BLOWIN UP!- Artists on the RISE

DJ KRATE DIGGA

DJ Krate Digga is continuing a stellar run as a working deejay in central Ohio. Having held down residencies at the hottest clubs in Columbus, DJ Krate Digga has celebrated over 12 years as a deejay; solidifying his name as one of Columbus' most diverse hip hop and soul deejays.

Since 2002, DJ Krate Digga has been known to hold residencies at Columbus clubs and lounges taking them to the height of their popularity. Krate Digga began his first residency at the renowned poetry club, Snaps N' Taps, in Columbus' Discovery District. He then helmed The Red Zone's Standard Lounge on Saturdays in 2004 and 2005 and was known for his eclectic mix of the latest in R&B and vintage soul. In 2005, Krate Digga resided at The Opium Lounge and Mahogany's Soul at The Brownstone. To this date, Mahogany's Soul was Columbus' premiere neo-soul showcase, providing Krate Digga the opportunity to deejay and perform with some of the freshest neo-soul musicians including Eric Roberson, Raheem Devaughn, Darien Brockington, Middle Child, Dwele, Siji, Deyampert and many others.

DJ Krate Digga started Foundation Fridays at Cove Lounge (2005-2007), featuring classic soul and the sampled spin-offs they inspired. He also hosted The Mid Month Mixers at the Bar of Modern Art (BoMA) and First Fridays in 2007 and 2008; along with being the official deejay of The Ohio State University's African American Heritage Festival, spinning at a week's worth of events. Krate was also the resident DJ for Last Chance Fridays, every last Friday of the month at Cove Lounge sponsored by ColumbusBlack.com and Diamond Media. Krate Digga was the resident deejay for his Foundation Friday spin-off, ICONoclast, at Club Icon in 2008. Currently Krate is the resident deejay for The Keeper's Lounge Concert Series in conjunction with The Keepers of the Art and The University of Akron. DJ Krate Digga has also returned to the realm of live music performance. Formerly a part-time player with The Charles Cooper Quartet and The Eddie Bayard Trio, Krate Digga is now a frequent performer with The Liquid Crystal Project, a band started by internationally renown producer J Rawls of Polar Records.

As the head of The Mighty SoundChampz Crew, DJ Krate Digga uses his jazz, funk, reggae, and classical music influences to form new and interesting ways to listen to hip hop. Professionally trained in African and Caribbean percussion since the age of 8, Krate Digga incorporates polyrhythmic cadences with both traditional and non-traditional ingredients of music. Schooled in turntablism by Detroit's DJ Sicari while an undergrad at Kentucky State, Krate Digga went on to form the Mos Wanted Crew in 1997 with DJ Sicari, DJ Rod-Nice, and MC Mr. Mike. DJ Krate Digga was a founding member of The Usual Suspects DJ Crew (Columbus, 2006.)

Krate Digga is also continuing his ever diverse offerings of mixtapes with volume 18 of WKR8: Krate Digga Radio and volume 2 of his newest mix series, The Renaissance. DJ Krate Digga has released more than 60 solo mixtapes: WKR8, a sampling of the newest in international soul, reggae and hip hop, 19KR80s, a throwback series featuring R&B, pop rock and hip hop from the 80s, and The Blacklight, a sensual blend of classic and neo-soul ballads; just to name a few.

Krate Digga has also performed to sold-out crowds at several universities including Ohio Wesleyan University, Wilberforce University, Stillman College, The University of Akron, Kent State University, Denison University, Central State University and Kentucky State University.

As a deejay, musician, and producer; Krate Digga shows no signs of letting up on his work ethic or creativity. Showing that the Midwest is also a place for soul as well as hip hop, when DJ Krate Digga is behind the wheels, the party is sure to be a hot one.

