Code Red
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Code Red

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"Code Red is raising the bar for Hip Hop"

Comparing Code Red's new album "All Aboard" to other contemporary hip-hop is like the difference between
reading an autobiography and a supermarket tabloid.

Defying the norms of many current artists, "All Aboard" isn't superficial, self-centered or predictable. Instead, introspective songwriting and
soulful-yet-bangin' production — both of which have developed greatly since the Louisville group's 2002
maiden release "Since Forever...Til Forever" — make for a rich, thought-provoking CD that deserves a spot
in your player.

One thing that makes "All Aboard" so refreshing is its maturity. With two ex-military men in Code Red, war
isn't a surprising topic. But instead of some profanity-charged political rant, the result of "Give Me a Reason" is a heartfelt song told from the points
of view of several different soldiers. Meanwhile, the track "Brother Louis" relays a sobering tale of a man
who gets killed as a result of his interracial relationship.

The well-rounded CD also offers equal doses of humor ("The Sky is Falling"), club fare ("Elbow Room,"
"Atomic") and music to chill by ("Summer Jam") — all of which are laid atop some of the dopest freakin'
beats ever produced in this city. Seriously.

Code Red brings hip-hop one step closer to resuscitating what has become an immature and ridiculously monotonous genre. Buy this album.

— Maisy Fernandez
- Velocity


"Check It"

The independent artist pool is so deep and mostly overlooked, but here is group of hip-hop rap MC’s who are doing it right.

The hip-hop group out of Louisville Kentucky Code Red has the motto “Not Confined, Not Defined”, so maybe I should not ‘define’ them as a hip-hop group, rappers or as rap artists, but I can surely define them as one of the freshest sounds I have had the pleasure to hear lately.

We receive a lot of music; a lot of it is from those who claim to be ‘the big thing on the hip-hop scene.’

Code Red didn’t come saying they were the ‘next big thing’; they let their music do their ‘talking’ for
them, and if they are not the next big thing - they definitely will let their presences be known.

The debut album from Code Red is called ‘All Aboard’ and is set to drop in January on Label X, Toucan Cove,
Madacy Entertainment.

A unique blend of beats and genres makes Code Red worth a closer look. Blending old school with new
school with a touch of Reggae, they are unique individuals who, as a group, interact well and their music is sure to be embraced.

The group is made up of four members. A very creative rap MC El One Wise, a Jamaican Reggae artist Junior Dread, lyricist Manfred and producer Watz.

The state of Kentucky is not known for its large pool of hip-hop and rap artists. When I think of Kentucky I
have many beautiful memories, as I use to live there; but the hip-hop scene was not one of the big memories I have of Kentucky: until now.

If not for the ‘air play schedules’ of radio stations who ‘drill’ certain tracks and names into our heads,
even if the music falls short of real hip-hop - so we think a certain artist is the ‘cream of the crop’, Code Red could be and is a real contender for major hip-hop play and positioning. The freshness of the sound and the diverse make up of the group is pure
hip-hop.

They have ‘warmed’ the stage for major hip-hop and rap artists like 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, T.I., Wyclef Jean, Nappy Roots, Mystical, Trey Songz, Marques Houston, and many more.

It is time to look beyond the ‘majors’ to get that true hip-hop and rap gratification back into the music, and Code Red can deliver.

This album shows that there is an immense pool of music out there by many talented artists and we do not
have to be on the ‘limited diet’ that the majors can afford to saturate us with and make us believe that is
what we want.

Code Red’s CD ‘All Aboard’ is the pure fulfillment of what the music industry has been lacking lately -
talent.

The beats and production do not ‘carry’ the artists, they compliment the artists and that is great hip-hop.
The production was handled by Watz producing and Todd Smith co-producing.

This CD has it all. There are club tracks, serious insightful tracks, laid back tracks and it is all backed up with steady tight production.

