Baron Samedi

Take a moment to think about your favorite emcee. Now think again. That emcee's name is Baron Samedi. Some say he is an ancient prophet, travelling the lands spreading wisdom, others believe he is the reincarnation of a tribal warrior, famed amongst legends for ripping wack spitters across the seven seas. What is written in hip-hop's histories, however, is this:The year was 1999, and the entity known as Baron Samedi began recording in earnest, with a string of demo projects featuring the likes of Lixx the WARRIOR, Shotslinga, Redmaster, the Main AR, and anyone else stupid enough to turn up. After a slew of building a rep off the back of a slew of tape-only e.p.s and the Mandroids mini-album (featuring Shotslinga on lyrical darts), Baron commenced operating as part of the Same Brain collective, as well as juggling production and rhyming duties with his 2 crews: Undercurrent, with Lixx, and The Illsmith Estate, with Apocraphe and Troy Scalpels. The peak of this frenetic activity were 2 LPs, the Undercurrent LP, Sons Of Celluloid (2002), and Baron's critically acclaimed solo debut, Spit Happens: The Musical (2003).Even from the very early recordings, Samedi's individuality shines through, both on the mic and behind the boards. As an emcee, he is fluid enough to tackle any subject: from cinematic concept to dashing braggadocio, politics to humour, stoned-age to space-age, Baron has it all. Throw into the mix the fact that this cat produces nuttin but heat on the beats as well (most of his and Undercurrent's tunes being self-produced), and you're left with one of the most exciting emcees the UK has ever spawned - even better than John Barnes and Robbie Williams put together.These days Baron still finds time away from his busy fly-fishing schedule to drop dopeness for dat'azz on the regular, currently concentrating on his solo steez and new Undercurrent material. You may have heard him murdering all comers (including George Bush) on his Theme Music 12" (2004), or on collaborations with Paragon, Apocraphe and JBC. Or perhaps you've seen him tear down the house live on mics around the country. Either way you'll leave with your mental bruised and limbs aching, no doubt in your mind who your new favorite emcee is.Baron Samedi - You need this for Christmas.