R&B singer/song writer/producer B Diamond has been making music waves across the U.S and Canada for years, specifically Vancouver, B.C. SonicBids has this to say about B Diamond, “B Diamond is known as ‘Vancity’s underground R & B King’ or ‘Diamond in the ruff”. You may have seen him recently performing alongside acts like Red 1, Lil Flip, Young Joc, The Game, E40, Ice T, Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, Paul Wall, Belly, and Fabolous to name a few. B Diamond has been making music waves all the way from New Orleans and LA “his native land” where he grew up on some of the ruffest streets; to where he now calls home…Vancouver, B. C. Canada. ( Which he likes to call “RAIN DROP CITY”. )
As co founder and member of a underground movement that supports local artist called “The Koallition”. B Diamond has worked with some of Vancity’s top artist: Red 1, Concise the Black Knight, Check Mate, The Camp, Vic Vodka & P Man, Canabliss, and the list goes on.
In 1998, B Diamond dropped his first single ‘Same Old Game‘ under the independent record label Dacrim Records. That track made B the first solo male R&B artist to have a song played on a major radio station in Vancouver B.C., and the first to have a video played on Much Music. With the label and B Diamond’s management team not seeing eye to eye; the label and his management team parted way. But that did not stop him.
B Diamond has been working with local artists across the Canada and the U.S. A. When you need a tight hook, B Diamond’s the man you call and thats that. He’s not just a singer. In 2006 B Diamond formed a hip/hop group called “Dem Block Boyz” B Diamond produced a mix tape “The Blockz is Watchin” which featured Dem Block Boyz. The CD was named “One of the best local underground mix tapes of 2006”. The group and B Diamond were featured on Pass Da Mic and have preformed at every local venue across rain drop city. B Diamond parted ways with Dem Block Boyz in late 2006, and has continued as a solo R & B artist. In 2007, B Diamond along with his new management team, Jenn & Juice Management formed a R&B tour called “Pop ‘n Bottles” which featured B Diamond. They travelled acrossed B.C and Alberta in 007.
Having said all that B Diamond is now touring across Canada and the U.S. A. He is ready and coming to the front line again with his hot new single ” Your Body” written and produced by B Diamond. from his new CD… “RAIN DROP CITY” dropping at the end of the year… Keep your eyes open for this raising star B Diamond coming to your area real soon.
This is actually just one snippet from this Soundhouse Recording Sampler. Soundhouse Recording is located in Seattle and so are all the artists on the tape so I’m assuming Big Names, Inc is from Seattle too. The rest of the songs are rock, this is the lone rap song. This is another NW artist I was today years old when I learned about them / him? If anyone has any information on Big Names, Inc. it would be cool to know more! Leave a comment.
Cuz There Was Pimpin’ Freestyle by Money Marqui$$e (Bonus Track)
Miztah Zelle (Raffael Slaughter) is a rap artist from from Tacoma, WA. He made his debut under Cold Rock records in 1993 on the DCP compilation, featured on the single, “Niggas From The Boneyard“. Since then he’s released several more albums and been featured on many NW artists albums.
Here is a bio from Reverbnation where you can also find some more of this songs too! ”Amidst the dense foliage of Evergreen trees of the Northwest, lurks a being that most have only thought of as being only a myth. He’s been said to have been seen and at a blink of an eye, he’s gone into the wilderness. There have been many photographs taken in attempt to prove his existence but still, concrete evidence of his being has yet to be founded. We have heard of the giant footprints in the Northwest, but this phenomenon has yet to make his mark on the world, MUSICWISE… Musicwise?… That’s right, with Sasquatch type beats and a flavorful music background, MiZtah Zelle is ready to put a Bigfoot down on the map with his Yard-Fulla-Bonez Entertainment Group!! Birthname, Raffael Slaughter, MiZtah Zelle made his national debut on the Cold Rock Records album the DCP ORGANIZATION album in 1993 which was distributed by Ichiban. The single Niggaz From Da Boneyard received a lot of attention. But his musical history goes much much deeper than that. In 1985 when the New York City Breakers traveled to Tacoma, Washington to battle the High Performance Breakers at the Tacoma Dome, he performed onstage with the infamous T-LaRock, Sparkey Dee with D.J. Louie Lou, and Greg Nice of Nice and Smooth (7 years before the group emerged). In 1986 he was one of the founders of the Def City Rockers, which eventually became The D.C.P. Posse, which became The D.C.P. Organization. This crew, known for rockin’ all parties from Portland to Canada, spawned such Hip-Hop acts as Criminal Nation, Wojack, Drekno, and many more. In 1996 MiZtah Zelle produced his Northwest Underground classic, I gotta Yard-Fulla-Bonez Vol. I Compilation. In 1997 he was a featured artist on the Northwest’s HOMEGROWN Album with the singles Situationz On The Grind & The Alley. Not only is he a Qualified Emcee, but a producer as well. His musical