Name	Afu-Ra
Background	solo_singer
Birth name	Aaron Phillip
Origin	New York City, New York, United States
Genre	Hip hop
Years active	1994–present
Label	Koch, Reggae Lounge, Decon Inc.
Associated acts	Gang Starr Foundation, M.O.P, Mike Dean, Royce Da 5'9, Wu-Tang Clan, True Master, Da Beatminerz, DJ Muggs, Krumbsnatcha, DJ Premier, Curt Cazal, Easy Mo Bee, Needlez, Domingo, Ayatollah, Guru, Big Daddy Kane, RZA, Teena Marie, D&D; Crew, Ky-Mani Marley, Smif-N-Wessun, Rasheedah
Website	http://www.afu-ra.com }}

Aaron Phillip (born 1973) better known by his stage name, Afu-Ra is a New York-based American underground rapper. Afu, born Aaron Phillip, is a devout student of the Martial arts, as well as Chess. Afu is a member of the Gang Starr Foundation, alongside rappers like Jeru the Damaja, Big Shug and Group Home, and is most well known through his affiliation with the foundation and Jeru the Damaja. His first appearance was on Jeru's classic 1994 album ''The Sun Rises in the East'', on the song "Mental Stamina". He made another appearance on Jeru's second album ''Wrath of the Math'', on the track "Physical Stamina", in 1996. Afu's debut single, "Whirlwind Thru Cities", was released in 1998, reaching the top 20 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart. In 1999, he released his second single, "Defeat" b/w "Mortal Kombat". His anticipated debut album, ''Body of the Life Force'', was released in October 2000. The album featured production from a number of prominent Hip Hop beatmakers, including DJ Premier, DJ Muggs, True Master and Da Beatminerz. Guests included Wu-Tang Clan's GZA and Masta Killa, M.O.P., Ky-Mani Marley and the Cocoa Brovaz. "Whirlwind Thru Cities", "Defeat" and "Mortal Kombat" were included here, as well as the singles "Equality", "Big Acts, Little Acts" and "D&D; Soundclash". Afu released his second effort ''Life Force Radio'' in May 2002, featuring production from DJ Premier, Curt Cazal, True Master, Easy Mo Bee, Needlez, Domingo and Ayatollah. Guests included Hip Hop legends Guru, Big Daddy Kane, RZA as well as R&B; star Teena Marie. In 2004, he released a compilation album titled ''Afu-Ra presents Perverted Monks''. He returned with another album in 2005, ''State of the Arts''. DJ Premier returned once again to produce the single "Sucka Free". Wu-Tang's Masta Killa appeared on the song "Livin' Like Dat", and underground favorite Royce Da 5'9" appeared on "Pusha".

Discography[link]

Album information
	*Released: October 10, 2000	*Billboard 200 chart position: 183	*R&B;/Hip-Hop chart position: 42	*Singles: "Whirlwind Thru Cities", "Defeat"/"Mortal Kombat", "Equality"/"Bring it Right", "Big Acts, Little Acts", "D&D; Soundclash"
	*Released: May 21, 2002	*Billboard 200 chart position: 184	*R&B;/Hip-Hop chart position: 29	*Singles: "Crossfire"/"Lyrical Monster", "Scat Man"/"Stick Up"
	*Released: June 14, 2005	*Billboard 200 chart position: -	*R&B;/Hip-Hop chart position: -	God of Rap"/"Pusha", "Why Cry" (feat. Gentleman (musician)>Gentleman)

A Step Ahead Productions - Making Moves Vol.1 (2008) - track nr.4 "Can't Stop Us Now feat. Krussia"

References[link]

External links[link]

Official Site

Official Site

Site

Category:1973 births Category:African American rappers Category:Members of the Nation of Gods and Earths Category:Rappers from New York City Category:Rappers from New York Category:Living people Category:Pseudonymous rappers Category:Underground rappers

ca:Afu-Ra de:Afu-Ra es:Afu-Ra fr:Afu-Ra it:Afu-Ra lt:Afu Ra hu:Afu-Ra ja:アフラ (ラッパー) pl:Afu-Ra ru:Afu-Ra sv:Afu-Ra

name	Ky-Mani Marley
background	solo_singer
birth date	February 26, 1976
Birth place	Falmouth, Jamaica
instrument	Guitar, vocals, Piano, Trumpet
genre	Reggae, Dancehall, hip hop
occupation	Musician, Singer-songwriter, Guitarist, Actor
years active	1996–present
label	Shang Records, Gee Street, V2 Records.
website	}}

Ky-mani (born February 26, 1976) is a Jamaican reggae and dancehall artist whose East African name means Adventurous Traveler. The only child of table tennis champion Anita Belnavis and reggae icon Bob Marley, Ky-mani Marley was born in Falmouth, Jamaica. At the age of nine he relocated to the inner-city of Miami.

