony Music Entertainment in 1999 where they released two albums—Crow's Nest (1999) and Right Quick (2001)—before being dropped. Although disappointed, Jones formed a Southern hip hop group with Bubba Sparxxx, Sean P, Pastor Troy, G Rock, and Timbaland. However, they split up without any releases.[1] Jones started making beats around 2001. His first beat tape made its way to Interscope Records president Jimmy Iovine. The beats were eventually used for the tracks "Runaway Love" by Ludacris, "Buttons" by the Pussycat Dolls, and "This Is the Life" by Tru-Life.[2]

Jones is also the founder of the record label Zone 4, which was briefly an imprint of Interscope Records and named after a section in his hometown of Atlanta. Established in 2007, the roster included recording artists such as Keri Hilson, Lloyd, Kane Brown, Ayo & Teo, Roscoe Dash, Veronica Vega, Rich Boy, and Ester Dean among others. Outside of production, Jones has ventured into local radio broadcasting and founded his own line of alcoholic beverages titled Young Country in 2022.[3]

Discography

Selected production credits

Personal life

In September 2020, then-45th U.S. President Donald Trump gave Jones a shout-out at a rally in Atlanta. Jones later substantiated his support for the President with a video posted on Instagram.[4]

Awards

  • 2007: Ozone Awards – Best Producer[5]
  • 2007: Ozone Awards – Club Banger of the Year ("Throw Some D's")[5]
  • 2008: BMI 56th Annual Pop Awards – Songwriter of the Year[6]
  • 2009: BMI 57th Annual Pop Awards – Songwriter of the Year[7]
  • 2009: BMI Urban Awards – Producer of the Year[8]

Broadcasting

In 2019, via his company Young Country Holdings, Jones entered the broadcasting industry by purchasing the Nashville-area radio station WYCZ and its FM translator for $100,000. On June 6, 2019, the station launched a new hybrid country, pop, and urban format curated by Jones, YoCo 96.7.[9][10][11]

References

  1. Hope, Clover (June 2007). "I'm Fresh". XXL magazine, p. 70.
  2. Shepherd, Julianne (March/April 2008). "Polow Da Don: Back for the First Time Archived 2009-02-17 at the Wayback Machine". Scratch magazine. Accessed June 4, 2008.
  3. https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/polow-da-don-young-country-radio-yoco-vodka-1365406/
  4. "President Trump and Polow da Don Reveal Friendship During Rally". September 27, 2020.
  5. Rodriguez, Jayson (August 15, 2007). "Lil Wayne, T-Pain Win Big At Ozone Awards". MTV. Accessed September 12, 2009.
  6. Mitchell, Gail (May 21, 2008). "BMI Pop Awards Crowns Polow Da Don Top Songwriter Archived July 28, 2012, at archive.today". Billboard.biz. Accessed June 4, 2008.
  7. "Gamble & Huff Named BMI Icons at 57th Annual Pop Awards". BMI (May 20, 2009). Accessed September 23, 2009.
  8. "BMI Honors George Clinton, T-Pain, Lil Wayne and Many More at Urban Awards in New York". BMI (September 10, 2009). Accessed September 23, 2009.
  9. "First Listen: YoCo 96.7 Nashville". RadioInsight. June 11, 2019. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
  10. "Young Country 96.7 To Bring Hip-Hop/Country Hybrid To Nashville". RadioInsight. June 3, 2019. Retrieved June 6, 2019.
  11. "Producer Polow da Don to Launch Young Country Radio Station: Exclusive". Billboard. Retrieved June 12, 2019.
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