interests are as diverse as one could possibly imagine. Being raised on mostly Gospel at his uncle’s church in which his mother was choir director, Rhythm & Blues that his aunts and uncles listened to, to the Jazz albums his grandpa used to quiz him on daily, it is no wonder that this artist has something that most Rap artists don’t have… Musical Appreciation. After moving to a small town in which there were few blacks, MiZtah Zelle’s musical interests grew further than ever expected. The sounds of the 80’s Hard Rock that all of his friends at that time grew on him. I always listened to music with an open mind as well as open ears. A lot of my Hip-Hop oriented homies trip off me when they come to my house and I got Rush or Def Leppard pumpin out my stereo. I love all music and my production skills show it. We (D.C.P.) were the first in the Northwest to combine Rock with Rap when we sampled Tom Sawyer by Rush, and when M.C. Deff (Wojack) used Iron Man by AC/DC at the Black Festival in Seattle back in 1987. When Criminal Nation started yelling 253 at shows nationwide back in 1990, we knew we were pioneering something but we weren’t sure what. So what I do now is take all this experience, history and wisdom, and use it to the fullest. My entertainment company is about to breakdown all the stereotypes we Northwest M.C.’s get hit with. It’s time for me to take it further to a whole new level. Most recent projects include the Playaz Pain (The Life & Times Of Pimp Ricky Bennz) Soundtrack, the I Gotta Yard-Fulla-Bonez Compilation Vol. II and various artists under his entertainment company. Raea Sunshine (Alternative), Mr. Homicyde (Gangsta Rap), Alexis (Male R&B Vocalist), Brian Shepperd (Spiritual Soul) and many more… Keep an eye and ear open for the Northwest’s best kept secret!“
If you’re a fan of his music his CDs are impossible to find so fortunately he’s been generous to share some of his music on several music sites, so grab these tracks before some of these sites go by the wayside like MySpace or Datpiff.
From Squeeks own website, his bio: Squeek Nutty Bug is an American Hip Hop Artist know for his vintage and signature squeaky voice. His Northwest roots influenced his sound (G Funk) since the 80’s when he became a signed artist and released legendary songs such as I’ll Getcha Hy, 3 Cides Of Lif, They Die 4 Me, Really Cheat’n plus many more. Born in Phoenix AZ, Squeek Nutty Bug, the “OG” has been putting it down for over 15 years. With his debut album “Really Cheating” released in 1993, the lead single “I’ll Get You Hy” got him underground fame. With a guest appearance on “Snoop Dogg & Friends” the compilation in the early 90′s. The “OG” is preparing his 2nd return to the limelight. “Squeekstakes, the mixtape” will be the prelude to a new album that is in the works for a 2009 release. Tune into his official website to stay up to date with Squeek and his adventures as he returns to what is his nature, beyond Hip-Hop.
In one of these interviews Squeek says he was a teenager when Really Cheat’n came out and he didn’t even have his drivers license yet. Crazy to know he was that young and his album went that big and is still going strong; evident by the re-release. Which I’m thankful he added the other tracks, which coincidentally are on the demo tape I have. All this time I assumed they were unreleased, well.. not anymore! Also, might add that there’s nothing more disappointing than a re-release with the same songs as the OG, only remastered. I want unreleased tracks on re-releases! Moving on, I don’t believe Squeekstakes The Mixtape mentioned in his bio ever saw the light of day, but if it did I’d definitely love to get my hands on a copy! If anyone knows the status of that mixtape, leave a comment. Since the small bio above Squeek has continued to make music and by the sounds of his Bandcamp page he has something in the works. Thankfully, Squeek Nutty Bug has been generous with sharing his music online and being a presence on social media so we can keep getting our fix. If you’re a big fan like I am you can grab his music on a ton of music streaming sites; take your pick.
Testimonial for Squeek Nutty Bug by Funk Daddy (2016)
Squeek Nutty Bug & Dirty O interviewed on the Public Issues Show(2018)
Squeek mentions working on a video / documentary called “Mr. Benjamin”, it’s an inner-city documentary with Seattle’s first pioneers of music and yes, he’s working with Seattle’s own Mr. Benjamin. I’ve never seen that before, so if it was ever finished and made it out there leave a comment so people can grab a copy!
Squeek Nutty Bug on Late Night with Bobby Tyler Show (2020)
Columbia City Live Performance 6 – Xperience & OG Squeek Nutty Bug (2021)
Not taking anything away from Xperience but since it’s Squeek Nutty Bug’s page go to 32:30 to hear Squeek. The songs performed are, “Extras”, “2 For 15”, “Ice Cream Candy” and “Gustavo“. He does say the first two songs made it into movies. Peep the video if you want to know what movies. As always, leave a comment if you know anything more about these songs. After his performance he has a pretty humorous discussion with R. Curtis Jamerson (of the legendary Emerald Street Boys) about his unique voice and some good advice for some up ‘n’ comers.
