Producers, writers, and DJs Play-N-Skillz are brothers of Argentinean and Venezuelan descent from Texas: Juan “Play” Salinas and younger brother Oscar “Skillz” Salinas. While attending Irving High School, the two began to pursue a childhood passion of DJing, starting in school parties. After becoming well known in the Dallas area as DJs, the brothers built a temporary studio in their mother’s apartment and began to explore music production. In early 2003, a chance meeting with Houston Rapper Lil' Flip opened the door for Play-N-Skillz to produce the majority of his highly anticipated release “U Gotta Feel Me.” Their newfound success led to the 2005 debut albumThe Process'', which included the single “Freaks” feat. Adina Howard and Krazie Bone. The album’s third single, “Call Me”, featured Texas rapper Chamillionaire with whom Play-N Skillz would soon collaborate again, producing his hit single “Ridin’.” This was the first of two Grammy award-winning productions for the Salinas Brothers; it won “Best Rap Collaboration by a Group or Duo.”
2008–2017
In 2008, Play-N-Skillz worked with Lil Wayne to create the song "Got Money" for his album Tha Carter III. The song soared to the top of the charts in hip-hop and pop and was nominated for three Grammy Awards. By 2011, the duo brought their music to the EDM scene, and crossed paths with David Guetta, who also saw a similar need. Together, they co-wrote and arranged his music, leading to the hit “Where Them Girls At” featuring Nicki Minaj and Flo Rida. In 2016, the DJs signed with Latium Records / Sony Latin and released the single "No Es Ilegal ", a collaboration with Daddy Yankee which spent 20 weeks on the charts and earned them their first Latin Billboard nomination for best duo or group in 2017. On the heels of this success, the duo released in 2017 their follow-up single under Sony Latin, a modern remake of the Selena classic "Si Una Vez," featuring Frankie J, Wisin and Leslie Grace on the Spanish version, Becky G and Kap G on the English version. The single instantly became a viral sensation, topping the Shazzam and iTunes charts at number one, as well as spending 23 weeks on the Billboard charts, earning the brothers their second consecutive Billboard Latin Music Award nomination.
Current
At the top of the year the brothers teamed up with DJ Steve Aoki, Elvis Crespo, and Daddy Yankee for the massive release of their global hit, "Azukita". In March 2018, these artists all played one of the biggest stages in the world, Ultra Music Festival in Miami, Florida. In early March 2018, Play-N-Skillz joined Dominican artist Messiah on his debut single "PUM PUM", released through Atlantic Records, which the brothers produced as well as appeared as featured artists. Play-N-Skillz released their third official single under Sony Latin / Latium Records, "Cuidao", featuring Yandel & Messiah. The song received over ten million views on VEVO in less than three weeks. In 2018, Play-N-Skillz also worked with South Korean mega group Super Junior.
