aDDLib

Artist Information

Biography

Although the grind of the music industry isn’t what it used to be it still isn’t too much for artist/writer/producer “aDDLib” whom in his personal life is referred to as (Dewayne Butler). This lyrical genius was born some twenty odd years ago in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to a mother who would love and support young “aDDLib” to follow his dreams. As he developed his producing and writing skills, his love for reading and word play grew from being an interest or hobby to a talent that would carry a message far bigger than himself to anyone that would listen.
Since 2000, aDDLib has been producing and rapping. Now, nine years later (2009) aDDLib has a few major projects under his belt. In December 2008 “The Grace Period EP” was put out to appease aDDLib’s growing fan base while they patiently awaited the release of his first album “Soul on Wax”(which was released in June 2009). Listening to aDDLib’s music you can expect to see receive a message camouflaged by catchy words or phrases. Originality and lyricism lay the foundation for aDDLib’s music, both key elements that would make him stand out in a room full of “mainstream” artists.

aDDLib’s music is influenced by his own life experiences as well as the truths of today’s society and how it relates to our generation. A few artists have proven themselves as role models to many other artists in the industry today. Artists such as 2Pac and Jay-Z are two examples of people who have influenced the flow of this young artist. These rapper’s inspiration and drive to influence the world through music pushed aDDLib to make such music that would encourage thinking among our youth and promote awareness of history and culture among our generation.

With positivity in his lyrics, hope in his voice and his “Soul on Wax”, aDDLib is force to be reckoned with. Watch this poster-child for change bring back true Hip Hop while pushing it forward.

Instrumentation

Discography

The Grace Period Ep: December 2008
Soul On Wax Lp: July 2009
Over The Dert: March 2010
Black Cotton 2009
Black Cottin II 2010
99% of My Fans Wear High Heels (Ep) 2011

Official Website

http://addlib.bandcamp.com

Links

• Twitter
• Facebook
• MySpace
• I'm Only aDDLib...
• Bandcamp

Audio

• aDDLib- Untitled
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• aDDLib- By Your Side
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• aDDLib- The Rebound
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• aDDLib- Stay Apart
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• Ups & Downs
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• aDDLib- Perfection
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• I Take It Back
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• Just You & Me
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• 07. Special
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• 04. life_i_chose
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Video

99% of My Fans Wear High Heels

146984843.mov

Photo Gallery

Press

• Exception To The Rule [+ Show ]
  

  You can’t judge a book by its cover any more than you can tell musicians’ music by the genre they ar...You can’t judge a book by its cover any more than you can tell musicians’ music by the genre they are categorized in.
  
  More than ever, in order to resist being spoon-fed what mainstream music wants to force-feed listeners, it’s important to get past preconceived notions of what defines a genre.
  
  With early artistic influences ranging from Phil Collins and Tupac to the acclaimed children’s novel The Giver, Oklahoma City’s Dewayne “aDDlib” Butler is a refreshing exception to today’s mainstream hip-hop rule.
  
  By fusing hip-hop and rap with a laid-back vibe and slower tempo, aDDlib creates a sort of neo-soul with an R&B flavor that is appealing on a diverse, wide-ranging level.
  
  Slated for release at the end of the year, Butler’s LP It’s the Thought That Counts chronicles a love story from beginning to end, beginning with a love letter to his ideal future wife.
  
  “I think if they’re exposed to more positive messages and music they will accept it."
  
  He aspires to bring change back to “true” hip-hop and emphasizes his desire to always encourage positive thinking and messages through his music, especially amongst the youth.
  
  “There aren’t enough artists promoting the right things in mainstream hip hop right now. There’s all of this focus on material stuff and negativity; most songs on the radio are talking about money and cars and women in a degrading way. Kids are so easily influenced, so there are way more important, positive things we should be talking about,” he explains.
  
  As a mentor with the Youth for Christ program for children in Oklahoma City, meeting with students and giving inspirational talks with them twice a week, Butler experiences first-hand the heavy impact music has on youth culture.
  