Squeek Nutty Bug – Hoodlum (skrewd n chopped) from AllCityChop Mixtapes (2011) from 4-Series (Dirty**Double Disc) by AllCityChop Mixtapes
Bubba Gee – The Streets feat. Squeek Nutty Bug (2016)
Finally, saving the best for last, here is what I believe the most recent scoop on Squeek Nutty Bug. An interview on Mood Sweeng podcast“We had a chance to sit down with Seattle’s 1990’s rap sensation Squeek Nutty Bug, We spoke of where he’s been, how he’s managed to stay relevant throughout his Career, and if P Diddy pushed the Button. Check it out for your self, only on Mood Sweeng The Podcast.Enjoy.” Something I did not know, according to Squeek his very first drop was in the early 90’s before he dropped Really Cheat’n. According to him it was when he went back to Minnesota and was featured on a Top Tone tape. So I looked it up since I had a copy and sure enough, he did the lyrics on the intro “Like 40 Goin’ North” and he was background vocals on the song “No Gimmicks“.
And I’m not sure but the guy sitting on the right sure looks like Squeek. This is a cropped image from inside the j-card. Pretty cool huh!
From Reverbnation: “Growing up in Brooklyn, New York has put Trama in a position to reach the fans of hip hop with his lyrical punch lines and well put together metaphors in his charming but gangsta-like swag. He has a group called Black Senate, which he is CEO and co founder. He currently has a distribution deal with the Warner Music Group. Trama is working on a solo album called Follow Suite, which is on Black Senate Entertainment. He currently has two mixtapes with Black Senate called The Seattle Project Vol 1 and 2. His latest solo project is called All Gas No Brakes, a mixtape featuring DOA” Apparently, Trama (James Jones) has one more album called, Honer Over Money that he has mentioned a few times and there’s this video but I’m not sure it was ever released. The Follow Suite Mixtape was on Datpiff back in the day, I’m not sure if that was considered the album referenced above or if that album did get released and I’ve just never been able to find it! The group Black Senate also has two other members, his brother D-Lo and Contajus. Finally, Trama also has a song called “I Run It” on a 2009 DJ Pheloneous Mixtape called, Something 2 Drive 2 Vol. 2. He’s also featured on a song called “Freaks Is Out” by northwest artist B-3 (B3 The Shark). Leave a comment if you know anything else about Trama!
From GatorVision206 Channel. Trama: NW Spitterz #2 of #17
Trama live on WKNZ
Check more vids of Trama with Black Senate on mroxdadon1 YouTube channel! You can also find some random newer singles from Trama on most major streaming outlets.
ReaLife is an independent hip hop artist, born in Seattle and raised in Tacoma. From his Bandcamp page, “ReaLife became serious about his craft when he was about 24 years old, and has traveled all over the U.S. as well as other countries. “The experiences, the people, the sights, the sounds whether good or bad, has made me a better, more authentic artist. What I talk about in my music is real life, no movie”
For those of you familiar with the NW hip hop scene you’ll know that Realife is Skrilla who has been a fixture in the scene for quite some time. If you want to know more about Realife and his earlier works take a look at my Skrilla post. For those of you who’d like to take a listen to his “new” works under the name Realife, he’s got plenty of vidz on Youtube. Additionally, you can hear ReaLife on most major streaming outlets!
The Breaklites are John McRae (Guitar/Production), Cruel (MC/Production) and Craig V (DJ). “No one could ask for more from a hip-hop ensemble than what The Breaklites offer. With two MCs, a DJ, and a multi-instrumentalist producer, they kick out thrilling live shows and records. They’re young, fashionable, and eager, but they have the professionalism and discipline of veterans. Their productivity is undeniable, having completed six record projects and three tours since 2010. They released their sixth record, I ♥ America, January 7, 2014. It’s an adroit, well-assembled record — polished and physical, doused with sarcasm and lit to blaze with raucous, move-thyself rhythm. And, in keeping with the precedent set by the previous two records, it contains no sampled musical material.” – Dan Rahe”
Published on February 15th, 2014 | by Zach Powers2
The Breaklites and a People’s History of Independent Hip-Hop
With the release of their new album, I ♥ America, local hip-hop artists The Breaklites have captured and revitalized something essential about alternative rap. To articulate just what that “something” is – to define it for myself – I had to find context.
It’s not just the content, but also the distinctive sound of independent rap that I love, and The Breaklites are a brilliant example of what’s so compelling in contemporary, indie hip-hop.
Independent hip-hop music has never had a unified sound. It’s an art form that has, for the past 35 years or so, expanded exponentially, embracing sub-genre movements linked by cultural elements, including but definitely not limited to geography, politics, philosophy, and style.
One such movement formative to many millennial hip-hop heads like myself was the alternative underground hip-hop movement of late 1990s and early- to mid- 2000s, also known as conscious or backpack rap.
I’m casting a wide net here, referring to communities united by independent labels like Rhymesayers and Definitive Jux, and including legendary groups like Atmosphere, CunninLynguists, Little Brother, Hieroglyphics, and The Living Legends. I’d even include artists like Talib Kweli, Mos Def, and Pharoahe Monch as leaders in the genre, though they all achieved much greater commercial success than most of their peers.
