1221
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1221

Mount Arlington, New Jersey, United States | SELF

Mount Arlington, New Jersey, United States | SELF
Band Hip Hop R&B

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This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

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Press


"Album Review: "Inches" by 1221"

Strengths
+ Powerful delivery and standout voice.
+ Varied and hard-hitting flow.
+ Top-tier production throughout the album.
+ Positive subject matter and direction.

Favorite Song: Confessions of an MC - MC Faceman


"Review by AidanR"

Some say that character is defined by certain moments rather than the accumulation of years. Something similar can be said for 1221 (pronounced “Twelve Twenty One”), who believe life is made or broken on inches, not feet. So seemingly minimal but inherently essential, inches are the fundamental fabric that provide structure and direction for whatever comes next. “Everyday people struggle, scratch and claw their way through life for an inch.” MC Jarod “Jersey” Richardson says. He goes on to proclaim “It’s the guy who’s willing to die who’s gonna win that inch.” He knows this because it happened to him, and he’s happy to compose score for the battle on 1221’s debut release, Inches.
Richardson and DJ/Producer Ben “Bounce” Hawks met at the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Tempe, Arizona eight years ago. Their bond proved unbreakable when after graduating and returning to their respective home states, their visits and collaborations continued. Since then, this artistic partnership has turned into a movement. Hell-bent on resuscitating hip hop with the same elements that lured them to the genre in the first place, the twosome’s OurStage catalog is brief but packed with enough raw personality that we feel like we’ve known them for years after only two songs.
Contrary to what may be expected, “More” is not centered on the over-indulgence of bills, booze and breasts polluting so many rap songs these days. Instead it’s the story of the underserved “blue and white collars” throughout our nation’s history, and their invincible “more” spirit. Spitting “I ain’t above it but of it I’m not a product” in the opening lines, Richardson asserts his lack of pretentiousness while at the same time making sure we know he’s independent. Whatever his stance may be on the issue at hand, it’s never left unexamined, a habit the transparent MC carries across all his creations. From the white man slaughtering Native Americans to Ground Zero, “More” traverses a boatload of terrain lyrically, and Hawks is quick to match the journey with equally unpredictable instrumentals. The trademark of this beat is undoubtedly the layered brass positioned syncopated around verbal jabs, but underneath this front is swagger-laden percussion and a desolate, all American warbled guitar. Hawks keeps the same idea running throughout, but splices and realigns the bass kicks and soulful moan samples just enough to keep listeners on their feet. Thanks to his engineering expertise, Hawks’ tracks sound beautiful.
Sporting a raspy bark reminiscent of late ’90s token rap bad boy DMX, Jersey catches listeners off guard by attaching this bravado to softer subject matter, as is the case in love lost piece “You Would Have Seen.” Head hung with his tail between his legs, the slighted MC reflects on what could have been had he been allotted more time to become the man she wanted him to be. It’s a rare display of humility for rappers today, but a necessary one for anybody intent on staying loyal to their mission statement of “breathing the blood sweat and tears” back into hip hop. His hurt is spread over a rainy soundscape composed of infrequent synth quirks and a cat and mouse tiptoeing bass line/guitar riff that mirrors the song’s chase plot. Unlike this sonic pursuit that ends in capture, our ashamed MC’s grasp remains empty. Richardson throws his vulnerability on the table unbridled, but through an equilibrium of remorse and condemnation of the one who left, he retains an emotional stability not found by so many other artists in their songs of heartbreak, preventing his whines from becoming inconsolable. “I admit you’re not the only one to blame/ I take credit for contributions that I’ve made/ but still I always tried to keep a smile on your face/ you can’t deny that you gave up and turned your back/ but if you would have stayed…”
Having built an impressive network through touring over the past few years, and continuing to expand their now bountiful relationships with collaborators and radio stations, there’s little doubt 1221’s exposure will continue to grow. Inches is available on CD Baby and iTunes. Pick it up now and let us know if you want more in the comments!
- OurStage


"Last night at the Cobblestone Poetry Jam...what you missed"

“…and a devastating spoken word effort by Jarod "Jersey" Richardson who brought his young son on stage with him and put tears in the eyes of the audience with profound word displays.” ?? - Timmy Grins


"Review by Shadow"

Wow! Real Hip Hop is 'still' alive and kicking. These brothers have proved that. The tracks are banging, and the lyrical content is on point like nails. This is an amazing 21 track journey of creative proportions. This CD breathes what the the industry has been lacking due to all of murky commercial music that is being pumped over our airwaves. Its evident that this project could have not have been done without 'heart' and a reaql love for music. Long live its reign among those who have inspired it. Peace - CDBaby


Discography

"Inches" - LP Released 2009

Photos

Bio

1221’s music is written as spoken poetry over the sounds of horns, snares, vocals and guitars. Producer, Ben Bounce and Lyricist, Jersey create a soundtrack for life’s struggle through their debut album, Inches. The unraveling of poverty and riches- life and death- addiction and sobriety will encapsulate your mind and soul. Each time you listen to a song, the poems essence will unfold and something new will expose itself before your very eyes. Inches is the pinnacle display of 1221’s undaunted devotion, passion and ambition and it is what separates them from their peers in the world of hip-hop.

With Inches completed and available to the public through CD Baby, iTunes and local music stores, their primary focus has shifted to promotional efforts. Through Internet blogs and radio, along with alliances with other artists, promoters and fans, 1221 is concentrating on breaking down the doors of the music industry. Their name is followed throughout the entire region and it’s now their time to expose the world to the tenacious cadence that is 1221. While performing throughout the Garden State, 1221 is also in the process of creating their second album.

In 2002, Ben Bounce and Jersey met while attending school in Tempe, Arizona at The Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences. After completing school with their Audio Engineering degrees, they both moved back to their respective home states. Through technology and frequent visits, their journey turned into a movement. Their mission became breathing life into hip-hop which had lost the *“…blood, sweat and tears…” necessary to captivate its audience. The years to follow led to National Radio coverage, shows throughout St. Louis, Colorado and New Jersey and an unlimited amount of exposure to collaborations. They have built and continue to build relationships with multiple artists and music labels to solidify the movement.

1221’s music is a mystery that slowly begins to unravel with each listen. It’s a story of remorse, psychological warfare, recovery and resurrection in its purest form. Jersey’s pain and vulnerability slowly begin to surface as Ben Bounce wraps the beat around each and every syllable spoken. Rid your mind of everything you have come to know and allow the story of 1221 to unfold.

Links to 1221: http://www.myspace.com/twelvetwentyone

Contact 1221: thepeacetable@gmail.com

*All quotes utilized are those belonging to Jersey, 1221 from their album, Inches.