Some people do themselves. They lay low, and keep to themselves. Often they are mistaken for the anti-social, the outcasts, the loners. But not Nick Nice, whose an emcee from the upstate New York area. Nick has been carefully tucking himself away and worrying about himself and that’s it for quite a while. But rest assured, hand Nick a microphone and you’ll understand why.

Long before the days of Google and the ability to search for lyrics, Nick would sit in front of a tape player with a pen and a pad, and one finger ready to smash the pause button, so he could write down the lyrics to his favorite songs and recite them word for word. Which gave the emcee a much better understanding of the meanings the artists were trying to communicate.

“I have been a fan of hip-hop for as long as I can remember” Nick says. “I never planned on being any sort of artist when I was growing up. In fact, I didn’t even attempt to make music until I was 21-22 years old”

By writing down the lyrics to those songs, Nick had gained a much better understanding of how to structure songs and eventually that’s what led him to writing down his own thoughts on paper. The artist openly admits that it took him a while to find his style, and that he is still searching for ways to make it better. Eventually after meeting some of the local artists around the upstate New York area that helped him out a bit, the emcee developed a craft that he was proud of.

“My first real recording experience was with my fellow GCE member and friend Dr. Khil, I met him in 2006 through a mutual friend.” Says Nick. “He provided me with my first original beats, and eventually helped me record my first LP titled Sunday Afternoons. I learned so much from Dr. Khil. I then felt like I finally had the tools to make music on my own”.

Now music wasn’t a huge influence on Nick when he was young. The emcee’s father is credited with with most of the musical influences that Nick did have as a child. He would always make the artist pay attention to old Blues and Rock n’ Roll lyrics while growing up and would break down individual points through the songs. But the artists father at that time was completely anti-hiphop.

Nick says “I can’t say that I blame him though, because what he hated and complained about then, is exactly what I can’t stand these days. I am glad that he opened my eyes to many different genre’s and what they have to offer to the music world. To this day, he is also one of my biggest supporters”

Nick’s older step-brother was partially responsible for his hip-hop influence. The classics that his step-brother would play would travel through the bedroom walls and into the emcee’s room as he was growing up.

Having kept to himself for the most part and observing the scene that surrounds him. Nick has some strong feelings towards the scene that he is apart of. The artist feels there is more hate coming out than actual support. With the amount of talent that is lurking in the 518 area, the emcee feels that with the right strategy the area could be put on the map and have a significant impact to the hip-hop scene.

The emcee said “I’ll probably get criticized for this, but I think the upstate NY (518) scene is a joke. I don’t mean talent wise either. But how it is orchestrated” “I see the biggest problem being that everyone wants to hate on each other instead of support each other” Says Nick “I’ve tried to reach out to everyone that I have ever met and or seen in the area, and aside my own crew, everyone acts like they’re too big for that. We’re a small region, it’s going to take some unity to garner the attention we need. The only one that’s doing anything positive for most of us collectively is WCDB 90.9, shout out to Lofi Lobo.”

The emcee understands the competition involved with the hip-hop industry.

“It’s a shame that when you actually do get a semi-diverse line up at some venue, it’s almost guaranteed that once one act gets their shine time, they’ll go ruin the rest of it for the following acts” Says Nick. “I’ll end on this subject with this, I haven’t seen one act from this area make it to the top. So none of us are better than any of the rest. You want to compete, I’m with it. But let’s make it to the game first”

Nick Nice has had a few mixtape and his upcoming third LP was released just a few days ago. The album is titled Nice Guys Finish Last. The emcee has been working hard on the project since about November of 2010. The album features production from Dr. Khil, Melvin Junko and more. Features GM, JK Tha Cap’n, Killah Trakz, Pete Pluto, Cose MP and more.

“It’s really hard to narrow it down, but over the past year I have had so much fun working with the whole Glass Ceiling Effect crew” says Nick about who he’s enjoyed working with recently. “I’m just glad to be putting projects together with some people that have the same love and appreciation for the music that I always have. Truly some of the best talent collectively I’ve ever seen…518 or otherwise.” Said the emcee.

So what’s next for Nick Nice? Well, he’s got a couple of EP’s he will be working on. One with GCE’s CoseMP from the Phoenix area. Then a couple others.

“My main focus will most definitely be to keep pumping this album throughout the street and the web. It’s my baby for sure. So it’ll be a little while before you get any more full length releases from me.” said Nick. “But, I do plan on putting together a couple EPs in the near future with a couple of my GCE boys. One with CoseMP, for sure. And the other I’m gonna keep under wraps for now because it’ll be a little bit of a surprise how it’s put together. Won’t see it coming”

So now you have a little bit more insight on the artist currently known as Nick Nice, feel free to check out his music at < a href="http://nicknice.bandcamp.com" target ="_blank">http://nicknice.bandcamp.com where you can download his new album and the rest of his music for free99. Follow him on twitter as well @NickNice.

First single off of “Nice Guys Finish Last” Run Away Ft. Andrea Scarchilli produced by Melvin Junko

Photo by Maja Saphir.

For a long time and even still to this day. The general observation has been that the male is far more superior in almost every thing he does compared to the female. This is not true, not in the slightest. The hip-hop scene has been dominated by male emcee’s since the start of what we know hip-hop as today. However, there are some very talented female emcee’s out there that put in just as much work if not more than most.