Emcees of this movement found a new space on the rap spectrum, combining the unapologetic bravado, braggadocio, and vulgarity they shared with gangsta rappers with unabashed, critical examinations of economic and racial injustice.
Beyond lyrical content, the sound of independent hip-hop of the time was also distinctive. Although the music of this movement differed (largely due to regional influences), producers (like Jay Dilla, Ant, and 9th Wonder) shared a love for vinyl records, and the style was defined by loops built on classic soul, funk and jazz samples.
Hip-hop was conceived to the backdrop of looped vinyl, and for most of rap’s history, the use of samples has been production standard. In the late 1990s to mid 2000s, sampling was perhaps at it’s peak, with mainstream producers like Kanye West, Puff Daddy, and Just Blaze crafting massive hits prominently featuring the technique.
However, toward the end of the 2000s, an interesting consensus developed: if hip-hop music was going to continue to evolve, it had to largely cut ties with sampling and set a new precedent of original compositions and instrumentation.
Led by producers like the Neptunes, El-P, Timbaland, and 40, by the end of decade even the most veteran vinyl samplers were desperately trying to learn to play keyboards and network with instrumentalists. Around the same time sampling become taboo, the trendsetting momentum of the 90s hip-hop innovators slowed and many struggled to adapt in a sample-cynical climate.
But as a whole, the art forms associated with hip-hop have only benefited from the shift. In my opinion, there is more phenomenal hip-hop music being made throughout the world now than ever before. And the signature elements of alternative hip-hop music remain the same: magnetic bravado, intellectual rhymes, and neck-breaking beats equally appropriate for a house party, dance, or Occupy protest.
The Breaklites (Photography by Kali Raisl)
My generation’s leading emcees have not only broadened the hip-hop spectrum, but more than ever, they have insisted on confidently occupying the space in the middle, combining and challenging elements of the genre at every opportunity.
But despite the broadening and diversification of both mainstream and alternative hip-hop music, the previous wave of DIY hip-hop seemed to take with it a sense of shared experience that is sorely lacking in lyrics today. What’s lost in Kendrick Lamar’s self-aggrandizing or Macklemore’s jubilant sincerity is the once essential communication that the everyday thoughts and experiences of emcees aren’t so different from those of the average 18-25 year old.
The camaraderie between rapper and listener has faded. That focus on connection that made artists like Brother Ali and Dilated Peoples so profound is becoming a lost art.
It is possible that the new challenge to stand on one’s own musical and merits, without the crutch of sampling, has made it difficult for many hip-hop artists to round out their arrangements with a real sense of humanity. But not so with The Breaklites.
With I ♥ America, Emcee Cruel (aka Alex Fazekas-Boone) and producer John McRae take The Breaklites’ art to new levels, racing past the achievements of their previous work. Throughout the album, Cruel shares his socio-political reflections using character stories, concepts, and direct observations. Every song finds him acutely focused on reflecting the album’s title (which you should have determined by now is ironic), but maintaining – if not further developing – his trademark cool, dry wit.
It’s Cruel’s tough, calm delivery that allows him to broach subjects and utter lyrics that in the hands of other emcees, especially many from the Pacific Northwest, would surely come off corny, if not contrived. In the song the Fly Swatter (my personal favorite on the album) he raps “I won’t defend my rights to strip the poor of theirs / I won’t surrender battle with my hands in the air.”
Fly Swatter embodies not only the presiding themes of I ♥ America, but also the themes that a over a decade ago inspired my passion for alternative hip-hop. “We the misfits / this that new punk rock / on the west side homie let the guns talk / we came to burn the bridge / watch em all jump off / keep your suits on / your funeral is next dog.”
Lyrics like these are far too often delivered energetically by emcees seeking to anoint themselves leaders of the masses. But Cruel doesn’t deliver them with youthful gusto, rather his statements are mature and genuine threats to the status quo.
Like many alternative rap legends, Cruel isn’t necessarily delving into social topics to change minds or as a call to action. But he is challenging his audience to think. He is sharing with his listener, one-on-one, about his perceptions of humanity. He raps like we’re sharing a cigarette together outside of a bar and our conversation happened to swing to politics or cultural independence. He’s got brilliance to share, but isn’t hellbent that you join his team.
While Cruel raps like a guy who has been listening to hip-hop since he was learning to walk, McRae is the type of producer who could just as easily be making rock, funk, or pop records and is undoubtedly influenced by a medley of genres. He plays every instrument you hear on the album, which by the second or third song becomes difficult to count. His production builds and improvises as songs develop, refreshingly bucking many current trends.
McRae’s musical aptitude also lends itself masterfully to the The Breaklites live set. Throughout their album release show McRae played guitar, keys, drum machine, and even vocoder, reflecting the welcome shift toward incorporating live musicians into hip-hop stage acts.
