About Me
The Beat Junction Project is a varied crew with diverse talents hailing from Columbia, South Carolina. Combining the rhyme styles of lyricists Taseone (Scotti Wilson) and Unknown (Jarrett Jenkins), with turntablists DJ Shekeese and Able One cutting it up for live shows, the hip-hop powerhouse cannot be stopped.
This extraordinary meeting of minds occurred at a spoken word/open mic event at Club Paradise. This 'Soul Exchange' lived up to it's title by bringing the crew together in 1998 and strengthening the collective belief that divine ordinance brought this super crew together. Octane, another talented lyricist; DJ Able One; and producers Bran and Ern were added after the initial trio, but they have done nothing but strengthen the bond and superiority of the Beat Junction collective. 'Beats, Rhymes, and Life' is not only one of Tribe Called Quest's deepest albums, it is also the code that the Beat Junction Project lives by.
'Taseone Aisin' is one of the vocalists and producers in this multi-talented crew. Hip Hop found this lyricist/producer at an early age. The music in his blood was passed down from his father, a blues guitarist. Originally from Sumter, SC, Scotti Wilson has been working with the local and regional music scene since 1995. Eventually feeling the need to start fresh and find a new sound, he relocated to Columbia. Since then, Taseone has contributed his talents as an emcee, as well as a producer to the local and regional Hip Hop scene. Possessing the innate ability to spark a thought and advance it to comprehensive levels, it is no wonder Taseone is such an eloquent writer and entrepreneur. "My roots run deeper than music alone," he says. "I would love to spread my blessings on to those who I feel are just as much, if not more, deserving of what I have accomplished."
'Unknown' is at once a dynamic opposite and perfectly equal match with his BJP brethren. This nonchalant Columbia, SC native, born Jarrett Jenkins, has developed his own unique style incorporating his many talents. The southpaw artist/ lyricist/ producer has been developing skills since the age of thirteen. His penmanship extends further than just poetry- you're just as likely to find him painstakingly sketching a detailed picture as you are to find him writing rhymes. With influences from Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Jimmy Hendrix and many other soulful artists, this sincere individual always shines whether on a track, in a rhyme or on stage. Ever since the cipher at the 'Soul Exchange,' Jarrett has continued to solidify his position in the Beat Junction Project and in the hearts of those lucky enough to know him.
'Ocktane' is another multi-faceted, silver tongued MC. He joined the group in 2000, bringing his unique style and chemistry to the collaboration. He describes his style as, "rock lyrics to Hip Hop beats." When he is not on stage or in the studio, Octane enjoys playing chess, reading and skating. The Sumter, SC native, Ashawnt Amos, has 'paid his dues'. Octane draws his musical influence from various genres and artists, such as Run DMC, Parliament and Marilyn Manson. Collaborating with Taseone, many years before the birth of Beat Junction Project, the two reunited and Octane joined the Beat Junction family.
'DJ Shekeese' is one of the two talented DJ's in BJP. Little did he know that one small conversation about Hip Hop at a club called Paradise would blossom into something as tangible and vibrant as this. In addition, to putting in hours on in end in the studio recording Beat Junction's latest project, you can find DJ Shekeese on the radio airwaves or promoting the Nonstop Hip Hop Live monthly showcase at New Brookland Tavern. Born Sherard Duvall, Shekeese and Taseone first connected on a track during a night at DJ D-Tec's house and with that, the first Beat Junction collaboration was created and aptly titled "Amazing". Since that night, God has spread the union on to others and blessed them with talent to make the best music possible.
'DJ Able One', who holds it down on the wheels of steel, is also a talented producer; contributing not only on stage, but in the studio. Eric Adams (a Greenville, SC native) connected with DJ Shekeese and other members of BJP while co-hosting on WUSC's Non-stop Hip Hop Show. Able continues to be instrumental in the development of the Beat Junction Project, lending his talents both as DJ and producer, and holding his own as a natural part of the collective.
On July 17th of 2001, the Beat Junction Project released their first album: "Circa 197? - The Dirty Versions". None of the songs were planned, but rather formed from a sporadic set of ideas that were crafted into verse. After rocking numerous crowds in and around the Southeast, the audiences have gotten bigger and so has the response. Inspiration grew as did the track listing. Now, in 2004, BJP continues to grace stages and rock mics. The Beat Junction Project is destined to create a movement that will change the rules of hip-hop and the standards of music as a whole.
Blowing the dust off the mic, hip hop is reborn as Beat Junction Project emerges with anxiously awaited, highly anticipated, and long overdue sophomore LP- The Chameleon Theory), they continue to rock shows across the Southeast. Prepare to hear a lot more from this gold mine of true metropolis vibes.