Psalm One is one of those female emcee’s that has put in plenty of hard work to get to where she is at today. A local to the south side of Chicago, Psalm has been attracted to the pen for quite sometime.

“I have been a writer since I could hold a pencil. My writing just evolved into rap lyrics, which the traveler in me wanted to perform.” says Psalm. “ That provided an opportunity to do music for a living. So I quit my job as a Chemist at a food lab in 2006 to pursue rap full time. But I feel l like I’ve been an emcee since college, that’s when I started recording more”.

In her junior year of high school Psalm would enter neighborhood rap battles. While attending the University of Chicago she released her first EP which was titled “Whippersnapper”. Prior to that, she would rap at showcases that were sponsored by the black student union.

“My biggest influences as a little girl were my mother and Stevie Wonder. My mother raised me single and we were far from rich. But she always found a way to show me the finer things, even if we did live in Englewood for the majority of my childhood.” states the artist “Stevie Wonder floored me when I heard what he was doing without sight. He made me feel lazy for not doing more with my own, so that was inspiring as well”.

Photo by R. Napalm

Being involved in the Chicago hip-hop scene at the right time is how Psalm One eventually got involved with Minneapolis based Rhymesayers Entertainment. Being close friends to a number of people that were involved within the organization, they saw her growth as an artist and eventually took an interest in the emcee’s career.

“Brother Ali is a close friend, I owe a lot of my introduction to Rhymesayers to him. But we are a family of hustlers. I’m only a 6 hour drive from Minneapolis” says Psalm.

Like previously stated while she was attending college she released her first EP that was in 2001. Her follow up to that came prior to her graduation at the University of Chicago, it was her first full length LP titled “Bio: Chemistry”. Over the next few years she would release another EP and a follow up LP titled “Bio: Chemistry II: Esters and Essays”. Between the time of her first and second LP’s she was living in the greater Chicago area working as a Chemist for a food lab.

“I have not worked as a Chemist in a proper laboratory since 2006. I have, however, helped a few kids with their Chemistry projects since then. My primary career is being an Emcee”. Said the artist about working as a chemist in today’s times.

After her second LP which was released in 2004 she went on to perform on the Vans Warped Tour. After that, in 2006 she released her last album titled “Death of a Frequent Flyer” on Rhymesayers Entertainment. She toured with the label until 2009. Just last year she released a series of compilations through her website titled “Woman at Work” which as has 3 volumes so far. One of which was a track in which the emcee raps 500 bars.

Photo by B. Fresh Photography

“500 bars was created because a fan had asked me to do a 400 bar track. I like to over deliver. I will be doing a series of compilations until my next album, because I was inactive during the years of 2008/2009.” says the emcee. “I was handling real life stuff, and I feel kind of bad about neglecting my fans by not releasing music during that time. But I want them to completely understand my path before I drop another album.”

Psalm One got a lot of love coming up in hip-hop. Even though she still had to show and prove herself to the masses in order to get the love that she received at the time and still gets to this day.

“Hip-hop becomes very competitive, very quickly. Sometimes it even overshadows the music itself. For those reasons, making music with others can sometimes be a challenge. I’m kind of a hippie when it comes to my music, I don’t think of making it as a boxing match.” says the emcee “I get respect because I’m dope and I give respect. But being a female in a male dominated industry is something I am never allowed to forget”.

Having started her career in the battle circuit, Psalm One was target for many of her opponents being as she was often the only female participating in the battles.

“I earned my stripes battling, because that’s what true emcee’s do. I’ve won and I’ve lost. It helped, I think carve my image as not just some girl trying to do this. I do, do this and I am this. It ensures my respect” says Psalm about her history in the battle circuit. “A lot of rappers these days are too afraid to break a nail, and not just the female ones”.

Having battled on the stages of Scribble Jam which was, at one point a very large hip-hop festival that showcased Emcee, DJ, Bboy/Bgirl battles and more. Psalm faced some very worthy opponents while battling at that time. Even though Scribble Jam is now a thing of the past, battling in today’s day is still very present in hip-hop. Thanks in part to a battle circuit known as “Grindtime Now”.

“The format is different, much different than say a Scribble Jam, but so what? Some people may have a problem with it but I don’t. There are some real rappers battling in the Grindtime format. In everything you have dopeness and you have wackness. That’s hip-hop” Says Psalm about the Grindtime Battle Circuit.

Photo By Maja Saphir

Being an independent music artist is tough, being a women in a male dominated independent music scene is even tougher. Psalm stays pushing on and just doing her, which is what a lot of artists fail to do in today’s time. With the way the music scene is, especially the independent music scene, a lot of artists get caught up in the dream of chasing the lifestyle of being a muscian.

“The state of music, and the business of it is in chaos right now. I feel that most people chasing a certain lifestyle (through music) won’t be around as long as an artist like myself, so I don’t sweat it.” Says the artist about the current state of music. “What needs to change is what has always needed to change. The corny, formulaic garbage that clogs the airwaves. The competitive nature of making the dopest song, not who has the more famous stylist. I think the industry will continue to evolve as long as artists continue to break through with things that are real to them”.

Within the world of hip-hop it seems as though everyone is a lyricist, which in all reality is true. There just are certain people that are actually good at it, compared to the rest who make attempts at it. It’s hard to sound original with so many people trying to put out music.