McRae’s musicianship, combined with Cruel’s commanding stage presence and hypeman Alex Schelhammer’s energy, make The Breaklites one of Tacoma’s best live sets. You’d struggle to find a more polished and enjoyable live performance from an up-and-coming hip-hop group anywhere in the country. And more than that, the Breaklites have revitalized that connectivity with their listeners that has always meant so much to me.
It is quite an achievement for new hip-hop artists to capture the best of current trends while reveling in its history. That is how you catch peoples’ attention and build a career worth noting. The Breaklites deserve no less, and I ♥ America deserves your ears.
Zach Powers Zach “Rockwell” Powers is a Tacoma-based emcee, freelance journalist, and arts advocate.
And another article about The Breaklites!
Published on January 8th, 2014 | by Daniel Rahe
The Breaklites Learned the Rules and Know How to Bend Them
The Breaklites “I ♥ America” Album Release Party – Saturday, January 11, 9pm, Jazzbones (with Mr. Melanin, Perry Porter, and The Fame Riot)
“The American system is the most ingenious system of control in world history. With a country so rich in natural resources, talent, and labor power the system can afford to distribute just enough wealth to just enough people to limit discontent to a troublesome minority. It is a country so powerful, so big, so pleasing to so many of its citizens that it can afford to give freedom of dissent to the small number who are not pleased. There is no system of control with more openings, apertures, leeways, flexibilities, rewards for the chosen, winning tickets in lotteries. There is none that disperses its controls more complexly through the voting system, the work situation, the church, the family, the school, the mass media–none more successful in mollifying opposition with reforms, isolating people from one another, creating patriotic loyalty.” – Howard Zinn
“I will fuck hella pandas.” – John McRae
~~~~~
No one could ask for more from a hip-hop ensemble than what The Breaklites offer. With two MCs, a DJ, and a multi-instrumentalist producer, they kick out thrilling live shows and records. They’re young, fashionable, and eager, but they have the professionalism and discipline of veterans. Their productivity is undeniable, having completed five record projects and three tours since 2010.
They released their sixth record, I ♥ America, this week. It’s an adroit, well-assembled record — polished and physical, doused with sarcasm and lit to blaze with raucous, move-thyself rhythm. And, in keeping with the precedent set by the previous two records, it contains no sampled musical material.
The Breaklites
The Breaklites (L-R: John McRae, Alex Schelhammer, The Mayor, Cruel) Photos by Kali Raisl
“We make different music than we used to now that we don’t use samples,” said MC Cruel. “I mean, this record doesn’t sound like hip-hop to me, really, other than the rapping. It’s not the boom-bap shit I used to like. To me, it sounds electronic.”
Producer John McRae added, “Well, it’s not just party music, though. A lot of it is darker.”
Indeed, there is something darker going on, something not so easily categorizable. There is weary social consciousness in the lyrics, and a broad range of musical influences in the beats, from funk to rock to R&B.
The Breaklites do not present themselves as a complex, self-serious act. They emanate a let-loose, good-times vibe that belies their musicianship and the host of tricks in their playbook. McRae’s opening guitar lead on the title track, for example, is downright poignant, and wouldn’t sound out of place on a Death Cab for Cutie song. Then, before the reverb is quite fully faded, MC’s Cruel and Alex Schelhammer start lobbing dirtbombs of mockery at American consumerist culture, as if they came in on the heels of War Pigs.
Photo by Kali Raisl
The dynamic structures of the songs are not accidents. “The way we structure our songs is driven by our live performances,” said The Mayor, the group’s DJ. For The Breaklites, concerts are crucial. On stage, their charisma and versatility are on full display.
In keeping with their commitment to live performance, The Breaklites have learned the value of presenting heady ideas in clever, engaging ways, taking time to hone arrangements that eschew traditional hip-hop song formats. They wanted to put out a record that riffs on regrettable elements of U.S. culture (“I wanted to offend every idiot who can’t read between the lines,” said McRae), while keeping their audience entertained.
The album release concert for I ♥ America is this Saturday, at Jazzbones on 6th Avenue (ticket details here), with Mr. Melanin* (100% Post Defiance-approved DJ), Perry Porter (the damn-fucking-good MC behind the new record “Kings Only”), and The Fame Riot.
The decision to play Tacoma, rather than Seattle, was deliberate. The Breaklites want to participate in a supportive Tacoma musical community, though it has been difficult to make connections. “We want to play shows with other people,” The Mayor said, “We want to share audiences and get different kinds of people together.” They even played a stint of shows with hardcore punk and metal bands at the now-defunct Redroom.
The Breaklites in their studio (Photo by Kali Raisl)
As Alex Schelhammer put it, “Tacoma is a city full of hardworking motherfuckers who work their asses off all day, and when they get home, they just want to kick back and have a beer. It’s hard to convince them to go out to a show, to go do something with art — unless it’s nice outside. But people need to get out, otherwise, they’re starving themselves in a way. Like a panda that won’t fuck to save its species.”
