With three successful mixtapes, three chart-topping singles under his belt, and his full-length debut album on the way, Belly is ready for anything.
His LP, THE REVOLUTION, is set for international release on CP Records in the near future. Guest artists on THE REVOLUTION include some of hip-hop’s and R&B’s finest: Fabolous, the legendary Scarface, Nina Sky, and Mario Winans.
Official Biography
With three successful mixtapes, three chart-topping singles under his belt, and his full-length debut album on the way, Belly is ready for anything.
His LP, THE REVOLUTION, is set for international release on CP Records in the near future. Guest artists on THE REVOLUTION include some of hip-hop’s and R&B’s finest: Fabolous, the legendary Scarface, Nina Sky, and Mario Winans. Listeners will also catch label-mates Massari, Deuce Deuce, Vico, and—the princess of CP—Monique.
The first single set for release off of THE REVOLUTION is “Pressure”, featuring a guest performance with Ginuwine.
Production was handled mainly by beat-maker extraordinaire, Beat Merchant. Daheala and Lynxx also contributed their talents. THE REVOLUTION will touch on everything from poverty and politics, to sex and survival on the streets. “The problems don’t stop once you get into this industry,” said Belly, “but people should never regret anything that happens to them. Take me for example, I don’t know where I’d be and what I’d be rapping about if I didn't live the life I lived. The pain is part of the game.”
Belly (a.k.a, Rebellyus) was born on April 7, 1984 to Palestinian parents, Belly grew up surrounded by war, violence, and atrocities no child should ever have to see. When he moved to Canada with his family, Belly saw the money and wealth that was only a dream in his birthplace. His hunger for a piece of that dream led him to hustling on the block. The streets made Belly strong and resilient at a very young age, but it also made him angry. He needed a release. "I always had a love for rap music, and I eventually found out that rap was the only way I could really express myself and talk about the things going on in my life,” said Belly, “Without music I'd be dead...or in jail."
Belly began recording street singles on a home computer. It wasn’t until a year later that Tony Sal, also a resident of Ottawa, discovered Belly and the untapped talent he possessed. In 2001, Tony Sal—a budding, but business-savvy, entrepreneur—formed CP Records, with his two artists, Belly and Massari. In 2002, CP Records found interest from an independent label based out of Chicago. Belly and Massari recorded a 10-track demo in Chicago and LA, featuring artists from Chicago. However, the demo never saw the light of day: problems with the law led to the closure of the label and the incarceration of some of its key figures.
Returning to Ottawa in 2002, CP Records and its artists began to develop and strengthen. In 2003, the single “Spitfire” was released. With local radio station, Hot 89.9’s support, the track became a local anthem. Belly and Massari were soon known as “The Prophets,” stirring up controversy among different religious groups. Having grown up together with different religious and ethnic backgrounds, “The Prophets” (and CP Records) ignored any and all racial and religious barriers. The team released the Spitfire EP along with a follow-up single. The second single was not received the same way the first single was; a frustrated Belly returned to the street life.
But, before long, Belly was fed up with the streets and hit the studio again, this time with a newfound intensity and a deeper understanding of why he had to record. He was ready to show the world exactly what life was from his perspective. He emerged from the studio with three classic mixtapes: Death Before Dishonor: Vol.1, Kool Kid; Vol.2, DJ Kay Slay; and Vol.3, DJ Big Mike. Together, they sold over 60,000 copies in North America. He wrote three top ten singles in Canada that went on to worldwide success: “Be Easy,” “Rush The Floor,” and “Smile for Me.” Belly is now the Vice President of CP Records, the Head of A&R, and Mr. Sal’s (CEO CP Records) personal advisor. All this and he's still 22...