“I try to change the way I technically approach new music all the time. I believe it helps with writer’s block. However, with all music (and I think many artists do this) I try to see how the piece makes me feel. I play the music at a loud, offensive volume and I let my mind swim in it.” Says the Psalm about how she approaches her projects she works on. “I am able to rap in a lot of different styles, so I try to just chill out before choosing a starting off point. I’m gonna stop here though. I know a lot of shark head cats are trolling these interviews for pointers!!!”.

Photo by Maja Saphir

Last year the entire Rhymesayers Entertainment family and the rest of the hip-hop and music world received devastating news. Michael “Eyedea” Larsen had passed away. A true one of a kind, gifted individual whom Psalm was close with.

“R.I.P, I miss him. He taught me to take care of my voice. He still encourages me to keep taking risks both musically and just for myself.” Said Psalm about how Eyedea influenced her. “He told me I had a beautiful voice, and I know he believed in my music. He always grilled me on my vocal warm-ups. I never prepare for a show without thinking about him. We love you, Mikey”.

Be sure to keep up to date with Psalm One and the rest of the Rhymesayers Entertainment crew. You can check out www.rhymesayers.com for more information about upcoming tours/shows, releases and videos of Psalm One and the rest of the crew.

Be sure to follow Psalm One on twitter at www.twitter.com/psalmone and check out her website www.psalmone.tv where you can download her “Woman at Work” series as well as more music and videos from her.

Psalm One Feat. Del The Funkee Homosapien “Ginsu Knives”

The world of hip-hop is a brutal one, especially the underground/independent scene. Ron Braunstein who is better known to the world of rap as Necro has paved himself a path in the scene of independent hip-hop for quite a while now, since the early to mid-nintey’s. Now, the artist is expanding his talents into acting and directing as well.

Necro came up in Brooklyn, New York in the 80′s which was also where he was born. His music adventures started off early when he was part of a metal band called “Injustice”. But over time the emcee dove into the pool of hip-hop which he was influenced by his older brother Ill Bill. That was around 1988, and at that point Necro wasn’t well, Necro. His alias name at the time was Mad Mooney.

The emcee has had a lengthy career, with six full lengthy albums released since the year 2000 and two other EP’s prior to that. Plus a handful of previously unreleased freestyles and demos that came out shortly after his debut full length “I Need Drugs”. His latest offering to the world is a record he titled “DIE!”.

“At the time I was watching Uncle Howie die in front of my eyes and it fucked me up a lot. It made it very difficult to release this record because Howie meant a lot to me, and he still does. R.I.P HOWIE” says Necro about how the new album was named and what influenced it.

If you’ve listened to Necro, Ill Bill, or Non-Phixion in the past then you’re familiar with who Uncle Howie is. Necro’s older brother Ill Bill founded “Uncle Howie Records” in 1998. Necro himself owns and operates “Psycho+Logical-Records” in 1999 which has since released approximately 23 albums and grossed quite a bit financially.

“It feels good to do your own thing and know that you are original and have never ripped anyone off. I follow my instincts on what to release artistically, no one has balls in this game. Everyone is so PG.” Said the artist about how he feels about the current scene in hip-hop.

[IMG]http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v485/Gage805/Necro6.jpg”>

Necro has been at the top of his producing game for quite a while. He started making beats in the early part of the 90′s. He has produced for Non-Phixion, Cage, Sabac Red, Goretex, Raekwon and many more. The first few albums that Necro put out on his label were all produced by himself. He also produced 7 tracks off of Non-Phixion’s debut album “The Future is Now” and produced what many would call Cage’s best track “Agent Orange”.

“Each phase is a process and it takes time and dedication. You can’t be this dope without putting in hard work.” Said Necro. “Nothing comes easy, and I have spent a long time perfecting my beats and production”.

Now days everyone is a producer/emcee/manager in the hip-hop scene. There aren’t too many people out there now that are strictly fans. Hip-hop has been straying away from it’s roots, some say that change is a good thing others will strongly disagree.

“The future is looking better for myself, I can’t speak fo someone else” said the emcee about the current outlook on hip-hop.

There isn’t a single artist out right now that is as brutal with lyrics and production as Necro. Some have tried, and many have failed. With tracks like “The Most Sadistic” “Gory Days” “Fuckin Head Split” and “I Need Drugs”. Necro has claimed the throne as king of brutal rap.

“I am the most violent and brutal when compared to anyone. Because my shit is brutal and technical, which is more scary when it’s done intelligently.” said the emcee. “Like an alien life force coming to kill all the humans, for me it’s creative mixed with life aggression”.

Necro has already made a name for himself with his numerous solo projects and his production talents to many others. The Brooklyn born rapper isn’t showing any signs of slowing down though. 2011 is going to be a big year if everything works out correctly for the artist. He’s planning on releasing 3 albums this year alone.

Violence, death, and horror are all very present in the music that Necro puts out. The artist has many inspirations that attribute to the way the final product is presented to the masses.

“Lately, Randy Couture has inspired me a lot. Oscar De La Hoya, and pretty much anyone that has had to overcome a struggle or worked hard to achieve something amazing”. Stated Necro about who he’s been drawing influence from recently.

Necro’s talents have been based in music for a few decades now. But over the last couple years the rapper has expanded his reach and dipped into the acting scene a bit. Does this mean that Necro is gonna pursue acting over music? Probably not.

