WHO IS WISDOM? Alias “WHOP”
Wisdom Speeks is a multi-talented musician and producer. President of Pleasant House Productions and founder of “Whop-N-Em,” Maryland’s premiere Rap band, Wisdom illuminates audiences with his unique style of Global Soul music. Known locally as “Whop,” an acronym for “Wisdom-Hope-Opportunity- and most of all Peace,” Wisdom’s music makes colorful observations, shedding light on people and society; the ups and downs of life as he knows it.
With a fan base that spans generations and economic strata, Wisdom’s fans share a common denominator—their appreciation of his brand of musical storytelling. Global Soul features a distinctive rhythm that beats in the hearts and heads of listeners long after the music stops. Affirms Wisdom, “Tomorrow is not promised to anyone. So, I tell the truth today because with wisdom there is hope that opportunity can bring peace.”
This native of Seat Pleasant, Maryland, a suburb of Washington, D.C., Wisdom has produced music since age 15 for an impressive roster of musicians including Grammy award-winning Bone-Thugs And Harmony, and multi-platinum artist Snoop Dogg. Before producing others, “Whop” cut his chops playing saxophone with popular bands on D.C.’s Go-Go circuit: E.U., Hot Cold Sweat, and Class Band and Show. By the age of 23, he had already produced, manufactured, and marketed several underground musical masterpieces including “What Ya Gonna Do” (Eriko/Warlock), “Welcome 2 Da District” (Eriko/Sumthing), and “Rollin em Up” (Eriko Records). He produced an original soundtrack for the movie “Guilty by Association” starring Morgan Freeman. Summing his career to date, Wisdom Speeks has created and executed total sales volume over 600,000 copies. An avid vocalist, Wisdom does not define himself as a singer. “I simply call it production from a beat to a bassline, from a bassline to a chorus.”
A seasoned professional with broad-based experience in several areas of mass-media, Wisdom managed seven network television shows with multi-million dollar budgets for BET (Black Entertainment Television). Also in his dossier are two independent film projects; numerous radio, television, news- talk shows, conference panels, workshops, seminars; and feature articles in national magazines and newspapers.
Furthering his “global” approach to life, Wisdom co-founded Big Brother to Troubled Teens (BBTT), a mentor program geared towards youth rejuvenation. Testaments to his commitment include the Urban-City Achievement Award (1997), the prestigious Golden Oak Leaf Award (1999), and the Navy High-Commendation Award (1998).
Ultimately, Wisdom Speeks wants people to listen to, enjoy, and learn from his music. He asks audiences to “Take heed to what I am bringing because there’s a message in everything that I produce.”