In beginning, Ky-Mani was unaware of his musical abilities, sports being his first love, but with his mother's direction, he took piano and guitar lessons and played trumpet in his high school band. In addition to tapping into his musical talents Ky-Mani was a serious jock, competing in soccer and football. As a teenager Ky-Mani started rapping and deejaying; his first single was "Unnecessary Badness". He became inspired as a singer after being asked to sing a hook to a song during a recording session at a studio in Miami. The decision to actually get into the entertainment world loomed over him because of his father's legacy. Ky-Mani soon began experimenting with laying tracks, at times with his brothers, Stephen, Julian and Damian.

Ky-Mani signed to Shang Records where he recorded his debut album in 1996 titled Like Father Like Son and several singles: "Judge Not" with Patra, followed by "Dear Dad" (which topped the British reggae charts), "Who The Cap Fit (remix)", and "Sensimelia", all of which added to his growing reputation as a master in the new generation of reggae musicians. In 1997, Ky-Mani joined forces with Praswell (Fugees) on a hit cover of Eddy Grant's "Electric Avenue". The extent of his star power became abundantly clear when Ky-Mani took the stage at Midem (international music showcase), when it was held in Miami for the first time. Catering to an international audience in the filled to capacity Cameo Theatre, Ky-Mani delivered an explosive set which aired live by CANA (Caribbean News Agency) to 36 countries.

Ky-Mani immediately became the subject of an intense label bidding war. He signed with Gee Street/V2 Records in 1997 where he completed a collaboration with label mate P.M. Dawn on the single "Gotta Be Movin' On Up" (Senseless Soundtrack, which went Gold in Africa). Both collaborations helped to establish Ky-Mani outside his tight knit reggae community.

Ky-Mani's willingness to embrace all genres of music is also evident in the 2000 release, ''The Journey''. From the Spanish guitar which introduces "RudeBoy", to the lover rock flow of "Fell In Love", the deeply spiritual "Lord Is My Shepherd" or the rock steady tribute "Dear Dad", Ky-mani brings songs of universal themes laced with a personal insight and passion. In 2001 he released his third studio album ''Many More Roads''. He then went on tour and in 2004 released his fourth studio album ''Milestone''. He then in 2007 released his fifth studio album ''Radio''.

Fulfilling his name adventurous traveler branching out from his music, Ky-mani Marley has also made a name for himself as an actor playing the lead role in the number one underground movie coming out of Jamaica, ''Shottas'' directed by Cess Silvera, co-starring Spragga Benz and Paul Campbell. Displaying his diversification and talent playing the role of a bad man in ''Shottas'', Ky-mani Marley then went on to play the lead Kassa with co-star Cherine Anderson in ''One Love'', a romantic comedy infused with the music and culture of Jamaica.

Ky-mani Marley is now working on his sixth studio album showcasing his growth as an individual and illustrating the duality of his personality: Ky-mani and Maestro. The result is an urban sound deeply rooted in the reggae and hip hop cultures. The album promises to be a refreshing departure from the typical synthetic pop associated with the genre, and will instead be a representation of authentic urban hip-hop and reggae fusion. His newest single is called " New Heights" released March 3, 2011.

Discography[link]

''Like Father Like Son'' (1996)

''The Journey'' (2000)

''Many More Roads'' (2001)

''Milestone'' (2004)

''Radio'' (2007)

''New Heights'' (2012)

Filmography[link]

''Shottas'' (2002)

''One Love'' (2003)

References[link]

External links[link]

Category:Jamaican reggae musicians K Category:1976 births Category:Living people

de:Ky-Mani Marley es:Ky-Mani Marley fr:Ky-Mani Marley it:Ky-Mani Marley ht:Ky-Mani Marley hu:Ky-Mani Marley nl:Ky-Mani Marley pl:Ky-Mani Marley fi:Ky-Mani Marley sv:Ky-Mani Marley

