DOPE SANDWICH

Note to Editors: Dope Sandwich Productions is a Savannah-based hip hop collective featuring some of the city’s most talented DJs and MCs. Their first collaborative CD was released in 2006, titled The Walking Sick, and several members have recently released solo albums, including Knife’s 2000 Yard Stare, Zone D and Blue Collar’s LP=EP Squared, and Basik Lee’s A Bunch of Crazy Shit.

Besides hosting large scale events like “The Dopest Show on Earth” or January’s “Abominable Snow Jam,” the group also hosts regular events at B&B’s (upstairs) the last Friday of every month, and at Hangfire the first and third Friday of every month. They can also be seen at the Jinx Hip Hop Night every Tuesday.

Media Contact: Patrick Rodgers
(912) 660.4817
patrick@pressplaypublicity.com

- Press Play

For Immediate Release:
Media Contact: Patrick Rodgers
Press Play Public Relations
patrick@pressplaypublicity.com
912.660.4817

The Re-Up, a new monthly hip hop event in Charleston, kicks off April 26th at 10PM

Charleston, SC - The Re-Up is a new monthly event, held the last Saturday of every month at the Black Kart (corner of King and John St. above Joe Pasta), hosted by the raw talents from Dope Sandwich Productions. The event will feature a variety of the illest MCs and DJs, as well as special guest appearances by artists from around the country. The inaugural Re-Up will happen April 26th at the Black Kart at 10PM.

Dope Sandwich Productions is a hip hop collective based in Savannah, GA who have toured extensively with nationally recognized artists, and made a name for themselves throughout the Southeast as one of the pre-eminent, southern underground hip hop groups. Their reputation for putting on a great live show stems from their focus on staying true to the four elements of hip hop, and they regularly include MCs, DJs, breakdancers and graffiti exhibitions as part of their events, creating a multi-media hip hop happening rather than a simple stage show.

DSP has released three albums to date, a compilation CD titled The Walking Sick (2006), as well as solo efforts from DSP artists including Knife's 2000 Yard Stare (2007) and Zone D and Blue Collar's LP=EP Squared. To check out their music, you can visit www.myspace.com/dopesandwichmusic, or preview whole albums on CD Baby or iTunes.

The group has also produced three stunning music videos in the last year, including:
Knife, "Pariah": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrxwPYhWmWk
Basik Lee, "Again": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drJ5DvfBaeE
Blue Collar, "Bottom's Up":http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIGYj1N4_xw

To confirm coverage, arrange interviews or obtain artwork, please contact Patrick Rodgers: patrick@pressplaypublicity.com, 912.660.4817

For more information about "The Re-Up," contact Jon Darling:
dopesandwich@yahoo.com, 704.634.4289

###

Artist Bio:
From the depths of the dirty south comes proof that true school hip hop doesn't care what's on the radio. Forget crunk music and trap stars, Dope Sandwich Productions is out to show that the Southern underground is really where the talent is. Repping Savannah, GA, the city that produced legendary talents like Big Boi and Camoflauge, the Dope Sandwich crew is composed of ill talents that span the spectrum of hip hop styles, from high-octane party beats and raw punchlines to jazz-infused, headnodding tracks with intelligent appeal. A collaboration of some of the city's sickest MCs, DJs and producers, Dope Sandwich is like the Wu-Tang Clan raised on comic books rather than crack sales.
With a crew that embodies all the elements of hip hop-a talented mix of MCs, DJs, graf artists and breakdancers-Dope Sandwich single-handedly resurrected the hip hop scene in Savannah, hosting a notorious weekly event with some of the nastiest MC battles south of the Mason-Dixon line, flooding the streets with The Pillage mixtape series, and touring from Florida to Brooklyn. Following the success of their debut compilation, The Walking Sick (2006), the Dope Sandwich crew is getting some for self, following the divide and conquer strategy, dropping a series of solo albums including Knife's 2000 Yard Stare, Blue Collar and Zone D's LP=EP2, Basik Lee's A Bunch of Crazy Shit, and Blue Collar's 25 Wasted Years. These joints are the new era, it's the return of real hip hop to the South.
Born from the creative pool of a half dozen MCs and a handful of producers and DJs, the Dope Sandwich sound can't be pigeon-holed or put in a neatly wrapped box; it is hip hop at its purest:Bringing knowledge. insight, experience and a healthy dose of boasting laced over the top of some infectious beats, the Dope Sandwich crew has made a name for themselves with block rocking live shows, backed by DJs Life and Valis, and their live band, The Co-Workers. Their proven skills have allowed them to share the stage with artists stretching from coast to coast like Akrobatic, The Souls of Mischief, Psyche Origami, X:144 & SPS, Kaze, Simple Complexity and DJ Lord, to name just a few.

