Say ‘Good Evening’ to Potzee, fresh from the Nelly tour
By Stephanie Covington
For the St. Louis American
Potzee has become a constant presence on the Lou party scene. Now, with his hits “Potential Baller” (featuring Murphy Lee) and “Top Down” on DMX and XM Satelite radio, Potzee and the rest of the Quor clique show no signs of slowing down. They’ve been hitting the stage hard, bringing a hip-hop flavor that is undeniably STL.
Potzee has been re-adjusting to St. Louis after a stint on the road with Nelly, the St. Lunatics and Chingy on the Sweatsuit Tour. The experience was exciting, offering him the chance to get his name out and meet his potential fan base.
“It’s hard to come back and do those little shows,” said Youve, Potzee’s colleague in the Quor, about returning home from the big leagues.
However, local demand has been steady. Potzee said in an average week, he has three or four shows scheduled. Potzee said his music is something universal that everyone can vibe to. He described it accurately as a St. Louis sound with swagger.
Potzee’s single “Good Evening” has become the feel-good anthem for many. Even those who don’t know Potzee by name bust out with the song’s hook when they hear a mere mention of “Good Evening.”
“Some people say I sound like Murph” – and he sure does – “but that’s okay,” Potzee said. “That’s my guy.”
Potzee said Murphy Lee helped open the door for him and he will pave the way for the rest of the Quor. “We want everyone to be able to eat by the end of this year,” said Potzee.
Potzee likes to say he “was born and raised in U-City, but I got grown in Jennings.” His Quor crew (which has put out some hot mixtapes) includes Adonis, Beezy, Genesis, LuKoole and Youve, who all grew up together in U-City.
He’s no stranger to the occasional critic who says he doesn’t sound gansta enough. Well, Potzee definitely does not claim to be gansta, but said his style is street. Potzee has been through everything the average person has experienced and said that’s what his music is about: rent due, bills overdue, everyday struggles and the desire to party. Potzee said he tries to appeal to every age and color.
Outside of shows and the party scene, Potzee tries to remain active in the community, speaking to children for organizations such as the YMCA and Lift For Life Academy. One of his songs, “Pavement Babies,” is a reflection on the growing problem of children who grow up without parental guidance. Potzee said when he was 14 and 15 years old, he was more worried about getting girls’ phone numbers than surviving on the streets.
He said he always has time to speak to children and jumps at the chance to do so, because he worries that there are too many children without positive role models. Potzee said at a recent party for Lil’ Shorty, he saw several young kids fighting outside. Later, there was a shooting and someone was hurt.
“I was surprised at the number of children out there,” said Potzee.
Within the next year, he hopes to release “That Girl” and a couple more singles before the drop of his first album. He said life in the music industry is hard, and nothing is promised.
Until he gets where he wants to be, Potzee will remain part owner of UPI, his cousin’s paint and restoration business. He said sometimes people recognize him while he’s working and ask him what he’s doing painting houses.
“I’m still living my everyday life,” said Potzee. “I’m just the average urban guy that’s been through the average shit.”
