Hunnidt Waze

Waddup! It’s Amir Diamond (@WhosYourDiamond) and I’ve been following @Onehunnidt for a few years now. I met him back when I had my internet radio show at U of H. I was searching for dope local artists to feature on my program, and when I came across his mixtape “Keep It 100,” I knew he had to be one of them! That project went on to become The Best Mixtape of 2012 (awarded by the Houston Press). ‘Hunnidt also ended up walking away as the “Best Solo Rapper” too! This dude is very talented and I cannot wait to hear what he’s cooking up next! Watch our conversation below to find out almost everything you need to know about…ONEHUNNIDT - KBXX 97.9 The Box

On Thursday, May 8th, 2014, The Icons debuted in Houston.
Though most of Houston’s local talent aren’t yet household names, for one night at least, those looking to ascend to that lofty status made a convincing case for why they may one day deserve that title.
Led by The Numbers Committee leader OneHunnidt and Houston pop princess Imani Rose, lyrics, rap and rhythm collided as they took to the stage of house-turned-venue Avant Garden down Westheimer Avenue for the “The ICONS” event, organized and assembled by Houston Trend Magazine. Save being based out of Houston, the two acts couldn’t be any more different. And yet, they found a way to intertwine their styles, resulting in an event where pop officially met hip-hop in a fresh and unique way.
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One part poet, one part rapper OneHunnidt maneuvered the crowd with ease, performing with energy and playing off the audience’s anticipation of his (still) upcoming Field Sobriety project. Playing yin to yang, Imani Rose proved that some people are just extremely hard to dislike. She literally made the crowd embrace her and her catchy tunes, all the while strutting and primping across the stage in true diva fashion.
Loved it.
Artwork displayed casually throughout the room also added to the laid-back yet comfortable vibe of The Icons event. All this to say that you’d do well to be on the lookout for what each has still to come.
The Vibe: Good people. Good music.
Overheard: “That food truck outside? I died and walked into heaven.” - DayandADream.com

To some, it may seem as though Onehunnidt has been slumbering off in the abyss for the past year since the drop of his Houston Press awarded mixtape, Keep It Onehunnidt, but the Jealous, TX, rapper has been anything but sleep. In fact, he’s alive and well and orchestrating his comeback. “Everybody thought I had been sleeping or thought I was being complacent or lazy by not dropping a project last year, but really I wanted to re-gather my thoughts and have a strategy behind it.”

Onehunnidt has been grinding consistently on his new project, Field Sobriety, slated to drop this month. “I have a collection of CDs that I’m working on right now and I’m going to put them out in chronological order. All of them have titles that are related to alcohol with a double meaning leading up to the last CD DWI. They’re going to talk about everything you assume that has anything to do with alcohol: the light life women, partying, drinking, sex songs, club songs, trap songs, but specifically in Field Sobriety, it’s a test of character. It’s me explaining that I do some time glamorize and partake in these things, but at the same time I know I’m growing up. I’m a man and I’ve already experienced a lot of that, so it might not necessarily be the right thing for me. The songs are going to transition back and forth, from both sides of the story because to me as a human being and a young black male in this society, nobody is the same way all the time. Nobody wakes up the same.”

With being an underground artist, Onehunnidt is very aware of the stipulations that are cast on many artists and himself to fulfill certain expectations, but for him its more about creating a relatable feel to his audience. “They try to put people in boxes, especially musicians. If you make intelligent music, they want you to be conscious and you can’t come out with a trap song. If Lupe Fiasco came out with a Chief Keef song, it would mess everybody head up. They put us in these categories and you kind of have to stick in that lane. I’ve never been that type of person to front and be something I wasn’t. If I can put out music that relates to different attitudes and moods, then it will be more real to people. My name is Onehunnidt for a reason. Field Sobriety is the first part of a bigger plan to explain all these different moods. Its also a different project because I’m talking about real life personal experiences. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done because its not for me anymore, its relatable to the people.”

OnehunnidtMany know Onehunnidt for pouring out his emotions into his music, on everything, from dealing with the passing of his brother and the tainted relationship with his father. When Onehunnidt faces obstacles its heard through his lyrics and the passion is tremendously felt, especially with his “Father’s Day” song. “If you listen to the song, it sounds really rough and I notice it a little more now. I wrote that song in like 10 minutes on my Blackberry. The first time I heard the beat it instantly came to me. Those are the best type of songs to me, when you don’t have to sit and think on it and you’re not forcing it. That’s a real life story. Those are my real emotions of how I feel about that situation and I had to do it. I was going through a lot and that relationship with my dad and how it was with my brother, still affects me to this day and I knew someone would feel it and I knew that I had to do it, so I wouldn’t walk around being this angry person without a way to explain it. That’s something we talk about on Field Sobriety, mentioning that you can’t treat the world a certain way because of what has happened to you in the past.