“I have been paying dues for a good 2+ years now and have built up a decent resume. I have shot some student films and my first indie role in the movie called “The Super” and some other slams. I am just going to keep pushing until I’m big time” Said the artist about his acting career.

So keep an eye out for Necro on the big screen and keep an ear out for new music coming from him, as there is a lot to be expected in the coming months. Be sure to go to www.necroproduct.com and stock up on your merchandise as well.

Follow Necro on twitter.com/Necro_is_God

www.necrohiphop.com

Necro – Set It from the album “DIE!”

Necro – Gory Days from the album “Gory Days”

Necro & Ill Bill – Our Life

When you think of South Carolina what comes to mind? Probably not hip-hop. Lord Lhus is an emcee born and raised within the state of South Carolina and has been making quite a large amount of noise in the underground hip-hop world for the last 3 years, especially in the European scene.

“The hip-hop scene in South Carolina is lame. We had some really good artists come from here, but they never made it. The Columbiams amd Streetside to name some. Now a days, I am the scene” Said the emcee.

Lord Lhus started out rapping in middle school with friends Knowledge of the group Savage Brothers, Unknown of Wyze Mindz and Eternel.

“We would freestyle at lunch and after a while my man Eternal bought some studio equipment and the rest is history” Says Lhus.

Influenced by the likes of Wu-Tang Clan, Onyx, Lynard Skynard, Pantera and early west coast music. It wasn’t until the age of 15 that the emcee started to look at doing music as a career. That’s when the artist started feeling his own music.

“Most of my influence today comes from other underground emcee’s like myself. All the old heads are falling off, but that’s what happens.” Said the emcee.

Affiliated with the German super producers “The Snowgoons” which is DJ Illegal and Det. Lord Lhus was approached by the duo via Facebook three years ago to be featured on their album “Black Snow”. Which also featured famed emcee’s like R.A. The Rugged man, Ill Bill, Reef the Lost Cauze, Apathy and more.

Having toured heavily throughout Europe over the last few years as well as in Canada. The emcee has quite a reputation amongst the European hip-hop heads and other fans located on that side of the world.

“I have been to Europe, and I can say that is where hip-hop lives for sure, 100 percent. Canada is cool as well, better than the states when it comes to the support part.” Lhus said in regards to the different scenes. “The states is a hard scene to pull, especially with the media brainwashing everyone into liking what they want them to like. But I hope to tour the states soon.”

On stage the artist puts all his energy into his live performances. Touring is the emcee’s favorite part about doing music.

“I have been slapped by numerous girls, had guys ask me to make out with their girlfriends. A lot of crazy shit happens on tour.” Said Lhus. “Slovakia, Switzerland, and The Czech Republic are some of the best spots for me to play crowd wise”.

Lord Lhus has a few projects currently in the works slated for release this year. His album with The Savage Brothers titled “The Iron Fist” will be out the first week of April (The 5th to be exact). Then after that, will be the emcee’s debut solo album titled “Fuck You, Lord Lhus” which still doesn’t have an exact release date. The artist also has tons of features floating around on the internet as well.

“When I write a verse I like to be alone. It’s easy for me, I just hear a beat and within 30 minutes to an hour I will have a verse ready to go” Said the artist about his writing process.

So now you can’t say that you’ve never heard the name Lord Lhus before. Make sure you pay attention for more stuff coming from him, and be sure to pick up “Iron Fist” from Lord Lhus and Savage Brothers on April 5th.

Global Domination by Lord Lhus Ft. Sean Strange, Sicknature and Psych Ward. Produced by The Snowgoons.

We don’t give a fuck by Lord Lhus and The Savage Brothers Produced by The Returners.

Checking out the new kid from the Avenue of the Arts (AOTA). Mouse Powell is nice and with a few more shows could be someone to look out for in AZ.

Salt Lake City is the capital of the state of Utah. Home to the best snow on earth, Sundance Film Festival, The Mormon Church, and an individual by the name of Task Rok. Now, if you were to pass Task walking down the street you wouldn’t even guess that, that very person you walked by is an incredibly gifted lyricist.

Having been writing rhymes on and off for the past twelve years or so, Task, whom is in the “Under 30 Division” when it comes to age is a rather quiet individual. Not much for words, unless you provide him with a beat and a microphone. Then, at that point that once quiet individual will blow your mind with words and rap patterns.

“Strong early influences for me were artists like Big L, Louis Logic, and Rise” said Task. “My later influences, have been artists such as Jehst, who is an MC from the UK, for his ore meaningful writing style. Then Wax for his more direct and less ambiguous rap style” says Task.

With multiple singles floating around cyber space and various websites, Task can’t pin-point one reason that keeps him inspired because the reasons are constantly changing.

“Sometimes I have to write. Writing is a part of my grieving process when I lose a loved one. Writing is also a part of my celebratory process when I feel victorious” Task says. “But the number one reason that I keep writing, I would say is the last verse I wrote. I get so happy with the finished product that I have to write another, It’s an addiction really.”

Task Rok and local Utah producer Linus Stubbs have already one album under their belts, and are working on another one at this point. But when asked when we could expect the new album Task replied “Indeed, another Linus Stubbs project is in the works, but who knows when we will ever finish it. It’s my fault though, because when we make a dope track, I end up releasing it on accident” states the MC “Whenever we make a wack one it just seems to fall into a black hole. So, yeah we may put another one out sooner or later, but if that’s the case those “Accidental Releases” may just be put on the album. Which, from what I understand is frowned upon by Somalian Pirates”.

