Electric City

In a time when most contemporary hip-hop music consists of uninspired rhyme slingers rapping along to ‘flavor of the month’ instrumentals, Electric City brings it back to the basics, moving forward all the while. The duo consisting of DJ Skipmode’s captivating turntablism and beat-making, paired with the energetic lyricism of Mighty FlipSide Esq, reintroduces the almost forgotten concept of MC /DJ/ Listener interaction. Their live show is hailed as legendary, and the crew boats the longest running monthly hip-hop event in Philadelphia to back up that sentiment. The duo has performed alongside the likes of Kool Keith, P-Funk Allstars, Nelly, Xzibit, The Beatnuts, J-Live and more, and plans to tour again in 2007. Their music has been included on national television and movie soundtracks, as well as on premier radio shows and DJ mixtapes. After self releasing their first full-length album, Everything, Everywhere, All The Time, Electric City was signed on to the Rope A Dope digital label in 2006.When DJ Skipmode and Mighty FlipSide Esq. met in 1996, the two were already earning reputations within their respective crafts - Skipmode for his unique “battle meets party” style of Djing, and Mighty Flipside for his remarkable freestyle and rhyming abilities. When the two eventually joined forces, their musical and on-stage rapport was undeniable, and a super group was formed. The name Electric City pays homage not only to their philosophy, but also to the conduit of the crew’s style, their native city of Philadelphia, PA. Electric by one definition is: “full of fire and energy, and able to communicate it”; That raw fire and energy - bred between the sounds of the inner-city ghettos where they first discovered Hip Hop, and the sights of the pillars of industry that form its skyline - is communicated throughout Electric City‘s musical offerings. And although hip hop is their first language, Electric City is musically multilingual. Their influences cover the spectrum of genres; ranging from classical to punk rock, jazz to jungle. James Brown, Talking Heads, Prince, The Clash, Kraftwerk, Stevie Wonder, Weezer, P-funk, and a long legacy of hip-hop artists are among whom they credit their inspiration. Their musical versatility has allowed them to continue mounting respect among hip-hop’s elite, as well as maintain an ever-growing and diversified following.Individually, the pair still rise in their respective fields. DJ Skipmode continues to earn respect for his production and turntable skills, having dj’d alongside legends of the art form like Q-bert, Jazzy Jeff, and DJ Cash Money to name a few, and as a certified member of Philadelphia’s highly reputable DJ crew, Illvibe Collective. Mighty FlipSide Esq. continues to have his finger on the pulse of the eclectic and ever-evolving Philadelphia music scene; He fronts the live band Robothouse, has won competitions for both freestyling and beatboxing, is a highly sought after host and promoter, and has earned a reputation as a Hip Hop Educator/Activist.With all credentials and reputations aside, “At the end of the day, isn't all we ask for quality hip hop? Well, we've found it in Electric City.” (www.phillyhiphop.com)