Name	DJ Premier
Background	non_performing_personnel
Birth name	Christopher Edward Martin
Origin	Houston, Texas, USA
Birth date	March 21, 1966
Birth place	Houston, Texas, United States
Instrument	Drum machineKeyboardSamplerTurntable
Genre	Hip hop, East Coast Hip Hop
Occupation	Record producer, DJ
Years active	1984present
Label	Wild Pitch/EMI (1987–1990)Chrysalis/EMI (1991–1998)Virgin/EMI (1998–2003)Year Round (2003–)
Associated acts	Gang Starr Foundation, M.O.P., Royce da 5'9", Christina Aguilera, Jay-Z, Kanye West, Nas, Kool G Rap, Blaq Poet, Apathy, Big L, Bun B, D.I.T.C., Game, Termanology, AZ, Buckshot LeFonque, Mobb Deep, Torae
Website	}}

Christopher Edward Martin (born March 21, 1966), better known by his stage name DJ Premier (also known as Preem, Premo, or Primo for short), is an American record producer and DJ, and was the instrumental half of the hip hop duo Gang Starr, together with emcee Guru. Born in Houston and raised in Prairie View, Texas, he has lived in Brooklyn, New York, for much of his professional career. ''Rolling Stone'' identified Premier as arguably Hip-Hop's greatest producer of all time.

''The Source'' named DJ Premier one of the five greatest producers in hip-hop history, while the editors of About.com ranked him #1 on their Top 50 Hip-Hop Producers list. He also made the "Finals" in the search for The Greatest Hip-Hop Producer of All Time by ''Vibe''. He attended Prairie View A&M; University.

Productions [link]

Premier is known for producing all of Gang Starr's songs as well as many of the Gang Starr Foundation's songs. His work also includes production for heavyweight rappers such as (alphabetic order) Apathy, Big L, Bun B, Canibus, D.I.T.C., Fat Joe, Game, Jay-Z, Kanye West, KRS-One, Lord Finesse, M.O.P., Mos Def, Nas, Rakim, Royce Da 5'9", The LOX, The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Xzibit, rock band Limp Bizkit, Big L, Big Daddy Kane, Ill Bill, Joell Ortiz, and pop/R&B; singer Christina Aguilera, among many others.

Premier collaborated with MC Jeru the Damaja on the album ''The Sun Rises in the East'', released in 1994, as well as the 1996 follow-up, ''Wrath of the Math''. Also from the Gang Starr Foundation, Premier produced and supervised Group Home's ''Livin' Proof''; although overlooked at the time of its 1995 release, the album has since come to find similar acclaim. Among others in that are closely tied to the Gang Starr Foundation who have worked with DJ Premier include Afu Ra, Bahamadia, Krumbsnatcha, Big Shug, Smiley the Ghetto Child, and NYGz. He recently produced the majority of Blaq Poet's ''Tha Blaqprint'' in 2009 and will produce the entirety of NYGz debut album.

Style and influences [link]

DJ Premier's style of production epitomizes the New York sound of his earlier peers. He is known for sampling jazz, funk, and soul artists, as well as sampling an artist's past work when creating a new track for that same artist. For example, on Jay-Z's "So Ghetto", from the 1999 album, ''Vol. 3… Life and Times of S. Carter'', Premier samples an older Jay-Z song, 1997's "Who You Wit II". In addition, his encyclopedic memory of hip-hop lyrics allows him to distinctively speak with his hands by scratching in lyrics from several different songs to construct new phrases. Premier's beats are known for his oft-imitated combinations of short vocal samples, often from multiple artists, to create a chorus. Premier has also experimented with atonal samples that are not confined to soul, jazz, and funk. For example, he sampled chopped up seminal electro-acoustic music from the 1960s on the track “Mental Stamina” by Jeru the Damaja.

In an interview with ''XXL Magazine'', DJ Premier was asked how his sound evolved, to which he replied, "Marley Marl is my number one inspiration. Jam Master Jay, Mixmaster Ice and UTFO. Grandmaster D and Whodini. DJ Cheese, Grandmaster Flash, Kool Herc, Afrika Bambaataa. Jazzy Jay, even Cut Creator. Seeing them do what they do. It’s black music, it’s black culture, it comes from the ghetto. How can you not relate to ghetto people when that’s the rawest form of blackness? Even though it’s not a good place in regards to the economy and how bad people have it in the neighborhood, the realism’s there, and that’s what we were born out of. So I very much pay respect by doing the same type of music in return." DJ Premier attended Prairie View A & M University and may have been influenced by the musical atmosphere at the university.

