TkS AkA Nick Arcade

Music:

Member Since: 11/10/2005
Band Website: Under Construction...
Band Members:
TkS the Producer
Production Credits:
State Champs- " American Graffiti "
State Champs- " The Illest Noise Mixtape"
State Champs- " Undefeated: 13-0 The Perfect Season "
State Champs- " The Varsity Blues Mixtape "
State Champs- " The Preview " Produced All Original Compositions
TkS- " Confessions of A Child Prodigy Mixtape "
TkS- " A lot Like Failure " Produced All Original Compositions
TkS- " Fishing With Dynamite " Produced All Original CompositionsTkS made his debut at the age of 18 on a Mirror Image Sound Recordings compilation album in which he rhymed along side E-Dub. Sensing their chemistry on the microphone the two decided to form a group which would come to be known as State Champs. TkS put his production and solo ideas to the side and with just some instrumentals and a microphone in 2003 the State Champs recorded their debut mixtape “American Graffiti.” They of course had their detractors but for the most part it received a warm reception so not too long after they followed up with “The Illest-Noise” mixtape. Tk was handling all the mixing and recording on the State Champs projects but still had the itch to dabble with producing. As a result in 2004 on the Champs next mixtape “Undefeated” he produced two tracks (“Shape of My Heart” & “Reasons”). By this time he began feeling like he had the skills to produce a whole album. The Champs continued to record over other artist’s instrumentals as well as making appearances on albums released by Mirror Image Sound Recordings. In early 2005, the State Champs released one of their most popular mixtapes to date “Varsity Blues.” During the preparation for “Varsity Blues” TkS began experimenting more with sampling. By the time “Varsity Blues” was completed he had 20-30 tracks stashed that would eventually become the Champs next album. In typical State Champs fashion E-Dub & Tk took a short break then got back to recording. When they were finished a movie themed mixtape entitled “The Preview” was released for the public to hear (produced entirely by TkS). Tk had challenged himself to produce an entire album and accomplished the feat. After recording 5 mixtapes from 03-05 the Champs decided to take a hiatus. As rumors swirled of a break-up in early 06’ TkS continued producing/emceeing yet had no plans for a solo project. But as the tracks began to pile up and his material improved he decided to compile the tracks into an album. “A Lot Like Failure” was released in the 1st Quarter of 2006 and featured the standout track “Dream Girl.” Continuing to hone his skills as an emcee/producer TkS followed his 1st Quarter release with the release of “Fishing With Dynamite” in the 4th Quarter of that same year. From album to album TkS has shown major progression lyrically and behind the boards. With his unique blend of soul sampling and original compositions as well as his swagger/content and subject matter look for him to be a force in underground hip hop in the coming years as a producer and emcee.
Influences: First and foremost I’m influenced by good music. It doesn’t really matter what genre if it’s good music I can feel it and be influenced by it...I’m also heavily influenced by Television because I grew up watching a whole lot of it it was kind of my third parent....I’m also influenced by the things I see in film, literature, etc. I’m inspired by so many things and in turn permanently inspired...The Beatles (3 Favorite Albums..Abbey Road, The White Album, and Revolver), Miles Davis,Sade,The Roots, Erykah Badu,Lauryn Hill,A Tribe Call b.ed Quest, Dilla (R.I.P), N.E.R.D, OutKast (The Love Below is classic), The De La Soul, The whole Native Tongues Movement, Pharoahe Monch, Rakim,Jay-Z, Nas, B.I.G, Pac, Blackalicious, Murs , Foreign Exchange, John Legend, Musiq, Kanye West, Common, The Neptunes ,John Coltrane, Monk, Davis, David Axelrod, Curtis Mayfield, Marvin Gaye, Donnie Hathaway, Bill Withers, The Doors, The Wu, Dj Premier, Portishead, Snoop, The Gorillaz,Jimi Hendrix, the great Bob Marley, Little Brother,Radiohead,The Whole Justus League, MF Doom, Vik Vaughn, Madlib, Slum Village, Dj Dangermouse (The Grey Album is classic), I dig Coldplay, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Jack Johson,DMB, John Mayer, Seal..etc...I could really go on and on so I won’t...
Record Label: Unsigned
Type of Label: None