Born in the late 70’s as Michael Clervoix, Sha Money XL is a first generation Haitian American; and like all Haitian growing up in Queens NY, it was a struggle. Sha was exposed to the drugs & crime that ran rampant on the streets of Queens in the 80's, but more importantly, he was introduced to Hip Hop. From an early age, Sha showed above average talent playing the piano. At the age of 11, he preformed at the legendary Carnegie Hall. When he hit his teens, Sha traded in his 88 keys for two turntables and a microphone. He became a well respected DJ & M.C. in the neighborhood of Queens Village.
For a brief period of time, the temptations of the streets were calling and Sha listened. Fast money and “Hood Respect” replaced the vinyl and the mic he once cherished. But in 1996 Sha Money got refocused and embraced the music he had abandoned. He went from DJ to producer/engineer, spending countless hours refining his skill. He even enrolled into NYU, which allowed him the opportunity to intern with DEF JAM & JMJ Records. It was at JMJ, where a young 50 Cent & Sha Money first formed the foundation of the friendship. In 1999 the two would meet again and reestablish there bond in Upstate NY, where 50 Cent was recording songs for the unreleased masterpiece “Power of the Dollar”. Sha continued to grind it out and pay his dues many times over. He would produce beats for many of the well known Queens underground MC’s. Success was always in Sha’s sights but never in his reach.
After years of politics and B.S., success was an arms length away, but it took a nearly tragic event to make it a reality. In April of 2000, 50 was shot 9 times in front of his grandmother’s house in Queens. While 50 was spending the next few months recovering from his injuries, Columbia Records dropped him from the label. Sha Money XL and 50 cent formed a business partnership once 50 was well enough to record. With no income or backing, the two recorded over 100 songs and endless mixtape freestyles. This partnership had Sha wearing many hats; he was the engineer, A&R, manager, financer, executive producer, & guerilla marketer. Sha came up with vision of showcasing 50’s hit-making ability by retouching first-class beats which had already been used. They released the Red, White and Blue bootleg, "50 Cent Is the Future", revisiting material by Jay-Z and even Raphael Saadiq.
That's when the unbelievable happened and hip-hop history was written. Sha’s Lawyer was able to get a copy of 50 Cent’s Independent release, “Guess Who’s Back” into the hands of Eminem. The energetic CD caught the ear of the super MC, and within a week Em was on the radio saying, “50 Cent is my favorite rapper right now”. Em looked to mentor Dr. Dre to confirm his belief in the young hit maker, and the good doctor co-signed. Floored by the appreciation of the greats, 50 didn't hesitate in signing with the dream team. With success finally in hand, the sky is the limit. As a founding member of G-Unit, Sha Money XL is a the man who successfully brought rapper 50 Cent to the mainstream after Co-executive Producing his debut album , “Get Rich Or Die Tryin”. He also produced the single “Poor Lil Rich Nigga” off the album. Sha Money XL is the co-founder and president of G-Unit Records. Under his “Money Management” company, he manages the business affairs of Lloyd Banks, Young Buck, Tony Yayo, and was the co-manager for 50 Cent. Under his “TEAMWORK Music” company, Sha has produced hits for Snoop Dogg, Juvenile, Mobb Deep, Busta Rhymes, Slim Thug, and the entire G-Unit roster. Recently Sha has added motion pictures and video games to his resume. He was the Musical Direction Supervisor on the “Get Rich or Die Trying” movie and the Vivendi Universal “Bullet Proof” video game.
Loud.com has most definetly helped PCMUSICENT as a company and my career as a artist. Since signing up I've been able to practice my craft using the most cost effective means, I've been able to network, and capitalize of the growing trends on the world wide web. Though I haven't been signed yet, I have recieved several offers from 2 Major and 3 Indie Record Labels (can not disclose company name). The problem that we are having in getting signed is the overal structure of the deals that have been offered. It's not neccessarily about up front money or anything like that but establishing a brand and having creative control. I also have been asked to participate on DJ Smallz Southern Smoke College Mix Tape tour CD,I was invited to Wild Splash (Tampa, FL), was invited to BET Spring Bling 08, and currently I'm a semifinalist in The Search For The Next Big Hit. It takes hard work, dedication, and faith. So it's working for me; regardless of what happens. The opporitunity is enough.
Thank you GOD, my supporters, Loud Records, SRC, and all affiliates.