Relationships with artists [link]

The early line-up of the Gang Starr Foundation in the mid-1990s included Jeru The Damaja, Group Home, Big Shug, and Gang Starr. DJ Premier was fully responsible for the production of Jeru the Damaja's first two albums, ''The Sun Rises in the East'' and ''Wrath of the Math''. Jeru released three albums since then, with Premier having nothing to do with any of them.

As far as Group Home was concerned, Premier commented, "They don't respect what fed them," in a 2003 interview, going on to say that the only reason he produced a track on their second album was because Guru said he would rhyme on it.

Besides the Gang Starr Foundation, Premier is closely affiliated with M.O.P., which he names as one of his all-time favorite groups. The relationship started with the remix of “Rugged, Neva Smoove” in 1994, a single from the group's first album, which also included the exclusive B-side “Downtown Swinga.” From then, Premier produced about one-third of the songs on each subsequent album and overseeing and mixing the projects. On M.O.P.'s 2009 ''Foundation'' album, however, DJ Premier provided only one track, which was called "What I Wanna B."

Recent and future projects[link]

DJ Premier has his own record company named Year Round Records. Among its artists are New York group NYGz, New Jersey rapper Nick Javas, and Houston rapper Khaleel. ''Tha Blaqprint'' by Blaq Poet, which has thirteen Premier productions, was released by Year Round Records through Fat Beats Records. On December 7, Premier's label Year Round Records released a digital compilation album titled ''Get Used to Us''. At the moment Year Round plans to release a debut album fully produced by DJ Premier with the NYGz tenatively called ''Hustla's Union: Local NYG'' along with a Nick Javas debut album named ''Destination Unknown''. Khaleel, another label-mate of Year Round Records, is planned to release a debut album titled ''Already!''.

DJ Premier hosts a weekly 2 hour show ''Live From HeadQCourterz'' on SIRIUS Satellite Radio's Hip-Hop Nation on Fridays.

DJ Premier was one of the artists followed in the 2012 documentary Re:GENERATION music project. The film followed his production of the song Regeneration using live performance of his work by the Berklee Symphony Orchestra

In a recent interview, DJ Premier said he will produce a beat for Immortal Technique's upcoming album, titled ''The Middle Passage''. He contributed a song on Game's last album ''The R.E.D. Album'' called "Born in the Trap." and a song on Bushido's last album Jenseits von Gut und Böse. In an interview in 2012, DJ Premier confirmed on Shade45 that he is working with Eminem on his upcoming album.

Discography [link]

''The Sun Rises in the East'' (with Jeru The Damaja) (1994)

''Livin' Proof'' (with Group Home) (1995)

''Wrath of the Math'' (with Jeru The Damaja) (1996)

''Beats That Collected Dust'' (2008)

''Tha Blaqprint'' (with Blaq Poet) (2009)

''DJ Premier Presents Get Used To Us'' (2010)

''Beats That Collected Dust Vol. 2'' (2011)

''Premo Pimpin' EP'' (with Wais P) (2011)

''StOoDiOtYmE EP'' (with Bumpy Knuckles) (2012)

''The Kolexxxion'' (with Bumpy Knuckles) (2012)

''TBA'' (with Nas)

''TBA'' (with M.O.P.)

''Pete Rock v.s. Premier'' (with Pete Rock)

''Return Of The Boom Bip'' (with KRS-ONE)

References [link]

External links [link]

Fansite/newsite about DJ Premier

Category:1966 births Category:Living people Category:Prairie View A&M; University alumni Category:African hip hop DJs Category:People from Brooklyn Category:Musicians from Houston, Texas Category:Musicians from New York City Category:Hip hop record producers Category:American record producers Category:American hip hop record producers Category:Southern hip hop musicians Category:African American musicians Category:East Coast hip hop musicians Category:Members of the Nation of Gods and Earths Category:African American record producers

da:DJ Premier de:DJ Premier es:DJ Premier fr:DJ Premier ko:디제이 프리미어 it:DJ Premier he:די ג'יי פרמייר sw:DJ Premier nl:DJ Premier ja:DJプレミア pl:DJ Premier pt:DJ Premier ro:DJ Premier fi:DJ Premier sv:DJ Premier tr:DJ Premier