- PRESS PLAY

savannah’s hip-hop works our dirty south
interview with Dope Sandwich
by christina wagner

WHAT: Dope Sandwich at Summertime in the City

WHERE: Downtown Jacksonville

WHEN: Sunday, July 15th

Thank God hip-hop is finally turning around. This collective project, consisting of an overwhelming nine MCs with two DJs holding it all together, creates an extremely complex and well-distributed sound that touches down on several exciting points of the musical horizon. From the politically aggressive track, ‘Again,’ where the vocals seem to punch harder than the beats, barely leaving time for breaths, to the breezy, laid back and vocal-driven ‘Hello,’ with an acoustic guitar backdrop that holds it all together, Dope Sandwich reminds me of old Cue Estey. They have a lot to say and I enjoy every word. Be sure to check them out online at myspace.com/dopesandwichmusic and you can catch their live set at the Summertime in the City here in Jacksonville on July 15th.



EU: How did the group form?

DS: We are all transplants from other states. Some of us came to Savannah for school, some came to work, but we all shared at least one thing in common. Hip-hop.



EU: In the track ‘The Cycle,’ you talk about just that, breaking the vicious cycle our youth engages in with drugs, guns and overall crime. How do you think we can solve this problem and do you plan on helping out as well?

DS: As soon as we can make a difference in our own lives, we will reach out and help those that we can. I’d like to start working with the Boys and Girls Club, to start, but it’s like when you’re on an airplane and the oxygen masks come down, you need to get yourself straight before attempting to assist others.



EU: You guys are operating with nine MCs and two DJs. Scheduling shows and rehearsals must be difficult. How do you exist as a group without killing each other?

DS: Rehearsals? I think we rehearsed one time. This all started from freestyling and having fun. We usually make a base outline of how the set will go, but always leave room for some improv! Keep it fun, not regimented. As far as not killing one another, give it some time. We try not to whack our own family members.



EU: I’ve heard from bands that Savannah is a strange market. Even with SCAD being there, I’ve been told that it’s difficult pulling kids out to shows. Any truth to this?

DS: Oh Yeah, like anywhere else, you have to promote. We have a decent following here now, thank God, so our shows fill up these days. Don’t get me wrong, we have played so many dead shows we should be credited for community service.



EU: Savannah is famous for being one of the most haunted cities in America. Have you ever been visited?

DS: Personally, no. I’ve heard a lot of ghost stories but I think all the tourist rides, ghost tours and restaurants need to get a life instead of telling bullshit stories. They make fortunes off gullible rednecks.



EU: On the track ‘Hello,’ you feature some really great vocals. Who does the singing?

DS: Our boy Pat from “Street Circus Symphony.” They’re a band here in Savannah that we hang out with. You’ve got Dope Sandwich, Street Circus Symphony and Passafire. That would be one hell of a show!



EU: I have yet to see you perform live, how does your live performance differ from your recorded tracks?

DS: We add more flavor to the live set. We let the MCs incorporate some freestyle word games with the audience, the DJs get to cut more and we try to keep the energy flowing back and forth between the crowd and the stage.



EU: You’re neighbors (sort of) with Atlanta, the hip-hop capitol of the south. How do they receive you? Good response?

DS: Who? Atlanta is actually one place we haven’t been. We’ve played in many cities up and down the coast, but not the ATL! I don’t think it matters. We’ll get there when we can. We like Jacksonville.



EU: How would you describe your style to someone that has never heard of you?

DS: Straight up hip-hop, shaken not stirred.



EU: Which do you prefer? Orange juice or Sunny D?

DS: Five Alive, of whatever is two for five! - EU

Dope Sandwich collective hosts big bash on Tybee
Joel Weickgenant | Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at 12:30 pm

Dope Sandwich Productions


Savannah's Dope Sandwich hip-hop collective is hosting an all-day party on Tybee Island.