  He says that the youth he works with not only inspire him and keep him young at heart, but they also challenge his mind.
  
  “They are the target market – they are the ones listening to music the most, buying it the most and taking the most from it – which isn’t a good thing when the messages being conveyed are negative, because kids are impressionable and susceptible to the music and songs that they listen to,” he says.
  
  “I think if they’re exposed to more positive messages and music they will accept it. The problem is that it’s just not as easily available, so they don’t know what else is out there or how to find it.”
  

• Vane Magazine Artist Feature [+ Show ]
  

  An OKC Native with a Powerful Message Dewayne Butler was born into a world of strong, female influe...An OKC Native with a Powerful Message
  Dewayne Butler was born into a world of strong, female influences. A native of Oklahoma City, he says his mom, grandmother and older sister served as a safe haven throughout his tumultuous childhood, as he watched his father physically abuse his mother.
  Today Butler goes by the name of aDDLib and channels the experiences of his childhood and the lessons he has learned into his rap lyrics.
  Although aDDLib never had a male role model growing up, it isn’t until now, at 26 years old, that he realizes the impact it has had on him, he says.
  “What I missed out on from my father, my mother made sure to make up for,” aDDLib says. “My mom is unbelievably strong and was able to pull it together and take on the responsibility of both parents.”
  aDDLib says his name comes from the meaning of the word, which is “to improvise” or “to be spontaneous”. He describes his rapping style as quick-witted and impromptu.
  aDDLib’s story of how he got into hip hop isn’t similar to that of most rappers. As a young boy, one of his favorite artists was Phil Collins. Though not a common influence for most upcoming rappers, Collins – as well as music from across different genres – have given aDDLib a love for rhythms and lyrics that is with him to this day.
  “I’ve always been a fan of putting words together,” aDDLib says. “I was always a fan of music.”
  aDDLib started writing lyrics long before he ever performed. He never actually had the desire to perform in front of anyone until a fellow rapper in high school inspired him to give it a try, he says. It wasn’t until years later that he actually told people that he was busy making rhymes of his own.
  aDDLib says he is influenced by great music no matter the genre. His inspirations range from 2pac to Otis Redding. He also likes 60’s-70’s soul, jazz and some classical music. Some of his favorite artists are Curtis Mayfield, Joe Budden, Sha Stimuli, Lecrae, Dre Murray and Blu.
  “I am pretty much into any music that sounds good and has a message I can take from it,” he says.
  Jabee, another local OKC hip hop artist, was the first person to put aDDLib on a show back in 2008. He heard him on MySpace and encouraged him to perform at a show at The Conservatory, a local entertainment venue in Oklahoma City.
  “That was the only show I was ever nervous about,”
  25
  aDDLib says. “People told me they liked what they heard so I kept performing.”
  Now that he has established a name in the hip hop world, he says he always keeps something around to write with.
  “The things I write about are heartfelt because I try to be as truthful as possible,” he explains.
  aDDLib says his lyrics and flows are about real life, both the positive and the negative. His songs have talked about everything from abortion to prostitution to growing up in an abusive home. Some of his songs are inspired from his own personal experiences and others come from people he has met throughout his life; but all are real life experiences that people go through.
  In the song “Keep it Inside,” aDDLib tells the story of a young girl’s pregnancy from three different perspectives: her side, the guy’s side and the unborn baby’s side.
  He also writes about love and relationships. aDDLib’s newest project “It’s The Thought That Counts” tells the story of a love relationship from beginning to end, exploring all the different stages. It goes from a love letter to a future love to what it’s like dealing with your partner’s crazy ex-boyfriend to the normal ups and downs of the relationship, and finally deals with the heartache of a breakup and moving on.
  His fans will never hear him talk about being rich because he isn’t. He only talks about what he knows. Even if he was rich, he adds, he wouldn’t write about it because he feels there are more important topics to talk about.
  His next project, “It’s the Thought that Counts,” will be released in late spring or early summer 2012. After this album, aDDLib says he will be focusing on more gospel inspired lyrics.
  Although aDDLib started creating rhymes because it was fun, yet recently his focus has changed. When he first started rapping, he wasn’t necessarily writing about anything important, he says, but when he grew up he learned how powerful music can be.
  “I’m aware that music can be a great tool to convey a message and inspire others,” be explains.
  His future plans include taking online classes in theology to earn a bible degree. He wants to educate himself through scripture and use that to start changing lives. In the past, he kept his spiritual life separate from his lyrics but now he wants to do hip hop for a greater purpose than himself.
  aDDLib plans to get involved with local programs in OKC to help mentor inner city kids. He hopes to reflect a positive message for young people about how to live life in a positive way. He says he wants to show them that there is a right way and a wrong way of doing things and treating people.
  “I have always known I wanted to influence the youth, but when I was younger I didn’t know how or in what way I would be able to do so,” aDDLib says. “Now I know and have great plans related to that and my music and I’m excited about it all.”