The first track – ‘All Aboard’ sets the mood for the album. Right from the beginning you know you are in for a different ‘ride’ with this CD. This is the best track to start this CD off. Grabs your interest and makes you want to ‘Get Aboard’ just to see what else these artists can deliver; and they do not disappoint. !0/10

The second track ‘For My People’ continues the listening experience with a great beat and a lyrical
flow that shows just what kind of artists your listening to. Stand outs all. 9/10

Track three breaks out with the club banger ‘Elbow Room’. Enough said 9/10

Track 4 is ‘Drive By’ – great beat and the addition of a flute in hip-hop is really a great touch. 7/10

Track 5 is ‘Looking Good’. – 7/10

Track 6 – ‘Summer Jam’. Just a kicking track. Makes you feel good and makes you bop your head. 8/10

Track 7 – ‘Brother Louis’. Intellectual hip-hop feel. Lyrical flow grabs your mind and takes you beyond the
beat. Like the ‘feel’ of this one. 9/10

Track 8 – ‘Atomic’. The mixture of the talent is evident on this track. Comes across very well. 8/10

Track 9 – ‘Pimp It Out’. This track makes you wonder why you haven’t heard these guys on the radio. Fresh
unique and crisp. 8/10

Track 10 – ‘Long Time Coming’. Lyrical genius describes this track. The production compliments the
flow so well that it is not over powered by beats but it all just flows. A good track to sit back and enjoy
any recreational activity you like. 9/10

Track 11 – ‘Give Me a Reason’. A military based track with great insight. Spitting truth in the lyrics, a
great track to just sit back and absorb. 9/10

Track 12 – ‘Sky is Falling’. This could be a club banger. Great beat and lyrical flow is tops. 9/10

Track 13 – ‘Let Yo Hair Down’. This is a great track. You don’t want to move on this one your dead. The beat grabs ya and the ‘party’ feel is great for a club banger. Lyrical flow is still overwhelming. 9/10

Track 14 – ‘Party to the Edge’. Still banging, this track is one of the weaker tracks on the CD. Don’t get
that twisted, it is still a banger but doesn’t move ya like the others - TLA-PROnline.com


"Music Remedy"

Formed from the deep indie talent pool of Louisville, Kentucky, Code Red has been the crew to contend with since 1998. With the musical motto “Not Confined, Not Defined,” Code Red bridges the hip hop generation gap with healthy reverence for old school as well as daring reflections of the new school. The result? Their debut album, All Aboard, on Toucan Cove Entertainment is one of the most eagerly anticipated of 2006.

El One Wise, a prolific MC, and Junior Dread, a Jamaican Reggae artist, though having completely different backgrounds, had a mutual desire to create a fresh, pure sound that embraced all the possibilities of lyrics and beats. With El One’s worldly vision and Dread’s fiery energy, the foundation for Code Red was laid. After recruiting super-producer Watz, whose production confidence is matched only by his sense of humor, the group independently released Since Forever…Till Forever, which was recognized for both phat rhythm tracks and great hooks. Soon after, the offbeat and experimental MC Manfred joined the crew, and the community started buzzing about Code Red - one of the livest hip hop groups on the come up.

For All Aboard, Label X’s Todd Smith, highly respected for his rock and pop production work, accepted the challenge of aurally capturing four completely unique personalities while keeping the tracks bumping for the heads who like it pure. “Todd understood that our differences make the music cool. Everyone, Todd included, contributed to this album, which is why even though we don’t spit one particular style, every track is Code Red style,” said El One.

From the hard-edged mic annihilation on “Elbow Room”(already burnin’ up XM Raw) to the playfully frenetic lyrical onslaught of “Let Yo Hair Down,” All Aboard showcases intense interaction between the MCs, neckbending beats and tight production. Continued El One, “Every track is like a Cracker Jack box…you never know what you’re gonna hear. Some of it’s clubby, some of it’s crazy, some of it’s chill, but it’s all true to Code Red.”

What’s also true to Code Red is social commentary. This spring, “Give Me a Reason” was released to Louisville radio and the resulting response was indicative of Code Red’s impact. The song is about The Iraqi War, or really about any military conflict, and how the conflict becomes internal to soldiers. “It’s not anti-war or anti-soldier. It shows the dual face of being in the military, and what real soldiers think and want to hear,” explained El One, who is not an outsider, but a soldier himself. As is Dread. Both were Army men stationed at Fort Knox, and while El has been in military life longer than civilian life, Dread is a Desert Storm vet. Both walk the walk, and talking the talk created a single that keeps listeners thinking and remembering.

