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Paranoia and poverty, deadbeat dads, single moms and custody battles -- Damien Voxx has a lot to get off his chest on his angsty debut, Real Life Shit. "My struggles ain't no worse than yours / they just affected me more," he raps on "Why Mama?" Fortunately, the Pittsburgh-based emcee has a knack for turning such shit into gold.
Real Life Shit is an intense collaboration between Voxx and his producer, Will Holt, a.k.a. Good Will. It's an apt pairing: Holt's brooding beats come swathed in epic pianos and synths that occasionally channel a bit of Peter Gabriel ("Pain"), while Voxx's rhymes range from earthy ("The Struggle") to apocalyptic ("The Disciple").
On "Run," Voxx starts to rack up the body count, yet offers this disclaimer: "It's a sad tale, I ain't claiming to be no gangsta killa / but I guarantee them shells'll hit ya, then my cash'll kill ya / I don't play, ain't no way fuckin' way I'm dyin' on curbs / And tell the truth, we got some fuckin nuts in the 'Burgh."
It's not all doom and gloom, though -- "Zonin'" captures Voxx in a rare (and self-consciously) upbeat mood: "This is my jam, my zonin' track / This a feel-good song so just relax." And whether it's the wide-open music or Voxx's oft-professed faith in Christ, there's a spiritual light shining through the gritty landscape and the flawed humans inhabiting it. In other words, it's a hip-hop record with a dark yet earnest soul. So here's to that darkest hour before the dawn. - Pittsburgh City Paper
Discography
"Real Life Shit" Available November 25th!
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Bio
200 Proof Endeavorz is a company determined for success. The company's owner Good Will founded 200 Proof Endeavorz in 2005 after meeting local Pittsburgh artist Damien Voxx who at the time was in dire need of production and studio access. Instantly the pair joined forces as FUZION to produce a sound which can only be described as street poetry. The diverse style of Good Will's production, and the deep lyrical track education of Damien Voxx was a perfect fit to produce a sound that until now was otherwise nonexistent. It was almost as if fate played a hand in the two getting together and completing their first full length album which is in Pittsburgh stores now. This album contains music for the people who want to hear it, and is not conformed to a generation of music focused on money, jewelry, cars, and guns. The pair released a demo in 2005 and got a strong response for it after being very limited in promotion, and is still receiving hits and attention almost 2 years after its release. A review of the new album can be seen in the November 22-29 edition of the Pittsburgh City Paper. Pittsburgh Local Music labeled Damien as a future Hip Hop superstar who's laid back rapping style will help you get into the seemingly personal lyrics easily while the music fits the message perfectly. Keep your eyes open for Damien Voxx and Good Will as they push the door of future wide open! A big “thanks” goes to all who support us and even more to all who hate and fuel us.
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