EARKRAFT

Message from the label:

This is Earkraft Entertainment ­ The Label for the People. The Earkraft Labelıs mission is to feature talent from around the globe. Our artistsı dedication, lyrical capabilities, faith, and overall confidence in what we do created a monster Hip-Hop album of straight heat ­ The Takeoff.

Earkraft wants you to join us as we take a journey to bring the world a sound that is currently missing from todayıs music scene. One listen to the album and youıll see what Earkraft represents.

No corny punchlines. No false gunplay. No hollow claims of material possessions. No promotion of genocide. No self-hate. Earkraft strictly represents music that bangs and serves as an alternative to current mediocrity. Earkraft is not solely a hip-hop label, but we made The Takeoff our debut to honor this beautiful form of music.

Itıs time to make history. Come fly with us. We are now boardingŠ

Earkraft

The Story
by Munira

There is no better way to meet the heart of Earkraft than to sit down with founders Tashir Lee, Rashad Suede, and Dennis Byron, Jr. A/K/A The Control Tower. The Towerıs camaraderie and exuberance reflects their faith that Earkraftıs future is bright. Having one of the hottest websites in the industry to promote their phenomenal debut album The Takeoff, Earkraft will take music to a higher level. Meet Earkraft ­ the entertainment industryıs breath of fresh air.

How did Earkraft start?

Dennis: Iıve known Tash since diapers and Rashad is my biological brother. We worked for three years building the label and producing the album. We are perfectionists. Itıs a nutty album. We have the hottest MCs in the country, if not the world, on this project. As soon as you press play, you see how serious we are. I worked for Sony Music, Tashir was a radio DJ in college, and Rashad is an impeccable producer and lyricist. Together we form Earkraft, set to launch our careers as well as those of MCs across the country.

Tashir: Our mission is to bring artists together and make beautiful music. Timeless music. With The Creatorıs guidance, we can impact society ­ the world. The Earkraft Pilots do their thing on the mic; they just havenıt been recognized on a worldwide level yet. We want Earkraft to be a platform for aspiring artists to grow and launch their careers.

Rashad Suede: These two dudes sitting next to me believed in me and came with the whole concept of Earkraft. To have people believe in you and also bring that level of creativity to the table, thatıs whatıs up. People always believed that I had talent, but these two believe in me totally. You can have girlfriends and homies who say your sh*t is tight, but itıs usually not until you make it big that they are behind you 100%.

Describe Rashad Suedeıs production.

Dennis: Bananas. Rashad can make beats in minutes and itıs sickening. They are beats that are capable of changing the game through innovation. His tracks are introducing a new sound and thereıs no comparison. With so many talented producers out there like RZA, Timbaland, The Neptunes, Kanye, Just BlazeŠitıs hard for a new cat to enter the game. Well, guess what? Rashad is that new cat. Let our debut album The Takeoff speak for itself. We believe in this cat.

Tashir: To piggyback, Suede has maaaaaad tracks. Our MCs have so many different styles, but somehow Rashad perfectly matched them with instrumental bangers and infectious hooks. On the real, Suede could have easily held tracks back for those established MCs ­ the Jay Zs, the Snoops, the Nasıs, etc. Instead, he laced Earkraft with straight heat.

Rashad: Iıll be honest, at first, I knew I had these hot tracks and I knew the most popular artists out there would holla eventually. Those dollar signs used to be in my vision regularly. Then I got to thinking, this is my company. I thought about the future. I have a son. I began thinking, why hold tracks for people that I might get in touch with rather than put out tracks for people I am in touch with? (Everyone bobbing their heads saying, "Speak" and "Thatıs whatıs up"). This company isnıt gonna die. Itıs Tash, Dennis, and Suede straight up. Donıt get it twisted, we all are talented brothers, truss. I just happen to do the beats. Everybody plays their role. The next joint we come out with, I swearŠnaughty.

How do you differentiate yourself from the commercial Hip-Hop out there?

Dennis: What makes rap commercial is when it makes money. Thereıs commercial rock, commercial gospel, etc. We want to show the industry that you can make a hot song "commercial" without rapping about B.S. We have an album full of hits that could get spins around the world. At the same time, the joints are not "mainstream." We are coming through with straight innovation.

Tash: Besides making music, we are huge music fans. Our album collections are extensive and mad eclectic. We appreciate and respect nearly all forms of music. Because of that, we bring a lot of influences into the Earkraft sound. We are not afraid to do new things. The trick is capturing a sizeable audience that is willing to grow with the label. Donıt expect the same sound coming out of this camp release after release. Expect that we will ask you to broaden your perspective on music.

