Polow Da Don

Polow Freache' Jamal Fincher Jones, known by the professional name Polow da Don, is an American record producer, songwriter, rapper, and singer. His cousin is Atlanta singer Monica. He has produced for a variety of artists including Usher, Chris Brown, Nelly, Christina Aguilera, T.I., Limp Bizkit and Rihanna. Early life: Polow was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia. His mother was born in Japan. As a teenager in the mid-1990s, he listened to groups such as UGK, the Geto Boys, and 8Ball & MJG. His younger sister, Karesha, helped him learn how to play the keyboards and use MPC equipment, he is the cousin of Monica. Polow played football and basketball for the Mount Vernon Christian Academy prep school. After earning good grades, he enrolled in Morehouse College. While halfway through a bachelor's degree in accounting, he left college to pursue a rap career with his group Jim Crow. The group signed to Sony Records in 1999 where they released two albums--Crow's Nest (1999) and Right Quick (2001)--before being dropped. Although disappointed, Polow formed a Southern hip hop group with Bubba Sparxxx, Sean P, Pastor Troy, G Rock, and Timbaland. However, they also split up without any releases. Polow started making beats around 2001. His first beat tape made its way to Interscope Records president Jimmy Iovine. The beats were eventually used for the tracks "Runaway Love" by Ludacris, "Buttons" by the Pussycat Dolls, and "This Is the Life" by Tru-Life, among others. Polow da Don is in the process of revamping his label, Zone 4 Incorporated, by signing many new artists. Zone 4's new talent include King, Veronica Vega, MDMA, Salo Jackson, D. Smith, Dan Talevski (YouTube sensation), Jared Evans, and Ester Dean ("Drop It Low" ft. Chris Brown). Aside from music production & artist development, Polow spends time developing his non-profit, Celebration for a Cause (C4AC). In July 2012, he had his 2nd annual C4AC event. Polow is known for his contributions towards the success of artists such as Fergie, Keri Hilson, PussyCat Dolls, Ester Dean, Rich Boy. He also helped reinvent Usher, Chris Brown, Monica, Mario, Ciara, Gucci Mane, even P. Diddy (whom Polow was responsible for his regarding his verse on Waka's widely popular "Oh Let's Do It.")