Being a part of The Numbers Committee, has also been an intricate part in Onehunnidt’s maturity in realizing that to be the best, you have to surround yourself with people who want to be the best.
I had to gather myself with people who wanted a change for themselves and the best way to do it as a unit and to support each other. I’m surrounded by people that I completely believe in and we are all different. You can’t put two of us side by side and personality wise or music wise it be the same and that’s how I know its going to work.
Never wanting to miss out on success, Onehunnidt keeps his grind synonymous with his dreams because just as big as his dreams are his hunger to support his family is even greater. “I struggle; I don’t sleep. We all have a purpose that we were made for and some of us never get to achieve it or even attempt. I don’t want to be that guy. If I have to die old with regrets, then I would rather die right now and since I’m not dead yet, I’m going to pursue this. I believe its going to be what puts my children through college, what gets my mama a house. A lot of people are depending on me and waiting on that, so now its not even an if I make it, it’s a when. Everyday I’m trying to put my pieces in order, so I can live up to all the potential that I was granted. Its inevitable.”

Onehunnidt has freed himself from the past to make room for the future and his attitude has now transformed his musical abilities into a new perspective, allowing him to be who he was always meant to be. “Now I feel like I’ve come into my own. I’ve seen the ups and downs of rushing something and just giving it, trying to do too much for others and I’ve got to sit back and watch other people’s mistakes. I’ve seen that I can still be relevant without putting out a project, so now I know how to tie it all together and now its time to show people what I’m really all about. This is my real life therapy, my gift to the world, whether you like it or hate it. I think that I have a very exciting story and I’m still trying to get to the successful part. From this point on, there will be no doubt. This is my stamp to the world and from here on out you’re going to know that I’m one of the best that’s doing this.” - Houston Trend Magazine

In a fun way, Houston's rap class has jumped into hyperdrive in terms of creating memorable content and records. At times it could be categorized in any of the following aspects: personable, eccentric, braggadocious, stoic. No Houston rap release in 2013 felt like an artist was mired in the same sort of creative muck that may have plagued him or her before. Everybody brought it in one way or another.
Which makes this abridged 2014 preview that more important.

There shall be no shortage of Houston rap tapes in the coming year. The pesky part is actually remembering who exactly is dropping music and when could you even expect it to penetrate your eardrums, speakers and social media contacts. Since release dates are as flimsy as can be, here are ten of the more notable projects coming in 2014.

OneHunnidt, Field Sobriety

In the near three-year capsule of OneHunnidt's stretching his spoken-word talents into a fully established rap career, a few things have changed. One, his crew of rappers and singers deemed The Numb3rs Committee stretches from here to Mississippi, but he is its undisputed leader and glue guy.
Second, he's now an accomplished rapper, as his Keep It 100 tape picked up two 2012 Houston Press Music Awards. The slow build to Field Sobriety has been met with a few easily appreciated leaks such as "Dick Vitale" and the large Houston rap foray "Jealous, TX" with Le$, UZOY, Roosh Williams, DeLorean. Knowing him, not a single member of the Numb3rs Committee won't have a helping hand in this. - Houston Press

Onehunnidt

Another Houston artist who made a lot of noise this year. A few years ago, Onehunnidt started out doing spoken word, then eventually let his lyrical talents shine in the form of rapping. He brings a different sound that has won the hearts of fans nationally. Although he didn't release a project this year, he maintained his buzz by releasing music on a consistent basis and performing on stages with large crowds. His talent is special, and its something about his delivery that makes you want more. - She Bloggin

Onehunnidt is a Houston rapper who won two Houston Press awards in 2012 and just dropped a single called ‘Jealous, Tx’ which got an incredible response from fans and blogs alike. I had a chance to do a quick interview with him. This is an artist that you need to get familiar with.

When did you start rapping?
As a hobby I’ve been rapping since 13. Didn’t take things more seriously until 2012

Where are you originally from?
Born in Houston, Texas. Raised in Houston and El Campo, Texas

Which artists inspired you to start doing music?
Lauryn Hill, Tupac, and all the original H Town legends

Many people think hip hop is all about collaborations. What artist would you love to collaborate with?
Nas, Marsha Ambrosius, Andre 3000

What makes your music stand out from other artists?
I come from a poetry background I include that element with alot of my song structure and patterns. In addition to that I bring a rare combination of story telling of real life experiences into my content. I am a more personable artist than most.

When you’re not making music, what do you like to do in your free time?
Spending time with my children, reading, traveling and art. I paint, draw, and writing.

What is your favorite album of all time?
Lauryn Hill – Unplugged. The emotions of that album have gotten me through a lot of difficult life experiences. Second would have to be Jay Z The Black Album


What do you want people to take from your music after they listen?
I want them to know my story and know that its real. I want them to help keep the memory of my deceased brother alive. I want them to know that being yourself and honest about your flaws is okay even though society and most artists tell us differently everyday.

Is there any advice you’d like to give to young aspiring rappers?
Don’t quit! There are thousands if not millions of people trying to do the same thing you are. Because of that, there are more critics than fans and everyone will try to talk you out of pursuing your dream. If this is really your calling never give up. Grow everyday, focus on what you are good at and think positive!

