Myka 9 & Blu

BLU Bio:

Blu, a rapper and producer from Los Angeles, is a visionary voice in hip-hop, known for weaving intricate narratives over soulful, jazz-infused beats. Emerging from the underground scene, he gained critical acclaim with his debut album, Below the Heavens, a collaboration with producer Exile that is celebrated as a modern classic. Blu's introspective lyricism explores themes of self-discovery, social commentary, and urban life, capturing raw emotion with poetic depth. Fearlessly experimenting with genres while maintaining his lyrical integrity, his collaborations with artists like Flying Lotus and Madlib further showcase his versatility. Blu’s dedication to authenticity and artistic growth has cemented his place as a cornerstone of modern hip-hop.

Myka 9 Bio:

Originally known as Microphone Mike, Myka 9 is recognized as one of the most stylistically advanced rappers in the 90's. His first real break was in the 1980's when he received the opportunity to be a lyrical ghost writer on NWA's first compilation, titled ‘NWA and The Posse.' He then had the opportunity to collaborate with major acts such as The Wailers, Carmen Carter, The Last Poets, and co-founded the legendary hip-hop group, Freestyle Fellowship. Today, Myka champions his often-imitated, never-duplicated lyrical style around the world. He is known for his rapid-fire, jazz-influenced, melodic rapping, and often incorporates singing and occasional scatting into his songs. Myka has said of his style, "My rhymes take the direction of a jazz trumpet or sax solo, like Miles or Trane, if I was to rhyme in the same meter as those notes...that's my concept."

FREESTYLE FELLOWSHIP - As one of the founders of Freestyle Fellowship, Myka 9 shared rapping duties with Aceyalone, Self Jupiter, P.E.A.C.E. and DJ Kiilu held down the turntables. His melodic scat influenced rap style and improvisational lyrical talents were demonstrated on this group's debut album To Whom It May Concern. Myka's songs ‘7th Seal' and 'Five-o-clock follies' blew everybody's mind for at least 2 years straight after the release. "People studied that song backwards and forwards, and Mike was like the Charlie Parker of all these motherf*ckers," says a fellow myka-holic, remembering the hype of the group. By 1993, the "Fellowship" was signed to Island Records - 4th & B'Way, and released their landmark album Innercity Griots. To date, the "Fellowship†have released To Whom it May it Concern, Inner City Griots, Shockadoom and their last album Temptations, released in 2002. Currently, all of the members have come together to record a new Freestyle Fellowship album, The Promise, which will come out in February, 2011.

"To say that Freestyle Fellowship significantly influenced West Coast hiphop is like saying that Jesus was a pivotal figure in Christianity. --Pitchfork

HAIKU D'EAT - During his life with Freestyle Fellowship, Myka 9 was also featured on the Project Blowed compilation in 1994, and then came together with Aceyalone and Abstract Rude to form Haiku D'Etat. The band's first self-titled album, released in 1997 is considered a classic, merging Hip Hop with a Jazz influence that is evidenced in both the lyrics and the production. In 2004, the band reformed to record "Coup De Theatre," which featured production from Blowedians DJ Drez and Fat Jack, Chief Xcel of Blackalicious as well as Myka's own productions.

Today, Myka has achieved much success in many collaborative and solo album efforts beyond Freestyle Fellowship & Haiku D'Etat. He has been consistently releasing albums, and constantly strives to achieve new perspective and consciousness, partnering regularly with many acclaimed producers and artists for his next musical quest. He prides himself in achieving success as a MC not only in hip-hop, but other genres such as jazz, dancehall, drum n bass and dub step.

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