DeLaCeiba is an MC/poet/writer/educator/activist/critical thinker who uses his craft to address and deal with issues of injustice, racism, and inequality. He has performed at top universities such as UC Berkeley, USC, UCLA, Columbia, UMASS, and worked with several grassroots organizations such as MOVE in Philadelphia and the End-Dependence Poets Collective. In 2006 he moved to New York to solidify his love for Hip Hop. He has shared the stage with underground greats like Eli Efi (Brasil), SieteNueve (PR), Bocafloja (MEX), and Ana Tijoux (Chile). His message is simple; create the way even though the odds are against us. He currently works as social worker, helping high school youth in Upper Manhattan.
http://www.myspace.com/delaceiba
email: delaceiba@gmail.com
Lalibella has used her distinct vocal style, witty imagery, and high-fashion low budget aesthetic to create a new global presence for the Hip-Hop community. Locations for her videos have included Kampala, Uganda, and Bed Stuy, Brooklyn where the artist currently records. Lalibella is influenced by her international roots – living in the US, Ethiopia, and Uganda as well as studying in Milan, Italy, she has explored the vibrant sensory experience of leading a diverse, nomadic life.
email: lalibella@gmail.com
In live shows and studio sessions across the American Northeast and throughout the streets of China, Grandmaster Chu has trained in the art of Emceeing. A founding member of the 108 Tongues Crew and noteworthy Chinese cliques [M]ade [I]n ©hina and Bustout, he takes his craft seriously, penning multi-syllabic rhymes that are filled with passion and subtle, humorous jabs. Based in Beijing, Chu continues to work on solo projects while simultaneously seeking alternative avenues to test his skills – whether that is in the booth, collaborating with other artists, or rocking the crowd.
Grand Master Chu official site – http://www.grandmasterchu.com
On Twitter – @jasonglchu
http://youtube.com/thegrandmasterchu
Yung Monk: the Mixtape streaming & for download at http://grandmaster.bandcamp.com
Alou and Madou of K.T.D. anchor themselves in the Hip Hop aesthetic in order to challenge and educate others on the social and political struggles in Senegal. Within their name lies their convictions – a determinism not to live in fear and a commitment to challenge the world around them and advocate an alternative perspective than what most people are used to hearing. K.T.D. is it’s own unique brand of Hip Hop. Alchemists in the devastating and unpredictable rhymes and the rhythms, and defined as one of the most innovative group of the underground Senegalese rap game.
http://ktdofficielzik.skyrock.com/
email: ktd-crew@live.fr, fouzy@live.fr
Zero Plastica is an underground Hip-Hop group from Genoa (Italy), formed by Nio (mc, dj and producer) and Lure (mc): they combine conscious and thought-provoking lyrics with rap, reggae dancehall beats, and world music.
Since 2001, Zero Plastica has released dozens of demos, mixtapes, collabos and a critically-acclaimed independent record, the self-titled “Zero Plastica”, in 2005.
Zero Plastica has performed live hundred times: headlining Italian rap-star showcases, opening for countless international artists (such as George Clinton with Funkadelic & Parliament, Shaggy, Signmark, Sud Sound System, Busta Flex, etc.), and playing everywhere from club to block-parties.
In 2011 Zero Plastica became the first Italian rap group ever to sign to an American indie label, releasing their new record–”Basta!” (Enough!). “Basta!” is an awesome revolutionary cd attacking corrupt government and a 100% true life story collection. This long awaited cd also features the Tunisian mc G.O.Man Xtarzik (Rebel Records) and was mastered at Notable Productions (Boston, U.S.A.) by Dan Cantor.
Now Zero Plastica is finding its place in the world wide underground, carrying the Italian rap flag to the next level.
Kane Limam aka Monza is a Hip Hop artist from Mauritania. Passionate about poetry and writing, he decided to express his texts orally through rap. A Member of the group LA RUE PUBLIK, he has released three albums with the group: “InconteXtablement,” “Président 2La Rue Publik” in 2004, and “Mauritaniana,” which was distributed for free in 2010.
Monza has participated in several projects including the compilation ‘Block Party II’,’ released in France in 2003 with DJ mani 2 and IRIE G, and “African Rebel Music,” which was released in Germany in 2006, with the participation of Didier Awadi, Takana Zion or Tiken Jah Fakoly.
A seasoned movement activist, he created the Monza ZAZA production structure that organizes the ASSALAMALEKOUM International festival since 2008. Monza has worked extensively to promote Mauritanian arts and culture, also producing, in collaboration with Africulturban Dakar, the festival Festa 2H Senegal.
Monza now moves within several scenes, working alongside renowned artists such as Youssou Ndour, Malouma, Baba Maal, Daara J, Pee Froiss, Disiz LaPeste and recently Zaho, Tunisiano, Sefyu or Mokobé.