Where do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Living on an island with millions sold, books and movies in stores, awards won and financial security set to take care of my family
Stalk Onehunnidt
Twitter: @Onehunnidt - Spotlight Junkie

Word up, H-Town! It’s the new kid at 97.9 The Box: Amir Diamond (@WhosYourDiamond). I’ve been under the radar lately, but that’s only because I’ve been searching for some of the next BIG superstars that are emerging from our city.

Now…these aren’t your typical, modern-day, one-hit-wonder, self-proclaimed “Rap Gods.” These are people who take their craft seriously! These are the MVP’s. Number One Draft Picks. Take a look and a listen at this list I compiled of 20 artists we think will make Houston even hotter next year! #SupportLocalMusic!

Onehunnidt

What You Need To Know: He’s his own brand! He has his own website and merchandise. His social media game is on point. He draws, paints and has some of the best marketing strategies I’ve ever heard of. He’s the next president. Lol - 97.9 The Box - Houston's #1 Station for Hip Hop and R&B

OneHunnidt is making a name for himself by sticking to his brand of ‘Keeping it 100' so to speak.
This Houston Press Award Winning Artist gathered almost every dope artist in Houston to submit their feelings on a track that discusses the topic of what happens once one’s success starts to outshine others. Listen to the song and let us know if you like it…love it…or if you’re just jealous! LOL
“Jealous, Texas” – OneHunnidt feat. Delorean, Roosh Williams, LE$, Rob Gullatte and Uzoy

- 97.9 The Box - Houston's #1 Station for Hip Hop and R&B

The Cool Club Tour feat. Scotty, League of Extraordinary Gz, Kyle Hubbard, Onehunnidt, Show, Rob Gullatte, K-Rino.

Jet Lounge

January 27, 2013

Early Monday morning, Scotty, a rather lanky ATLien, rocked within the crowd to finish off his set and the Houston leg of his "The Cool Club" tour, presented by Houston-based Internet portal Optimo Radio. It felt apropos, given the intimacy that Jet Lounge offers as a performance venue. The club's stage doesn't offer much space, daring an artist to connect with the fans via sheer personality.

Much like the rest of #NewAtlanta, Scotty has that -- and then some. After his set, he openly remarked about loving reality television as one of his guilty pleasures and chatted up some fans before finally leaving, not before whipping up his Jiffy Cornbread Experience to a new audience.

If you're curious, yes, his last project was titled The Jiffy Cornbread Experience. It remains one of the best soul-food-inspired mixtapes I've had the pleasure of sampling based on the name alone.
Scotty flirted with his lineage on "My Granddaddy Car" and bounced around maniacally on "Too Cool," urging fans to help him assault the idea of being too above something; the crowd mostly obliged. He didn't wax heavily on lyrics or prove-I-can-rap a cappellas, but kept up the solid groove that had been built up by the numerous openers before him.


League of Extraordinary Gz
If you've never pieced together how an eight-man rap outfit could barrel their way through a performance like a bull in a china shop, then you haven't seen Austin's the League of Extraordinary Gz. They've been pulling off the touring aspect of these kinds of shows for a while now, and regardless if it's in a small club or an outdoor venue somewhere in Georgia, you can expect the League to dispense weed raps layered on top social commentary and the ever-so rowdy Nirvana flip of "Wake Yo Bitch Ass Up." Sunday, they even allowed a few gasps to be taken to inhale the fun moments of their latest EP The Plug, including the afrobeat-laden "Hankuri!" and "Billie Jean."
Even though they come from completely separate backgrounds and operate in nearly different lanes, OneHunnidt and Kyle Hubbard both make Houston rap great. Performance-wise, Hunnidt has easily improved from being a poet who rapped as a form of venting into simply a pretty good rapper.

Hubbard, meanwhile, has casually made his approach of being an everyday guy who handles a microphone in his spare time a neat little thing, despite his constantly being backed into the "underrated rapper by default." corner. It's almost like watching a stripped down version of Bruce Wayne before he turns into Batman (I'm referring to Grant Morrison's twist on Batman, in the way Hubbard is one of those non-linear rappers, as opposed to your traditional Caped Crusader.)


Operating in a condensed sort of manner is how Optimo Radio works. It may not have the cache of some bigger Internet stations, but its quality constantly gets its name drummed up for local awards when the time is right.
Piecing together an underground rap show that encompassed both the backpack spectrum (Hubbard), the street spectrum (Rob Gullatte and Show, who each got some time to run through some of their best 2012 material), and underappreciated legends such as K-Rino, Big Gerb and Renzo sort of practices exactly what Optimo preaches on air. A little honesty in that regard never hurt anybody.

The Crowd: Appreciative of the booze and raps.

Crowd Quotables: "This was my first rap show ... rock shows are a little better, but I won't mind another one."

