There is a movement sweeping the nation spawned from the surge in
minority home ownership and an increase in middle class minority house
holds. Black youth with roots in the "hood" have been transplanted to
middle class suburbs resulting in a new culture: Punk Rock. This
isn't the usual Punk Rock defined by head banging, mosh pits and
electric guitars. There is a new definition for Punk Rock and it is
being written by the youth of America.
At the forefront of the Bay Area's Punk Rock movement is Diligentz, a
group of four young, talented and gifted rappers, each with their own
distinct personalities and style. Born and raised in various parts of
the San Francisco Bay Area, group members Jay Ant, Star, Pranksta The
Kidd and Damey, formed the group while in high school.
Each member of Diligentz started rapping at a young age: Damey started
at age 10; Pranksta The Kidd first rapped at a talent show in the
sixth grade; Star started rapping in the ninth grade; Jay Ant started
rapping in elementary school, though he didn't start making beats
until the ninth grade.
The members of Diligentz grew up listening to legendary Hip Hop
artists, like Rakim, KRS-1, Heavy D and Run DMC. Renowned R & B
artists, such as Al Green, Michael Jackson, The O'Jays and Marvin Gaye
have also played a part in influencing the Diligentz sound. They also
credit contemporary artists 2Pac, Lil Wayne, Pharrell, Andre 3000,
Blink 182 and RATT as some of their other musical influences. With a
keen interest and knowledge of music, Diligentz would like more than
anything to make their own mark in the Hip Hop world with their
signature Punk Rock style and original sound.
Growing up, Diligentz rebelled against conformity. They did their own
thing and always seeked originality. Punk Rock represents Diligentz
original state of mind and self-expression. "It's your own style of
dress, the way you walk and talk, your swagger so to speak." This
swagger is clearly evident in the Remix to their first single, "Punk
Rock," featuring the Pack. The "Punk Rock Remix" produced by Jay Ant,
was featured in "Spin Magazine's" website as a Top Download for
February 2007. (www.spin.com)
Each Diligent brings something different to the group. Damey (who
sings the hook on several of the groups songs) has an energetic and
fun loving style. Jay Ant exudes confidence on the mic and is
responsible for creating the Diligentz sound by producing most of
their songs. Pranksta The Kidd is a beast lyrically and brings a
smooth, laid back style to the table with a street edge. Star also
delivers a smooth, yet provocative style on and off the mic and can
switch up his voice on cue to accompany any beat.
Diligentz first release was the "Kingstyle: Love, Life & Beef Mixtape"
in 2003. They followed that up with "Kingstyle Volume 2 in 2005" and
"Kingstyle Volume 3: The Progress Report" in early 2006. In the later
part of 2006, Diligentz released "The Fresh Impressions Mixtape" and
the buzz in the streets grew rapidly. With the success of Diligentz
first smash single, titled "Punk Rock" and later the "Punk Rock Remix"
featuring The Pack and GoDav, local DJ's and radio stations such as
KMEL and KYLD quickly put them in the mix. Their Myspace page
continues to grow by the day and people of all ages continue to listen
for Diligentz.
Being teenagers in the music industry can be extremely stressful, as
all of the members attend school, work, spend time with their beloved
families and friends and still find time to record and perform.
Diligentz continue to give back to the community, performing for free
at charity events, as well as coaching youth football and basketball.
Outside of recording hit records, Diligentz's future projects include: producing the"Punk Rock TV" DVD, and an event promotion company, "Fly & Flashy
Entertainment." Also, each group member is currently in the studio
recording their solo mixtapes.
Diligentz strong passion for originality has driven them to be the
leaders of the Bay Area's Punk Rock phenomenon. These four young, fly
and flashy boys have created a movement, which allows you to be
yourself within their style of music and dress. These four
up-and-coming lyricists are setting trends instead of following them.
Through the Punk Rock phenomenon, Diligentz inspires others to deviate
from the norm and redefine what it is to be cool.
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