What started out as simple as "freestylin" to instrumentals soon flipped itself into lyrical sessions in the basmement, then to putting the sessions on tape, which then turned into buying studio equipment, studying the music industry, and ultimately, creating a home studio and record label. The name and matching half man, half grim reaper logo stems from the core members' collective attitude and harsh reality that in life you're either succeeding or failing, up or down.
Alive or Lifeless aka A.L.I (Alive or Lifeless Incorporated) is the label and the home of the collective of team players that makes up one of the DC/MD areas hungry rap stables and production teams. Included in the collective are Frank NIDI, Max Paine, CeneStarr (the 3 co-founders), Phoenix, Pariah, Chase & BC. The label was formed out of both a desire to be heard, one of the many problems facing any artist but expanded ten times more for those in the DC/MD area, and a love for makin hot music. Thus starting a company became part of the plan to help not only spark the Alive or Lifeless Movement but also to help put the area in the game.
Collectively, the members of the label write, produce & engineer their own music, allowing for total control of their image and sound. The in-house production, collaboratively handled by the team of producers/rappers/co-founders Frank NIDI, Max Paine, and CeneStarr, gives the music its signature yet varied sound -- ranging from hard hitting, vintage "A.L.I Bump" to club hoppers with zero compromise on the lyrical end. The A.L.I Production team has branched out beyond its in house roots as well having provided production for other local music artists and entertainment event companies.
With a conentration of developing their own brand and sound, the label has recently released its debut, CD -- the compilation album A.L.I RISE which features 18 tracks from the entire A.L.I Team of talent. Hitting the ground running, the group plans to help in the establishment of a documentation so to speak for the suddenly buzzing local DC, MD, PG rap/hip-hop music scene.
There will be events jumping off every weekend to support the release of the debut album including local neigborhood "streetsweeps" throughout the area, parties, and upcoming show dates. The A.L.I Rise album is only the first stone out of the gate for Alive or Lifeless with plenty more already well beyond the planning stages.
Alive or Lifeless
Suceed or Fail...make a choice
It's time to move. Stay ready for what's goin down with the A.L.I Team @
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