Random Notebook Dump: #NewAtlanta almost runs in the same model as #NewHouston did a year or so ago. It's not a style jack, but merely charts the new influx of young Atlanta talent onto the city's radio airwaves and national mags. There are plenty of them. Here? A long battle we're still trying to understand. - Houston Press

Houston Press Best Rapper of 2012, OneHunnidt and the infamous OG RON C dropped the Chopped Not Slopped version of his mixtape, “Keep It 100? in November…. A must have! I downloaded the original when it first dropped, and immediately uploaded it to my iPad and iPhone. I’m so H-Town i just might have to switch that one out with this one!



OneHunnidt stands out so much from the stereotypical Houston hip-hop artist. I’m pretty excited to see where OneHunnidt will be in say… 2015. He’s won the Coast2Coast DJs 2012 SXSW Competition, Houston Press Best Solo Artist and more. A lot of artists just don’t nurture their careers properly now and days… Toxin #Salutes you OneHunnidt! Your music is well composed, contains intellectual spoken word and you even kept it trill on that No Place Like Home….

“It makes you fall in love with each track all over again just in a different place and time, they say screw music can have that type of effect.”

Listen to his latest releases, Feature Attraction + Keep It 100 below. Leave your feedback in the comments area below! - Toxin Magazine

OneHunnidt – KeepIt100
The Numbers Committee; 2012
Day & A Dream Rating: 4.0 out of 5
DOWNLOAD: DatPiff
When you adopt a cliche mantra, people tend to expect some things. This is certainly true for Houston rapper OneHunnidt, whose name is derived from the popular phrase and mentality of “keeping it 100? (being true to oneself at all times). And when your album is titled KeepIt100, it’s expected not only that you’ll bring honesty, but literally 100% of yourself in terms of performance and quality.
KeepIt100, much like its creator himself, is multifaceted, layered, and all about defying expectations and conventions. You really can’t “expect” anything from any of the album’s tracks other than… well, the unexpected, if that makes sense.
Take “Victoria’s Secret,” for example. Deceptively given the title of the popular women’s clothing line – and therefore leading this writer to expect it to be a slow jam-esque song – “Victoria’s Secret” turns out to be a harrowing narrative about a girl caught up in the wrong things, propelled forward by a hypnotic thumping beat from producer Digital Beatz and Jodii B Basik’s nice voice on the hook. That’s not the only surprise on KeepIt100 - the South East Beast himself, Doughbeezy, pops up as a solid feature on “Salute You.” And OneHunnidt does his very best impression of Flo’Rida on “Overload.” In fact, the Big Rus-produced track sounds more fitting for a dance club but is surprisingly infectious.
OneHunnidt’s approach throughout the album seems more like a boxer’s than a rapper’s – well-paced and poised for the opportune time to strike and deliver. How so? Well, OneHunnidt immediately appeals to local listeners by making as the album’s second track the Texas ode “No Place Like Home,” name dropping many popular Houston rappers and classic songs associated with the great state. Eleven tracks later, the aptly-titled “Unfckwitable” arrives to not only completely change the mood of the album, but to usher in KeepIt100‘s very different-sounding final few songs, as well. “Unfckwitable” is every bit as hype as its title suggests. An ode to that invincible feeling one often gets when liquored up their confidence is through the roof and everything is going your way, and peppered with pointed one-liners such as “My outcome is income“ and “you ain’t gotta show me love – show me respect,” “Unfckwitable” is undeniably anthemic. It’s a track you’d bump first thing in the morning when you wake up to get going, but proceed with caution (because messing around and telling your boss you’re “unfckwitable” might get you fired. Yeah.)
But OneHunnidt does his best to “keep it 100? and be honest and transparent throughout the album. KeepIt100‘s radio interview interlude, which could have been – like make rappers often make it on their albums – a skit. OneHunnidt instead uses it as an opportunity to soberly address the Trayvon Martin incident, in the process setting up a context for the following track “America.” And “Father’s Day” falls in the same category with Drake’s “Look What You’ve Done” as being one of the more heartstring-jerking songs in hip-hop in recent memory. Backed by a rock guitar, “Father’s Day” is guaranteed to stay with you long after the song ends, especially because of the audio clip at the song’s end of OneHunnidt and his real-life son counting down the alphabet. (The Chopstars Remix of “Father’s Day’s,” also present on the album, takes away from the song’s emotional impact, but is a great chopped & slopped listen, especially given that it replaces the rock guitar with a church organ and military-march drums)
At his album release/”appreciation event” back in June, local Houston artist OneHunnidt distributed posters that bore the slogan, “Mentally out of touch with many in arms reach.” This would be my primary concern about #KeepIt100 – it’s not a stretch to compare OneHunnidt to early Lupe Fiasco, in the sense that he layers and blends metaphors and wordplay quite seamlessly on top of each other. Consequently, the double meanings and messages in some of the lines on some songs, like “Father’s Day” and “The Rain” featuring Scooter, may go over a few people’s heads.
But maybe Houston hip-hop needs that – that voice that dares to be conscious and distinct, that challenges its listeners to decipher rather than be complacent with call-and-response choruses. While OneHunnidt still has much improvement to make, Keep It 100 is certainly a step towards that. - dayandadream.com