Code Red’s follow-up single uses the Hot Chocolate-penned melody from “Brother Louie” that Stories took to #1 in the early 1970s. “Brother Louis” is a frank look of the trials of interracial relationships disguised as a hook-filled, R&B-tinged jam.

Code Red live shows are unforgettable, a power surge that has heated the stage for 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, Mystikal and Nappy Roots, and have recorded with Skillz, Masta Ace and Smoke E. from Playa.

Be on high alert, ‘cause in a few months, it’s gonna get hot up in here. Code Red’s All Aboard drops in January ‘06. - Music Remedy


"What's in the Water?"

I have to visit Louisville, Kentucky. What’s in the water? This album is so intense. Listen while sitting along at a party. I’m not saying this is only party music just that a bigger audience then one is necessary. The music and beat is infectious. The importance of the now is clashed with the social responsibility of “what about me”. “Brother Louie” is a maelstrom of unadorned truth. This is a new interpretation of life surrounding your issue of race. There are messages here people! More to be revealed...listen.

Reviewer: Michael - Celebrity Cafe


"Crud Reviews"

Formed in 1998 in Louisville, Kentucky, Code Red contain the body work of one MC Manfred (three tattoos, a fresh baldy, a few bad acid trips), one El One Wise (ex military officer, word-builder, business school graduate, short and to the point) one producer Watz (long, hard and lonely, long-distance driver, sound-student, bill payer, man with a dream) and one Junior Dread (unruly Jamaican vagabond, corrected juvenile, former soldier, storm survivor, man with nine-lives). Another hip-hop band exploding out of the underground? Well something along those lines, yes, but if you’re expecting ‘All Aboard’ to be the loose, fragmented and hastily shambolic dump traditionally volunteered by crews like this (and as occasionally successful as they are) you’re going to have your nose put out of joint, as this record manages to stray from the script and still retain a sharp focus, whether it’s the glue of the social commentary (‘Drive By’), the anti-war laments (‘Give Me A Reason’) or the domestic politics of inter-racial affairs (‘Brother Louis’). The biggest surprise, however, is that Code Red can debate the issues with the kind of compassion that could only come with experience. So if you’re looking for sermons or propaganda, you’d be better looking elsewhere. The tone is level, the balance is solid and the grooves are as fluent and as smooth as KY Jelly; a gameplan defined in the opening moments of the record – a Curtis Mayfield sample, a heart-rending vocal from Tanita Gaines and a deep, bass flow and extended by the rough party filter provided ‘For My People’ and the fresh and joyous ‘Summer Jam’.
Some may balk at just how ‘comfortable’ this record sounds, but that’s the natural downside of success – it gels, and there’s hardly a moment when the pace lets up. Stand-out tracks like ‘The Sky Is Falling’ and ‘Pimp It Out’ hot it up and cuts like ‘Give Me A Reason’ cool it down. The result? Something practically steaming.
- Crud Magazine


"Wow!"

One album sums up this album, wow! They kick off this album with a soulful, gospel bellowing chorus, mixed with some intense rhymes with major lyrical depth to them. The music rolls along just as if you’re taking a train ride, some pianos, bongo drums, and keys make the sound perfect. They then move on through the album with some funky musical cuts and hot rhymes. A highly intense quirky “Elbow Room” should be blared in every club across the globe, because some people have no clue, and maybe this will inform them. The twists and turns on the album keep it interesting, another mellow and chill jam comes along with “Summer Jam” which will take you back to the good ole days. “The Sky Is Falling” is riddled with bass drops that’ll blow your mind. This group has got elaborate skills, phenomenal techniques and a fan base that should be growing by the minute. If you like real hip hop with a splash of R&B, this is the group for you. - Entertainment World


"Breaking the Code"

Cover Story
Breaking the Code

Wowing Russell Simmons. Hanging out at Diddy's club. Riding around in limos with David Banner. Watch the signs, people. Everything is about to bust wide open for Code Red.

