Kemo the Blaxican
Gig Seeker Pro

Kemo the Blaxican

| INDIE | AFTRA

| INDIE | AFTRA
Band Hip Hop Latin

Calendar

This band has not uploaded any videos
This band has not uploaded any videos

Music

Press


"emusic review"

Blending percolating Latin brass and thumping hip-hop beats, Kemo the Blaxican moves fluidly between genres, watering down neither. A former MC with Delinquent Habits, Kemo's debut is filled with the same kind of frenzied cross-cutting that made that group's "Tres Delinquentes" a mid-90s cult hit. Opening track "La Receta" is built around a giddy mariachi horn chart, with Kemo quick-spitting verse after breathless verse. "A Note to the Crowd" is darker and danker, a sneaky violin melody wriggling across a stuttering rhythm track. And on the title track he teams up with vocalist Monica Ortiz for a track with the allure and danger of an after-hours cantina. - emusic


"emusic review"

Blending percolating Latin brass and thumping hip-hop beats, Kemo the Blaxican moves fluidly between genres, watering down neither. A former MC with Delinquent Habits, Kemo's debut is filled with the same kind of frenzied cross-cutting that made that group's "Tres Delinquentes" a mid-90s cult hit. Opening track "La Receta" is built around a giddy mariachi horn chart, with Kemo quick-spitting verse after breathless verse. "A Note to the Crowd" is darker and danker, a sneaky violin melody wriggling across a stuttering rhythm track. And on the title track he teams up with vocalist Monica Ortiz for a track with the allure and danger of an after-hours cantina. - emusic


"Kicking the Door Open"

Kicking the door open in the most subtle way with an all common situation of needing more change. Reflecting the facts of life in a double standard way, more than reality, he is cleverly guiding your train of thoughts into an underground world of universal emotions. Personal, factual and concrete matters that surround the lifestyle every day. Introducing it to all open minds that yearn realism and originality by creatively using his secret “Receta” to mix enchanting spicy hot melodies that are braided in with timeless old school hand made beats that define the true meaning of hip hop. Lyrically expressing the feeling of a dream long lived with a harsh yet smooth deep-toned sophisticated voice that intensely transmits independent and liberal words. No sell out, No gimmicks. The sequence of his true self gets clearly stronger as each song plays along.

Different song, different feeling. Once you’re in, you follow the beat. After the introduction you find yourself in a very upbeat and party like mode, making you bust a couple of moves singing along to the catchy choruses. Then it goes into a funky melody mixed with an all classic oldie, specifying his feeling towards all haters, which there is plenty of, those of us who have them can relate. Then for a brief moment, it gets a bit serious, making you realize that even though times get tough, you get through them, assuring you that you can stand a little rain. The next five tracks feature a variety of artists and sounds. Jazzy hip-hop, African drums, Latin trumpets, western style harmonica, sexy and slick cello tunes. The artists featured are just as different. “No Que No” brings you back to the time when he first debuted as part of the group Delinquent Habits. Where he brought his Blaxican Spanglish flavor to stages and radio airwaves throughout all countries of the world. “Been a long time 2”, really has been a long time. The original version was created around the time that the first album “Simple Plan” dropped. A personal favorite that can only be found on “DJ Payback Garcia’s Aztec Zouls 2”. A melodious acoustic guitar directs you into a subject that many artists in the industry know. Talk is cheap and very easy to access, many claim to be the best but always prove otherwise. “Breath” has to be one of the most personal songs of this album. Here he exposes his true feelings on charismatic piano notes that enhance the feeling that is being projected, adding the final touch with a beautiful classic spanish song that reflects his original and exclusive style that no one else could ever recreate, with that he ties this package together for all your listening pleasures.

An authentic creator of an entire Empire, which holds and includes Joint Clothing, the sickest clothing line in the industry that started in 98. Dead Silence Alliance, a group of truly talented lyricists whom he helps with production and exposure. Dead Silence Records, a recording label and Nova Lane Studios as well as Symbolix Productions that was built independently by Kemo and supporting family and friends. Two albums “Simple Plan” and “Not so Rich and Famous” written and produced by the one and only, Kemo. He also does most of the artwork and has a few videos which he co-directed and co-produced. There are many projects that he is currently working on now. More than a friend, he is the most respected Artist in the Music Industry, with almost two decades of experience under his belt. Be sure to look out for any of Kemo’s creations which are guaranteed to satisfy the thirst for authenticity and originality. You must find out for yourself...
Uniquely, La Krazy
- La Krazy


"Kicking the Door Open"

Kicking the door open in the most subtle way with an all common situation of needing more change. Reflecting the facts of life in a double standard way, more than reality, he is cleverly guiding your train of thoughts into an underground world of universal emotions. Personal, factual and concrete matters that surround the lifestyle every day. Introducing it to all open minds that yearn realism and originality by creatively using his secret “Receta” to mix enchanting spicy hot melodies that are braided in with timeless old school hand made beats that define the true meaning of hip hop. Lyrically expressing the feeling of a dream long lived with a harsh yet smooth deep-toned sophisticated voice that intensely transmits independent and liberal words. No sell out, No gimmicks. The sequence of his true self gets clearly stronger as each song plays along.