“But all that to say, we’re doing fine here,” said Cruel. “We’re finding our way. We fuck with pandas.”
From across the room, McRae echoed, “I will fuck hella pandas.”
About the Author
Daniel Rahe Founder of Post Defiance, Dan is a father, surveyor, writer, and runner.
The Breaklites released their first project New Dogs, Old Tricks EP in November 2010, and followed it up with three more projects in 2011 starting with Pack Your Bags in February, Robots and Daytons in May and Rapface in December. Following the release of Robots and Daytons the group added Alex Schelhammer (Hypeman Extraordinaire) to the crew.
During the summer of 2012 the group released their most successful album to date, In The Trunk, and performed sold-out shows (including SXSW). The crew is now back in the studio working on the next project due in December 2013, a full-length album called I Heart America.
Todd Sykes and EvergreenOne were both raised in Tacoma, WA, 30 miles south of Seattle. On a Friday night in 2007 the pair met for the first time at KUPS, in Tacoma. Sykes was playing beats for emcees to freestyle over and EvergreenOne’s unique style stood out to him. The next week, the pair began to collaborate on music and shortly after began performing in Tacoma. After nearly 3 years of creating music and building their electric stage performance, the group released their first full length project, “Milk On Wax”. Todd Sykes produced the entire LP and laced the project with beats that bring the listener back to 1990’s. The thought provoking lyrics, smooth delivery, and wit of EvergreenOne make the album more than just a throwback to the 90’s. With a musical influence from jazz to punk rock the two create a sound that can appeal to music fans of all levels and all genres. Mix that with their high energy performance, honest message, and a sincere love for hip hop, you can see there is something special going on with these two. When Todd Sykes and EvergreenOne walk off stage you will be scrambling to find out when they are performing again, marking your calendar, and letting your friends know about it.
Todd Sykes and EvergreenOne have performed over 40+ shows in numerous states, released 2 LP’s, an EP, a Single, a handful of videos, and have performed with the likes of Joell Ortiz, Tanya Morgan, illa J, Frank Nitt, Afroman, Warren G, and Tone Loc.
Discography
“Todd Sykes and EvergreenOne” – EP – January, 2010
“Milk On Wax” – LP – August, 2010
“While You Were Sleeping” – Instrumental LP – Todd Sykes January, 2011
“We Are” – Todd Sykes and EvergreenOne as CITYHALL – Single – January, 2011
Tracks from “Milk On Wax” have been getting airplay on handfuls of college stations around the country. In Washington, New York, California, and Minnesota, songs from “Milk On Wax” have been played on large market airwaves.
One of those who has revealed himself to prefer the late hours is Todd Sykes. The City Hall producer/MC is Tacoma’s MPC insomniac, following in the baggy-eyed footsteps of the aforementioned to the corner store for coffee and cigarettes, or maybe in his case catching Frisko Freeze before it closes at 1:30, before heading back to his bedroom to work. His latest release, While You Were Sleeping, is a beat tape of nighttime head-nodders available for free download. Put together over the course of a weekend with a good chunk of the beats made in one night, some of the snippets are under a minute long while only one, the lead title track, features rhyming. Loops of old jazz and soul records unite for something much more hazy and understated than anything off Milk on Wax, his September collaboration with City Hall cohort EvergreenOne (and which was one of Posted in the Parking Lot’s top Northwest projects of the year). – membersonly206.com
A beat tape (with one vocal track at the top) from Tacoma’s resident MC Serch lookalike AKA the producing half of City Hall. Good shit, way vibe-able. – raindrophustla.com
It seems like just yesterday that we were posting the newly-released Todd Sykes video for “While You Were Sleeping.” (Technically, it was actually Monday.)
Today, in our inbox but not to our surprise, EvergreenOne and Todd Sykes were back at it – pushing the new EvergreenOne video for “La La La La.”
Because it’s what we do, we’ve posted the video below. – Weekly Volcano
Ok, I think I’ve gotten my fill of good hip hop this morning. If you’re not following Word Is Bond yet, I can’t help you lol. Here’s another dope album lifted from them. man, do I love the boom bap! – kevinnottingham.com
I admit, this one took me a really long time to come around to — again, the boom-bappy retro stuff, not always my flavor. But what got me with Milk on Wax was its charming connectivity, its everyman stories from young guys scraping by who have hiphop and not a whole lot else in the way of life’s treasure. EvergreenOne and rapper/producer Todd Sykes crafted another honest Tacoma tome, but in this case one sincere in its lighter-hearted life observations. – postedintheparkinglot.com
“I felt like EvergreenOne and Todd Sykes actually took the time to create a certain vibe for an album. I also liked that it was one producer for the entire album because a lot of people don’t do that anymore.” – Weekly Volcano
As far as the masses are concerned, vinyl records were eclipsed by tapes decades ago. But records still hold a special place in hip-hop culture. Producers use them to “sample,” which is to cut brief segments out of a record and piece them into a beat – a common method made mainstream by producers like Kanye West and Just Blaze.
