ArtistInfo

Mata

Hip-Hop/Rap
A.k.a. James Hunter

Mata (pronounced May-tah), was born in the heart of Detroit, Michigan. Mata had a rough child hood being that his father died when he was only nine months old. At the age of nine, Mata and his family moved to Selma, Alabama. In Selma, Mata and his brothers Ro & Gunt was heavy into gang activity. His brother Ro got incarcerated in 1998- present. In 2000, Mata moved to Huntsville and met Darin aka Killa which led to the beginning of Mata's career in the music industry. Killa introduced Mata to Cory Parham aka C.P. Da Dream, (which is the CEO of Block Beattaz & Slow Motion Soundz ). C.P., signed Mata to his label Slow Motion Sounds as his flagship artists, which led to Mata dropping his debut album L.I.F.E... Based On A True Story. Slow Motion Soundz released numerous mixtapes and are most noted for their single “Lacs & Caprices” feat. T.I. In 2004, Mata parted ways with Slow Motion Soundz, partnering up with Dawgy Baggz & Chico 2000, to form Paper Route Records. The three formed a group called the Paper Route Gangstaz a.k.a “PRGz”. The Prgz, comprised of Paper Route Recordz CEO Dawgy Baggz along with Mata, Jhi Ali and Gunt, have been stirring up a buzz in the underground scene for a number of years. They later inked a deal with E1 Music. Their most noted work was “Fear & Loathing In Huntsvegas”, which was a collaboration with Diplo and Dj Benzi of Mad Decent. Other listens include "Woodgrain" and the groups lead single "Keyshia Cole." The project also features appearances from wordsmiths Wale and Blaqstarr. Mata has also put in “a lot of work” as a solo artist. Mata has put together a total of seven solo projects. In 2006, “The Dreadman 2” gained a lot of success in the southern region. The most noted songs off of this mixtape was “Streets” and “Hola” both produced by Block Beattaz. In 2009, his mix tape “Deal or No Deal” with “We The Best Music Group” aphilliate & “Ciroc Boy” Dj Infamous solidified him as a force to be reckoned with. The single “I’m Different” got regional airplay on the airwaves as well in the nightclubs. In 2010, Mata released a mixtape called “The Countdown To The 100 Day Theroy” which he won Mixtape of The Year for at “The Bama Music Awards” in 2011. Mata has also been in numerous magazines, including the front cover for “Mandatory Business” magazine in Atlanta ,Ga. Others include XXl, Source, URB, Fader, Ozone, Japanese joints, Spin Magazine, and more.

Plays With