Different song, different feeling. Once you’re in, you follow the beat. After the introduction you find yourself in a very upbeat and party like mode, making you bust a couple of moves singing along to the catchy choruses. Then it goes into a funky melody mixed with an all classic oldie, specifying his feeling towards all haters, which there is plenty of, those of us who have them can relate. Then for a brief moment, it gets a bit serious, making you realize that even though times get tough, you get through them, assuring you that you can stand a little rain. The next five tracks feature a variety of artists and sounds. Jazzy hip-hop, African drums, Latin trumpets, western style harmonica, sexy and slick cello tunes. The artists featured are just as different. “No Que No” brings you back to the time when he first debuted as part of the group Delinquent Habits. Where he brought his Blaxican Spanglish flavor to stages and radio airwaves throughout all countries of the world. “Been a long time 2”, really has been a long time. The original version was created around the time that the first album “Simple Plan” dropped. A personal favorite that can only be found on “DJ Payback Garcia’s Aztec Zouls 2”. A melodious acoustic guitar directs you into a subject that many artists in the industry know. Talk is cheap and very easy to access, many claim to be the best but always prove otherwise. “Breath” has to be one of the most personal songs of this album. Here he exposes his true feelings on charismatic piano notes that enhance the feeling that is being projected, adding the final touch with a beautiful classic spanish song that reflects his original and exclusive style that no one else could ever recreate, with that he ties this package together for all your listening pleasures.

An authentic creator of an entire Empire, which holds and includes Joint Clothing, the sickest clothing line in the industry that started in 98. Dead Silence Alliance, a group of truly talented lyricists whom he helps with production and exposure. Dead Silence Records, a recording label and Nova Lane Studios as well as Symbolix Productions that was built independently by Kemo and supporting family and friends. Two albums “Simple Plan” and “Not so Rich and Famous” written and produced by the one and only, Kemo. He also does most of the artwork and has a few videos which he co-directed and co-produced. There are many projects that he is currently working on now. More than a friend, he is the most respected Artist in the Music Industry, with almost two decades of experience under his belt. Be sure to look out for any of Kemo’s creations which are guaranteed to satisfy the thirst for authenticity and originality. You must find out for yourself...
Uniquely, La Krazy
- La Krazy


"Review - "Not So Rich and Famous""


If there's one about this country that I'm completely sick of, it's those racist redneck hillbilly anti-immigration advocates. They be running around the halls of Congress, talking about how everybody should learn how to speak English if they want to live in this country, and how us Americans shouldn't learn how to speak Spanish. And I think that's just plain ignorance and hatred.
Did you know that the United States currently has a Latino population of more than 42 million people, making it the highest percentage minority in the country and contributing some $400 billion a year to our economy? I live in Brooklyn, and my neighborhood has more Spanish-speaking residents then English-speaking residents. Although I don't understand what those cats be saying all the time, I'm doing my best to learn, and it appears that they are too. From my perspective, that's the way it should be. We should be more welcoming and less closed-minded.
In fact, we should actually be doing more to facilitate a bilingual society. We need more bilingual newspapers; more bilingual television shows; more bilingual educational programs; more bilingual street signs and billboards. And for hip-hop, we definitely need more bilingual emcees.
Kemo the Blaxican is a great example of a bilingual emcee who refuses to live within our country's language barriers. He could appeal to his Latino fan base and do a Spanish album. He could appeal to his American fan base and make an English album. But instead, he decided to create "Not So Rich and Famous," a bilingual hip-hop album that allows Kemo to express himself in whichever linguistic fashion he deems necessary. And whether or not that's commercially viable, it's definitely respectable in the eyes of the underground.
The other thing I liked about "Not So Rich and Famous" was the manner in which the album title so accurately described Kemo's state of mind. Being a world-known rapper who has sold nearly one million records world wide, Kemo has the right to act like one of those rich and famous pop rappers. But instead, he went underground, recorded this record in his basement, and talked about everyday topics of the common man over classic-reminiscent West Coast beats mixed with Latino-flavored instrumentation, sounds and samples.
LCL gives a first hand account of living in Los Angeles as a Latino. A Little Rain is a get up anthem that demonstrates appreciation for and acceptance of the hardships one experiences in life. 5th Of May takes a stab of commercial radio and it's inability to play Latino music. Rebel encourages the listeners to educate themselves and fight for their rights against the tyrannical forces that control this country. And Breathe allows Kemo to share the things he wants to accomplish with the life he has left. Overall, the subject matter shows that Kemo is "not so rich and famous," and that he experiences everyday hardships just like the rest of us.
"Not So Rich and Famous" has the potential to put Kemo the Blaxican back on the world map, this time as a lyricist with a wide range of subject matter and a producer with an ear for unique sound collaborations and musical exploration. Whether you speak English or Spanish, this album is definitely worth a listen. Peace.
- Hip Hop Linguistics


