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Almost Famous: Beat Box — keepers of true hip-hop
by Timothy Cooper | September 23, 2008 at 8:00 am
Posted in Almost Famous: Timothy Cooper, Baltimore, b the paper, music
Beat Box {thanks, Brandis “Eyez†Matthews}
From dookie rope chains to YouTube video beefs, this generation — known to many of us as Generation Y — will possibly go down as one of the most prolific eras in the history of hip-hop. But with all the changes the last few years in the music game have brought us, some things never change — thanks in part to musical movements such as Beat Box. Michelle “Aja Malone†Lee, Kevin “KB†Little, Cory “LX Cruze†Cruse and Brandis “Eyez†Matthews are intent on keeping the simple tradition of classic hip-hop with their music: dope beats and dope rhymes. Based in Baltimore but enriched with roots from New York to South Carolina, Beat Box’s music reflects the complex simplicities of everyday life, and the people who can mostly relate to the stories of high gas prices and feeding their kids, rather than blowing a couple of thousands in a jewelry store. Influenced by a spectrum of artists, from Wu-Tang Clan and Dr. Dre to MC Lyte and Maya Angelou, this hip-hop quartet takes it back to the Fresh Fest era of rap whenever they hit the stage and perform. With numerous collaborations and mixtapes on their plate, and a new album they are completing called “The Era,†Beat Box wants to be known as the true keepers of the boom-bap.
Give us a little history about Beat Box.
We formed in August of 2006 right after we attended the African American Heritage Festival of that year. All of us have been crafting our skills since we were kids. However, the formation of the group came after we realized that all of our talents could be meshed into one “think tank.†After a lot of deliberation, we decided upon the name Beat Box since it described our movement (contained internal production with lyricists), it described our style-eclectic (“beat†inside our own “boxâ€) and it was a proper ode to the culture of hip-hop itself that runs through our words and beats. We released a mixtape later that year of ‘06 that focused moreso on our street creativity; however, we soon realized that we wanted to provide great music for all listeners so we eventually omitted profanity from our music altogether. Now, we are continuously building upon that harmonious blend of all the ingredients that we brought to the table.
With legendary hip-hop groups like A Tribe Called Quest, and new groups like Little Brother, what is it that makes a rap group successful?
Business insight. Knowing and understanding the business, consistency, group and individual identity and cohesion. Everyone must be on a one-page drive to succeed. [You also need versatility], and to stick to the plan, but don’t be hesitant to take risks and experiment. You also need to promote with the Internet, word of mouth, promotional CDs, shows and events, networking and collaborations with other artists.
What do you all think it will take to make B-more hip hop a permanent household name?
First and foremost, Baltimore needs to have faith in itself and have unity and respect with one another. We will not be able to earn the respect from anyone else if we don’t have respect for ourselves and other artists. In order for us to break out and be heard, we must build a strong foundation — with everyone playing their part. In due time we will be respected.
Having 9-to-5 jobs, and performing music not being your full-time gigs, what inspires you guys to want to make music?
Passion and love for hip-hop, rather just music in general. Knowing that we can inspire the next mind to do the same is power.
Contact and Booking: [email protected]