NORMAL - Antonio Street's claim to fame hangs on a wall at his new recording studio in Normal.

It's a gold record for his work on the soundtrack for "Don't Be a Menace to South Central while Drinking Your Juice in the Hood," a 1996 comedy starring Shawn and Marlon Wayans.

Street, known as "Tizone" in the industry, wrote and produced "Funky Sounds," the third track on the album.

The album sold more than 500,000 copies, earning Street the gold record hanging on his wall.

"It's gone platinum now (1 million sold)," said Street, who opened Radar Recording Studios this month at 112 Merle Lane, Suite 202, Normal.

He wants to help Twin City artists taste similar success. Street moved to Normal to tap into what he called an underdeveloped talent pool. His business partner, Lenore Lockwood, recently graduated from Illinois State University with a degree in public relations.

His 2,000 square-foot studio is big enough for a solo artist or a gospel choir. It's equipped to handle both digital and audio recording to industry standards.

The studio's even got a foosball table and a couple couches for lounging.

"If you're having a dull moment in the booth, you need a break," Street said.

Don't expect a party, though.

"I'm super strict about what I do because I have to put my name on it," he said. "I'm like a drill sergeant when it comes to this."

Street doesn't view himself as the owner of a local recording studio, as his claim to fame is actually bigger than the gold record for Funky Sounds.

He helped produce "Freak With Me" on R&B artist Keith Sweat's self-titled album released in 1996. He added vocals to the track also.

He's also worked alongside R&B and hip hop artists Mary J. Blige, R. Kelly, K-Ci & Jo Jo and Twista and produced albums for Rose Crockett and D.L. Johnson. Listeners can hear samples of those albums at www.cdbaby.com. Some of Street's other work can be heard at www.givemebeats.com. Search for Tizone.

With colleagues like Sweat, Street views himself as part of a global industry and sets his standards accordingly. Competing for space on the radio, artists are the same whether they're from New York City or Normal, he said.

"Once you go into a record label, they're going to compare you to what they've already got," he said.

"The days of artist development have pretty much passed us. You have to be ready. A record label will give you 15 to 20 seconds. That record has to hit them immediately. If it doesn't grab them, they'll go to the next track, then the next track and you're out of there."

Street believes he can help artists find that hook.

He got his start in Chicago as a DJ at local parties and school dances.

He attended seminars to learn from industry pros and share his songs. At one seminar, someone took notice and invited Street to an Atlanta studio for his first break.

"I went to Atlanta with 50 bucks," Street recalled. "It was do it now, or do it never."

The trip paid off. Street inked a deal with Elektra.

Most of Street's work has covered the hip-hop, rap and R&B genres, but he won't limit himself or anyone wanting to use his studio.

He welcomes country artists, gospel choirs, rock bands and anyone who wants to put sounds on wax.

"We're even looking at doing a comedy album," Street said.

Studio time with Street costs $35 hour. Additional services carry added fees. Street also produces press kits and handles photography, videography and CD duplication. In addition, he plans to sponsor recording seminars with pros from the industry. For more info, contact Street at tizone@radarrecording.net.