Aside from the full length release with Linus Stubbs, Task has worked with various Utah producers and MC’s such as; MC Pig Pen, Pat Maine, Dusk One, Melvin Junko, Arkane, Dumb Luck, KonSICKwence, Calhoon Pop and the Smash Brotha’s plus more. Also he’s done tracks with Kool G Rap, Greydon Square, and Copywrite.

Task has been writing rhymes for twelve years, he started getting into hip-hop by freestyling at parties. But music always interested the artist. When asked what he would be doing if he hadn’t started making music a simple reply of “I plead the cheers amendment” was his response.

Being from the state of Utah which is known for it’s rather strict liquor laws and the Mormon church. It’s rather surprising when I first moved up to Utah to find such a thriving hip-hop culture. It was a lot bigger than I had personally expected, and the musicians from Utah have a lot of pride and are well connected, they all support each other. For the most part.

“I have lived in this state my whole life, the Utah scene has a lot of pride. Likened to an individual, pride can be good but too much pride causes arguments.” said the artist.

The artist has a pretty strong feeling towards what the scene in Utah is lacking though, and it’s not just Utah. Most, if not all scenes suffer from lack of support

“The scene here is seriously lacking support from the bars/clubs/venues. It’s a fucking joke to me that everyone has to try and promote their shows, and get their friends out to the bars during the week. Then when Friday rolls around, the time in which I and generally everyone fucking else can actually go see a show, there is nothing in regards to local hip-hop.” states Task. “But I guess the artists share the blame as well, because I have known many local hip-hop nights that were given a chance and they failed to generate the audience that was expected. I assume this certain dilemma isn’t unique to just the Utah hip-hop scene”

As far as what the hip-hop scene is lacking in general, he said that nothing is lacking. It’s all there, infact take some of it away.

When people think of song writers, for the most part they imagine them slaving over a pen and a notebook tearing out pages, crossing certain words out and re-writing different sections until the verse is just how they want it. Task doesn’t use a pen and paper anymore.

“I only write on my computer and my phone now, and honestly I don’t think that’s right. I think that there is a certain level of intimacy that can only be achieved with a pen and a pad, and I fear that I may have lost that connection with my recent material” stated Task. “But I edit and erase like a mother fucker, so physically writing with a pen or pencil is out of the question. I’m not into re-writing my shit on a new page anymore, if that makes sense to anyone.”

So now you have a better idea of who Task Rok is, it might be just a scrape of who he is. But you’re now more informed than you were before.

Feel free to follow Task on Twitter www.twitter.com/taskrok

Also, check out his youtube channel www.youtube.com/taskrok

Venture over to www.linusstubbs.bandcamp.com and purchase the album “Urban Life of the Suburbanites”.

Also, check out these songs with Task Rok on them.

“Kings Forever” Produced by Arkane

“Find  Your Lunch” Task & MC Pig Pen. Produced by Linus Stubbs

all photo’s by Jed Obray

There are some people that need to be restrained and locked away for the rest of their lives. Elsphinx is not one of those individuals, yet anyway. A complex creature of human form, Elsphinx is one of those people that will bend your mind sideways and tie a knot around your spinal cord with his sadistic, complex play on words

From the slums of upstate New York, Elliot Sphinx or Elsphinx for short has been putting out lyrical acid tabs for eons (the last five years). It’s really hard to explain Elsphinx, no one word in the dictionary could rightfully do him justice.

So who exactly is Elsphinx? Well, he’s an artist, and a work in progress. “I’m a text book version of a Gemini” says the artist. “I am a purveyor of beverages, incredibly handsome, aggressive and unpredictable. I laugh, I love, I create. My ultimate goal is to keep you entertained”.

Elliot Sphinx is not the artist’s government given name, so how did the name come about? Well, according to the Emcee this is how Elsphinx came to be

“Well, in my younger days, my fellow miscreants and I had this routine of introducing ourselves by assumed names to people we’d meet.” Says the wordsmith. “Elliot Sphinx is one that caught my attention for reasons still unknown. I eventually just consolidated it into Elsphinx”.

With the release of his first solo album “Hazmat” last month, Elsphinx is constantly working on new mind bending projects. His next project titled “Brain Cave Deluxe” is coming to your eardrums early in 2011.

“It showcases versatility to the umpteenth degree.” Elsphinx says in regards to Brain Cave Deluxe. “I stray away from a lot of the standard rap content, 16-bar / hook formula and experiment with different styles on it. The production is going to be phenomenal.”

The artist also is in talks with working on an EP with fellow Glass Ceiling Effect production genius Dr. Khil. Glass Ceiling Effect is a collection of emcee’s, producers and bizarre minded human beings that span across the United States, it’s also the collective group that Elsphinx calls family.

“Melvin Junko and Dr. Khil are two of the maddest scientist’s I’ve ever had the privilege of working with, production wise” says the artist. “Pete Pluto and the rest of the GCE team, of course as well as Ace the Grappler, he is a keg of Red Bull personified, always a blast to collab with him.”

Elsphinx has been fascinated with rap/hiphop since his young ears first were polluted with it. Drawing his influences from a vast majority. Everything from Patton Oswalt, Les Claypool and Wu-Tang. To Portishead, Fiona Apple, and Norah Jones.