After translating the Universal Declaration of Human Rights in Pulaar (Fulani), for the United Nations (UNHCR), Monza is now preparing his new album,”I am A free K – The Great Game,” scheduled for a 2011 release.
email: rupublik@hotmail.fr
Legijata (The Legion) is a click formed in the year 2000 which consists of some of the greatest Macedonian hip hop groups and solo artists including: Protiv Site,Da Dzaka Nakot, Greenout, RNS, Ronin, STR2, Kemp OD, and DJ Slave.
The group released their first bootleg album for free download on the internet in 2002 called Begstvo (The Runaway). After releasing the album the group became ground-breaking hip hop group in Macedonia and many record labels and booking agents started working with them on releasing some solo and group albums and doing shows all over the state on many festivals.
In 2002 Da Dzaka Nakot release his first solo album called Neophodno Zlo (Necessary Evil), his second album was in 2004 called Nema Poveke Tajni (No More Secrets) and the third, and most critically acclaimed, album in 2006 called Biomehanika(Biomechanics). His fourth and most successful album, played with live instruments, came out in December 2008 called Priracnik Za Moderna Vojna (Manual For Modern War).
In 2004 RNS released his first solo album named Cvetot Na Svetot(Flower Of The World) and became the most successful hip hop artist at the time with only one album.In June 2008 STR2 released their first album named Ne Zaboravaj…(Dont Forget…)and the album become official street banger. After the releasing of many succesful solo and groups albums apart, Legijata entered together in studio in 2006 and 2007 for recording of their first official group album called Losh Den Za Imperijata(Bad Day For The Empire). Released in September 2008 it became the most succesful and best-selling Macedonian hip hop album ever. Till today Legijata is the most popular underground hip hop formation in Macedonia and internationally known on the Balkans.
email: cakibagra@hotmail.com
Born and raised in New York, Boo was exposed to everything from Mozart and Donna Summer to Led Zeppelin, Kiss, and Brand Nubian. He began his musical career as a drummer and quickly moved to DJing. His dedication to turntablism has led him to share the stage with the likes of Kool G. Rap, Ghostface Killah, Aesop Rock, Mr. Lif, Talib Kweli, Common, Uberzone, DJ Shortkut , and DJ Big Wiz– to name a few. It has also allowed him to be involved with artists like Super Natural, Adagio, Consequence (of A Tribe Called Quest fame), Sharmaji and Quannum recording artists ApSci (Applied Science).
Boo is currently working with The Juggaknots, Koba, Eternia and Nomadic Wax’s Global Underground All-Stars.
http://www.MySpace.com/DJBoo
http://SoundCloud.com/DJ-Boo-aka-Booda-X
http://SoundCloud.com/Booda-X
email: boodaray@gmail.com
This Canadian rapper of Haitian descent has been rapping since the fresh age of 9. Now she’s mixing Hip-Hop lyrics in English, Creole, French, and Reggae. As a Senior at Florida Atlantic University double majoring in Communication Arts/Political Science and minoring in Commercial Music, she is infamous for her character – she was Florida Atlantic University’s 2010 Humanitarian Winner, Youth Board Member of the Fort Lauderdale Martin Luther King Celebration Committee, Political Action Chair for the Ft. Lauderdale NAACP Youth Council, CEO of Draztik Meazures Entertainment, NAACP Florida State Conference Youth & College Division President, Promotions Director and Owl Radio’s hottest on-air personality.
email: casseuss@gmail.com
An African artist from Burkina Faso, I’m a rapper, songwriter and arranger as well as producer of my music. I was born in 1979 in Coalla in Burkina Faso. I first embraced rap as a solo artist in 1996. In ‘98 I joined OBC with old friends. In 1999, I formed the “House Mother” with artists Ghetto Warriors, New Method, Black Imprint El Mutchatcho. The same year I took part in the great “West Posse Clan” which brought together all configurations of the rap West Zone of Ouagadougou (Burkina Faso).
I recorded a model of 12 titles in 2000 with all the cream of hip hop Burkina time, which include: Smarty and the current group Mandwoe Yeleen, Serge B and DD group Bomber, Volcano Concrete Block, Da Ex EX Sound, groups Imprint Black Ghetto Warriors of the Posse The Mother House.
In 2003, I returned to the studio, this time for my album “Proud To Be Black” which was released in July 2004. Recorded between Ghana, Faso and Niger, this album revealed me to the public nationally. Many featuring Niger and Ghana, and a multiplication of scenes propelled me in October 2005 in the U.S. for a series of concerts in seven states.
After six years of absence, I return with lyrics, flow and sounds stronger than ever! This new album due out in late 2010 called “Back 2 Roots” or “Retour aux Sources”. Featuring rappers and singers from U.S. RnB, Jamaican singers and composers, and African rappers (eg Captain Djaffer, Peto and Man Killer Niger, Togo, Orcyno, Razillion of Jamaica, Heat, Aaron, Kris, and Shandra Shane Cutter U.S., Duni Yaam, mano Sniper, Nasser and the Sisters Doga Burkina Faso) .
Currently I live in the U.S,. but my great Return to Sources is coming soon! Join this trip to the African memory through my eyes, and witness the music and sensitivity to emerge from this report. Let yourself go to the source!
email: baf_diguess@yahoo.f