• aDDLib- 99% of My Fans Wear High Heels (Ep) [+ Show ]
  

  As a prelude to It’s The Thought That Counts, aDDLib drops off a 6-track collection of songs dedicat...As a prelude to It’s The Thought That Counts, aDDLib drops off a 6-track collection of songs dedicated to relationships.

• aDDLib- Untitled [+ Show ]
  

  “Untitled” describes the stage in relationships when you’re more than friends but haven’t committed ...“Untitled” describes the stage in relationships when you’re more than friends but haven’t committed to the boyfriend/girlfriend level just yet. A conversation most of us know all too well. After many set backs and mishaps the project “It’s The Thought That Counts” slowly is creeping towards being released.

• aDDLib- The Rebound [+ Show ]
  

  Joe Budden said it best, “Some situations don’t end without Closure”. After the breakup comes the st...Joe Budden said it best, “Some situations don’t end without Closure”. After the breakup comes the stage know as The Rebound. This stage can be handled a few different ways. Rush out and try to replace the love you just lost or wait for time to heal the fresh wounds. This track goes over the different options. It’s The Thought That Counts drops this Spring.

• Jabee & aDDLib – “The Low Rises” [+ Show ]
  

  After turning in one of the more listenable mix tapes of the last year, the duo that is Jabee & aDDL...After turning in one of the more listenable mix tapes of the last year, the duo that is Jabee & aDDLib return with a preview to Black Cotton’s sequel. Somehow, “The Low Rises” doesn’t seem to lack the quality that its predecessor possessed. And in this day and age of the quick turn around, that’s pretty surprising. Cop it well.
  
  

• Hometown Sounds
  

  Radio Contest...

• aDDLib Ups & Downs [+ Show ]
  

  Ups & Downs is the first release from my up and coming project titled It’s The Thought That Counts. ...Ups & Downs is the first release from my up and coming project titled It’s The Thought That Counts. This is a concept album that tells the story of a love relationship from start to finish in great detail. It takes you through the different emotions you go through while in a love relationship from the first time you meet her, the first date, dealing with her crazy ex-boyfriend, the break up, and dealing with single life again. The project is due out this winter. Details for the projects release date and album release show will be available soon.
  
  

• Black Cotton Mixtape [+ Show ]
  

  This past Valentine’s Day I took a chance on a new artist (solely based off the artwork) and was ple...This past Valentine’s Day I took a chance on a new artist (solely based off the artwork) and was pleasantly surprised with the music quality. I made a post and it turns out there was a mass amount of dopeboyz that were either already onto Jabee or became a fan. So when I saw that our illRoots fam just put up a new project, I had to hi-jack. Teaming up with ADDLib, the two of them put together a highly dope project. I’m really digging this shit.
  
  

• All About You [+ Show ]
  

  "Fresh off the release of his project with Jabee (Black Cotton); aDDLib is back with some new materi..."Fresh off the release of his project with Jabee (Black Cotton); aDDLib is back with some new material off his next project w/ producer Dert, Over The Dert, which should drop at the end of the year."