"The Dopest Show on Earth," taking place Sunday, will feature acts ranging from Dope's DJs to the death pop of Pink Kodiak and will run from early afternoon to 2 a.m. at Cafe Loco.

"We played there last November during the 'Savannah Heat, Music and Motorcycle Festival,' so we figured that would be the perfect place for us to do it," said DJ Valis (Jonathan Darling). Valis explains below:

DO: Tell us about the various acts.

DJ Valis: Acts will range from acoustic, funk, soul, R&B, rock, reggae/ska, live MCs, DJs. It's going to be a lot of different styles blending into this show. I think it's going to be one interesting day of live music performances, mostly outdoors. After 11 p.m., when the youngsters leave, we will continue performances and DJs inside until 2 a.m.

DO: For our readers who don't know about Dope Sandwich, tell us the idea behind the collective.

DJ Valis: I get asked that question a lot. Honestly, what we are doing now is evolving from a crew of friends with one real strong common bond: hip-hop and the way we do it. From the B-Boys (who can be seen on River Street), DJs, MCs, producers, graphic artists, we all just come together and unite to form what really is known as Dope Sandwich. On the other hand, we have recently become a legitimate record label and have built enough structure so that everyone involved has a job to do, whether it's to perform, design, record, produce, mix, advertise, plan tours, plan events, even package and distribute. We just want to represent our part of it. We are everything from your common waiter at Lady & Sons, to the guys installing your new granite counter tops, or making you a sandwich at a deli, but we are striving for bigger goals every day. Please remember that when tipping and complaining about service!

DO: Tell us about the members' side projects.

DJ Valis: Science Friktion, also known as DJ Life, has released a mix CD called "No Additives, No Preservatives." He's moving to Atlanta soon so he dropped this as a going away gift to Savannah's underground hip-hop heads and hip-hop beginners. Valis is working on too many things at once, but as soon as he chills out and finds the time (September), he'll drop something for everyone, too.

Otherwise you can catch us at B&B's the last Friday of every month for some real live showcases featuring ourselves, The Dope Sandwich Crew of MCs, as well as some new, upcoming, out-of-town traveling acts.

Also, every first and third Friday of the month The Dope DJs will be at Hangfire, starting on May 2.

Our next album "Mentally Ill" is currently in the making, as well as Blue Collar's "The Due Date."

DO: What can people expect Sunday?

DJ Valis: You're getting the combined efforts of us, all of our friends, contributors, and Cafe Loco to give to you, the public, one full day to kick back, relax, enjoy live music, eat, drink, be merry, and most importantly, to throw your stress out the window.

- Savannah Morning News

JANUARY 22, 2008
You ain't seen nothin' Yeti
Local hip-hop collective Dope Sandwich’s Abominable Snow Jam

BY JIM REED
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Dope Sandwich Productions
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FOR A COUPLE OF YEARS NOW, a large group of rappers, musicians, DJs, break-dancers, promoters and recording engineers calling themselves The Dope Sandwich have been slowly changing the face of Savannah’s live and recorded hip-hop scene.

Initially hooking up for nothing other than the sheer love of classic hip-hop culture, The Dope Sandwich first came to local prominence through their members’ regular appearances at The Jinx’s weekly Tuesday night outlet for alternative hip-hop. Since then, the group’s members have —alone and together— released some mightily impressive ultra-indie CDs, formed a live band to back up their MCs, and taken their show on the road, playing gigs as far away as New York City and parts of the Midwest.

This Friday, the organization throws their most elaborate and inclusive concert event to date. Dubbed The Abominable Snow Jam, and patterned after similar events in other major cities, it seeks to showcase a wide spectrum of positive, hip-hop related art and music — starting with an outdoor, all-ages party featuring DJs, break-dancers, BBQ and the creation of a graffiti mural which will be auctioned off later in the night, after the show moves indoors and becomes an adult, 21+ gig.

The lineup includes such acts as The Co-Workers, Knife, DJ Science Friktion, Mars Ill, SOL Essential, Simple Complexity, Basik Lee and more. We spoke with organizer John Darling (aka DJ Valis) about what makes The Dope Sandwich crew unique.

Why throw such an event?

John Darling: We’d travel to other cities and our friends were doing things like this once or twice a year. It’s so hard to find this subculture in the regular club scene.

Was it hard to convince out of town acts to take part in the Abominable Snow Jam?

