During times of civil unrest there often emerges a voice of reason that manages to shine through the foreboding uncertainty and challenge the systemic chaos.
Meet the ReadNex Poetry Squad, a group of four spoken word poets/emcees that have banded together to uplift urban communities through the power of music. Comprised of 4 esteemed lyrical “scholars†and 1 DJ—Decora, Free Flowin, Cuttz, Latin Translator and DJ H2O have managed to blend conscious social commentary with influences from Hip-Hop, Soul, Latin and Caribbean music, to create a unique sound that is already making an impact on not only the music industry, but the world.
During the development stages of their sophomore album, the group took to interviewing over 100 people from different cultural backgrounds, genders and neighborhoods to find out which problems are affecting today's society. Using those interviews as a blueprint for what needed to be discussed, they went into the studio and poured their blood, sweat and tears into the recording process. What emerged was Social ISsUe, an 80-minute LP that tackled head-on the issues of gentrification, sexism, racism, segregated education and inequality. The album sold 200 copies in New York during the first week, and went on to become a highly sought after album in the CD collections of many spoken-word aficionados.
Since the release of Social ISsUe, the ReadNex have gone on to do an 18-performance tour of London, headlined the “Hip-Hop Not War†tour and opened for the legendary Rage Against the Machine in April 2007. Most recently group member Latin Translator had the privilege sharing the stage with Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of El Hajj Malik Shabazz, a.k.a. Malcolm X.
Not ones to forget about their purpose, the ReadNex have stuck to their commitment of being models for change and continue to hold monthly campaigns that range from fighting for the removal of U.S soldiers in Iraq to stopping the improper treatment of women in today's society. Currently they are re-developing their Nex to Read Program, a program geared towards helping today’s youth build their confidence and self –esteem through the power of poetry. The program was started in 2004, in Newburgh NY and is now being considered as an after school curriculum all over the state of New York.
With over 6000 CD’s sold independently and another tour planned for late summer, The ReadNex Poetry Squad are still getting started. 2007 marks the next chapter for the group as they have been billed for one on of the biggest Underground Hip Hop tours for 2008 and also have been selected as the protagonist in an Indie film due to come towards the end of 2008. These young artists have proven that every stanza and every verse that comes out of their mouth is Music with a cause not just beCause.
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