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Larry Gates was the frontman for local band Lorenzo Goetz for nearly six years. Now he performs under the name Curb Service and released his first album under that moniker in October 2007. He discovered hip-hop in 1983, when he was 10 years old.
Late last year, following a Rhymesayers show at The Canopy Club, a group of friends staggered home in hopes of an after-party, only to find that none of them had any money — not even enough for a blunt. That night was known as the birth of The Broke Rappers Coalition. And though their financial woes have not ceased, the resourceful crew has decided to pool their resources and combine their efforts musically. Let's take a closer look at C-U's most talented eight-man clique.
Krukid (MC) — The highest-profile MC on the roster. His last album, Af-ri-can, was released on the Rawkus 50 imprint and he has recently been seen with Ying-Yang Twins, Psalm One and Lupe Fiasco.
Name: Edwin Ruyonga
Hometown: Kampala, Uganda, East Africa
Favorite MC: That would be BustaNasJiggaBigPacPunBigLMeth.
All-time favorite track: "Triumph" by The Wu Tang Clan
The best part of being a broke rapper: Girlfriend feels treated and extra-special when I buy her a Value Meal.
Jonah (MC) — A UC Hip-Hop favorite, Jonah is a true wordsmith. Fond of rapid fire, tongue-twister tales.
Name: Jonah Weisskopf
Hometown: Ann Arbor, MI
Favorite MC: GZA
All-time favorite track: "Liquid Swords" by GZA
The best part of being a broke rapper: Having a community of artists. Writing lyrics is a very solitary act. Having a group of fellow artists who give you feedback, challenge you to create, and inspire is very healthy.
Text (MC) — Releasing two recorded efforts this month — The Unknown Scripts EP Collection and Jameson Dreams (Feb. 16th).
Name: Shannon Swords
Hometown: Urbana, IL
Favorite MC: Duckman
All-time favorite track: "Summertime;" any version except for that Sublime crap.
The best part of being a broke rapper: I actually have a decent job at Volition. I'm mostly broke through association.
Cornbread (MC) — One of the most gifted lyricists on board, Corn Tha Coon also co-hosts The Duckman Show.
Name: Andre Middleton Jr.
Hometown: Chicago born, but raised in Charleston, IL
Favorite MC: Rakim
All-time favorite track: "Shimmy Shimmy Ya" by Ol' Dirty Bastard
The best part of being a broke rapper: The rapper part — no one likes being broke.
Cypha (MC) — Earned stripes by rockin’ open mics downtown. Splits his time between Chi-town and C-U.
Name: Joo Young
Hometown: Chicago, IL
Favorite MC: Brother Ali
All-time favorite track: "The Woman With the Tattooed Hands" by Atmosphere
The best part of being a broke rapper: Since we're broke, we are hungry every day. So this music won’t get weaker as we go further.
DJ Belly (DJ) — The common DJ for all things BRC. Cut his teeth playing house parties.
Name: Kevin Miller
Hometown: Urbana/Atwood, IL
Favorite DJ: I'd have to say Diplo for the party vibe, Shadow or RJD2 for production. On a local level, Bozak — dude is a monster on the decks.
All-time favorite track: "Respiration" by Blackstar (feat. Common)
The best part of being a DJ for broke rappers: It has really given me an opportunity to learn a lot about the industry in the past year and the chance to open for artists I really respect, like Lupe Fiasco and Psalm One. Everyone is a personality and a character, that’s for sure. Everyone has their own distinct style and vibe, from recorded track to live show. It allows me to go places stylistically that I couldn't if I was working with one MC alone. The more I play shows out of town, the more I realize how good the MCs I work with are, and how dope the scene in town is becoming.
Hipgnosis (Producer) — Recently moved to Chicago to open Vocalize Studios. Will be releasing several collaborative efforts this year.
Name: Eric Young
Hometown: Nowhere really. Wherever I decide to call home, I guess!
Favorite producer: J Dilla
All-time favorite track: "Dancin' Queen" by ABBA, sung by Wing on South Park
The best part of being a producer for broke rappers: The best part has got to be fighting off the droves of women that are attracted to broke rappers. I mean, broke rappers in this society have a reputation, you know?
Pauly Walnuts (MC) — The self-proclaimed "dopest rapper to never have a MySpace" believes in keepin’ it really real.
Name: Paul Wetzel
Hometown: Urbana, IL
Favorite MC: Blackthought (of The Roots)
All-time favorite track: "Verbal Intercourse" Raekwon (feat. Ghostface Killah & Nas)
The best part of being a broke rapper: Nobody asks me for a handout.
Video courtesy of Matt Harsh.
Comments (3)
Thursday, February 14, 2008 11:48 AM
AS EL PRESIDENTE I SUPPORT THE BROKE RAPPER COALITION EVEN THOUGH THEY DRAIN MY CAMPAIGN FINANCES AND EAT ALL MY FOOD. IF IT WERENT FOR THE BRC I MIGHT ACTUALLY SMOKE A BLUNT BY MYSELF. BY THE WAY I HAD MONEY FOR THE BLUNT THAT NIGHT. OH YES I DID.
Thursday, February 14, 2008 6:47 PM
as Duckman's secretary of offense, I would like it know that we A: we're the BRC long before that atmosphere show and B: we were dubbed the BRC by me AND duckman for constant bumming of beers, cigarette, food and constant rides all over town...
yeah, that means you too, Krukid...
it's all love
Friday, February 15, 2008 11:25 AM
As Vice Presidente, I would like to say, that tha state of affairs is getting back to normal. tha people are spending again. life seems, Kosher. W.W. Duckman is doing a fine job. O'Doyle Rules!!!