These days, finding rare records is a hobby all in itself – one many in Tacoma call their passion.
Tacoma is home to many avid record collectors, many who also happen to be hip-hop producers. “I think Tacoma is a pretty good place to be a collector,” says Todd Sykes, local producer/emcee and one third of the group City Hall. “For the size of the city that it is I don’t think there are a lot of people digging for records.” – Weekly Volcano
EvergreenOne & Todd Sykes: 2010 was a good year for Tacoma’s rap duo. They opened for Tone Loc and Warren G. They formed a new side project, City Hall, with Olympia’s DJ Slimrock. And they released a tight album, “Milk on Wax,” that you can download free at evergreenonetoddsykes.bandcamp.com. Expect bigger and better things in 2010.
Brand new video from Tacoma’s Todd Sykes & EvergreenOne (directed by Erik Soderquist), providing yet another example of the dope talent we have up here in the Pacific Northwest. I really dig the music I’ve heard from these guys so far. Fun loving, boom-bap inspired hip-hop from the heart. You can’t go wrong. – Audacity Of Dope
Tacoma’s duo of EvergreenOne and Todd Sykes drop the highly anticipated (at least amongst my folks, ha) “Milk On Wax” ep. If you’re a fan of boom bap hiphop, do yourself a favor and download this album. Todd Sykes’ beats will take you back to a time when you used to love hiphop, and he does his thing on the mic. EvergreenOne’s personality, delivery and unadulterated energy on the mic are on display… look forward to seeing these cats grow. Until then, peep this album! Direct download: EvergreenOne & Todd Sykes – Milk On Wax LP – Slackskidsnbeats.com
Recognition in the universe of hip-hop rarely comes easily, if at all — but following their 25360 Award for Best Video (“’90s Shit” directed by Erik Soderquist), the duo known as EvergreenOne and Todd Sykes have been christened once more by the South Sound hip-hop community as Tacoma’s Best Hip-Hop Artist or Group in the Volcano’s 2010 Best of Tacoma Readers’ Poll. The duo is known for its organically Tacoma, gritty, blue-collar sound — original, creative and loyal to the soil. “Being selected as the best hip-hop coming out of the city is a great feeling,” says EvergreenOne on a busy Sunday afternoon. He’s cleaning his house on a nearly 90 degree day, just hours after rocking a dope show at Hell’s Kitchen where he and his team, City Hall (including Todd Sykes and DJ Slimrock of Olympia), shared the stage with Fice and the legendary MC/Producer Warren G. “I’m glad our work isn’t going unnoticed,” says EvergreenOne. “Although we’re a little overshadowed by the Seattle scene … I feel honored to be given this award and just want to keep Tacoma rooting for us.” Tacoma has been rooting for EvergreenOne and Todd Sykes (as has Olympia) for years now, despite the duo’s relative youth. EvergreenOne feels the love he and Sykes have received is just an inkling of what is yet to come from and for Tacoma’s hip-hop community. “There is a lot of talent lurking in this city,” he explains. “Out of all the Tacoma hip-hop I hear, it always seems to sound honest and gritty as fuck.” Of course, in that vein, he’s also honest about where the 253’s coming from. “I think we could use a little more unification between artists, promoters and clubs,” he notes. Todd Sykes and EvergreenOne first hooked up by chance, meeting at KUPS 90.1 FM in Tacoma, the University of Puget Sound’s college radio station. They both appeared on-air during a show hosted by Amy (thanks for repping hip-hop on-air, Amy!). According to EvergreenOne, he and Sykes began “chugging Busch tall cans in the parking lot” and ciphering during the show. After a while a cohesion and chemistry grew between the two, and they recorded a track here and there. Before long, BANG! EvergreenOne and Todd Sykes made it official. They were a duo. But that wasn’t good enough. They wanted more. A DJ was sought; and very recently a DJ was procured. Though, as a duo, EvergreenOne and Sykes emerged victorious this year in the Best of Tacoma Readers’ poll, from here on out they may make the most noise as the trio City Hall, which includes the super-talented DJ Slimrock. Their sound as a threesome remains similar to the foundation built by EvergreenOne and Sykes, but with a DJ thrown in for good measure, adding some Bay Area flavor and a love for the imperfection of hip-hop. “We had been bugging DJ Slimrock for such a long time. We had seen him spin and really like what he was doing,” says EvergreenOne. “He and Todd like to collect records, he knows his shit, stays humble and is damn talented.” From the get go, it’s been obvious that City Hall is prepared to go hard — not surprising considering the established hip-hop work ethic of all three members. Expect action from City Hall this year, including a project called “Milk On Wax” at the end of August, and (if all goes as planned) an official EP by the end of the year. Basically, more of the best from City Hall — and your winners this year, EvergreenOne and Todd Sykes — is yet to come. – Weekly Volcano