ELEMENTAL HARD GROOVE

E.H.G. (Elemental Hard Groove) was formed in Akron, Ohio consisting of two musicians with various talents, ideas, and gifts; but one vision. The vision of E.H.G. is to heal the earth of all of its ills with music. Bob Marley believed he could cure diseases of the earth like cancer, poverty, war, etc. with music. He left earth with work unfinished for the next generation of musicians. E.H.G. has answered the call to continue the work. Elemental Hard Groove (E.H.G. for short) is an idea of Eriq Troi, a multi-talented artist, who needed to play small venues to supplement his income. However, there was a calling to be more than a local act to make money. “Music is something that everyone needs to empower themselves in times that are extremely adverse. It has been proven that in volatile times music has always kept the masses in tact, afloat, and yes inspired to go above and beyond the normal expectation of the challenging times.” The process to put together a band that would be ideal is, as Eriq Troi would say, “intimate”. Although the current members were not Eriq’s first pick, they were his first choice. Brian Armour (a.k.a. Kenneth Wallace) and Eriq Troi met at a jam session in downtown Akron. A session that Brian said he was reluctant to coming to due to the fact that “sheds are usually musicians competing”. But something urged him to come. He met with Eriq Troi whom he gained a mutual respect and admiration for. This union was “ordained” as Eriq would describe it. Brian did two concert style shows with Eriq and needed no more further convincing. One problem though… he had to go off to college in Colorado. Things happened in his personal life which prevented him from returning to Colorado. In need of an outlet, Eriq asked him if he wanted to be a part of the project. His acceptance was more than appreciated, it was marveled and adored. The concept of E.H.G. has become more than a band. E.H.G. is a performing production team to compose musical ideas that, for all tends and purposes, "renew" the thinking process in order to make room for healing and positive life-outcomes. Elemental Hard Groove welcomes you to come and enjoy, listen and be healed. The upcoming CD is a compilation of recorded emotions to communicate to the world inspiration, love, hope, and the will to go up and beyond expectations in volatile times… These are samples from the upcoming CD "From The Basement To The Heart…Life's Theme Music Volume 1." Enjoy Kenneth Wallace & Eriq Troi

BLAKE CARRINGTON

Blake Carrington is well respected by his peers within the Hip Hop and R&B community for the contributions that he has made to the urban music scene as a songwriter, arranger, and singer.

 Asheru, born Gabriel Benn, is an African American hip hop artist, educator, and youth activist. Asheru (who actually blew up some time ago) is widely known for performing the opening and closing themes for the popular TV series, The Boondocks, as well as his pioneering and innovative efforts to forward the Hip Hop Education movement.

As a youth, many of Asheru’s musical influences came from a wide range of Hip Hop artists such as Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, KRS One,Public Enemy, N.W.A., Slick Rick, Doug E. Fresh, Native Tongues, Pharoahe Monch, and more, as well as the classic Soul, R&B, and Poprecords of the 70’s and 80’s eras that his mother used to play throughout the house. At the age of 16, he graduated from high school and attended the University of Virginia, where he finished in 1996 with a B.A. degree in Anthropology. In college he formed relationships with fellow colleagues, a group of like-minded individuals that shared a similar passion for Hip Hop music and the collective Black experience. After college, one of those colleagues, Wes Jackson, founded an independent Hip Hop label, Seven Heads Entertainment, and in 1996 signed its first group, Unspoken Heard, made up primarily of Asheru and Jackson’s older brother, Robert Jackson, also known as “Blue Black". Asheru and Blue Black went on to release a series of 12” singles and EPs, and in 2001 released their first album, “Soon Come”, a critically acclaimed debut, still widely considered a classic in many Hip Hop circles. In 2003, the group released their second album “48 Months”, followed by the “No Edge Ups in South Africa” album, a compilation album of other 7 Heads artists featuring the hit, “Mood Swing” with Talib Kweli.

