C4

Usually when people think of talent in Virginia there are only few names that comes to mind; Pharrell, Timbaland, Missy Elliot, and now pop sensation Chris Brown. Although these particular artists have reached tremendous success, VA has yet to break onto the music scene and become a “hotspot� for major record executives in search of new acts. But despite the lack of major recruiters there is one group who is determined to put their state on the map. C4, establishing their name from a military explosive, is set out to blow the music industry away. C4 consist of three MC’s by names of Hostyle (born Shawn Edmonds), I.C. Envy (born Michael Tanner), and Ron Lew (born Ronald Lewis); who puts forth the versatility to touch on every aspect of the music world. This young hip hop trio has blasted their way onto the scene by dropping their debut mix-tape “Fully Loaded Vol. 1“. As a result, they grew an impressive “buzz� around the seven cities area proving to have the talent to widely spread their topics with the ability to crossover into the commercial parts of the music industry, without abandoning the foundation in which hip hop was created on. In the past two years, they have performed with acts such as Boyz II Men, Trey Songz, Keisha Cole, Rick Ross, Monica, Ryan Leslie, Shawty Lo, Cupid, and dancehall/reggae artist Collie Buddz. In addition, they have participated in countless local events; the African American Festival (‘06, ‘07, ‘08), Teddy Riley’s Talent Search, Hip Hop Is Alive Showcase, “Feed The Children of Africa� East Coast Reggae Party, and also winners of the Best of Both Worlds Competition and the Face Da Musik 7 Cites Competitions, and won the best rap group award at the 2009 Blendzville Awards just to name a few. They have also had the opportunity to “rock the crowds� in other states such as North Carolina, New York, and Atlanta where they were invited to the 2007 Billboard R&B Hip Hop Conference and Awards. Due to their incomparable swagger, candid lyricism, and phenomenal stage presence this group shows incredible potential.