Deep within the creative souls of a few are deep thoughts that awaken the spirit, igniting a passion and desire to make others aware of the injustice of an evolving world of bigotry, prejudice, and hatred. In the midst of the war, there is a voice that cries out...a bold reminder that from generation to generation, acceptance and complacency has moved above fortitude, compassion and resiliency. A kind, gentle soul, through his poetry, prose and music, challenges the past, denounces the present and believes in the future. And he is holding all generations accountable and responsible, not only for themselves, but the phate of each other.
Deep inside phate is a raging fire that transcends generations. His desire to make others aware and responsible for society's failures ignites the fuel to our own complacency.
Quiet in nature, but bold in both prose and stature, phate is a young man who says little, but emits a powerful presence. Through his music and through his spoken word, he is a dominant figure, wise beyond his years. The self-assured, confident poet and songwriter captures his audience, taking them to a level of deep thought and intimate feelings, as he recites the bold, subjective prose of his reflective word. The unobtrusive, complex poet, well known throughout the Pittsburgh area, brings his art form to life in a very unique performance. He has reached inside the depths of souls during performances at The Crawford Grill, Ramseys II, The Shadow Lounge, The Quiet Storm, and Chatham College among others in the Pittsburgh area. He has also displayed his talents as a featured poet at The Liberty Theatre Cultural Arts Center in Columbus, Ga.
While phate's poetry takes one back to an era of Afros and dashikis, his modern hip hop style of music transcends comfortably into the 21st century, bringing the two worlds together in an undeniably factual and powerful performance that forces one to contemplate the future while reflecting the accomplishments and disappointments of the past. Proud of his heritage, he shares his desire to make a difference within an indifferent society.
Managing to separate the individualism and frustration of the 60's, he boldly awakens his listeners to the anger and hostility of today, sending a bold, courageous message of accountability. In the world of art and composition, he leaves no stone unturned as his spoken word addresses issues that continue to plague the Black community, i.e. racism, responsibility for and to each other, black on black crime, etc.
phate has always worked to achieve that which he loves. As co-valedictorian of the 1989 George Westinghouse High School graduating class, he was a member of the National Honor Society, maintaining a 4.0 GPA, while working part-time.
An accomplished deejay at the age of 16, phate produced his first local underground release in 1992, and in 1994, he produced a best seller. Raised in Homewood as the youngest of three, phate credits his mother as the largest influence in his life, and attributes his creativity and discipline to the woman who "...has always guided me. Both parents," states the talented phate, "...always made things work," laying claim that their impact upon his life helps him "to stay grounded."
Silent Rage Productions, his music production company, has been in existence for over 10 years. Having worked with many Pittsburgh artists, including Liberation, B. Porter, Charon Don and DJ Huggy, and rapper Symantix of New York City, the music producer sets no limits and maintains an "open ear," also enjoying rhythm and blues, jazz and soul.
It only takes one idea in the artistic mind of phate to move him to new ventures. A graduate of the Art Institute of Pittsburgh, he obtained an associate degree, majoring in music and video. While a student at the Institute, a course in desktop publishing sent the young brother down a path he had never considered previously. As diligent in his education as he is in his profession, the self-disciplined student realized that "computers are tools for creativity," and once again, his quest for knowledge and success moved him to yet another level. The entrepreneurial spirit of the multi-talented phate is never idle. As owner and freelance graphic designer of High Impact Designs, his creativity covers the realm of logos, designs web sites, album covers, programs, and a wide array of marketable designs for individuals and corporations.
phate has been described as "a force to be reckoned with...a wonderful and genuine person who will make an indelible mark on the world...one quiet and steady pace at a time." His achievements within the arena of music, poetry and business are making an impact in the hearts and souls of his people.
It is difficult to say whether phate was born "before his time" or "born too late." He has an incredible way of bringing the past into the present, allowing his world to envision hope. For the old, he is a reminder of what has been; for the present, he is the conscience of what needs to be, and for the young, he generates a future of what can be.
Karen Harris Brooks