Early Life:
Hi-Rez was born on October 15, 1978, in Houston, Texas. He began rapping at a young age and was often freestyle battling with friends and other rappers in the Houston area. In the late 1990s, he caught the attention of the prominent Houston rapper Slim Thug, who offered him a spot on his label, Swishahouse Records.
Music Career:
_With Swishahouse:_
While signed to Swishahouse Records, Hi-Rez was featured on several mixtapes and albums alongside label mates such as Lil Flip and Paul Wall. He released his debut solo album, "_The Hi-Life Vol. 1_", in 2001, followed by "_The Hi-Life Vol. 2_" in 2003.
_G-Unit Years and Beyond:_
In 2003, Hi-Rez was discovered by G-Unit Records founder 50 Cent and was signed to the label. He became an integral member of G-Unit, providing vocals and production for several of the group's hit songs such as "Stunt 101" and "My Buddy". He also released his own solo mixtape, "_The Hi-Rez Mixtape Vol. 1_", in 2004.
Hi-Rez's association with G-Unit allowed him to gain significant exposure and work with renowned artists such as Eminem, Dr. Dre, and Lloyd Banks. However, he eventually parted ways with the label in 2007 due to creative differences.
_Independent Success:_
After leaving G-Unit, Hi-Rez continued his music career independently, releasing several mixtapes, including "_The Return of the Living Dead_" series, "_Hustler Musik_", and "_The 30-Minute Workout_". He also collaborated with other prominent rappers such as Jadakiss, Snoop Dogg, and Lil Boosie.
_Return to Houston and Current Activities:_
In recent years, Hi-Rez has returned to his hometown of Houston and has been actively involved in the local hip-hop scene. He has released several projects, including the mixtape series "_Houston We Have Problems_" and the 2010 EP "_The Hi-Rez Project_", which features collaborations with fellow Houston rappers such as Z-Ro and Trae Tha Truth.
Production Work and Legacy:
Besides being a rapper, Hi-Rez is also a talented producer and has created beats for numerous artists throughout his career, including G-Unit, Lil Wayne, and Young Buck. He is known for his distinct production style, characterized by heavy bass and memorable melodies.
Hi-Rez has earned recognition and respect within the hip-hop industry for his contributions as both an artist and a producer. He is regarded as an influential figure in the Southern rap scene and continues to pursue his musical journey while staying true to his Houston roots.