Davel "Bo" Mckenzie
About.
"If You Have to Explain It, That Ain’t It"
Says the man known throughout studios as "99 Fingaz." For over a decade, Davel "Bo" McKenzie has shown the longevity and diversity that many producers today dream of. The Paterson, NJ native began like most legends; in the church playing keyboard, organ and drums. His musical talent led him to the University of Johnson C. Smith, located in North Carolina. As part of the music program, Bo played for the university’s Marching and Jazz band and was also a member of its Gospel Choir’s band. He also spent his free time playing at local churches throughout the surrounding area. He later transferred to Virginia’s Norfolk State University; there he worked with BLACKstreet’s front man Chauncey Black in forming 2Face Productions.
As the house producer of 2Face Productions, he quickly worked his way up the ranks. This created a chance to tour with BLACKstreet on the Another Level World Tour as a keyboard player and show programmer for the world famous producer Teddy Riley. He quickly groomed himself in the art of music production. He received training from many of the producers, songwriters, and engineers in the crew, including Teddy Riley himself. By the end of the tour Bo possessed more skills than your average keyboard player. His new-found talents earned him his first major placement on BLACKstreet’s follow up album Finally.
Ever since then, whether he's performing bass, percussion, keys, doing programming, collaborating on vocal harmonies or just constructing instrumentals, Bo is one of the foremost crossover producers in the industry. After the BLACKstreet debut, Bo quietly left his mark throughout the industry. He’s worked with many established producers such as Lord Finesse, Bink Dawg, Dr. Dre, David Banner and countless others. Not to mention the artists, all whom sought Bo for his signature organs and bass lines. Bo has also had the pleasure of taking his sound overseas, working with Japanese and Korean artists including Japanese pop sensation Satomi and Korean super group People Crew. Bo has been sampled often for Euro-Dance mixes as well.
Bo has covered every musical demographic successfully! Today, you can find Bo traveling the world as Music Director for many of his music collaborators. Returning to his first love of live music production.