• Over The Dert Ep Review [+ Show ]
  

  A body of work over Dert's production. These kind of projects really always come together when its j...A body of work over Dert's production. These kind of projects really always come together when its just one artist and one producer. See Freeway & Jake One's Stimulus Package or Blu & Exile's Below The Heavens. Download below.

• Oklahoma's Own [+ Show ]
  

  "Oklahoma’s own aDDLib made a remix to Ryan Leslie’s joint “Just Right” and it’s exactly that… just ..."Oklahoma’s own aDDLib made a remix to Ryan Leslie’s joint “Just Right” and it’s exactly that… just right. The homie served it justice. I love Ryan Leslie and doesn’t think he gets enough play, but his tracks are always done so well and the production is so clean and crisp sounding. Such a smooth vibe on this one and like I said, aDDLib works it. Make sure to check it out below."

• Over The Dert Ep write up [+ Show ]
  

  "I did the art work for my man aDDLib's new album called "over the dert" it's really good! And it's ..."I did the art work for my man aDDLib's new album called "over the dert" it's really good! And it's really free! Its his raps over Derts production. Freshly fresh! "

• Over The Dert post [+ Show ]
  

  "It's finally here! aDDLib's latest mixtape entitled Over The Dert has finally been released. Make s..."It's finally here! aDDLib's latest mixtape entitled Over The Dert has finally been released. Make sure you download this and support some real Oklahoma hip-hop! Definitely going to be a good listen. Make sure you download this and follow him on Twitter and check out his Bandcamp."

• Over The Dert... [+ Show ]
  

  "Check out this mixtape by Oklahoma artist Addlib. I love the feel of it. Ya’ll check it out and let..."Check out this mixtape by Oklahoma artist Addlib. I love the feel of it. Ya’ll check it out and let me know what ya’ll think. Track Listing and download link below the cut. "

• Raised Kinda Good... [+ Show ]
  

  I've griped about how there really isn't too much distinction at this point between a mix tape and a...I've griped about how there really isn't too much distinction at this point between a mix tape and a proper album if it's released free via the internets. Most frequently, my issue is with projects that are referred to as albums, but are wholly indiscernible from mixes. That being said, Black Cotton from Jabee and aDDLib is pretty much the opposite. The disc is twelve tracks deep and has production as consistent as any major label release in recent memory. And while, for the most part, after listening to mix tapes dug up from the internets, I delete 'em. I might hafta give this release a few more listens before I make that decision. But the fact that I'm even thinking about this process speaks volumes for Black Cotton.
  
  The two folks responsible for this effort aren't necessarily the most well known names in the internet rap game, but perhaps, soon that will change. Jabee might be notable for that Valentine's Day download he unleashed a few months ago. But part of the reason that this disc - which apparently is only the first part of a two part offering- works is the interplay between Jabee's flow and the funk heavy production of aDDLib.
  
  Musically, there isn't new ground broken here, but the funky samples that comprise the entirety of this disc are on par with basically anything from the golden era that you might recall. As for the raps, there enough one liners to please any fan. "You can get married everyday and you're still a part of me," comes off as particularly poignant. But even with the title of the disc pretty obviously references black folks' history, there isn't any thoughtful dissection of it.
  
  With all this fan boy lauding, there are a few issues that need to be addressed as to why this release does, I suppose, count as a mix tape. Firstly, while the production is overall above boards, it almost seems like rote repetition. aDDLib does assuredly have a specific style, but there needs to be some sort of derivation, otherwise every beat's gonna end up sounding exactly the same. That doesn't happen here, per se, but it could impact other works in the future.
  
  The ideas and stories that accompany the production here do find Jabee unloosing a pretty dense flow for a dude that isn't exactly world renown. But seeing as each track clocks in at around three minutes, there isn't too much story telling or anything approaching in depth. And really, no one needs another song recounting how one might rock shows. This isn't meant to denigrate the work as a whole, but with an entirely new mix tape expected from these folks, it would seem sensible to flesh out one before figuring work on another release would be warranted.
  
  Again, though, this tape squared up against pretty much anything - Charles Hamilton or U-N-I even - should probably come out on top. But subsequent work from these folks then needs to have some sort of evolutionary bent to it. 'Cause what we don't actually need is another twelve tracks of Black Cotton.
  
