An MC out of Florida, Surreal presents clean soulful lyrics at the best. Paired up with the the Sound Providers, they make one very jazzy hip-hop group. ____
Surreal is also a duo from Brighton, UK - www.myspace.com/surrealsongs
Pete Rock & CL Smooth is a rap group from the 1990s. Hailing from "Money Earnin'" Mount Vernon, New York, this DJ-MC duo first made noise in the rap world on the 1991 EP, All Souled Out. It sold moderately well enough to justify Elektra Records clearing the way for 1992's Mecca & The Soul Brother LP. As a producer, DJ Pete Rock (Peter Phillips) tended to prefer obscure soul and jazz sides for sample sources, frequently making use of horn-driven hooks. Lead vocalist C.L. Smooth (Corey Penn) tended to be philosophical in his raps, and he mostly avoided profanity.
The ISWHAT?! release, "Big Appetite" is more than a collection of delicious audio treats.
It's a diary ... a chronicle of lust, desire, greed and hunger.
"Big Appetite" explores the possibility of what happens on this planet
when people don't
get what they need. ISWHAT?! started out in 1996 as a renegade hip-hop trio, focusing on live
performances, but instead of only saluting rap pioneers, the group connects
Hip-hop with free-jazz, rock and soul in a unique way. The crew is:
Napoleon"Solo"Maddox: Frontman & Beatboxer
As a young kid growing up in San Jose, Chris Manak soon realized he needed an escape from the realities of suburban life in the Silicon Valley. The age of nine was his coming of age. This was the year he discovered sports (Pittsburgh Pirates), video games (Pac man), girls (Anita Balderama), and hip hop ("Rappers Delight"). Alongside partner Sweet Steve, young Chris fashioned primitive mix-tapes (using the pause button) and ran amok at the local roller rink.
DJ A-UP is a member of the legendary C'mon Feet crew and The Assmatics. At C'mon Feet He is a resident DJ at the night which has showcased some of the finest acts in Hip Hop. A-UP has shared stages with the likes of Mos Def, Canibus, Craig G, Aim, Wordsworth, Punchline, Foreign Beggars, The Herbaliser, Yungun, Mr Thing, DJ Skully, C2C, Dirty Diggers, Harry Love, Mystro, DJ Woody and many more. DJ A-UP is the latest member of The Assmatics crew which is made up of some of Manchester's best DJs and MCs (Mathmatics, Reptile, Danny Drive Thru, Hope, Nanny, Air Adam and myself).
Benny Sings - Art (2011) Benny Sings has finally graduated. With his new album Art, which was released on 27 May 2011, the multifaceted producer/composer/singer feels that it has all come together. ‘Making albums is a learning process. After every album I felt as if I completed another year at the Benny Sings Music University. And Art is my graduation project. It’s the finale to my ten years of toil. I now have my diploma. It represents my first work as a mature artist – my first real “work of art’’.’
Lydia is a two-piece (formerly six) indie rock group from Gilbert, Arizona. Lydia started out in 2003 as a five piece band: Leighton Antelman (Lead Vocals and Guitar), Steve McGraw (Guitar), Maria Sais De Sicilia (Backup vocals and Keyboard), Dustin Forsgren (Bass), and Loren Brinton (Drums). Their debut album, This December; It's One More and I'm Free was released on September 27th, 2005 with the HourZero Records.
Innovative. Progressive. Sophisticated Urban. Green Street is a hip-hop/jazz group, consisting of emcees A-live and Soupa and producer Renaissance. Originally from Boston, MA and now residing in Brooklyn, NY, they are always trying to push the boundaries of hip-hop music. By using everything from samples to live instrumentation, Green Street brings back the sound from the Native Toungues-era while still keeping it fresh and relevant for today
Guru (also known as "Bald Head Slick") is one half of the legendary hip hop group Gangstarr. Guru, an acronym for Gifted Unlimited Rhymes Universal, originally began his hip hop career in Boston but due to lack of local support moved to New York where Gangstarr then blew up. Guru is well known for his smooth voice; socially conscious and hardcore lyrics; and an effortless, confident delivery. Founded in 1987, Gang Starr built a sizable following in the early 90's, releasing classic albums like, Step in the Arena (1991) and Daily Operation (1992).
This Oakland native is an up and coming M.C. as well as an accomplished pianist and musician. He fronts a 10-piece band called "Kev Choice Ensemble" and brings a diversity and creativity to live hip-hop never before seen. He is also a producer and his mostly self-produced album "The Broken Mold" will be released in 2009. He is a conscious m.c. in the veigns of Common and Nas who uses wit and creative lyricism to bring a positive and inspiring message to Hip-Hop.