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Beat Box:

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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 “box”) 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]

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 11/02/2007
Band Members: Aja Malone, KB, LX Cruze, Eyez

Influences: Everyone...
Sounds Like: Webisode 1 of Thank God for Hip Hop Documentary featuring BEAT BOX..Welcome to our world...



5 Seasons..





LX Cruze freestyling on the boards...this is what BEAT BOX producers are known for: pure, soul-hitting tracks..whether it's 2 days or 20 sec, they deliver their promise...MUSIC! If you don't believe the words, believe the skill...

Type of Label: Unsigned

My Blog

A whole lotta stuff

Where do we start? Well, first of all, much love to those of you around us that are keeping us focused and humble during this journey. Please believe us that all of the bs that we are facing right now...
Posted by on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 10:19:00 GMT

We would love if you could leave us messages

One last thing: Guys and Gals, we know that all of you read our material and listen to our material like clockwork...and, we know that in addition to us, you have bills and family and all the drama in...
Posted by on Wed, 10 Dec 2008 09:33:00 GMT

Beat Box becomes Paused In Time

We meant to kick game to everyone last time but for those who are not aware, Beat Box and Paused In Time have merged for a wonderful webisode 1. You can peep it out on our myspace page or on you tube ...
Posted by on Tue, 30 Sep 2008 20:46:00 GMT

Where Have We Been?

Ok, so what can we say? Well, I know it seems as though we have fallen off of the face of the earth, but trust and believe we haven't!!! We will admit that it has been a tenuous and emotionally draini...
Posted by on Tue, 23 Sep 2008 21:59:00 GMT

Plan of Action

Okay, we want to keep you posted on what exactly is going thru our minds and in the world of BEAT BOX, so here it goes..First thing first, we are finishing up our album which is scheduled to be releas...
Posted by on Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:25:00 GMT