From the classrooms of high school in New Haven, Connecticut, to the glitzy and glamorous arenas of the music industry, AJDaGuru, born Anthony James Sledge, has made his mark on the world of music with an unwavering persistence and stunning talent.
Embracing a fondness for music from an early age, AJ began beat-boxing, creating an irresistible wave of beats that harmonized with his friends’ freestyle raps, quickly cementing his passion for music. It wasn’t long before he formed a rap group, CBC, where his path to fame began.
Fresh out of high school, AJ’s determination saw him connect with Chicago rapper GLC. In 2013, under the name Mr. Live, AJDaGuru and GLC released a collaborative project, “Ism Churchill,” pushing AJ’s prowess in the spotlight. This collaboration opened new opportunities, such as producing for Chevy Woods, a frequent collaborator with Wiz Khalifa, and Cleveland rapper King Chip.
AJDaGuru’s story, however, does not end with these early successes. With a relentless pursuit of his passion, AJDaGuru began a solo career, releasing “Livestrumentals Vol.1” in 2015. This instrumental mixtape was a versatile collection of 18 tracks spanning genres like Soul, R&B, House, Trap, and Hip Hop. The following year, the music prodigy released “Livestrumentals Vol.2,” which carried more influences from Hip Hop and Soul and became a global sensation, bolstering AJ’s rising stardom.
After a brief hiatus, AJ’s love for music pulled him back to the industry in 2020. His comeback instrumental, “Sledge Family Rules,” catapulted him to new heights, clinching the number 43 spot on the iTunes top 200 charts in South Africa. This newfound global recognition propelled AJDaGuru to work on his debut album, “A Different Side Of Me.”
The first two tracks, “Seen It All” and “Love Yourself,” have already been released, each carrying a unique story. While “Seen It All” is a reflection of AJ’s journey from the streets to fame, “Love Yourself” emphasizes self-care and compassion for others. Both singles have been received with open arms by the listeners, collectively streamed by millions and eagerly awaited in anticipation of the upcoming album.
“Love Yourself” further emphasizes AJ’s increasing popularity, with the track gracing Spotify’s top 200 US charts. While the complete album’s release remains eagerly awaited, it promises to pack a powerful punch with a mix of 10 tracks produced by AJDaGuru himself.
From beat-boxing and rapping to becoming a successful producer and songwriter, AJDaGuru’s journey is a testament to his raw talent and unyielding resilience. Just like his unique sound that resonates among the fans, his story is equally inspiring, making it clear that this musical prodigy is here to stay, dominate, and redefine the music industry.
Goldheart productions, a company with a ‘Latin female heart,’ is another organization worth noting for its contribution to the music industry.