They did not begin to become active and frequent when releases were concerned until their highly anticipated debut album/EP hybrid, Heavy Is The Head, was released in early 2017, and had some promotional songs on the project that was seen prior.

Our hero’s story begins in 2005 with Kenzie growing up in Virginia. He was learning and finding out about artists like MIssy Elliot, Pusha T and Pharrell. Naturally Kenzie gravitated to artists like Wu-Tang Clan, Biggie and other artists from the West Coast. In the present, 50 Cent’s “Get Rich Or Die Trying” would be the album to push Kenzie over the edge and fall in love with hip-hop and creating his own music.

Kenzie Tarantino’s music is a proper blend of the raw underground sound, where Kenzie differs is his ability to weave in and out of unique production. The samurai hit the ground running in 2013 dropping his project Rude Awakening and from there has been nothing short of prolific in his seven year tenure. Seven projects, seven years, some of them collaborations, some of them solo efforts.

Payroll Giovanni (born Dior Giovanni Petty on January 30, 1988, in Detroit, Michigan) is a veteran MC known for his gritty storytelling, hustle-mentality lyrics, and prominent role in Detroit’s street rap scene.

Origins & Rise

Payroll Giovanni got his start in Detroit’s Westside (Fenkell and Strathmoor) and rose up with the rap group Doughboyz Cashout (DBC) before focusing on his solo career. He became known as a self-made “boss” figure in the city, often rapping about turning nothing into something, loyalty, street life and self-determination.

Music & Style

His style is rooted in Midwest and gangsta rap, yet tempered with a cool-headed flow and vivid narratives of hustle life. He has released albums and music videos under his label affiliation with BYLUG Entertainment and through distribution deals (including with EMPIRE). For instance, his official video for “Memory” dropped in June 2025.

Legacy & Impact

Payroll Giovanni is widely respected for giving a voice to the streets of Detroit, maintaining authenticity while building his brand. According to AllMusic:

“Veteran Detroit street rapper who came up with Doughboyz Cashout before releasing his own projects, including high-gloss collaborations with Cardo.” AllMusic

He is cited as being influential for younger Detroit artists and remains a key figure in that regional scene.

The Ichiban Don is the stage name of Willie B (born William Thomas Trenell Brown on July 5, 1983), a Los Angeles-based record producer, rapper and composer. He is best known for his membership in the West Coast hip-hop production team Digi+Phonics (affiliated with Top Dawg Entertainment).

Career Highlights

• Willie B’s production credits include major tracks such as Rigamortis (for Kendrick Lamar) and Gangsta in Designer (No Concept) (for ScHoolboy Q).

• He released a mixtape titled I’m Not a Producer in 2011, showcasing his dual role as producer and artist.

Why It Matters

The moniker “Ichiban Don” indicates a level of mastery and leadership in the beat-making world. “Ichiban” is Japanese for “number one,” and “Don” suggests a boss role. Willie B uses both production and performance to bring a hybrid creative identity to the hip-hop space.

For independent artists or creators (such as those working with Indie By Nature Radio), the path of The Ichiban Don demonstrates how building skills behind the boards, maintaining control of one’s creative output, and aligning with key collectives can elevate both craft and career.