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From the depths of the underground Hip-Hop scene in Michigan comes the Artfull Dodgers. Consisting of two veteran MCs and a DJ, the Dodgers have been gaining recognition throughout the Midwest for years. By incorporating several different genres of music into their production, and mixing complex lyrics with innovative deliveries, they have created their own unique style of Hip-Hop.
The founding members Brady "B.Gozza" Gasser and Rex "Jackpot" Demski began recording and performing in the early nineties. In 1994 they collaborated with other local rappers and producer Phizyx to release a successful single under the collective name "The Juggernaut". Enjoying success at retail and receiving critical acclaim, the group toured the Midwest until disbanding in 1996. Shortly after, B.Gozza and Jackpot began working again as the Artfull Dodgers. In 1997 they released the EP entitled "Dusted World", with Phizyx returning on the production. The Dodgers wasted no time and started performing again throughout Michigan.
From 1998-1999 the Dodgers completed their first full-length album, "Lazy Eyes". Collaborating with well-established producer Pharlon "Bangtown" Randle, the 12 song LP was a creative masterpiece that spoke out to the global Hip-Hop scene. The album received critical acclaim and opened many doors for the Dodgers. The single "One Mic Then Pass", quickly became an underground classic throughout the Midwest. The song also became the Dodgers' first music video, and received steady rotation on many independent video shows. The Dodgers continued to perform all over the Midwest in clubs and arenas, and have shared the stage with such industry heavyweights as Killah Priest and Cappadonna of the Wu Tang Clan, Too Short, Petey Pablo, and Eminem as well as headlining many of their own shows.
2001 was an exceptional year for the Dodgers. After picking up a pressing and distribution deal through Chicago's Aeemp Records, they released a new single called "Laced" and began working on their sophomore album. The Dodgers also added a new member to their roster this year, Jake "DJ Sir Real" Greba, formerly of Detroit's Howling Diablos. Sir Real had previous experience working with the Dodgers and became a powerful addition to the group. The Dodgers traveled the country touring, and recorded the new album in various studios with multiple producers to accomodate the experimental feel of the album.
In 2002 the sophomore album "Second Wind" was unleashed. The 22-song LP was an achievement, and elevated the Dodgers into the underground elite. Collaborating with a variety of talented producers and the likes of Killah Priest and underground legend J.U.I.C.E, the album secured the Dodgers spot among the most promising of independent Hip-Hop artists. "Second Wind" and the lead single "Still Writing Rhymes" quickly became classics in the Midwest. Success on College radio and astounding critical praise continues to elevate the album. "Second Wind" even received the prestigious "Album of the Year Award" from Detroitrap.com at their Hip-Hop Awards Show.
In 2003 The Dodgers began recording their third full length album "Off The Credenza". The highly anticipated album is almost entirely self produced by Gozza and his EarthMovers Productions.
In 2004 the Dodgers went on the road with the Vans Warped Tour. Performing on the Code Of Tha Cutz Stage with established artists like Non-Phixion, Lords of Brooklyn, Glue, and Atmosphere. The tour was a huge success with record setting attendance at the Detroit stop. More tours are in the works as well as the Dodgers debut in Europe.
In 2007 the Dodgers released "Dusted World the 10th Anniversary Edition". Paying homage to the Dodgers' classic cassete debut from 1997, the album is totally remastered by Bangtown and features several bonus tracks of unreleased material from the groups earlier days. With this year also came a change in the Dodgers' roster. After years of touring and recording with the Dodgers, DJ SirReal has left the group to pursue a solo career. Long time friend and collaborator DJ Zack Daniels has joined the group and taken over full time DJ duties.
In 2008 the Dodgers have released their long anticipated third album "Off The Credenza". Taking years to perfect every detail of the new album, it promises to be their most successful project. The album features collaborations with DJ Psycho, Tino of the Howling Diablos, J.U.I.C.E, and some of Michigan's tightest underground talent. A promotional tour for the album is currently in progress. A new album with DJ Zack and DJ Psycho is currently in the works. The Dodgers' "Off The Credenza DVD" is also close to being finished and will be released soon. The DVD will feature several music videos, concert footage, and the Dodgers' debut film "Breaking The Chain".
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Artfull Dodgers Vs. Aslaam Mahdi Lyrics