Here's a sign that your hip-hop group is about to take off: You're spending Friday night at Diddy's club, surrounded by beautiful women, snacking on gourmet treats you can't pronounce and sipping bubbly. And you're even more excited for the next day, when you'll be attending events among hip-hop royalty like Ludacris, Jermaine Dupri and Paul Wall.

That was the scene for the Louisville foursome Code Red in September, after it bested 20 other up-and-coming artists in the talent showcase of the starstudded Atlanta Hip-Hop Summit. Code Red claimed top honors at the event thrown by music mogul Russell Simmons and Dr. Ben Chavis, the founders of the Hip-Hop Summit Action Network. And suddenly, there they were partying like rock stars -- excuse us -- hip-hop stars.

"Later that night, we were at Justin's, Puffy's club, at a VIP party eating, like, lamb with cranberry sauce," MC Mike "El One" Kabel said. "There was strawberry champagne, wine, other hors d'oeuvres that I don't know the name of but they looked real cool. … We saw crazy Bentleys and Benzes in the parking lot. We parked our rental car in the back."

While Chavis was not one of the contest judges, he was impressed with the group's vision.

"The most successful artists are the ones that manifest their own individual or collective creative strength," said Chavis, a civil rights movement luminary who, among other things, helped organize the Million Man March. "Code Red certainly displayed the knowledge and ability and capacity to present a fresh, unique representation of hip-hop culture, but they did it in a very classy way."

That's a huge endorsement in itself. But now Code Red might get its biggest break from a more unexpected outlet: ESPN.

The famed sports network has asked Code Red to rework three songs from its latest album, "All Aboard," with a basketball theme. The tunes will be used by the network during promotional ads, pregame shows and coverage of the NCAA basketball season.

"Our idea was to find independent or up-and-coming artists," said Kevin Wilson, ESPN's senior music coordinator. "Code Red had the right sound and could customize some of their existing tracks that worked lyrically, regardless of the customization."

It's this kind of exposure that elevated Big & Rich from just another country act to a household name after its song, "Comin' to Your City," was modified for use during ESPN's "College GameDay."

"This is huge," said Leisa St. John, senior vice president at Toucan Cove, Code Red's parent record label. "Look at Big & Rich -- now, they're big and rich. Radio is not the only outlet for music. TV is having such an impact on what is popular," she added, citing the Fray's exposure on "Grey's Anatomy" as another example.

Now, the question is whether this latest musical slam dunk can catapult Code Red -- composed of rappers Kabel and Glenn "Manfred" Rhodes, dancehall artist Winston "Junior Dread" Keene and MC and producer Matt "Watz" Watson -- into the national spotlight.

Sporting gigs

If you're a fan of nationally ranked University of Louisville football, then you've likely heard Code Red's inaugural sports tune: the NCAA-sanctioned theme "For My Cards," which was remixed from its song "For My People" with lyrics specific to Cardinals football.

"It really sets the stage for the game and our kids," said Greg Byrne, U of L's associate director of bands. "It truly captures the spirit of U of L sports. Our band was tickled to death to be collaborating with Code Red for the (halftime show) against West Virginia."

"For My Cards" has been so embraced here that St. John submitted it to ESPN, asking the station if it wanted to use it during the much ballyhooed game against West Virginia. Her contact at the station listened to the song and responded with an even more exciting idea.

"He wrote me back and said, 'We are looking for songs to be the theme for ESPN college basketball. Do you think (Code Red) would be interested?' " she recalled.

That, of course, was a no-brainer.

"The guys wrote the songs in an afternoon, went into the studio and sent them off to ESPN the next day," St. John said. "The thing about Code Red is that it's rhythmic, not offensive. It's clean, feel-good rap and that is much more appealing for TV than what most rap represents."

The Louisville Cards weren't the only red-birds to take advantage of Code Red's sportswriting skills, either. A baseball song Code Red wrote for the St. Louis Cardinals was played in Busch Stadium during the World Series.

"The whole thing is snowballing," Kabel said. "These songs are great for regional exposure, but ESPN is nationwide."

