Anotha Level Biography
In 1994, Hip-Hop was gaining momentum at light speed, asserting itself as not only a style of music, but a culture poised to influence product marketing, all things entertainment, even politics. Some of the brightest stars of the future were just being discovered, and three exceptionally talented tenth grade students from Westchester High School in Los Angeles decided to answer opportunity's knock.
Bambino, Stenge-O, and Ced Twice formed the group Anotha Level, recording a demo which reached the ears of Hip-Hop heavyweight Ice Cube. He was so impressed by the maturity of their sound and their lyrical skill that he took them to Priority Records where they were signed on the spot. Cube went on to executive produce the group's first album which spawned the memorable west coast anthem "What's That Cha Say" and sold over 250,000 units. After graduation, the members of Anotha Level branched out, refining their individual styles, collaborating with other artists and each other, recording solo projects, and studying the business aspects of the music industry.
Inspired by his necessity to be both heard and seen, Ced Twice pursued acting as well as music landing several national TV ads including a starring role in Miller Lite's addition to the ever popular Superbowl commercials and a Time Warner Cable spot. He also lent his voice to several radio ads and had a cameo in Snoop Dogg's hit movie "Boss'n Up." His passion for music never ceased and he continued to explore it using his abundant charm and increasing popularity to help promote events for people such as Steve Rifkin, Derek Fisher, and Afrikaa Bambata. Ced created his own label, Freeagency Inc., booking shows all over Los Angeles at the hottest nightspots, and vowing to always commit himself one hundred percent to his ambitious goals, never settling for being average.
Taking a serious interest in marketing and promotion, Stenge-O started Advanced Advertising landing several major accounts and contributing to numerous successful campaigns. Driven by the allure of pure artistic expression, he collaborated with video game giant Midway, business executive Mike Avery, and legendary movie director John Singleton to create "Fear and Respect", a video game starring West Coast Hip-Hop icon Snoop Dogg which is currently awaiting release. Stenge-O recently began work on his solo project titled "The Live and Direct Show: The Complete Season 1" (featuring such artists as The Lady of Rage, Fat Lip of the Pharcyde, and Roscoe Umali) to be released under his own Creative Control Entertainment imprint.
A determined entrepreneur, Bambino started his own label, Cali Untouchables Entertainment, and formed the group Himalayaz. The buzz of the Himalayaz album Partners 'N Rhyme was undeniable. With its cast of Hip-Hop all stars such as Kurupt, Roscoe, Yukmouth, Miss Toi, Phats Bossalini, Dru Down, Spice 1, and of course the members of Anotha Level the album instantly became a west coast classic. Bam also pursued acting and his charm and charisma landed him a coveted spot as the host of Nike Battlegrounds, a basketball tournament which aired on MTV. He also released a solo project titled "Playapreneur" (which featured production from super producer Jazze Pha), and and is currently putting the finishing touches on his second solo project titled "West Kept Secret".
After a decade in the game, all three are more focused than the day they began, each one with his own successes outside the group, but fiercely committed to what Anotha Level has always stood for, innovative music that consistently raises the bar, appropriately, to another level. Their latest album project is a testament to that motto with stellar production and career best performances from Bam, Stenge-O, and Ced. With a wealth of experience and creative energy to draw from, Anotha Level is definitely equipped for any challenges they may face on the road to super-stardom.
