RedDot

These days the music industry is a sinking business infested with way too many mundane cookie cutter MCs, often fearful of losing their street cred—holding no true identity. But that’s far from Red Dot’s case—and for those primary reasons, the trio and their sound are highly-respected by the streets, and steady peeking the interest of many music industry notables. Although Red Dot’s current members embody Harlem life to the fullest degree, they inevitably posses a polished sound that distinguishes them from that of quintessential Harlem rappers. The East Harlem, New York-born trio is compromised of Odd Fella (the optimistic center), and two biological brothers of Puerto Rican decent.
Money Skemz (the political mastermind) and Smash The Ripper (the no nonsense hype man), are popularly known as The Evil Twinz. In high school, The Evil Twinz, who were raised in Harlem’s Taft Housing Projects, linked up with Odd Fella, a resident of the neighboring Carver Housing Projects. “It’s been an up and down roller coaster ride for us,” says Odd Fella reflecting on the hard work the group has put in over the years. “Every time we perform we get the same reaction. Everybody loves us,” he later added when recollecting the night that the multi-platinum production duo Midi Mafia (producers of 50 Cent’s “21 Questions,” Fantasia’s “When I See You,” and a lengthy list of other hits) became intrigued by Red Dot.
Admitting they weren’t as polished at the time, in 2004, Red Dot performed at a New York City talent showcase, hosted by music mogul L.A. Reid at the renowned Rocket Rehearsal Studio. Red Dot’s remarkable on-stage aura immediately caught the attention of Midi Mafia (compromised of Dirty Swift and Bruce Waynne). After their hi-powered performance, Midi Mafia wasted no time approaching the group’s manager, Salt, a founding member of the now defunct Diplomat Records. “Bruce Waynne said, ‘They are real hip-hop,’” Salt recalls. “And you really can’t argue that fact.” With aspirations to work with Red Dot, Midi Mafia gave Salt two tracks for the group to write to.
Having already released a series of “Red Dot mixtapes,” of which they pressed up and distributed 5,000 copies each, in the fall of ’04, the street savvy Uptowners released their first street album. One of Midi Mafia tracks served as the album’s self-titled single “F**k the Police,” which included album artwork that matched the controversial title. As the album’s buzz began to grow on the streets of New York, serious problems with local law enforcement began brewing. Soon after, a police raid at the home of The Evil Twinz brought about criminal charges against Money Skemz, and a two-year-long court case that ended in dismissal. However, due to a road block that prevented any contact with Midi Mafia at the time, the hit producers never became aware of Red Dot’s utilization, or news making impact, of their track.
Later in ’04, Salt, facilitated a production agreement for Red Dot with another multi-platinum hit maker, and former business partner, Darrell “Digga” Branch. The Harlem producer’s discography includes tracks such as: Many Men (50 Cent), Dope Man (Jay-Z), Can’t Stop Won’t Stop ( The Young Gunz) and Cam’ron’s slew of hits prior to signing with Roc-A-Fella Records, among many other works. “Digga has always been way ahead of his time,” says Money Skemz, reminiscing on his first encounter with Branch on the set of Cam’ron’s “My Hood” video shoot in Harlem 2001. “Back then, he was already predicting the trends in hip-hop that are happening now. He taught us a lot; how to make a song from beginning, middle and end. He helped us polish our sound.”
Although no longer under contract with Branch, he continues to work with Red Dot, and maintains heavy supports of their movement. Rap star Jim Jones, the group’s high school buddy who grew up with The Evil Twinz in the same Taft Housing Project high-rise, also expresses his admiration frequently. Over the past several years, Jones has made numerous promises to collaborate with Red Dot, whom he typically refers to as his ‘Little brothers.’ “Jimmy is still my big brother,” says Smash The Ripper, who Jones often indirectly refers to when mentioning many of his self-proclaimed street life scenarios. “But we’re not depending on Jimmy for anything. At the end of the day, we’re still gonna make hits with or without him.”
Nonetheless, true talent can NEVER be denied and Red Dot is definitely shining among the rest. They’ve got it all: street smarts, drive, dedication, stunning crowd control ability, hits for days, and an army of supporters and followers behind them, to say the least. Is hip-hop dead? Nope, guess again. With Red Dot on the rise, the “real hip-hop music” standard has now taken a much-needed turn, for the better. . COMING SOON. COMING SOON.
Official

Add to My Profile | More Videos