Music -- the universal language, voice tone and instrumentation alone transcends cultural barriers, and unites people who on the surface seem to have little in common. Such is the case with the music production duo Double-Threat who currently resides in Minneapolis, MN. They have a musical and spiritual bond beyond measure despite living in a city often labeled anything but musically inclined.
Independently with their music already making airwaves on top radio stations such as: Sirius Radio Hip-Hop Nation, XM Radio Raw, Hot 97, Power105.1, and being featured by DJ Whoo Kid’s “Mixtape Monday: Bubbling Below The Radar†on MTV.com –- making the statement, “These young, and aspiring musicians are on their rise to the top†would be hardly far-fetched. Music provided inspiration for both Antonio and Jermaine since the age of seventeen until the age of twenty-two respectively. The soul of their music sounds like a cross between Timbaland, and Mannie Fresh after twenty-five Venti caramel Frappuccino’s.
Double-Threat is probably best known for their twist of hip-hop, movie score, and unique heavy drum like sound, but -- songs like Homecoming Queen -- prove to show even more versatility -- and are setting new standards for up and coming musicians. Purists may have criticized such "popular" works, but Double-Threat’s fine “try anything once†type of ear can give even cowboy songs both extra bite and depth. In regards to “Straight Out The Rarri†FADER Magazine states, “Rick Ross does what he does and Young Jeezy is as entertaining as always, but Double-Threat’s production is what made us post this. It’s like these two young Minnesotan’s heard Jeezy’s old songs and were like, ‘Eh, too subtle.’ â€
Jermaine spent his childhood in Racine, WI. He recalls, “As a child we were a poor family. My mother is my biggest inspiration; she was our mom and dad raising five kids at the same time. Every summer she would make clothes just so we’d have new outfits for school in the fall. She’s my heart and I can’t wait for the day to tell her – (says jokingly) ‘Pour red Gatorade over your boss’ head tomorrow, I got you now.’ â€
With influences such as: Timbaland, Howard Shore, Kanye West, Ne-Yo, Chris Martin, Cool & Dre, Aerosmith, Ryan Leslie, and Jay-Z; it’s to no surprise this duo emits such diversity. Jermaine explains, “Some critics are judgmental when we create different types of genre. We are not -- I repeat we are not just hip hop producers! We have a much larger dream and transcend such limiting beliefs. Really we just love making good music.â€
Antonio recalls, “My love for music started very early. I remember when I was 10, me and my friends would grab two boom boxes, one with an instrumental playing, and the other recording tape and we would make songs. Soon I wanted to create my own instrumentals; without the tools to do so I would record myself drumming on school books for a snare, my bed for bass, and then record over those playing instruments with my voice to add the two as one. I still have that tape till this day."
Double-Threat is finding their audience through heartfelt production that can strike a chord within anyone. The foundation of Double-Threat’s music is set in the friendship between the two –- in 2009, that bond will bring in more and more fans who want to be enveloped in the warmth of their music. They dedicate music to the triumphs of life – theirs and everyone’s.
Double-Threat