Singer and Hi-Tek protege, Dion, has signed to Dr. Dre’s label Aftermath Entertainment, and is currently working on his debut album.
The 23-year-old Cincinnati songster, who producer Hi-Tek calls a "new-age Marvin Gaye," is best known for his melodic hook on "Runnin" off the Game’s 2005 debut album.
"What attracted me about working with Dion was his tone," says Hi-Tek, who has his own production deal on Aftermath. "He's a smooth guy who directs a lot of songs toward the ladies. He's also a strong writer with a real vision of how he wants to project himself as an artist."
Hi-Tek also says many of today’s male R&B artists are "aggravating and corny because these singers have got caught up in the Boyz II Men thing. I'm not dissing those cats. But these new singers have lost the raw, soulful edge that we used to have with Bobby Womack and other artists.”
A due date for Dion’s solo debut has yet to be set, but it will include production by Hi-Tek, Dr. Dre, Focus and Mike City.
Meanwhile Hi-Tek is also busy working on his follow-up to his 2001 solo debut, Hi-Teknology, and is looking into distributing with KOCH Entertainment.
The Cincinnati-born beat maker first received national buzz as one-half of Reflection Eternal, alongside rapper Talib Kweli. He has since branched off and produced for several notable artists including 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, and Eminem’s D12.
The 23-year-old Cincinnati songster, who producer Hi-Tek calls a "new-age Marvin Gaye," is best known for his melodic hook on "Runnin" off the Game’s 2005 debut album.
"What attracted me about working with Dion was his tone," says Hi-Tek, who has his own production deal on Aftermath. "He's a smooth guy who directs a lot of songs toward the ladies. He's also a strong writer with a real vision of how he wants to project himself as an artist."
Hi-Tek also says many of today’s male R&B artists are "aggravating and corny because these singers have got caught up in the Boyz II Men thing. I'm not dissing those cats. But these new singers have lost the raw, soulful edge that we used to have with Bobby Womack and other artists.”
A due date for Dion’s solo debut has yet to be set, but it will include production by Hi-Tek, Dr. Dre, Focus and Mike City.
Meanwhile Hi-Tek is also busy working on his follow-up to his 2001 solo debut, Hi-Teknology, and is looking into distributing with KOCH Entertainment.
The Cincinnati-born beat maker first received national buzz as one-half of Reflection Eternal, alongside rapper Talib Kweli. He has since branched off and produced for several notable artists including 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, Mos Def, and Eminem’s D12.