One of the more lighthearted area rap efforts of late is the freely downloadable “Milk On Wax” album by Tacoma men Todd Sykes and EvergreenOne, community college hooky-players who think deep thoughts but also just love to horse around. Sykes and Evergreen imagine themselves as Tacoma city council members on “City Hall,” with offices where they read the paper, drink beer, talk to each other over an intercom, and make important decisions like “hats are OK in the courtroom.” It’s pretty childish, but pretty fun, even though EvergreenOne orders a bailiff to lock up all area “rappers acting fruity.” C’mon, bro: fruity rappers still can’t catch a break, even in your nerdy imaginary clubhouse? Sykes (aka Tacoma’s MC Serch) produced the track in his classic sample-stitch style, with rolling pianos and a guitar stab making an easy swing. – Seattle Times
Speaking of Tacoma, I just got ahold of that Milk on Wax album by EvergreenOne and Todd Sykes. Fiercely repping the Taco on tracks like “The Nicest,” the two MCs bubble over classic-sounding, jazzy boom-bap (provided by MC/producer Sykes), sharing a singular goofy wit and music-loving everydude sensibility, but with contrasting flows and personalities. Just starting out and sounding it, there’s something both refreshing and familiar in their loose-to-slightly-shambling brand of Grit City shit-shooting and charm. Hella talent brewing in the 253 scene these days—Fice, Doughkain, Leezy Soprano, and John Crown all come to mind, and we need new tunes from Jay Barz and Spaid—and these two are definitely among my favorites. Download Milk at http://www.evergreenonetoddsykes .bandcamp.com. – The Stranger
MBD is composed of two members, Dino Moore & Norbert Caoili. Basically, it is Popular Demand minus one. This Seattle vocal duo is defined by romantic love ballads, upbeat R&B grooves and of course Seahawk anthems. FYI, you can also find Track 1 – The Spot on Lil Griz’s Gimme The Night release. Likewise, you can also find MBD featured on some on that same CD. MBD can be found on most major streaming outlets or take a listen on their Soundcloud page. Check out the Amazon review/bio below – if anyone has a copy of “Share My World” they’d like to sell, hit me up in the comments!
From Amazon: “MBD: Music By Dezign is a vocal duo whose sound is defined by smooth love ballads and funky upbeat tracks rich in harmonies and catchy melodies. Take the soulful edge of Brian McKnight with the pop-appeal of Justin Timberlake and add the hip-hop flavor of Usher and you get MBD: Music By Dezign. MBD is made up of two Seattle area natives, Dino Moore and Norbert Caoili. Together they create both a sound and a look that is unique. Caoili is of Filipino descent and Moore is a mix of African-American, Spanish and French. Their music has been heard both locally and abroad and has been included in feature film soundtracks.
Dino Moore – vocals. Norbert Caoili – vocals/keyboards.
The vocal duo MBD is made up of two Seattle area natives, Dino Moore and Norbert Caoili. Together they create both a sound and a look that is unique. Caoili is of Filipino descent and Moore is a mix of African-American, Spanish and French.
MBD has been writing and performing their music since they became friends over ten years ago. Their music has been heard both locally and abroad. They released their first album “Share My World” in 1997 in the Philippines where they performed and scored a radio hit with the ballad “I’ll Be Yours.”
After a short stay in the Philippines, they came back to Seattle to record their first US album release. Their 13-song debut album “Music By Dezign” is an artful blend of love ballads, funk, soulful vocal leads and rich harmonies.”
Here’s a 2012 single from MBD which I believe used to be available on CDBaby (R.I.P.):
And if you’re down with Seahawk anthem songs go to their Youtube page where you can get your fix.
It’s A Shame (B.O.S. *Brothers Of Struggle feat. Alytiff)
Tyrant aka Ty aka Ty Weathers has been involved in music production since 1998. He currently holds a Masters Degree in Information Technology with BA in Communications and a Minor in Music from Washington State University. Involved in numerous projects over the years Ty has created for himself the production name of Tyrant. While previously focusing attention on only a few artists, Tyrant has now planted his foot print in the music industry. Previous work has been created for the Moonshine Bandits, E-40, Bubba Sparxxx, Messy Marv, T-Spade, Slo Poke, Craziness, Kady Kane, On One, Shao Sosa and Major Parade to name a few. To the best of my knowledge he only released these two albums as an artist. ‘Everything I Want’ has to be one of my favorite album covers ever haha. I even wonder where’s that girl now and do you think she has this CD? I know if I was on a CD cover I’d probably have it framed hanging in my office! OK, so there are actually two different versions of this; both are the same year and track list, they just have different font inside and one is a silver disc & the other is a white label CDr. Obviously, these CD’s are Tyrant in his early years as he has since moved on and is a producer for Burn County Music. Check out some of the artists here on their YouTube channel, especially if you’re into country rap.
Finally, for all you Cougs out there, you’re probably already familiar with this but if not, this is a 2000 release when Tyrant was going to school at Wazzu. P.S. they kinda sucked in football that year.
Tyrant – We Ain’t Hurtin Nobody (The Pullman Song)
Pacific NW Hip Hop 