The mixtape is presented by Coast 2 Coast Mixtape Promotions

Miami, FL (PRWEB) June 05, 2012
Hip-hop artist Onehunnidt recently released the mixtape, “Keep It 100.” The project is presented by Coast 2 Coast and is now available for free download. The mixtape features Onehunnidt with appearances by Chelsey Bell, Scooter, Rasta Immortal, Doughbeezy, Jodii B, and Knscry.
Onehunnidt is a Houston, Texas rapper/poet who started recording music and performing poetry at the age of 11. His name comes from the southern saying, “keep it one hundred,” which refers to being 100% honest and true to your word. He prides himself in not being afraid to go against the status quo, by talking about his life experiences of struggles and happiness through an honest perspective.
To date Onehunnidt has performed at various events including open mics, and has opened for artists such as Lupe Fiasco, Trae tha Truth, 2 Chainz, Twista and Short Dawg. He has been featured in the Houston Trend Magazine, The Brad Gilmore Show, Gossip Runway TV, SouthernMuscleRadio.com, and The Houston Press. Onehunnidt is also the winner of the 2012 Coast 2 Coast SXSW Showcase.
“Keep It 100” is now available for free streaming and download.

About Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes

Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes are the most widely distributed mixtapes in the world, with over 100 million downloads/plays generated by over 200 volumes officially hosted by major artists. Coast 2 Coast has a solid reach in the new music industry with a digital magazine, DJ coalition, industry tips blog, yearly convention, and more. Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes represents a unique opportunity for artists of all urban genres, from major to indie. For more information, visit http://www.coast2coastmixtapes.com.
Ashton Lynne
Coast 2 Coast Mixtapes
786.953.6522 - Yahoo! News

In a world and industry which focuses on creating images and maintaining marketing techniques more-so than integrity, I pride myself at staying dedicated to a niche of always being myself and reflecting real life into my talent
Houston, TX based rapper/poet Onehunnidt isn’t your typical Houston, TX based rapper. While the city of Houston is known for talking about candy paint, gold teeth and is the home of legends such as Scarface and Paul Wall, Onehunnidt separates himself from the pack and brings forth his own style to the rap game.
Yep.. that’s why I love him. He can appeal nationally, very diverse. – Val (@DontFollowVal)
Keep It 100 starts off “No Disrespect” as Onehunnidt pulls no punches against the competition over this Conscious track. On “No Place Like Home”, Onehunnidt puts on for his state and shouts out some legends that have provided that sound rap fans have all come to love. “Letter To My Competition” shows Onehunnidt putting others on alert as he smashes this track.
Onehunnidt shows that there’s a conscious side to him as well as displayed on “America” and gets personal on “Father’s Day” as he addresses the relationship with his father. “Unfckwitable” shows the MC on his cocky side as he boasts about why he can’t be fucked with. The current single from the project is “Werk” which has an old school hip hop feel to it. The video alone for the track shows why Onehunnidt shows a lot of promise coming out of Houston.
In closing, I’m going to look forward to hearing more from this artist. I hope that he stays true himself and continues to push himself to be a great rapper from out of Houston. - Stumbling and Rumblings

"As artists, it's like we have the responsibility to paint a certain picture of our own lifestyles. It's almost not allowed to be like, 'Man, my life sucks. I'm sad about this or that.'"
-- One Hunnidt
Three days ago, my fuel pump went out. Now, were I in Houston when it happened, it would have only been mildly irritating. I'd have cursed and I'd have chastised the heavens (standard protocol, really), but then I'd have had it pulled to my house and fixed it there. Easy breezy.

But it didn't happen here. It happened approximately 85 miles north of my home, in sleepy Huntsville, which I think might also be referred to as Satan's Taint, though I couldn't confirm that on GPS. And since it happened there, and since I don't live there, and since God enjoys nothing more than flicking me in the forehead, a mechanical issue that should've taken all of two hours to fix ended up getting stretched out to more than 40.
The whole thing is this ordeal that doesn't really need to be rehashed beyond saying that it involved a seedy motel I'm confident has to have starred as the murder scene in several police investigations, some unreasonably tomato-y Mexican food and a tow-truck driver who might be the mascot for all tow-truck drivers on Earth.

Still, within the fuckery there was a glint of positivity: One Hunnidt. One Hunnidt is a local spoken-word poet and rapper. Last year, he released a mixtape called Legacy of a Legend. Mostly it served as catharsis, an emotionally charged, imperfect rap tape centered around his brother's 2010 murder. It was never really meant for anyone else's ears anyway.

"I made it for me," said One Hunnidt when I interviewed him last year. "It's part of how I dealt with everything. I let some people hear it and they convinced me to put it out."

However, this isn't about that. This is about his latest tape, which I'd uploaded to my phone two or so weeks ago and which became essential listening these past few days as I sat in a mechanic's shop and wordlessly tried to convince my heart to not stop beating.

This past May, One Hunnidt released Keep It 100, a follow-up to Legacy that's no real follow-up at all.

Where Legacy built its ethos up from the ashes of tragedy, KI100 is rooted in rejuvenation.

