Born Jesse Williams III in South Bronx, New York, he was one of the first rappers signed to Motown Records and, in 1989, released the album “No Prisoners”. He then went on to produce hit songs with many artists including GZA, Xzibit, Heavy D and KRS-One among others. One of Bad Boy Records’ original “Hitmen”, West recorded Biggie Smalls first demo as well as produced remixes for songs on Mary J. Blige’s album, What’s the 411?