  

• Black Cotton [+ Show ]
  

  Jabee, who happens to be one of the coolest dudes i’ve ever talked to, links up with aDDLib and your...Jabee, who happens to be one of the coolest dudes i’ve ever talked to, links up with aDDLib and your favorite blog site for this twelve track mixtape.
  It was gonna be a Mike Waxx project but due to some shity computer issues I couldnt come through on the mix. I’m irked.
  The project is very dope however so definitely give it a listen!
  

• Messed Up Stories... [+ Show ]
  

  Jabee & aDDLib drop off their first video from their latest project, Black Cotton. Co-starring a fut...Jabee & aDDLib drop off their first video from their latest project, Black Cotton. Co-starring a future Saturday Night Sexy. Well… not really, but it could happen haha.
  
  

• Black Cottton 2 [+ Show ]
  

  “Finally! sorry for the long delay, Here is Black Cotton II. I saw Shake at SXSW in March and told h...“Finally! sorry for the long delay, Here is Black Cotton II. I saw Shake at SXSW in March and told him it would be ready in April, here we are in July… BP time i guess lol. Many blessings, ENJOY!” – Jabee
  
  

• Low Rises [+ Show ]
  

  Here is the first single from Jabee & aDDLibs, Black Cotton 2. The first installment was solid, but ...Here is the first single from Jabee & aDDLibs, Black Cotton 2. The first installment was solid, but you can tell these guys have been grinding hard. This joint has taken this duo to the next level, on both the lyrical and production front. Check it out and be ready to cop the project in February, to coincide with Black History Month.
  

• Messed Up Stories Video [+ Show ]
  

  Now this is REEEEEEAL TALK! For more on my guy Jabee & aDDLib, just click their names son son. Big u...Now this is REEEEEEAL TALK! For more on my guy Jabee & aDDLib, just click their names son son. Big up to 2dopeboyz for the vid.
  
  

• Black Cotton II Mixtape... [+ Show ]
  

  1.Cotton Gin (prod. By JBM) 2.The Show (prod. BY J.B.M) 3.Chitter Chatter (Fred Bruno.) 4.The Low...1.Cotton Gin (prod. By JBM)
  2.The Show (prod. BY J.B.M)
  3.Chitter Chatter (Fred Bruno.)
  4.The Low Rises (Prod.Dj Semaj)
  5.How Do I? (Prod. Ob-One)
  6.Peaceful (Prod. By Kadence)
  7.Smile (Prod. Ronnie Harris)
  8.Love of Money (prod. Rob Viktum)
  9.Best Rapper Alive (Prod. King I Divine)
  10.Out of time (prod. By GodlyBarnes-Blu )
  11.Eternally feat. Carlitta Durand (prod.By YesitsFiasco)
  12.Promised Land (prod. Quiet Storm)
  13.Stuck in her ways (prod. Quiet Storm)
  14.Where are you? (Prod.Docvile)
  15.Living (prod. Ronnie Harris)
  

• aDDLib "I Take It Back" [+ Show ]
  

  aDDLib will be releasing his new project It’s the Thought That Counts later this year in April. This...aDDLib will be releasing his new project It’s the Thought That Counts later this year in April. This is one of the joints that just missed the cut. It’s the story of a love relationship gone wrong, with a slight twist at the end. Produced by King-I-Divine.
  
  

• aDDLib "Ups & Downs" [+ Show ]
  

  Oklahoma native aDDLib provides the first release from the project It’s The Thought That Counts. The...Oklahoma native aDDLib provides the first release from the project It’s The Thought That Counts. The song is about the struggles of trying to keep a relationship afloat when it’s on it’s last leg. It’s The Thought That Counts EP is set to be released this summer.
  
  

Setlist

1. Late Fees
2. Battle of the Sexes
3. Life I Chose
4. All About You
5. Just You & Me
6. Ups & Downs
7. Reserved
8. Special

Basic Requirements

Calendar