Asheru, both as a solo artist as well as with the group Unspoken Heard, has gone on to travel extensively throughout Europe, Canada, the US and Japan, performing alongside artists and groups like Common, Mos Def, Jill Scott, Bilal, Ludacris, Edo G, J-Live, Wordsworth, and The Roots, while collaborating and being featured on projects with Hip Hop greats such as Pete Rock, and Jazzy Jeff. His lyrics are categorized by reflection upon the state of affairs of the current-day Black American. Through his music, he demonstrates a desire to improve the attitude of Black people towards liberation through education and self-empowerment. He currently travels with a live band, The ELs, made up of a three (sometimes four)-piece band of accomplished veteran musicians and producers, namely Aquaman, Mr. Hu, and Zo!.

Most recently, Asheru collaborated with Aaron McGruder to write and perform several songs for the hit TV series, The Boondocks, including the show’s theme song. Asheru’s contribution to the controversial "Return of the King" episode of the Boondocks series helped him to earn the prestigious Peabody Award for Journalism in 2006.

POETIC REPUBLIC - "The people don’t know what they want to hear until you give them something to listen to."

 http://www.myspace.com/poeticrepublic1

Poetic Republic is a live Hip-Hop collective from Cleveland, Ohio consisting of lead emcee's Rem and Ahp Qwes, drummer Asante Allison Jr., guitarist Angelo Vagas, keyboardist Frank Soul, and turntablist DJ Ceven. The group released their first effort "Indigenous Philosophy Of The Gentiles" in May 2007. The follow up entitled "The Natural Progression Of Things" was released on August 1st, 2008. The album has received much critical praise from the members of the press and fans alike. Their third album, scheduled to released late 2009, was revealed by Rem to a local radio show to be "a comprehensive mix of production and live instrumentation".

At first glance, their logo is as recognizable as their sound, each possessing a simple and aesthetic beauty that requires one to take pause, pure art both in their own right. Recently hip-hop has been seen as an art that commodifies the worst of stereotypes, which in many instances, has overshadowed its roots. Poetic Republic emerges as a fresh take on true-school hip-hop sentiments by incorporating live instrumentation, layers of sound and a steady lyrical pulsation. Originally formed in 2003, with emcee's Rembrandt and Ahp Qwes performed as a duo with guest DJs. Upon the realization that the sound they were looking for could only be achieved by permanently collaborating with artist from various genres Poetic Republic reached a new depth of sound in 2004. PR released their first official studio album "Indigenous Philosophy Of The Gentiles" in May 2007. The album was received with an enthusiastic welcome from a rapidly growing fan base. Edgy and sensational performances have garnered a heightened anticipation for the artists recently released album, "The Natural Progression Of Things". Poetic Republic exhibits unpredictable flows and rhyme schemes that have shaken the foundation of the lyrical arena. Pulsating acoustics, lyrical precision, and raw vocal delivery declare to the world; they will not be ignored. Classification? Never. PR pushes the bounds of true school hip-hop through a quality of sound that pulls at the core of all audiences. Through concepts that incapsulate the meaning of life and a variety of subject matter that touches upon pure genius, homage is paid to the early roots of hip hop. Fans are impressed with the authentic and innovative way that PR has diverged from the monotonous "bling" marring the hip-hop world. A group of skilled emcees and muscians, PR attacks real world issues with an approach that has left an imprint in the minds of eager listeners. Once the melodious vibrations are processed by the tympanic membrane the impressive sound will leave you with more than just a beat. PR stretches across the average compilation of lyrics to deliver intricately woven masterpieces that cradle the soul of lyrical expression. Expectations of hip-hop are changed leaving fans open and attuned to the world around them. Their sound allows you to freely question and ponder what generates outside the sphere of mainstream redundancy. Poetic Republic is the answer to monotonous hip-hop.