The artist, in his younger years used to put a tape cassette recorder on top of his boombox and rap into it over instrumental beats. Rapping throughout his teen years, it wasn’t until about five years ago that the emcee decided to dedicate majority of his time to pushing his music.

A lot of Elsphinx’s tracks will make you think. He takes common everyday phrases that you and I throw around, twists them up and stomps them into a whole different meaning. Regional slang has always fascinated the artist.

“Hip hop, compadre. Coming up with the heads that I called my friends, we were constantly trying to outdo one another with the most outrageous slang.” Elsphinx says. “I try to view the most common every day shit from obscure angles. Like “you may perceive it as that, but come stand over here for a second and see what I see.” Ooh’s and aah’s ensue.”

A lot of the artist’s tracks are based off experiences that are firmly rooted within his existence.

“The past few years have seen me trying to actively stray from the debauchery as much as possible. I might, however, slip out a “fist fuck whoremonger twat blood alimony suplex” every now and again.” Says the emcee.

So how does Elsphinx write the words on paper that come out of your headphones, car stereo, or whatever the fuck it is that you use to listen to music? It really depends the writing process for the emcee is random.

“Some what scatterbrained. I may develop a loose premise for a song, or barrages of witty lines at complete random, at work or on the toilet or at the barbershop or what have you.” Says the emcee, in regards to his writing style. “Sometimes I’ll scribble chunks on bar tabs or subpoenas. More gets incorporated when it feels right. If I catch a vibe or a beat that hits me immediately, I’ll beast out and put the whole song on paper then and there. It really varies.”

The artist has been a fan of hip hop for years. But when asked what it was like growing up for him his response was simple.

Elsphinx stated “Dude, I can’t remember what I did LAST NIGHT.”

What do you expect from someone who tosses around phrases in the manner that he does?

The artist’s live shows are chalk full of awesome, while I have yet to see one myself. I can base this statement on viewer’s statements. The artist can be introverted and reserved, when he wants to be that is.

“I’m a little dude, but I’m a fucking firecracker. Put a mic in my hand and spill me on a stage and all hell breaks loose.” Says the emcee about his live shows. “I pour all of my energy out on stage. There isn’t really a format to it. I rap my ass off, I joke, engage in witty banter, and definitely feed off of the vibe. I also encourage large quantities of alcohol to be consumed.”

So there you have it, a little bit about the mystical and weird life of the artist known as Elsphinx. Be sure to keep your ear drums tuned in, as you’re going to be hearing a lot more from his mouth, whether you like it or not. He will not be shut up, and he will be coming to a stage near you, sooner than you expect. So prepare yourself while you still can, consider this your warning.

If you dare keep a tab on Elsphinx, which I assure isn’t an easy task. Feel free to follow him at Twitter.com/elsphinx and then don’t forget to go and download his latest album “Hazmat”, which won’t even cost you your pocket lint at elsphinx.bandcamp.com.

Check out the track “Cup Full of Sky” By Elsphinx produced by Dr. Khil, then go download “Hazmat” for free!

Minneapolis Minnesota is home to a lot of things. Prince lived there, they have 10,000 lakes, and there is probably some other shit that I am failing to remember off the top of my head. Well the land of 10,000 lakes is also home to Rhymesayers Entertainment and Eyedea and Abilities. You probably are familiar with them if you know who Atmosphere, Brother Ali, or P.O.S are.

Eyedea is probably best known as a battle emcee. The emcee made a quick name for himself by winning two of hiphop’s best known competitions, the 1999 Scribble Jam emcee battle, and the HBO sponsored Blaze Battles. With 3 albums released from 2001-2004, Eyedea stayed busy in the early parts of the new millennium and five years after the release of “E&A”, Eyedea and Abilities returned with the release of their latest record “By The Throat”. Which hit shelves as of July 21st, 2009 on Rhymesayers Entertainment.

During that five year hiatus, the duo had a chance to reflect on personal issues and work on various side projects. Eyedea started a freestyle/jazz group known as “Face Candy” which has seen one release so far, titled “This is Where We Were” and his alternative rock band “Carbon Carousel”. Many fans were concerned that Eyedea & Abilities had departed and gone off in separate directions. However, this was not true. The duo announced that they would be playing at the Twin Cities Celebration in August of 2007, performing both new material as well as old.

“I don’t remember, I always have names for things floating around. I just thought of that image, you know? Of something grabbing you by the throat. The feeling of suffocating and being choked. It gave a good overall uh, I think it’s a good indicator of how the records gonna sound.” Said Eyedea “It isn’t as much about spiritual freedom as much as it is about sitting in that spot about to go crazy and everything collapsing in on you. And that is what the cover art is supposed to represent, sitting in an apartment and instead of sunshine coming through, it’s bombs, and guns and the world just attacking you” stated the emcee about the albums title.

The album is grown up for sure, this isn’t a battle record, it’s nothing like past Eyedea & Abilities records. It’s got metaphors and things to make you think throughout the entire album. The album, which features a lot of alternative rock influence isn’t a attempt to go against the grain and stand away from the typical hip-hop albums.

“It’s a more personal album all the way through, I try and take the personal stuff and make it general. Only a few people, maybe even one know where the stuff came from that is on this album.” said the emcee in regards to the records subject matter. “I try to take the personal stuff and look at it in a bigger way, ya know? I don’t want to be like this is my pain and suffering. I think it’s all of ours to share.”

