Ronald Maurice Bean, better known professionally as Mathematics (also known as Allah Mathematics) (born October 21, 1971), is a

hip hop Hip-hop or hip hop (originally disco rap) is a popular music genre that emerged in the early 1970s from the African-American community of New York City. The style is characterized by its synthesis of a wide range of musical techniques. Hip- ...

producer and DJ for the

Wu-Tang Clan Wu-Tang Clan is an American hip hop collective formed in Staten Island, New York City, in 1992. Its members include RZA, GZA, Method Man, Raekwon, Ghostface Killah, Inspectah Deck, U-God, Masta Killa, and, until his death in 2004, O ...

and its solo and affiliate projects. He designed the Wu-Tang Clan logo.

Biography

Born and raised in

Jamaica, Queens Jamaica is a neighborhood in the New York City borough of Queens. It has a popular large commercial and retail area, though part of the neighborhood is also residential. Jamaica is bordered by Hollis, St Albans, and Cambria Heights to the ea ...

New York New York most commonly refers to: * New York (state), a state in the northeastern United States * New York City, the most populous city in the United States, located in the state of New York New York may also refer to: Places United Kingdom * ...

, Mathematics was introduced to hip hop by his brother who used to bring home recordings of the genre's pioneers like Grandmaster Flash & The Furious Five, Treacherous Three and

Cold Crush Brothers The Cold Crush Brothers are an American hip hop group that formed in 1978 in the Bronx, New York City., ''Vibe Magazine'', December 1994 - January 1995, Vol. 2, No. 10, p.68 They were especially known for their memorable routines which included ...

. He began his career in 1987 DJing block parties and park jams in Baisley Projects, going by the name Supreme Cut Master. In 1988, he became the full-time DJ for experienced rapper Victor C, doing countless shows in clubs and colleges in New York City. In 1990, Mathematics linked up with

GZA Gary Eldridge Grice (born August 22, 1966), better known by his stage names GZA ( ) and the Genius, is an American rapper. A founding member of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, GZA is the group's "spiritual head", being both the first member in ...

/Genius, who would soon become one of the Wu-Tang Clan's founding members, but at the time was struggling to build a career on the

Cold Chillin' ''Cold Chillin is the third EP from British hardcore punk band Your Demise Your Demise is a British hardcore punk band from St Albans, England, formed in 2004. They shared stages and toured worldwide with the likes of Comeback Kid, Basem ...

label. This partnership earned Mathematics a spot on his first official tour, The Cold Chillin Blizzard Tour (with popular acts such as

Biz Markie Marcel Theo Hall (April 8, 1964 – July 16, 2021), known professionally as Biz Markie, was an American rapper, singer, songwriter, DJ, and record producer who gained prominence during hip hop's golden age. He was particularly recognized for ...

Big Daddy Kane Antonio Hardy (born September 10, 1968), better known by his stage name Big Daddy Kane, is an American Rapping, rapper, producer and actor who began his career in 1986 as a member of the Juice Crew. He is widely regarded as one of the most influe ...

Kool G. Rap Nathaniel Thomas Wilson (born July 20, 1968), better known by his stage name Kool G Rap (or simply G Rap), is an American rapper. He began his career in the mid-1980s as one half of the group Kool G Rap & DJ Polo and as a member of the Juice Cre ...

DJ Polo The Juice Crew was an American hip hop collective made up largely of Queensbridge, New York–based artists in the mid-to-late 1980s. Founded by radio DJ Mr. Magic, and housed by Tyrone Williams' record label Cold Chillin' Records, the Juice C ...

and

Marley Marl Marlon Lu'Ree Williams (born September 30, 1962), better known by his stage name Marley Marl, is an American DJ, record producer, rapper and record label founder, primarily operating in hip hop music. Marlon grew up in Queensbridge Houses, Queen ...

). GZA left Cold Chillin after his first album, ''

Words from the Genius ''Words from the Genius'' is the debut studio album by the American rapper GZA, under his previous stage name "The Genius". The album never charted, and GZA went on to co-found the Wu-Tang Clan in 1992 after the album's failure. Album backgrou ...

'', did not achieve the sales target that was anticipated. He and Mathematics took to the road again, but this time with the help of GZA's cousins,

RZA Robert Fitzgerald Diggs (born July 5, 1969), better known by his stage name RZA ( ) or the RZA, is an American rapper, record producer, composer, actor, and filmmaker. He is the '' de facto'' leader of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, having pro ...

and

Ol' Dirty Bastard Russell Tyrone Jones (November 15, 1968 – November 13, 2004), known professionally as Ol' Dirty Bastard (often abbreviated as ODB), was an American rapper. He was one of the founding members of the New York rap group Wu-Tang Clan, which forme ...