Long time coming

Code Red began in 1998 after Kabel, a military brat, and Jamaican - Velocity Weekly


"Concert Review (Code Red w/Danity Kane)"

Monday, October 23, 2006
In reality, Danity Kane is not worthy

By Jeffrey Lee Puckett
jpuckett@courier-journal.com
The Courier-Journal

This isn't a cliche yet, but it could be: A 20-minute set is one man's rip-off, another man's lucky day.

When Danity Kane left the stage Friday night at the Louisville Palace after performing for around 20 minutes, give or take a few devoted to inane banter, there were a lot of unhappy guys in baggy pants and irritated girls in low-rise jeans.

"Twenty minutes and gone," one guy was overheard telling a friend, "and they were too rude to even say goodbye."

On the flip side, that was one of the longest 20 minutes of my life, and when the five ladies in Danity Kane suddenly waved goodbye after performing their hit "Show Stopper," I felt like buying a lottery ticket.

That's not to say that they were awful, although who knows what another 10 minutes might have wrought. It's just that Danity Kane is a made-for-TV band -- the winners of Diddy's "Making the Band 3" -- and their appeal fades when removed from the reality show's melodramas, clashes and plot twists.

They can all sing and dance fairly well, and they work hard at connecting with the audience, but Danity Kane is more like an MP3 file come to life than a group of musicians. They're simply product, and on this night, they were a low-value product.

Louisville's Code Red delivered the night's highlight with a rousing version of "For My Cards," a University of Louisville shout-out based on the group's song "For My People."

More than 20 members of U of L's marching band streamed onto the stage, mostly percussion and horn players, although a stray baton twirler was working it. It was a pretty sweet spectacle.

Code Red's set was uniformly sharp, but it was a different experience from the group's strong debut album, "All Aboard." The album is spiced with layers of melodic vocal tracks, but that would be tough to do live. Instead, the band countered with energy and showmanship far beyond that of the headliners.

DJ 2nd Nature opened with around 30 minutes of spinning that was synched to a large screen on stage showing music videos. The Atlanta DJ, who has worked with OutKast, mixed and remixed a wide variety of music from the 1980s to the present.

He also had a sense of humor, flowing from a vintage Bon Jovi clip of "Living on a Prayer" to one from "Family Guy." - Courier-Journal


""All Aboard" Review"

By N. Katers

3.7 out of 5

The evolution of rap music since the early 1990s has been mostly a regression into songs about big booties, bling bling, and hot rides. Acts like Lil’ John and Chingy have left much to be desired in terms of creating a genre of music that is both entertaining (without resorting to innuendo and excessive swearing) and socially conscious (without being too preachy). Wyclef Jean is one artist in particular that has been an exception, with his consistent message against poverty and racial injustice. One more contender may be in the making, with the hot new group Code Red debuting with their CD, “All Aboard.” Certainly, Code Red is not totally innocent of the types of rap music excesses I mentioned before. This group from Louisville does a better job than most in their debut of staying clear of the bling bling, talking about real issues while mixing in some songs about having a good time.

The core members of Code Red, rapper El One and reggae artist Junior Dread, capitalize on the recent success of rap-reggae artists like Sean Paul without repeating the same formula. Code Red seems to be a mixture of Outkast, Sean Paul, and Wyclef Jean with their unique rhythms and explosive lyrics. In songs like “Elbow Room” and “Let Yo Hair Down,” Code Red is celebrating without gloating, highlighting the better parts of life without rubbing gold teeth and diamonds in your face. In fact, “Let Yo Hair Down” is reminiscent of Outkast, which is a considerable compliment for a group making its debut. “Pimp It Out” is a solid song that is reminiscent of Sean Paul-style reggae rap and is a good song in the bar and at parties. There is no shortage of songs that can be played in dance clubs on “All Aboard.”

It isn’t all fun and games on “All Aboard,” however. Both El One and Junior Dread are military veterans and the song “Atomic” is a reggae-driven rap song that speaks to the effects of war on the families of soldiers. “Atomic” is a well-constructed song and it takes a listen or two to catch the general message that war damages the fiber of communities around American and the world. Code Red deals with racial stereotypes and tensions in “Brother Louie,” a song about a white man dating a black woman. The song goes through all of the tensions that happen with interracial dating, including anger by black man that a black woman would be a traitor to her race. While only a few songs on this record deal with social issues, Code Red seems to pick the ones they are most familiar with. The final product is a good song with a genuine message that comes from real experience.