Rashad: We let lyricists be lyricists . . . we let them be themselves, but always challenge them to be the best. The themes and content we put out are progressive and generally develop collectively. The Control Tower works to excel in all areas, including recording, mixing, design, and merchandising.

BIOS
The Control Tower

Rashad Suede: Suede has unselfishly held off his independent producing career to help create Earkraft Entertainment. His dedication has resulted in the production of the instant classic The Takeoff, formation of an unbreakable bond with his brother Dennis and great friend Tashir, and launch of one of illest labels in the world. What confirms Suedeıs musical ability are his rhyme skills. Besides his immaculate production, MCs want Suede to bless their tracks with his lyrics. All in all, his ability to rock mics, write 80% of the Earkraft hooks, and break necks with instrumentals that are second-to-none are gifts he will continue to utilize for years to come. See Suedeıs page at www.earkraft.com for the real down low, instrumental heat, video footage, and contact info for independent projects.

Dennis: Besides using his graphic design skills to conceive the Earkraft logo, Dennis has blessed Earkraft with his extensive journalistic and music industry experience. This right-brained co-founder is instrumental in nearly all aspects of the Earkraft organization, including design, marketing, promotion, artist development, mixing, and producing. His relationship with the Earkraft MCs has always been solid, which leads to their respect when he coaches them to bring out their best in the booth. Additionally, his partnership with Tash to form HeadsOfWool - the design firm that directed the development of Earkraftıs ill flight gear, flyers, website, and album artwork. Dennisıs love for music, brotherhood with Rashad, and life-long friendship with Tashir have formed The Control Tower, the executive triangle of Earkraft Entertainment.
Earbases: Ithaca, NY o Cleveland, Ohio o Atlanta, GA
Songs: One third of The Control Tower, the executive producers and mixers of all Earkraft music.


The Pilots

D-Moss: With multiple names for multiple styles, D-Moss is the definition of "uncanny." D-Moss originally accompanied other Earkraft Pilots to the studio sessions, parlayed with his book of rhymes, and waited for his turn to shine. After an ill Earkraft freestyle session, D-Moss kicked verses that instantly proved he was Earkraft material. Whatever the alias, Moss provides the character that best rides over Suedeıs heat. Dıs classic verses on "Oh No!" and "Straight Spit" are just tastes of the hot platters D-Moss, Damion, D-Mo . . . whatever the moniker ­ will serve Earkraft passengers around the globe.

Earbases: Washington, DC, Pensacola Fl, Urbana, OH, and Misawa, Japan
Songs: Straight Spit and Oh No!


Cleva: Cleva is the youngest of the clique. C has an unadulterated flow and vocabulary that would kill any spelling bee. From Detroit, through Chattanooga, and making Atlanta his home base for the past four years, Clevaıs geographical influences and constant exposure to Hip-Hop enthusiasts has created a monster on the mic. This wicked rhyme prodigy is often co-hosted by his Godbrother Same Olı. From freestyles, to stage performances, to his work in the booth, there is no doubt Clevaıs shine is about to light up the world.

Earbases: Atlanta, GA, Chattanooga, TN, and Detroit, MI
Songs: System Analysts, One Thing, and Watching Me


Trace: Earkraft recognized Traceıs production and lyrical gifts while working with Malik Starx. From there it was a no-brainer that he had to make history with Earkraft. Trace is always strapped with his trademark arsenal: a CD of his newest beats and lyrics, a beautiful female, tight gear, and a cup holding a potent concoction. Taking the second slot of the Earkraft banger "Straight Spit," Trace further intensified the already powerful Cali impact present on The Takeoff (along with Mista Cliff and Perfecto 7). Look out for future Trace and D-Moss collabos as well.

Earbases: Washington, DC, Oakland CA, and Los Angeles, CA
Songs: Straight Spit


E-Robs: Just when we thought The Takeoff was ready for mastering, along comes another ridiculous MC named E-Robs, straight from ­ now get this ­ New Mexico. Now residing in Atlanta, this four-eyed microphone terrorist met Earkraft head on. A true lyricist in every sense of the word, this "Aggie" wastes no tick-tock in the booth, landing instant classics in one take. Eıs sick rhymes on the first installment of Earkraftıs signature no-hook onslaught "Straight Spit," "System Analysts," and "Personal Space" will place him at the forefront of todayıs top MCs. His surveillance footage on www.earkraft.com only proves how nasty he is on the mic. Make sure to check him out.

