Shaya Bekele, known professionally as Encore, is an American rapper from Milpitas, California. His lyrics are influenced by Islam, and ancient African and Egyptian studies.[1]
Bekele discovered hip hop music at an early age and pursued DJing, b-boying and graffitiing, but concentrated on rapping.[1] He joined the United States Army after high school.[1] Bekele formed the group Vinyl Miners with his friends, producer Architect and rapper 50 Grand.[1] He made his debut in 1993 on the self-titled album by Homeliss Derilex. Bekele formed 108 with 50 Grand and producer Sedric Edwards to release the 1996 album Mission Infinite.
Bekele signed a solo record deal with Stones Throw Records and released his debut single, "The Essence", in 1997. He moved to Certified Records the following year and released the single "Ice Age". Bekele formed a relationship with producer Dan the Automator and appeared on the album So... How's Your Girl? by Dan the Automator's group Handsome Boy Modeling School in 1999. He then signed with Dan the Automator's label 75 Ark and released his debut solo studio album, Self Preservation, in 2000. Bekele appeared as a member of the collective Executive Lounge on their 2001 self-titled album. He signed to Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings in 2003 and released his second studio album, Layover, in 2004.
Discography[]
Studio albums[]
- 2000: Self Preservation
- 2004: Layover