Imagine a ball player with the skills to pass, score, and rebound. Then imagine he's got the illest work ethic and stamina, handles himself on and off the court, and got a sick team. Apply all that to hip hop and that's what you get with the emcee known as vERBz. His work is mostly produced, recorded, and partially mixed by the artist emerging from New York City’s underground scene. Wielding the sampler almost as well as the mic, the rapper originally raised in Washington Heights NY, now resides in Teaneck, NJ; where he has recorded his album using the revolutionary Pro Tools-- system by Digidesign©. He began focusing on this project in 1997 when his father passed and he made the transition to the Garden State. Without friends in his new home state, Verbz turned to Hip-Hop as his companion. The years to come would be an intense period in which he would develop a written style, as well as co-found (and become part of) two groups, Headknotic Experience, and Soundstrange. Being an NYC representative, but a Jersey resident, he would learn to balance between busy urban life, and suburban culture. These realities allowed him to develop a style that combines street savvy and cultural refinement. Verbz’ influences range from such as: KRS-One, Jay-Z, Wu-Tang, & Nas, to groups like, The Roots, Fela Kuti, and Radiohead. In today’s world, it should come as no surprise that political awareness is also part of his message. On the song “Freedom’s Fabric…†he writes: “Mr. President, it’s evident that freedom’s ours. You’re sayin’ jealousy made enemies deplete the towers?†On his way to become a consummate professional in the studio, and learning Pro Tools, he formed the group Soundstrange, with DJ Rthentic, who’s worked with the likes of De la Soul, and Talib Kweli. Verbz honed his performance skills at End of the Weak, New York City’s longest running, weekly open mic (where he attained aficionado status). He has also graced the stage at several venues including: SOB’s, Studio Z (San Francisco) House of Blues (Chicago), Downtime, & Knitting Factory, and opened for acts such as Common, and Swollen Members. Some shows as part of the group Headknotic Experience, and some as a soloist. His style of production is a mesh between the energy of the mid-90’s, the soul of the 70’s and today’s digital age. With the completion of Verbalocity, and the intensity of his beats, this jack-of-all-trades will attempt to hit the industry where it’s least expected. What’s the plan for this Dominican son of hip-hop? An all out attack on the independent markets in New York, New Jersey, San Francisco, Detroit, and the internet. The movement begins at: www.verbalheights.com. HOLLA!
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