. These three soon became the founding members of Wu-Tang Clan, then known as All In Together Now. The group soon dissolved, however, and the trio set their minds on creating the Wu group. During the group's inception, Mathematics used his experience as a

graffiti Graffiti (singular ''graffiti'', or ''graffito'' only in graffiti archeology) is writing or drawings made on a wall or other surface, usually without permission and within public view. Graffiti ranges from simple written "monikers" to elabor ...

artist to design a logo for the up-and-coming crew, as well as various other logos and designs the Wu-Tang's artists would use. In the years to come, he became a Wu-Element under the guidance of RZA. Mathematics' first real exposure to production came late one night when he attended a session where he assisted RZA, his mentor, in constructing a beat from nothing. The track eventually developed into "Ice Cream" on

Raekwon Corey Woods (born January 12, 1970), better known by his stage name Raekwon ( ), is an American rapper. He rose to prominence as a founding member of the hip-hop group Wu-Tang Clan, which achieved mainstream success following the release of the ...

's ''

Only Built 4 Cuban Linx ''Only Built 4 Cuban Linx...'' (commonly referred to as the ''Purple Tape'') is the debut studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Raekwon, released on August 1, 1995, by Loud Records and RCA Records. The album was loosely composed ...

'' album. RZA inspired Mathematics to follow the Wu-Tang, giving him advice on the nuances of hip hop production over the coming years. In 1996, Mathematics began record producing, in Staten Island, New York (Shaolin) and at home, in the P-Funk City, Plainfield, New Jersey, between heavily scheduled tour dates and rigorous road travelling with his father's gospel group, The Soul Seekers. His first track, "Fast Life" featuring

Ghostface Killah Dennis David Coles (born May 9, 1970), better known by his stage name Ghostface Killah, is an American rapper and a member of the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. After the group achieved breakthrough success in the aftermath of ''Enter the Wu-Tang ...

and the

American football American football, referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada and also known as gridiron football, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular American football field, field with goalposts at e ...

star

Andre Rison Andre Previn Rison (born March 18, 1967) is an American former professional football player who was a wide receiver in the National Football League (NFL) for the Indianapolis Colts, Atlanta Falcons, Cleveland Browns, Jacksonville Jaguars, Gree ...

, was included in the '' NFL Jams'' compilation album. Though this track faded into obscurity somewhat, it led to several more collaborations between Mathematics and Ghostface; Mathematics also began to produce for many other Wu-Tang members and affiliates, including several tracks on GZA's second album '' Beneath The Surface'' as well as

Method Man Clifford Smith, Jr. (born March 2, 1971), known professionally as Method Man, is an American rapper, record producer, and actor. He is a member of the East Coast hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, and is half of the hip hop duo Method Man & R ...

's '' Tical 2000: Judgement Day'',

Inspectah Deck Jason Hunter (born July 6, 1970), better known by his stage name Inspectah Deck, is an American rapper and hip hop producer. He is a member of the groups Wu-Tang Clan and Czarface. He has acquired critical praise for his intricate lyricism, ...

's ''

Uncontrolled Substance ''Uncontrolled Substance'' is the debut studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Inspectah Deck. The album was released on October 5, 1999, under Loud Records. Originally slated for release in 1995, the record was indefinitely post ...

'' and Method Man & Redman's '' Blackout!''. Eventually, he produced for the Clan as a group, with "Do You Really (Thang, Thang)", "Careful (Click, Click)". In 2003, Mathematics moved into TV work, as he produced the main theme and all original music for the short lived show ''

Wanda At Large ''Wanda at Large'' is an American sitcom starring Wanda Sykes; Sykes also created the series alongside Bruce Helford, Les Firestein, and Lance Crouther. The series aired for two seasons on Fox from March 26 to November 7, 2003. Synopsis Sykes ...

'', which starred

Wanda Sykes Wanda Yvette Sykes (born March 7, 1964) is an American stand-up comedian, actress, and writer. She was first recognized for her work as a writer on ''The Chris Rock Show'', for which she won a Primetime Emmy Award in 1999. In 2004, ''Entertainme ...

and was broadcast by the

Fox Network Fox Broadcasting Company, LLC (commonly known as Fox; stylized in all caps) is an American commercial broadcast television network serving as the flagship property of Fox Corporation and operated through Fox Entertainment. Fox is based at Fo ...

