Real2Real

Real2Real is a hip hop group destined to gain recognition for being what seems so overrated in the industry today-real. Hailing from Charm City, Baltimore Maryland, this group wants to be the first group from the area to really represent the streets. Together for over 10 years and after weathering storms that would have made the average sit down, R2R, is exploding on to the scene with their first full length release, Rhymz Equal Actual Life, in Summer 2005.Each had already been making a name for him self in the Baltimore undergroundscene before their coming together as a group. Originally formed as a collective of MC's that shared a similar vision for what hip hop represented, R2R was a motley crew of over 5 MC's. Though the vaying personalities and voices made for entertaining songs, organizing this proved to be unrealistic. Eventually the less committed members fell by the way side a scaled down version of R2R emerged. Because of the respect that each had developed for the other's lyrical skills and work ethic, Lefty, Shiest-T and Wylie McCroy decided they would step up and give credence to the name and what it symbolizes. With the line up in place, the trio soon set to work establishing their reputation for energetic live shows and their magnetic presence.The R2R sound is marked by clever hooks,intricate rhythms, innovative arrangements and most importantly-by obligatory realness. Amid the macho bravado and testosterone fueled cuts for the streets, each song has a heart and soul of its own. With a repertoire that consists of grim and gruff street anthems as well as soulful emotion filled stories of love lost, Real2Real will prove to be this year's definitive hip hop group. This versatility allows them to appeal to a wide variety of audiences. With music that can be shaped to fit any venue or occasion, the group has the potential for major crossover appeal. With a strong, dedicated and ever-expanding following that stretches from Baltimore to Cali, R2R had seemingly struck a cord with hip hop fans that are sick of the current incarnation of hip hop with its excessive talk of "bling bling" and foreign rides. Consistenly lacing listeners' ears with quality music is one of the principles on which the group refuses to compromise their creative integrity. Although they wish to appeal to a more diverse audience, their ultimate goal is to stay true to their original goals-to "reach and teach" through their music. With subject matter that is universlly appealing, attracting listeners outside of the 410 area code should not be any problem once they have the backing to make this aspiration possible. With a sound business paln in place, Real2Real knows exactly what they need to do once the opportunity is given to them.Their first single, "Real Gangstaz Don't" speaks candily about this new trend for everyone to jump in the game wanting to be seen as gangstaz and thugs. "We want to bring hip hop back. Hip hop has always been a means to teach. The game is real disoriented right now. Everyone is rapping about materialism and thi is not what the founders envisioned." Not to be confused for "conscious" Mcs ala Dead Prez, Real2Real strives to impart as much wisdom in their lyrics, but aims to reach the audience that would never give the aforementioned a chance. They are from the ghetto, but that in no way means that they do not have insight into or the ability to articulate the realities of those whom live oppressed. Far too many people choose to glamorize the ills of society; this group is far more concerned with getting people to take a look in the mirror. As Wylie McCroy explains in the hook, "You ain't a gangstaz, you just talk a lot. You ain't postin no where, you don't hustle, you just walk the block. Real gangstaz don't talk they shy, live la Costra Nostra, real gangstaz don't walk they glide. Real gangstaz don't think thye cute, ride around in their coups, they get it done in their 3 piece suit, Real gangsaz don't trick the doe they blow stick of dro." Wih a goal to bring out the "substantial truths" through their music, and as a result "help transform someone's reality", Real2Real is much more than your average hip hop group. R2R will continue to preach their message with or without a major recording label deal because for them this is so much bigger than rap.The music of Real2Real will not only introduce the group to the world outside of baltimore, but it highlights the phenomenal untapped pool of tlnt that is ready to erupt from this small East Coast city. In a city with more records labels than potholes, R2R is easily distinguishes themselves from the rest of the pack. After recording and perfiorming together for so long, the group is very much in tune with on another and committed to taking their act to the next level. This dynamic group from the B-More is now ready to take over the world.