It is a smart, well-balanced, bold effort, and easily the best (and first, probably) representation of the intellectual conundrum One Hunnidt has spied in his station.

What that means: One Hunnidt has a sullen flow, almost reluctant. He's never fully overpowering in delivery. And with Legacy, it seemed like it was little more than a natural impediment nurtured into consistency by unpleasant circumstances that became tolerated as normal (picture a basketball player who can't jump very high because his knees are wrecked).
Here, though, 100 largely does away with that particular heartbreaking narrative. His hesitancy is painted as a creative decision, as with a basketball player who chooses to play low to the ground because it affords him the best chance to win, which is considerably more fulfilling.

Nowhere on the album is this clearer than in its opening moments.

On track number two, the regionally spectacular "No Place Like Home," an amalgam of Southern colloquialisms and swagger, and track number three, "Walking Off a Cliff," a seven-minute existential bruiser, his mouth is barely convinced to move, words falling out in spite of themselves.

He sounds eternally disappointed with the existence of most humans ("Where I'm born, the poorest people still be driving fancy cars") but can't, with good conscience, remove himself from the hypocrisy ("I swear I say I want a wife but end up choosing no-good broads"). And that internal debate permeates throughout the tape.

There are grand gestures (the aggro "Unfckwitable," the bombastic and aptly titled "Overload") and there are expected platitudes (the back-patting "Salute You," which sees the showman Doughbeezy stroll right the fuck across everyone - Houston Press

Host of Gossiprunway.tv Tereka sits down with artist Onehunnidt for exclusive interview to discuss his winning the Coast2Coast competition at SXSW, the life of his brother, how he got involved in music, his relationship with his father and the Keep It 100 project - Gossiprunway.tv

Arguably, “keep it 100? has become a somewhat popular, if a tad cliche phrase in the Black community. What it implies, is that you ask someone to be completely honest with you about given a situation (or be “100% percent” real). The problem with this, is that a lot of the people who claim to “keep it 100?… are keeping it more like “50.”

Which is why for an artist who claims to embody that concept both in his name and his art, Houston rapper OneHunnidt has high expectations looming on him. As OneHunnidt prepares to drop his newest project courtesy of AwkwordSilence.com, Keep It 100 - on which the put-you-on-notice bumpable track “Letter to My Competition” makes an appearance – he’s let loose the album artwork to sort of give the people a taste of what to expect.

In his own words, OneHunnidt says of the art (drawn up by FlyWiditCustoms) “It was important to create an illustration that depicts [balanced inconsistencies]… You’ll learn of all that I am if you pay attention to both the audio and visual representations.”

Indeed, there’s a lot going on in the image. You’ll notice amidst the black and white the number “100? outlined – yet the double zeroes cleverly forming the “infinity” symbol, depicting universality – and depictions of money (in stacks, chips, wads); vices (in the form of guns, needles and alcohol); and dedication to work (in the form of his blackberry, his Jordans, and signature Chicago Bulls fitted cap). Very rarely is an artist prepared to unleash and use EVERYTHING connected to him as material for his album, yet based on this cover, OneHunnidt intends to do just that. And if we’re judging the book by its cover, Keep It 100 may be mental stimulation on wax.

Keep It 100 is due out sometime next month.
- DayandaDream.com

As Grammy nominated artist Drake’s track “Miss Me” wanes down, the words “Forever in our hearts. J.J., love you boy,” are the last ones we hear.

For Houston, a city that Drake has entrenched ties with, it is the phrase that resonates the most. A poignant reminder of yet another admired soul gone far too soon. Far more than just the lyrics to a popular song, but an ode to a life cut off in the vigor of manhood. A son, a brother, a father. Gone.

For Sean Celestine, known to most as poet/lyricist “Onehunnidt”, it is a pain that he has lived with every day since February 4, 2010. More than just an ode on a track, Johnathan “J.J.” Johnson, was his little brother; murdered in the parking lot of a gas station while changing a flat tire.

Onehunnidt recalls on that night, “I lost my mind that day. I have yet to get it back.”

For Onehunnidt, grief is not just a painful emotion that is an inescapable fact of life; it is a force that once consumed him, a force that he has in turn used as fuel to propel his only form of release: his art, his music.

Memories

Born half-brothers, the distinction between “full and half” was unnecessary to the duo, as youths they were closely knit despite their vastly differing upbringings. Though seemingly blessed with what many would perceive as a “nice suburban childhood,” inwardly J.J. would face the same struggle that his older brother did, turmoil and bitter confrontations with their father. For J.J. this would result in the living of dual worlds, eventually leading to rebellion.

“There were sides to J.J. that not everyone knew. Outwardly he was goofy, always had a smile, but the things we grew up with changed both of us. As he got older he rebelled,” says Onehunnidt.

