Blockhead (music)

Blockhead
Blockhead in April 2014.
Background information
Birth name	James Anthony Simon
Also known as	Tony Simon, T. Simon, Tones, Toneslap, Dr. Tony, Tone Capone
Origin	Manhattan, New York, United States
Genres	Instrumental hip hop, trip hop, downtempo, electronic, IDM
Occupation(s)	Producer, DJ
Instruments	Sampler
Years active	1999–present
Labels	Ninja Tune, Mush Records
Associated acts	Party Fun Action Committee, Aesop Rock, Illogic, Billy Woods
Website	blockheadmusic.com

James Anthony Simon, better known by his stage name Blockhead, is an American hip hop producer based in Manhattan, New York.

Aside from his solo efforts released on the Ninja Tune label, Blockhead is most associated with producing for Aesop Rock, a rapper for the indie hip hop labels Definitive Jux and Rhymesayers. He is also a member of the comedy hip hop group Party Fun Action Committee and has previously worked with rappers Cage, Hangar 18, Open Mike Eagle and Murs. According to him, his stage name comes from the shape of his head: "While it's not square, it's pretty close."

Simon was born and raised in Manhattan. He is the son of the late Sidney Simon, a well-known sculptor in New York City, and Renee Adriance, a social worker. He has one brother and five half siblings. From a young age, he loved hip hop—both the lyrical and musical aspects. In his early teens, he and his friends made a group called the Overground where Simon first started making music. As an aspiring MC, he enrolled in Boston University in 1994. He only remained at Boston University for one year, but in that year Simon's real music career began when he first met and starting working with Aesop Rock who was also a student at BU. At this point Simon put aside his ambition to be a MC and focused on producing music.