ACE BOOGIE and NAPPY GROOVES

 www.myspace.com/nappygrooves

The self proclaimed street poet emcee has been writing, producing and performing since the age of 12. Ace first gained local recognition during the late 80’s while performing in a rap collective with his brother. Doing countless talent shows and opening for national recording artists, Ace and his brother caught the eye of famed Public Enemy producer, Hank Shocklee, and was selected to perform on a compilation record. Unfortunately, the record never saw the light of day. After a number of years in Atlanta, and spending some time in New York City, Ace Boogie retreated home to Ohio to redirect for a solo effort. Mixing poetry with hip-hip, Ace Boogie returned to the local music scene 5 years later with a new - more mature take on hip-hop. Ace has released 9 independent hip-hop/poetry projects and has recently performed in a show including Musiq Soulchild, Mos Def and The Roots. Ace Boogie hosts a weekly poetry session and is a member of the Hip-Hop Committee at The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. You will not hear tales from a thug or of a woman being degraded. Instead, Ace Boogie pushes the idea of Love, Life and Struggle to the limit in his music.

ANTHONY MILLS’ music = GHETTOTRANCE

Recognize his name, style and the band uniquely called "Water". A native of Akron, Ohio, Mills was introduced classical music first by his Grandfather. At 18 month old Mills displayed an early ear for music by surprising his Grandpa Sneed by singing the exact notes to "Every Valley shall be exalted". This was the beginning of a unique,secret, devotion to music. As nature would dictate, 17 years later Mills would be accepted on a vocal scholarship to train as a tenor, at the pretigious Manhattan School of Music. During his studies in NYC, Mills toured as a soloist for 4 years with Grace Bumbry’s Gospel and Spirituals Ensemble, 8 years with Harry Belafonte as a soloist, was the recipient of a Van lier fellowship granting him 2 years of vocal lessons with Metropolitan Opera tenor Gabor Corelli. In 1997 Mills awarded a Masterclass certificate from Grace Bumbry at the prestigious Mozarteum in Salzburg, Austria it was there that Ms. Bumbry inspired Mills to focus on GHETTOTRANCE rather than pursue a possible career as an operatic Tenor.. Mills has performed as a soloist at Carnegie Hall, Avery Fischer Hall, The Landon Gallery, Lincoln Center, The Apollo Theater, and Madison Square Garden. Featured soloist with the New Jersey Symphony for 2 weeks at NJPAC. Mills did not stop there. From one phone call to Phillip ’Fatis’ Burrell ( Xterminator Crew in Kingston, Jamaica), Mills was flown to Jamaica to record hundred’s of original "tune" with Sizzla, Turbulence and Bob Marley’s legendary studio musicians Sly Dunbar and Earl "chinna" Smith as well as "Firehouse Crew". All on 12 trips.. Since 1996 Anthony Mills has been extremely prolific devoloping his GHETTOTRANCE sound. Recording over 30 underground albums both live and studio. At the same time creating an enigmatic International buzz for it all . "Water" has included a huge cast of rotating musicians. Vibraphonist, Stefon Harris(Blue Note) and Pianist, Jason Moran(Blue Note) are historic members of Mills’ first band gave"Water" a penetrating musical start. Presently the band is compiled of Sweden’s top players. Anders Olsson on drums, Tobias Grenholm(Carola) on bass, Joakim Simonsson ..s and Edvin Nahlin also ..s. To date, "Water" has never been more "Tranced Out". Konsertbloggen reviewed a recent GHETTOTRANCE performance saying, "I can not describe it. It’s just plain good. Mills has one fantastic voice. He plays with it like Bobby McFerrin and builds up his jam through call-and-response with the skillful jazz musicians in the group Water." Mr. Harry Belafonte says, "Mills...brings a musicality and socially responsible dimension (to music)." The New Album GHETTOTRANCE "WATER" is the first album recorded with the full band it also features the G-Strings(Linnea ..o and Hanna on violin). This album is inspired by Mills street/classical sensibilites it’s laced with beautiful melodies and timeless lyrics. Ghettotrance "Water" is not a masquerade of fluff and little substance. It is overflowing with political inuendos, critical thinking and spiritual appreciation...topped off with a generous helping of H2 O.

LISTEN- ANTHONY MILLS                            CONTACT/PURCHASE MUSIC