A- Alikes

While most of today’s artists choose style over substance, the music of A-Alikes represents the everyday struggles of the Black youth in Amerikka’s ghettos. A-Alikes means people
Of like minds and experiences, studying and learning life together, “A-Alikes be-Alike and see
Alike.” This perfectly describes mc's Illuminessence “Ness” (a/k/a “P. Red”) and Karaam (a/k/a “A-Black”). Comrads since 1996, they share the same vision. Their music is a tool to spark Black Revolution; socially, politically and economically.
Ness and Karaam’s musical and personal influences have shaped the A-Alikes sound.
From hip hop greats (Tupac Shakur, Wu-Tang, Rakim, Kool G. Rap & Notorious B.I.G.) to revolutionaries (Malcolm X, Huey P. Newton, & Assata Shakur), their music is the latest development in a long line classic hip-hop. Groups like this only come around once every
few years.
A-Alikes are creating a serious buzz in the music industry. Their first independent single “Walk With A Bop” was a hit in England. It gained heavy rotation for both the
song and video. In March 2003, they gained international exposure by being selected in
The Source Magazine’s highly respected “Unsigned Hype” column (for the best unsigned hip-hop acts). They were also featured in: the debut issue of Blow DVD Magazine, XXL, The Ave, allhiphop.com, Europe's Blues and Soul Magazine and Trace. The duo followed up that success by releasing the “Unsigned Hype” Mix CD. Hosted by DJ Butta featuring dead prez, it has sold over 5,000 units. In the Summer of 2003, A-Alikes were featured on New York’s popular Future Flavors Radio Show with Marley Marl and Pete Rock on Power 105.1 FM.

Always on the grind, A-Alikes currently have a full plate of projects which they are working
on. They have a new 12” single “F.T.P.” on Sure Shot Recordings (formerly Landspeed Records) which is in stores now. It is accompanied by a music video and DVD. They are stirring up the streets again with their new independent CD, “Live Or Die.” It was recently featured in The Source Magazine’s “Tale of The Tape” (June 2004) for one the best indie CD’s of the month. A-Alikes plan is to continue flooding the streets with independent releases, and mixtape appearances to spark their movement.

“Live Or Die” is the first release from their start-up label, Live Records. Live Records is an outlet for A-Alikes and their comrades to keep spreading the seed; furthering the movement. Not just limited to music, these young entrepreneurs are manufacturing their own apparel and DVDs. Their next street album will be “Guerilla Nation.” Slated for a December 2004 release, it shall boast a number of talented acts such as: Chuck D. (Public Enemy), Steele (Smif-N-Wesson), R.B.G., comrades dead prez, N.I.M.R.O.D, Divine, Saigon among others. It shall also feature their first signed artist I.G.

The People Army album is currently being recorded. It will be released in the Spring of 2005. These ground breaking projects shall feature all the RBG affiliated acts and production by: stic.man (dead prez), Hedrush, Sol Messiah, 4th Disciple, 9th Wonder, Baby J and DJ Wise. The collective albums are a reflection of the A-Alikes mantra, “I eat, you eat.” A-Alikes shall also be featured in dead prez’s upcoming full-length album and DVD.

As members of People Army/RBG, this talented duo have traveled and performed extensively individually and together with dead prez. From 2003’s Lyricist Lounge Tour
(featuring Killa Mike and Youngbloodz) to this year’s R.B.G. Promo Tour this movement
is making it’s rounds. Catch A-Alikes in a hood near you.