Praiz' Informations

Vance Lee Watt II (born August 16, 1976), better known by his stage name Praiz', is an American entertainer, songwriter, producer, singer, and worship leader. As an artist, Praiz' is best known for the single "Deliver Me".

Praiz', a native of Chicago, Illinois was born in Gary, Indiana but later relocated to St. Louis, Missouri after his father died. He is the youngest of four children.

Praiz' began to make a name for himself as a producer, performer and writer in St. Louis, Missouri. Traveling with his uncle, promoter and manager Sonny Metcalfe, Praiz' learned the business and honed his studio and performing skills. After performing with several RandB groups, Praiz' decided to go solo. In 1999 Praiz' released his first self-produced RandB solo album entitled Wave Yo Hands. Praiz' performed concerts with RandB acts Boyz II Men, Ginuwine, Outkast and oldie artists Con Funk Shun and The Dells.

Wave Yo Hands became the only RandB album Praiz' officially released. After a serious car accident, he turned his focus to producing, engineering and writing for several hip hop, RandB, gospel and christian rap artists including Chingy and Thi'sl. During this time, Praiz' formed Jericho Records with his business partner and mentor Darren Mack Sr. Together, with Praiz' as the sole producer and writer, they produced for a series of contemporary gospel artists including Young Saint, Holy Child, Psalms and 2 Life 2 Christ compilations. This led them to win several awards such as Praise God Productions "Record Company of the Year Award" in 2000. During this time Praiz' released two self-produced and written independent contemporary gospel albums: The Race and Preacha's Ball.

Praiz' parted ways with his previous recording artists and partners to form Parking Lot Praiz' Beats. In 2005 Praiz' released The Take Over as an independent artist. The album led with singles "Deliver Me", "Selah Selah", "Praiz" and "More Than Conquerers". Weeks later, his song "Deliver Me" became highly requested on top RandB and Gospel Clear Channel radio stations, leading the song to become #1 for several weeks and remained in the top 10 for more than a year. Chris King, chief editor of The St. Louis American wrote a detailed review of the album with front page cover, stating "The devil must be mad as hell at STL's new prince of Praiz'".

In 2006 Praiz' won "Best Contemporary Gospel Artists" from Saint Louis Music Awards, sponsored by KDHX FM 88.1 and Playback STL magazine.

Best Gospel Artist of 2006

2012 The Best St. Louis Gospel Musicians of All Time

Praiz' has been called the Nelly of Gospel. Reporter Chris King described Praiz' in an article saying, "But where Nelly came up with the club, the grind and the streets in his verses, Praiz' is all about God and Jesus and the Holy Ghost. What can I say? The Nelly of gospel is in the house - God's house, that is, but we get to listen, and it sure does sound good."

Praiz' married in 2003 and has 4 children. Praiz' is a worship pastor and musician leading worship weekly in the community.

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