As the two matured life would send them on different paths. Both became fathers. Onehunnidt would go off to college, and then briefly relocate to Arizona, while J.J. would go on to form new bonds and alliances. A talented artist, in 2002 he and Picasso, another accomplished artist, would go on to found the clothing line “Basik Art.” A fresh and creative ensemble of bold artwork emblazoned on fabric.
Quickly making a name for himself within the city, soon J.J. would become “little brother” and friend to many, including Drake himself, whom he met via his friendship with Houston’s legendary Rap-A-Lot camp, who he had known since his youth.

As Drake said in an interview with Complex Magazine, “To me, J.J. was family. When we go to Houston, it’s just a big family and J.J. was around a lot.”
Lighthearted and energetic, by adulthood J.J. had essentially learned to mask whatever may have plagued him from childhood.

“When I moved back to Houston we were more distant, we had different circles, different friends, but he was still just Johnathan to me.” He pauses before adding, “I only wish that I could go back. I keep telling myself if I wasn’t so caught up in my own shit, if I had been there…he would still be here.”

One Death, Two Souls

Where OneHunnidt was not, on that cold night in February, was at Bourbon Street, a now defunct nightclub on the Richmond strip. While J.J. was out partying with friends, a skirmish would occur within the club, then a gunshot was fired at the ceiling signaling the end of the night. Though it is debatable whether Johnathan Johnson was directly involved or not.

As the patrons exited the club, a crowd milled about its doors and the surrounding sidewalk. Emotions fueled by alcohol, were still running high from what had transpired inside. Anger that easily could have been erased by a night of rest, However Johnathan would not get that chance. After safely leaving the club, as fate would have it, J.J. would strike and blow a tire, quickly turning into the Valero gas station directly across the street from the club. While crouched and in the middle of changing the flat, a car drove up. Shots rang out, two finding their mark within the back of their target.

With a crowd full of people mere feet away, J.J. bled to death. No attempt made at resuscitation. No help immediately called. Upon the appearance of police, dozens of eyes that potentially saw something swore they saw nothing.
Onehunnidt say indignantly, “You mean to tell me that nobody saw anything? My baby brother bled to death by himself. And no one could even call for help?!”
For Johnathan “J.J.” Johnson, his short journey had ended, with no viable clues as to who had cut short his tracks.
For the rest of us, the world kept turning. For those that knew him best, a portion of theirs ended as well; and for his brother, a part of his soul died with him.
His brother’s death has haunted Onehunnidt since that day. He would turn to music and poetry as solace from the pain. Resulting in “Legacy of a Legend,” a poignant fusion of prose and hip hop, a somber ode to the memory of J.J. Both thought provoking and profound, placed upon wax, it gave voice to the grief that raged within. It would later go on to be ra - Houston Trend Magazine

Neat thing about listening sessions: it's the one space in time where constructive criticism is thrown completely out the window. That can be dealt with afterward, once you figure out what exactly your ears have just digested.


Naturally, OneHunnidt angled mostly for fun and relaxation on Monday night. He'd already written 60 songs for his Field Sobriety project, whittling everything down to 13. In so many ways, while speaking about the album OneHunnidt expressed that is about always being indecisive -- and human.

"The concept behind the album is about me and the maturity of me as a man," the rapper said with a hint of pride in his voice. "I'm indecisive and I'm a person. Since I change every day, it was hard to put these thoughts together."

Venerable Houston AM station KCOH is undergoing a facelift on and off-air.
Venerable Houston AM station KCOH is undergoing a facelift on and off-air.
He stood inside a renovated area, a small ballroom outfitted with a full stage, a projector hanging overhead and dim lights to add ambience. "You wouldn't have guessed this was KCOH," a woman told us beforehand. "Two weeks ago this room didn't look like this."

Yes, KCOH is undergoing a facelift and Hunnidt joked that for one night he was at least going to be fake-fancy with catered food and alcohol. But once Field Sobriety became the singular topic of discussion, the words were minced.

Nobody appreciates February 4 if you've known OneHunnidt. It's not Groundhog Day, but it is the inspiration for his first full-length project, Legacy of a Legend. A bowling ball of catharsis and agony, it stems from the death of his brother Jonathan Johnson in 2010. OneHunnidt's advancement as a rapper, leaving the parameters of just making poems, rose with 2012's Keep It 100, which eventually garnered him a Best Solo Rap plaque at the Houston Press Music Awards that year. Even if it wasn't on the album, Hunnidt was going to play us "Forever In Our Hearts" and make us realize the significance of the album coming at this particular moment in time.

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Any listening session will tell you that probably nobody is truly analyzing the music the way a critic might. It plays in the background, the soundtrack to idle conversations and plenty of catching up. Given how connected OneHunnidt is to seemingly everybody, the rapper made slight concessions here and there, offering how a long conversation with local scribe and music journalist Cecilia Smith helped spawn the entire tape. Her voice is heard throughout much of Field Sobriety, her own time stamp opening up the boom-bap, old-school vibes of "Empty Goals" with George Young.

Story continues on the next page.