. During this time and between continuous touring, Mathematics started work on his first solo full length project, '' Love, Hell Or Right''. Completely mixed, arranged and produced by himself, ''Love Hell or Right'' was released fall 2003 on his own Quewisha Records label in conjunction with High Times Records, and it went on to sell 30,000 units. As well as using rappers from Mathematics' home borough of Queens, Eyes-Low and Buddah Bless, ''Love Hell Or Right'' had appearances from all the Wu-Tang Clan members except GZA and the then-imprisoned

. Mathematics soon signed to the popular independent hip hop label

Nature Sounds Nature Sounds is a record label based in Brooklyn, New York, specializing in hip hop and reggae music. The label is independently owned and operated. It was founded by Devin Horwitz in 2003. History Nature Sounds was founded in 2003 by Devin H ...

(home to Wu-Tang colleague

Masta Killa Jamel Irief (born Elgin Evander Turner; August 18, 1969), better known by his stage name Masta Killa, is an American rapper and member of the Wu-Tang Clan. He was only featured on one track on their 1993 debut album '' Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chamb ...

as well as MF DOOM) and released his second album '' The Problem'' in 2005. On this album the entire Wu-Tang Clan appeared, including a posthumous appearance from Ol' Dirty Bastard. As well as working on his solo albums, Mathematics has continued to contribute beats to many Wu-Tang releases, including the first albums by Masta Killa and Streetlife. In January 2012 he was to release a sequel to ''The Problem'' entitled ''The Answer'', entirely produced by him with Wu-Tang members such as Raekwon, GZA, Method Man,

Cappadonna Darryl Hill (born September 18, 1969), better known by his stage name Cappadonna, is an American rapper. He is a member of the hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan and is a member of the hip hop group Theodore Unit together with Ghostface Killah. ...

, Masta Killa, Ol' Dirty Bastard,

. Other artists include Redman and artists he is developing such as Ali Vegas, Eyeslow and Bad Luck. In August 2017, it was confirmed that

will release a new album, ''Wu-Tang: The Saga Continues'', which was entirely produced by Mathematics and was released on October 13, 2017. The first track off the album is titled "People Say" and features Redman.

Discography

Albums

Production credits

*''

America Is Dying Slowly ''America Is Dying Slowly'' (a backronym for AIDS) is a compilation album about HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention. It is the first hip-hop benefit album about this subject, and the second Red Hot Organization project focused on HIV/AIDS awareness ...

'' - Red Hot AIDS Benefit Series, Red Hot Organization, Smoke One Productions *''NFL Jams'' - "Fast Life" *''

The Pillage ''The Pillage'' is the debut solo studio album by American rapper Cappadonna. It was released on March 24, 1998, through Razor Sharp and Epic Street. The recording sessions took place at 36 Chambers Studio in New York, except for the song "Everyt ...

'' - "Oh Donna" *'' Wu-Tang Killa Bees: The Swarm'' - "Cobra Clutch", "Punishment", "Fatal Sting" *''

Dirty Weaponry ''Dirty Weaponry'' is the second studio album by American hip hop group Killarmy. It was released on August 11, 1998 through Wu-Tang/Priority Records. Background Production was mainly handled by member 4th Disciple, except for two tracks that ...

'' - "Galactics", "Bastard Swordsman" *'' Slam: The Soundtrack'' - "I Can See" *'' Tical 2000: Judgement Day'' - "Snuffed Out" *''

Wu-Syndicate Wu-Syndicate is a group from Virginia consisting of Joe Mafia, Napoleon, and Myalansky (who named himself after the gangster Meyer Lansky). They were originally called Crime Syndicate but changed their name to Wu-Syndicate when they signed to Wu ...

'' - "Pointin' Fingers", "Muzzle Toe" *'' Beneath the Surface'' - "Amplified Sample", "High Price Small Reward", "Publicity", "Feel Like an Enemy", "Mic Trippin’" *''

'' - "Uncontrolled Substance" *'' Blackout!'' - "Dat's Dat Shit", "Fire Ina Hole" *'' Next Friday (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)'' - "Shaolin Worldwide" *Black Knights - "Street War" *''

The W ''The W'' is the third studio album by American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. It was released on November 21, 2000, by Loud Records. After their 1997 album ''Wu-Tang Forever'', several of the group's members released solo projects before ''The W'', ...

'' - "Do You Really (Thang Thang)" *''

Supreme Clientele ''Supreme Clientele'' is the second studio album by American rapper and Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah, released on February 8, 2000, by Epic Records. The album showcases Ghostface's signature up-tempo, Stream of consciousness (narrative mo ...