Rappers with a message have come and gone, but a few hang around. Like Wyclef, Code Red stands a good chance of staying in the mainstream rap industry for years to come. Their mixture of reggae and rap is popular now and has been a part of the rap tapestry for the last two decades, so their style won’t go out with the next generation of rapper. While they may remain on a small island of rappers who don’t wholly embrace the superficial lifestyle of their peers, Code Red has certainly made a splash with “All Aboard” and they have the credibility to change a few minds in the process of becoming famous. - Associated Content


Discography

"Summer Jam" #66 on the Mainstream Hit Top 100 with nation wide spins.

Diggin' For What? EP (1999)
Since Forever...'Til Forever (2002)
Reinventing the Game Mix CD Hosted by Bigga Rankin (2006)
All Aboard (2006)

Photos

Bio

HIGHLIGHTS:
• 3 songs remixed for ESPN for use during '06 - '07 college basketball season and NCAA Tournament
• Exclusive Tracks for ESPN.com
• Music featured on MTV's "Yo Momma"
• First single "Summer Jam" reached #66 on Mainstream Hit Top 100
• Winner: Russell Simmons' Hip Hop Summit
• Best of Louisville Winner: LEO Weekly
• Numerous Half Time Shows to crowds of 20,000 - 45,000
• Multiple National College Showcases
• NFL, NBA, Fox Sports, CBS Sports Radio, and NASCAR are "All Aboard"

Formed from the deep indie talent pool of Louisville, Kentucky, Code Red has been the crew to contend with since 1998. With the musical motto “Not Confined, Not Defined,” Code Red bridges the hip hop generation gap with healthy reverence for old school as well as daring reflections of the new school. The result? Their debut album, All Aboard, on Toucan Cove Entertainment/Label X is one of the most eagerly anticipated.

El One Wise, a prolific MC, and Junior Dread, a Jamaican Reggae artist, though having completely different backgrounds, had a mutual desire to create a fresh, pure sound that embraced all the possibilities of lyrics and beats. With El One’s worldly vision and Dread’s fiery energy, the foundation for Code Red was laid. After recruiting super-producer Watz, whose production confidence is matched only by his sense of humor, the group independently released an EP that was recognized for both bangin' rhythm tracks and great hooks. Soon after, the offbeat and experimental MC Manfred joined the crew, and the community started buzzing about Code Red - one of the livest hip hop groups on the come up.

For All Aboard, Label X’s Todd Smith, highly respected for his rock and pop production work, accepted the challenge of aurally capturing four completely unique personalities while keeping the tracks bumping for the heads who like it pure. “Todd understood that our differences make the music unique. Everyone, Todd included, contributed to this album, which is why even though we don’t spit one particular style, every track is Code Red style,” said El One.

From the hard edged mic annihilation on “Elbow Room” and “Atomic” to the playfully frenetic lyrical onslaught of “Let Yo Hair Down,” All Board showcases intense interaction between the MCs, neckbending beats and tight production. Continued El One, “Every track is Code Red with a twist…it's consistent, but you're not going to hear the same thing 14 times in a row. We went in a lot of directions, but in the end, it’s all true to who we are.”

What’s also true to Code Red is social commentary. Last spring, “Gimme a Reason” was released to radio, and the resulting response was indicative of Code Red’s impact. The song is about war, particularly the current Iraqi War, but really about any military conflict, and how the conflict becomes internal to soldiers. “It’s not anti-war or anti-soldier. It shows the dual face of being in the military and what real soldiers think,” explained El One, who is not an outsider, but a soldier himself. As is Dread. Both were Army men stationed at Fort Knox, and while El has been in military life longer than civilian life, Dread is a Desert Storm vet. Both walk the walk, and talking the talk created a song that keeps listeners thinking and remembering.

Code Red live shows are unforgettable, a power surge that has heated the stage for 50 Cent, Busta Rhymes, T.I., Nelly, Chris Brown, Wyclef Jean, Mystikal, Nappy Roots, and Atmosphere to name only a few.