OneHunnidt addresses his fans who came out Monday.
OneHunnidt addresses his fans who came out Monday.
Hunnidt tracked out Field Sobriety with the idea that a man is always changing his mind at a moment's notice. It plays into the entire theory of the tape. There's shots at shady journalism and lazy practices all around on the album's opener, "JJ Watt," questions about friends who stick around on "The Longway" with ATLiens Scotty ATL and Sean Falyon. On "Screw Culture," with ESG and Bee Honey, he examines how paying homage to the past can yield to a greater future.

Collaborations are key on Field Sobriety, hence why a large gut of the album works off the voices of Lyric Michelle, Love Dominique, Bee Honey and Sequioyah, among others. Toss in Trakksounds continuing to mutate his own sound left and right with the likes of Code Redd, Yung Knight, Chris Rockaway and more, and it's easy to notice why Field Sobriety wants to run away from the success Keep It 100 established and create its own.

The rapper's son practically stole the show when he thanked everyone for supporting his dad.
The rapper's son practically stole the show when he thanked everyone for supporting his dad.

But when you subtract plenty of the pretensions about what a listening session should be, the mood becomes lighter and friendlier. People stuffed their faces with catered pasta, downed free alcohol and tipped the bartender accordingly. For an attempt to bring people together over a new album, it felt more like an excuse to come out and celebrate a man who offers a hand whenever he is available.

For one night, people weren't trying to judge whether or not Field Sobriety had jumped to the early lead in the Best of 2015 race. People wanted to celebrate and be happy. The only thing sober about the entire thing was thinking once more of JJ before continuing the night. Even OneHunnidt's son Peyton, who is a wise six years old, took the mike from his father and told us, in a voice almost thinner than helium itself, "Thank you for supporting my Dad."

Then the mood lightened even further, and respect abounded. - Houston Press

Last week I had the opportunity to attend the Field Sobriety album release party of Houston artist and friend OneHunnidt. It was a wonderful turn out. Appearances included rapper Roosh Williams, 97.9 The Boxx host Amir Diamond, producer Chris Rockaway, HoustonTREND’s Elliot Guidry and Corgeih Terry, and Day & A Dream editors and photographers to name a few. It was evident that OneHunnidt had Houston’s support. The release party was held on one of Houston’s most recognizable southside streets, Almeda, at “The Escape,” an extension of AM radio station KCOH. Hunnidt took the stage to introduce each track while his loveable son passed out his CDs. One of the highlights of the event included friend, writer, journalist, contributor for AllHipHop.com, Dayandadream, Sways Universe and all-around hustler Simply Cecilia. Being the night’s host, Cecilia took the stage to thank not only Onehunndt but all contributors to Field Sobriety. She continued by describing the friendship shared by her and the rapper. The night went beautifully. It wasn’t until I arrived home that I was able to sit down and listen to the entire album. With its blend of hip hop, melodic soulful tunes, and poetic lyrics I have to say, OneHunnidt started this year off very strong.

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Highlights for me:

Track 4 “Closed Caption” featuring myself (Lyric Michelle) and Love Dominique produced by Chris Rockaway. And yes I may be biased but I truly don’t care (lol). I had the wonderful opportunity to recite poetry on “Closed Caption” which introduces the album as its lead single. I love the concept behind this song. It is a tale told by Hunnidt filled with twists turns and truthful unexpected resolutions.



Track 5 “The Long Way” featuring Scotty ATL, and Sean Faylon produced by Trakksounds. All three extremely talented hip hop artists left everything they had on this track and it came together perfectly



Track 10 “Sapiosextual” featuring Rell and Sequoyah produced by Beats by Relli. The word “Sapiosexual” is a neologism most often referring to one who finds intelligence the most sexually attractive feature. What a perfect title. I absolutely fell in love with this track around minute 2:11. The songstress’s unexpected bridge startled me in all the right ways. This song definitely shines a light on a more sensual side of the artists.


Throughout the entire album, Onehunnidt uses an interview from Simply Cecilia as the reoccurring theme. The interview is cut into pieces and sprinkled all throughout the album. My favorite line from the interview comes from a more transparent and intimate view of Hunnidt. When asked about his goals at the end of track five “The Long Way,” Cecilia asks, “will this fulfill you?” OneHunnidt interrupts with “first step is getting out the hood, then we can talk about fulfillment.” I’m starting so see why they call him OneHunnidt. - The Hive Society

1. OneHunnidt feat. E.S.G. & Bee Honey, "Screw Culture" When I wrote about "Screw Culture" in early October, who knew it would finish the year as the top song of 2014? Many are going to argue against it, and they're going to lose. As often as Houston embraced its trap sound in 2014, those songs could get thrown in a DJ mix and eventually fade out: good for the moment, but not all-time.

"Screw Culture" remains OneHunnidt's best song because of what it sets out to prove and achieves. It's a radio single that insists on body-rocking slow, not puffing its chest out. Trakksounds contorted Tevin Campbell's bubblegum-smooth "Can We Talk" for Bee Honey to glide over and E.S.G. to run through a list of legends he ran with and happened to be contemporaries of. It's a tough-as-nails rap record that deserves more exposure on a daily basis. - 12 Best Houston Rap Songs of 2015