Surely some fans may not like the route the artists have chosen to take, but with time comes change and every person goes through change. You can’t exactly pinpoint what type of album “By The Throat” is though. You can either like it, love it or hate it.

“Over the last five years I’ve been writing rock songs, and it changed the way that I wrote rap songs for sure.” Eyedea said. “The production, I wanted to play a lot of guitar. This is the first Eyedea and Abilities record where we fully gave ourselves to it. We knew didn’t have to be battle rappers or this or that. You have to be real, that’s the only rule. You have to make sure that what you’re talking about is something that you fully connect with” claimed the emcee about the new album sound and feel.

What most people don’t know is that Eyedea and Abilities started off very young. Their first album which was titled “First Born” was made when the emcee was between the ages of 16 and 17, second album, “The Many Faces of Oliver Hart” was done at 18 years old and “E&A” was finished before the emcee could even legally by a drink at the bar.

“This record definitely did alienate people who were fans of our other stuff. But in my opinion, First Born did that as well.” Said Eyedea. “I like the fact that this album isn’t just elevator music. It’ like you do like it or hate it, you should fucking hate it. I’m glad you have an opinion about it. I’m glad it’s that big of a deal that you definitely don’t like it.”

As for the old Eyedea, he’s gone. No more clever punch lines aimed at MC’s wanting to come up in the underground hip hop world. No more freestyle battles. That style is in the MC’s past now.

“Yeah it is. And the truth is, it was never really there. I was young and I thought I had to do that to get a name.” explained the MC. “It was kinda fun at the time, I guess. I would never, ever compete in those things again. I have no interest in them and to be completely honest, I wasn’t interested back then. Which is part of the reason I won, because I actually didn’t give a fuck at all about it.”

Even though the rapper is over freestyle battles and competing, the MC does admit that at the time, it was fun. and would actually freestyle again, but not at the same level.

“When those guys like JUICE and Eminem came out and when I was doing it, the scene was ill, like really ill. So I would just listen to those guys and see how they did the punch lines and what not.” Eyedea explained. I’ve never even rapped like that, I don’t rap like that now. I don’t write songs like that. So I guess it was a separate thing. But yes, to answer your question, that part of me is gone.”

The emcee still admits that what will always stay strong inside him is his love for improvising. The side project “Face Candy” is all improvised. As well as a slew of other projects.

As far as new E&A material goes, don’t expect anything anytime soon. Basically tours and shows for now. However, the artist did put out a solo record recently, under the name “Michael Larsen” which is the rappers birth name.

With four E&A records under their belts. As well as numerous side projects, this surely won’t be the last time you’ll hear Eyedea on a record. You just may not recognize him on his other projects right away.

For more information on Eyedea and Abilities, and to find out where they or one of the side projects might be playing at near you, you can follow them on Twitter or check Rhymesayers.

Eyedea and Abilities also just got announced to Sound Set Music Festival on May 30th, 2010 at Canterbury Park in Shakopee, MN. (rain or shine) along with Eyedea & Abilities will be headliners Atmosphere, Bother Ali, Method Man & Redman, Freeway & Jake One, Murs, Cage, Hieroglyphics and many more.

More From This Artist

E&A (Explicit Version) E&A (Explicit Version)

At Boombox Knocks, we really respect independent hip-hop artists that do more than “drop a hot 16″ or produce the next “banger”. We look for heart and soul…and Miles Bonny has both. This is an editorial snapshot of how i was introduced to his music, and how him and his scene had a part in changing my outlook on the whole genre - mattx

Near the end of my time in the Midwest, I was slowly getting away from the prog/indie/metal scene and gravitating towards a life surrounded by underground hip-hop. There was not much hip-hop music to grab on to in Springfield, Missouri. It was not that there was a lack talent in the area, D.J. P., DJ Platinum, DJ Imperial, DJ Episode and several others, were definitely doing their thing in the late 90′s and turn of the century. They taught me all the basics about DJing, and molded my allegiance to indie hip-hop with a severe dislike for label rappers and whack talent. They were very good at presenting the crowds they played for and showcased great underground and East Coast hip-hop.

DJs were the only hip-hop lifeline I knew existed and, to my knowledge, is kind of where it stopped.  I began running with DJ Platinum and he was called upon to play this show,in a little town called Lawrence, KS. Platinum was to play an opening set for some band I never heard of called Atmosphere, who at the time were drawing a couple hundred kids. Also on the bill was a guy named Mac Lethal and a group called Archetype.

Little did I know on the ride there, that I would fall in love with hip-hop music in a whole new way because of Lawrence friggin Kansas.  From what I recall, we got there and learned Atmosphere could not make it to the venue, so Platinum, Archetype and Mac had to hold The Bottleneck down on their own. A few people showed up and it was a blast. There was an after party at the Archetype house, and it too was grand.

It was through this weird little trip that I learned about Lawrence, Kansas’ rich musical approach to hip-hop, and eventually to the introduction to several very talented and motivated groups. Lawrence had this fresh community of acts that i could seriously boast about all day.

One cat that had his finger in almost everything to do with that scene was a fellow named Miles Bonny.