'' - "Mighty Healthy", "Wu-Banga 101" *'' Digital Bullet'' - "Must Be Bobby", "Cousins" *'' How High The Soundtrack'' - "Who Wanna Rap" *''

Iron Flag ''Iron Flag'' (titled as '' Wu-Tang Iron Flag'' on streaming platforms) is the fourth studio album by American East Coast hip hop collective Wu-Tang Clan, released on December 18, 2001, on Loud Records. It was certified gold in sales by the RIA ...

'' - "Rules" *'' Bulletproof Wallets'' - "Theodore", "Strawberry" *''

Legend of the Liquid Sword ''Legend of the Liquid Sword'' is a 1993 Hong Kong ''wuxia'' comedy film loosely based on Gu Long's ''Chu Liuxiang'' novel series. The film was written and directed by Wong Jing and stars Aaron Kwok as the titular protagonist. The film inspired ...

'' - "Fam (Members Only)" *''Tera Iz Him'' - "Roll with the Rush" *'' Bobby Digital Presents Northstar'' - "Duckie", "We Got It" *'' No Said Date'' - "Last Drink", "Do That Dance", "Whatever" *''Street Education'' - "FANZ", "Who Want to Rap?", "Sweetest Pain" *''

Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture ''Dreddy Krueger Presents... Think Differently Music: Wu-Tang Meets the Indie Culture'' is a compilation album by American hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan and its affiliates. It was released on October 18, 2005 via Think Differently Music Group a ...

'' - "Cars on the Interstate" *'' 4:21... The Day After'' - "Dirty Mef", "Everything" *'' I'' - "Two Missed Calls" *''

8 Diagrams ''8 Diagrams'' is the fifth studio album by American hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan, released December 11, 2007, on SRC/Universal Motown Records. The album was released three years after the death of Ol' Dirty Bastard, and six years after the group ...

'' - "Stick Me for My Riches" *''

Pro Tools Pro Tools is a digital audio workstation (DAW) developed and released by Avid Technology (formerly Digidesign) for Microsoft Windows and macOS. It is used for music creation and production, sound for picture (sound design, audio post-productio ...

'' - "Pencil" *''

Blackout! 2 ''Blackout! 2'' is the second studio album by American hip hop duo Method Man & Redman. It was their first collaborative album in eight years. The album was released on May 19, 2009 under Def Jam. It debuted at #7 on the U.S. ''Billboard'' 200 an ...

'' - "BO2 (Intro)" *'' Only Built 4 Cuban Linx... Pt. II'' - "Mean Streets" *''

Wu-Massacre ''Wu-Massacre'' is a collaboration studio album by American rappers and Wu-Tang Clan members Method Man, Ghostface Killah and Raekwon, under the group name Meth • Ghost • Rae, released March 30, 2010 on Def Jam Recordings. Production for the ...

'' - "Meth vs. Chef Part II", "Miranda", "Dangerous" *'' Heaven Razah'' - "Raised In Hell" *'' Shaolin vs. Wu-Tang'' - "Dart School" *''

Gold Cobra ''Gold Cobra'' is the fifth studio album by American nu metal band Limp Bizkit. Released in 2011 by Flip and Interscope Records, it is the band's first studio album since 2003's ''Results May Vary'' and its first with the full original lineup s ...

'' - "Middle Finger", "Combat Jazz" *''

Selling My Soul ''Selling My Soul'' is the third solo studio album by American rapper Masta Killa. It was released on December 11, 2012 via Nature Sounds. Production was handled by Allah Mathematics, 9th Wonder, Blackinati, Dash, Inspectah Deck, Koolade, Medi ...

'' - "Intro", "Part 2", "All Natural", "Wisdom" *''

The Saga Continues The Saga Continues may refer to: * ''The Saga Continues...'' (Roger Troutman album), 1984 * '' The Saga Continues...'', 2001 by P. Diddy and The Bad Boy Family * ''The Saga Continues'' (Wu-Tang Clan album), 2017 {{DEFAULTSORT:Saga Continues ...

'' - ''entire album''

References

External links

Mathematics
on

Myspace Myspace (formerly stylized as MySpace, currently myspace; and sometimes my␣, with an elongated Whitespace character#Substitute images, open box symbol) is a social networking service based in the United States. Launched on August 1, 2003, it w ...

Mathematics discography
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mathematics 1972 births Living people American hip-hop DJs Wu-Tang Clan affiliates People from Jamaica, Queens East Coast hip-hop musicians Musicians from Queens, New York African-American record producers American hip-hop record producers Record producers from New York (state) Five percenters