SWITCH
02-02-2003, 09:05 PM
This article ran in my newspaper on friday. here is the online version of the article. http://www.elpasoentertainment.com/fe/Calendar/calendar2.asp
Rappers keep on truckin' along independent route
By Nadra Kareem
El Paso Times
Living Legends is perhaps the only rap group around that would describe itself as the "Grateful Dead of hip-hop."
The Dead comparison is just one of the many ways the members of Legends demonstrate that they walk a road less traveled. The group will appear Thursday at Club Vallare to promote its upcoming album "Creative Differences."
"The Grateful Dead are living legends," explained Legends member luckyiam.PSC about the comparison.
The nine-member outfit of MCs and DJs, whose members hail from the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Japan and Europe, see similarities with the Dead because the group had a cult following despite not being embraced commercially.
Lack of commercial success is something the Legends - who have released at least 11 albums and mix tapes over the past decade - are all too familiar with. Despite the group's longevity, the Legends remain unsigned.
"It's not like we have something against record companies," PSC said. "We're trying to build our own business first."
Remaining independent has allowed the members to control their image and money. Funds would ordinarily be distributed to the record label if they were signed. PSC said although the group may not be as famous as other bands because they chose to remain an independent act, the sacrifice is worth it.
Group members admire San Francisco Bay area artists such as E-40 and Too Short, known for getting a start by selling tapes out of car trunks. But PSC said the Legends' goal is loftier.
"We're taking it to a further level," PSC explained. "We own our own labels and our distribution company."
PSC described the group's independent tactics as grassroots, as in the movements that launched the causes of various political groups.
Politics is also something close to the group's heart. Because group members now have children and "feel responsible for what (they) project to the universe," PSC said they will no longer include meaningless lyrics in songs.
"The world we're in right now is so volatile," PSC said. "How can you not be political and call yourself an artist? We're living in a nation that's about to go to war. There's AIDS, famine and rampant racism. How can we rap about car rims and jewelry and how fresh we rap?"
The Legends also seek to break the mold via their approach to creativity. Hence, the name of their tour and album, "Creative Differences."
"Usually groups break up because of creative differences," PSC said. "We try to embrace those differences."
Nadra Kareem may be reached at nkareem@elpasotimes.com
Rappers keep on truckin' along independent route
By Nadra Kareem
El Paso Times
Living Legends is perhaps the only rap group around that would describe itself as the "Grateful Dead of hip-hop."
The Dead comparison is just one of the many ways the members of Legends demonstrate that they walk a road less traveled. The group will appear Thursday at Club Vallare to promote its upcoming album "Creative Differences."
"The Grateful Dead are living legends," explained Legends member luckyiam.PSC about the comparison.
The nine-member outfit of MCs and DJs, whose members hail from the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Japan and Europe, see similarities with the Dead because the group had a cult following despite not being embraced commercially.
Lack of commercial success is something the Legends - who have released at least 11 albums and mix tapes over the past decade - are all too familiar with. Despite the group's longevity, the Legends remain unsigned.
"It's not like we have something against record companies," PSC said. "We're trying to build our own business first."
Remaining independent has allowed the members to control their image and money. Funds would ordinarily be distributed to the record label if they were signed. PSC said although the group may not be as famous as other bands because they chose to remain an independent act, the sacrifice is worth it.
Group members admire San Francisco Bay area artists such as E-40 and Too Short, known for getting a start by selling tapes out of car trunks. But PSC said the Legends' goal is loftier.
"We're taking it to a further level," PSC explained. "We own our own labels and our distribution company."
PSC described the group's independent tactics as grassroots, as in the movements that launched the causes of various political groups.
Politics is also something close to the group's heart. Because group members now have children and "feel responsible for what (they) project to the universe," PSC said they will no longer include meaningless lyrics in songs.
"The world we're in right now is so volatile," PSC said. "How can you not be political and call yourself an artist? We're living in a nation that's about to go to war. There's AIDS, famine and rampant racism. How can we rap about car rims and jewelry and how fresh we rap?"
The Legends also seek to break the mold via their approach to creativity. Hence, the name of their tour and album, "Creative Differences."
"Usually groups break up because of creative differences," PSC said. "We try to embrace those differences."
Nadra Kareem may be reached at nkareem@elpasotimes.com