Bonny was producing for a group called SoundsGood, comprised of Bonny on the gear and trumpet accompanied by a cerebral yet comedic and laid back sounding emcee named Joe Good. Those two guys were a fun match up. Great to see live, and a their CD flaunted a production quality that I could not believe came out of a bedroom studio.  Just Miles and Joe having a good ol’ time recording in haze of mellow reality and party jams.

Another aspect of Lawrence I was not ready for was the constant interaction of talent that is just natural for real musicians. Where I was from, the music scene was every man for himself. You held your cards close, and made your moves on your own. But in Lawrence everybody jammed with everybody else, and didn’t seem to hold back when they did.

Bonny was a vital part of those projects that eventually got recorded and released on his label INNATE SOUNDS, most notably a collaboration with I.D. from Archetype on a project called The Find.  It was a one time collob as far as recordings went, and completely separate in sound and theory from any of  the SoundsGood or Archetype music.

As the website Bonny moderated LawrenceHipHop.com (R.I.P) was truckin’ along, and with the advent of social networking, he began to take full advantage of the internet and all of its resources. This cat was everywhere…i personally tip my cap to the early hustle he developed as far as graphic oriented websites, MySpace design and marketing, SGoo TV ( internet video about the SoundsGood life well before YouTube was accessible), artist promotion and more.  INNATE SOUNDS was always on the cutting edge, and has never stopped.

The trip Bonny has been on (before and after these years) is diverse, and very much worth exploring. Trying to sum it all up in a blog entry is futile, as it branches out all over the place with each twig having it’s own unique story. It would be very Un-Lawrence of me to say, or even lead you to believe that, Bonny was the sole essence of that community. Far from it. But, I can say that his work, and the gifts Lawrence Kansas gave me in the form of recorded music were a key inspiration to basic philosophies I use to this day. Each One Teach One and K.I.M. would have taken a long time to find their way to me in Springfield without the insight that crazy vibrant little scene provided.

The next chapter of the Miles Bonny saga is about to be presented to the world in the form of his latest solo release Incense & Wine.

Check it out, and buy it if you like it.

And do your homework on INNATE SOUNDS. They have a MASSIVE catalog that goes from hard underground hip-hop to jazz, to R&B…a lil’ something for everyone.

Copywrite aka Copywrite 78, born Peter Nelson, is an emcee who hails from Columbus, Ohio. Copywrite helped start the power group the “MHz” or Megahertz, which consisted of Copy, Camu Tao (R.I.P), Jakkai Tha Motamouth and RJD2.

Copywrite has been in the rap game for quite sometime now. His debut solo record “The High Exhaulted” was released in 2002 on Eastern Conference Records and featured Jakkai Da Motamouth, Cage, Mr. Eon of the High and Mighty and production from RJD2. His last album was released in 2007, “The Worst and Best of Copywrite: Mixtape Vol 1”.

Photo Courtesy of John Thorpe

Copywrite is back, after a 2 year hiatus with a new E.P. titled “Ultrasound: The Rebirth”. As well as, working on his new full length album “The Life and Times of Peter Nelson” Scheduled for release spring this year.

“’Ultrasound’ is a mix of stuff; some of the songs are old. The song stop is from 2005” Copywrite explained, “where as ‘The Life and Times’ is all new material, think of Copywrite in 2002, just more refined”.

The new full length album will also feature an a-list line up of emcee’s: Louis Logic, Meta4ce, Tage Future, King.Dom, as well as Sean Price from Heltah Skeltah and more.

The E.P. “Ultrasound: The Rebirth” has a nice line up as well. It features rapper Sean Price and Royce Da 5’9” of super group Slaughterhouse as well as a song from the MHz. Also, the album features a diss track towards last years college frat boy rapper, Asher Roth. The track is titled “Creamation” and it is actually the second diss towards the young rapper, the first being titled “The Real Fake Shady”. Asher Roth actually responded back to the diss “The Real Fake Shady” with a track at Copywrite titled “Silly Boy”.

Photo Courtesy of Copywrite

The last couple years have been rough for Copywrite, having to deal with his close friend Tero “Camu Tao” Smith’s passing due to cancer has taken a toll on the emcee. And dealing with issues with the group The Weathermen, which Copy helped co-found with New York rapper Cage Kennylz. As well as a few other issues that will be brought to light on his full length album.

“It didn’t really effect my writing, it hit me personally. It was like having your brother taken away from you” said the emcee in regards to his friends passing. Recently, the emcee has taken a turn for the better. Kicking the booze, pills, and cutting back on the smoking. “I feel like the old Pete. The one that I love, not the lazy, lethargic, cloudy headed forgetful, bullshitting watered down version of me.” Said the emcee on his blog via MySpace.

Copywrite has a few other projects in the works over the next year or so. Including a re-release of his album “The High Exhaulted” which will have some newer material and some new emcee’s on the album. Also, slated for a release later on this year is “MHz 2” album titled “Tero Smith” a dedication to the late great Camu Tao. Which will feature Jakkai Tha Motamouth, Tage Future and production from RJD2.

Photo Courtesy of John Thorpe

For those of you who thought Copywrite had disappeared, well you were wrong. He is still very much on the hustle game. He is always offering his talents to anyone; you can check him out via his myspace page www.myspace.com/odotrecords or follow him on twitter www.twitter.com/copywrite

Copywrite – Stop Video

Copywrite – Cremation (Asher Roth Diss)