Earbases: Atlanta, GA and Las Cruces, NM

Songs: System Analysts, Straight Spit, and Personal Space


Same Ol': Same Olıs brilliant hard-edged, Tennessee/Georgia twang laced-lyrics add a whole new dimension to an already stacked Earkraft roster. Rashad Suede and Same Olı have been friends since Suede touched down in Atlanta in ı90 and their vibe has extended throughout the Earkraft family. Peep his flow on the dark, blazing "Ridinı", "System Analysts" and the thought provoking "Watching Me." Always proud to represent the "Dirty, Dirty" and often teamed with his Godbrother Cleva, every cut he ignites proves Same Ol' doesnıt do the same olı thing.

Earbases: Atlanta, GA and Chattanooga, TN

Songs: Ridinı, System Analysts, and Watching Me


Perfecto 7: Seasoned by the game for a good minute, Howard University legend Perfecto 7 is that essential rhyme vet that provides expertise to the young guns of the Earkraft squadron. Deep and often in his own world, Perfecto is that musical genius whoıs hard to figure out until he gets into the studio booth and makes it all too clear. Perfecto 7ıs unprecedented skills are way bugged, possessing energy similar to that of Ghostface, the unusual qualities of Del, combined with a host of secret ingredients of his own. This vegan mic controller wrecks Earkraftıs first ever recording "I Donıt Know" featuring Mista Cliff.

Earbases: Inglewood, CA

Songs: I Donıt Know


Mista Cliff: This ridiculous lyricist blew Earkraftıs mind with his highly creative EP The Finagle. His ability to rhyme at various tempos, articulate and capture listeners with numerous themes is a gift only the greatest MCs possess. In addition to his supernatural freestyles and clever wordplay, Cliffıs a suave ladies man. His energy, professionalism, determination, and verbal mastery represent Earkraft to the fullest. Look out for projects featuring Cliff and Malik Starx (Roll Wit Us All Stars) and Perfecto 7 (Mr. Perfect).

Earbases: Washington, DC and Anaheim, CA

Songs: I Donıt Know and Lose Control


The History of Earkraft

Letıs break it down. Dennis and Rashad Suede are biological brothers. Tashir and Dennis have best friends since diaper days. This trio represents the founders of Earkraft.

Throughout the years, Tashir and Dennis have always been driven by their love of music. From radio deejaying, magazine journalism, and record label internships, they knew that they would eventually be in the music game ­ especially Hip-Hop. Meanwhile, the younger Rashad was always a great MC, writing rhymes since age 12. He was the always one of the best wherever he was.

Being patient and learning from their invaluable music experiences, Dennis went to college and pursued a career in journalism and graphic design. Rashad worked, attended college, and wrote books of lyrics. Tashir worked with aspiring rap groups for a short period of time, finished law school, and practiced in D.C. All three shared the same dream that they would one day show the world that this trio was meant to do music.

In 1999, Rashad bought a beat machine, leading to a great, self-taught, unprecedented production style. Dennis immediately recognized Rashadıs potential and called Tashir. They later approached Rashad with the idea of starting a label they would own collectively. There was work to be done. They needed a name, a website, money, connections, and The Creatorıs guidance.

Within a year, e-mails were traded between the three to select a name and develop a vision for the label. With the additional input of Tashirıs younger brother Jibraan, the list of 100 choices was eventually narrowed down to ten. While visiting his girlfriend in Oakland, CA, Dennis woke up with the concept of a man with aircraft wings connected to his headphones. Dennis immediately drew the vision on paper and faxed it to Tash, Jibraan, and Rashad. The logo was unanimously picked, and the name Earkraftshined out of the top ten. A website domain, trademark, and registration immediately followed. Earkraft was now official in 2000.

After hand-picking the hottest unsigned talent from all over the United States through contacts, networking, and word of mouth (see Pilots), they rhymed over some of the hottest beats Rashad Suede had to offer from his 600+ collection, and a classic album called The Takeoff was created. After traveling back and forth to record in D.C., it took two years to record everything. It was a valuable, fun learning experience for an independent record label starting from scratch.

There was one more missing piece to the puzzle: the website. Earkraft enlisted Jason Mayerto redesign the www.earkraft.com. Jason turned to be a top-notch website designer capable of bringing Earkraftıs complex ideas and concepts to the Internet.

Sure, there was a lot of drama Tashir, Dennis, and Rashad endured creating Earkraft, but the end result is this: A family of gifted brothers who have put their minds, hearts, and dreams together to create the new classic, The Takeoff. In the future, Earkraft wishes to discover more talent blessed with good hearts, faith, and belief that they are destined to shine worldwide.

With the support of music lovers throughout the world and The Creatorıs guidance, Earkraft will constantly elevate.

Earkraft.
Constant ElevationTM