The Work profile picture

The Work

CHRIS 'RICO' CRAFT AKA THE WORK - ALJERA / SHAMAN

About Me

At the age fourteen, Chris Craft's father bought his son his first piece of music equipment (an Ensoniq SQ-1 keyboard). From that moment, Craft knew that music would always be a part of his life. Craft's early years were spent making beats alongside his then production partner, 2 Phat, for his group Xian Nation in Houston. 2 Phat had the sampling mixer and Craft brought the keys. After his days of making beats live on stage while performing in Texas, Xian Nation eventually faded out. This lead Craft to start a new crew with his Houston roots and new friends from Morehouse College. Divine Mind, the collective that came to life in 1997 on the campus of Morehouse College, included co-head-honcho Lamar "Merlin" Gilliam, partners Kevin "Quino" Johnson and Jason "Trec" Boulware, and a group of some of the most talented young artists Craft has ever known. Lamar and Chris were the main energy behind the collective both musically and financially. Their collaboration evolved into the independent powerhouse, Shaman Work Recordings.After the loss of his parents, Craft decided to form Aljera Music, Inc. in their memories. Their spirit drives him in life and in this venture. Craft's goal with Aljera is to release quality, fun, and intelligent music with Mr. Craft's stamp of approval. Chris Craft will continue to dedicate all of his work and energy to God, the memories of his mother and father, his lovely and supportive wife, family, and the promise of the future.With running two independent labels, Craft is busy balancing the business side of music while staying committed to actually making his own music. With Shaman Work, Chris and Lamar have had the chance to develop raw talent and help many artists reach their dreams. At the same time, Chris knows there's a lot more for him to accomplish in the world of music production. He continues to learn, nurture his gifts, and make his ideas manifest.

My Interests

Music:

Member Since: 5/1/2006
Band Website: aljera.com
Band Members: God, Mom, Dad...My Family...The Shaman Family... All of my Divine Mind fam.
Influences: Life.
Sounds Like: Healthy gumbo
Record Label: Aljera Music - Shaman Work Recordings
Type of Label: Indie

My Blog

J Dilla Lives! - 'The Shining' Album Release Party in DC!

J Dilla Foundation & BBE Records present:JAY DEE (a.k.a. J DILLA) ALBUM LISTENING PARTY         & nbsp;    @ Republic Gardens.....13...
Posted by The Work on Wed, 09 Aug 2006 11:32:00 PST

NEW SHIT! - E.A. Floe 'Floe Almighty'

E.A. Floe's (Edgar Allen Floe) offically pressed Floe Almighty CD release is in stores today 7/11/06 ... SUPPORT! ... For a limited amount of time, you can buy the official version of Floe Almighty ...
Posted by The Work on Tue, 11 Jul 2006 03:52:00 PST

SHAMANWORK.COM UPDATE: THE SHAMAN BLAST AND SHAMAN WORK RADIO

SHAMANWORK.COM UPDATE: THE SHAMAN BLAST AND SHAMAN WORK RADIO Aaaaaah yeah.  Shamanwork.com updates.. showing you all some of the tricks we've had up our sleeves.  First up is 'The Shaman B...
Posted by The Work on Tue, 20 Jun 2006 05:05:00 PST

Clear One Love.

Craft gets love on Okayplayer.com in a review for the homie John Robinson's 'The Leak Edition Vol. 1':One of my favorite tracks is Clear One, produced by Chris Craft. The first verse has Robinson exp...
Posted by The Work on Fri, 09 Jun 2006 06:29:00 PST

Neeeeew Yooooork.

So yo...I meant to post earlier during my New York / Memorial Day Weekend trip.. but things have been hectic and very busy... The wife is in the D.R. so I decided to hang with the homeboy and homegirl...
Posted by The Work on Wed, 31 May 2006 08:34:00 PST

In support of the funniest shit on the internet

Wow:http://www.wherethegoldat.com/nincomfuckingpoop/sot.swf Craft ...
Posted by The Work on Wed, 17 May 2006 08:06:00 PST

Wooooow

Good people shouldn't be treated this way.That's all.Craft.
Posted by The Work on Sat, 13 May 2006 01:33:00 PST

Support Aceyalone (Chris Craft indirectly)

There's a new Aceyalone limited edition CD being sold now .. released by Project Blowed / Decon entitled 'Grand Imperial'I produced a song called "Pose" on there... Pretty fresh... SUPPORT... Ayo Tyra...
Posted by The Work on Thu, 11 May 2006 02:18:00 PST

New Experiment

New track is up ya'll... Used my magnificent/mobile/mini-studio for this one.. Bout to head out to go diggin' for records in Long Beach with Rhettmatic..."L.A. Raw Electric"Holla.
Posted by The Work on Wed, 10 May 2006 11:33:00 PST

So I'm in L.A. now...

Aaaaah... L.A. L.A. (Cerritos to be specific) ... I'm here now... Time to get back to making some music after a very "eventful" weekend in Vegas for my boy's bachelor party... I have the mini-studio w...
Posted by The Work on Mon, 08 May 2006 12:47:00 PST