John Darling: Not at all. We’ve played with everyone on this bill more than once in other cities. This is to help establish a legitimate hip-hop scene outside of The Jinx. I mean, thank God for The Jinx, ‘cause that was the only place where everybody could go and actually practice on a stage. But there’s more to us than just a Tuesday night.

Local rap has centered on drugs and crime, whereas Dope Sandwich’s does not. Have you been embraced by gangsta and thug rappers?

John Darling: We know each other and get along fine. There are some standout guys in that scene, like Lo-Key, who you’ll probably hear a lot from. At the end of the day, we’re all trying to sell albums or get paid for a show. But see, for us, this is fun. The crazy crunk southern guys who just talk about money and trouble (laughs), they’re basically businessmen trying to make a lot of dough. And it sounds like it. It doesn’t have any soul.



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But that’s what they were raised on. We’re all transplants. I’m from New York. We’ve been here for a few years, but our influences are a lot different.

What would you say to convince someone who’s not into hip-hop to see the show?

John Darling: Come to learn about the whole culture. This is designed to be a perfect introduction to hip-hop. Some of us are getting up there. I mean, I’m 30! We grew up with the original shit, and this is a good way for youngsters to get a real taste of bare-knuckles, real-deal hip-hop. - Connect

10/28/08 Jinx ($0 - 10:00pm)
need to make corrections? click here

Savannah's most positive, energetic hip hop nite ever. Highlighting underground hip hop including local artists hosted by Basik Lee of Dope Sandwich, with DJ DFROST on the tables with live MC freestyle battles and breakdancing. It's always a good time, even if you're not into hip hop, it's just a great vibe with some great people !

- ...internet?

 
Savannah's illest hip hop crew is heading out on the TOUR OF DUTY for Fall 2008, Four MC's 
and one DJ— KNIFE, BASIK LEE, ZONE D, RIGHTEOUS, and DJ VALIS— from Savannah, GA‐
based record label Dope Sandwich will be touring this November with WILLIE EVANS JR. 
(Rawkus Records, HipHopHell) during a three week trip called the TOUR OF DUTY. Heading 
up and down the east coast, the tour will end with a set of shows in New England with 
Akrobatik, including shows in Boston, Providence and New York City. The Dope Sandwich 
crew has earned a rep throughout the Southeast and beyond for their block rocking live 
shows, and has shared stages with underground hip hop notables including Akrobatik, Souls 
of Mischief, Psyche Origami, DJ Lord, Tanya Morgan, Oh No, The Cunninglynguists, and 
Simple Complexity, to name just a few. 
 A collaboration of some of the city's sickest MCs, DJs and producers, Dope Sandwich is like 
the Wu‐Tang Clan raised on comic books rather than crack sales. Since their debut release 
of 2006’s compilation 
The Walking Sick
, the label has released several successful albums, 
and they will be debuting several new projects on the TOUR OF DUTY including a live album 
DSP Live
, and a new DVD 
Dope Sandwich Presents: Still Sick
, featuring four videos and an 
audio disc with new unreleased material along with several old favorites. To check out 
music, or for more information, visit: www.myspace.com/dopesandwichmusic 
 Dope Sandwich Discography: 
Label Compilation: 
The Walking Sick
 (2006), Knife: 
2000 Yard Stare
 (2007), Zone D & Blue 
Collar: 
LP=EP Squared
 (2007), Basik Lee: 
A Bunch of Crazy Shit
 (2008), Basik Lee: 
28 Beats 
Later
 (2008), Label Compilation: 
DSP Live
 (2008), DVD: 
Still Sick
 (2008) 
Upcoming releases from Righteous, Zone D, Blue Collar and a new label comp called 
Mentally Ill 
 
Albums are available at CDBaby.com and the iTunes Music Store, among others. 
 To check out videos for the singles:  
Knife ‐ "Pariah" ‐ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yrxwPYhWmWk 
Basik Lee ‐ "Again" ‐ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drJ5DvfBaeE 
Basik Lee, Righteous and Lyrix – “Here I Am” ‐ 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6WPdCoVfmmQ 
Blue Collar – “Bottoms Up” ‐ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GIGYj1N4_xw 
 Media Contact: Patrick Rodgers, patrick@pressplaypublicity.com, 912.660.4817 
Booking/Management: Jon Darling, jon.darling@me.com, 704.634.4289 
- PressPlay