"Review - "Not So Rich and Famous""


If there's one about this country that I'm completely sick of, it's those racist redneck hillbilly anti-immigration advocates. They be running around the halls of Congress, talking about how everybody should learn how to speak English if they want to live in this country, and how us Americans shouldn't learn how to speak Spanish. And I think that's just plain ignorance and hatred.
Did you know that the United States currently has a Latino population of more than 42 million people, making it the highest percentage minority in the country and contributing some $400 billion a year to our economy? I live in Brooklyn, and my neighborhood has more Spanish-speaking residents then English-speaking residents. Although I don't understand what those cats be saying all the time, I'm doing my best to learn, and it appears that they are too. From my perspective, that's the way it should be. We should be more welcoming and less closed-minded.
In fact, we should actually be doing more to facilitate a bilingual society. We need more bilingual newspapers; more bilingual television shows; more bilingual educational programs; more bilingual street signs and billboards. And for hip-hop, we definitely need more bilingual emcees.
Kemo the Blaxican is a great example of a bilingual emcee who refuses to live within our country's language barriers. He could appeal to his Latino fan base and do a Spanish album. He could appeal to his American fan base and make an English album. But instead, he decided to create "Not So Rich and Famous," a bilingual hip-hop album that allows Kemo to express himself in whichever linguistic fashion he deems necessary. And whether or not that's commercially viable, it's definitely respectable in the eyes of the underground.
The other thing I liked about "Not So Rich and Famous" was the manner in which the album title so accurately described Kemo's state of mind. Being a world-known rapper who has sold nearly one million records world wide, Kemo has the right to act like one of those rich and famous pop rappers. But instead, he went underground, recorded this record in his basement, and talked about everyday topics of the common man over classic-reminiscent West Coast beats mixed with Latino-flavored instrumentation, sounds and samples.
LCL gives a first hand account of living in Los Angeles as a Latino. A Little Rain is a get up anthem that demonstrates appreciation for and acceptance of the hardships one experiences in life. 5th Of May takes a stab of commercial radio and it's inability to play Latino music. Rebel encourages the listeners to educate themselves and fight for their rights against the tyrannical forces that control this country. And Breathe allows Kemo to share the things he wants to accomplish with the life he has left. Overall, the subject matter shows that Kemo is "not so rich and famous," and that he experiences everyday hardships just like the rest of us.
"Not So Rich and Famous" has the potential to put Kemo the Blaxican back on the world map, this time as a lyricist with a wide range of subject matter and a producer with an ear for unique sound collaborations and musical exploration. Whether you speak English or Spanish, this album is definitely worth a listen. Peace.
- Hip Hop Linguistics


"Brown Pride"

So I was talking to big Ron Dada (pronounced rahn-dah-dah) about the new Dead Silence Records album I've been bangin'. Ron Dada being in the music business, and all, was taken a back by the fact that the Blaxican sigue saliendo con pinche canciones mas chingones. Varios estylos que refleja la idioma de nuestra region. "Mommy el negro esta ravioso, qiere pelar con migo, ya mandale a su papa." The beats are definitely sick and the attitude is pure Southern Califas.

Now, Ron Dizzo's is a member of a big time DJ network (been in it for a while, too). Thing is, he's convinced that rap is a predominately black thing. So I tell him, "look brother, it's not like that with hip-hop. The drums are universal so there's no colorlines. Besides, the best Spanish rapper in the city happens to be Kemo the Blaxicano. And he comes with real Spanish, too - not that fake shit you hear on the radio. Check this out: 'Es que somos trece. Los que viven en la mente, y cada veinte-quatro encuentro nuevo scenarios. Algunos somos sanos, y varios somos locos. No es facile distinguirnos por la calma en los ojos.' Does he tell it like it fuckin is, or what, man"?

"I don't understand a lick of Spanish, but I remember Delinquent Habits rockin' hella shows, lots of them. Paid more dues than the union; So I'm definitely gonna have to check out what homedude's doin'."

"Yeah, take it to your world-on-wheels meeting and tell them that when I play the CD at home (titled SIMPLE PLAN by the way) my sons pound their little aztec drums and dance to the music. Over an hour of goodness. Even my wife, being from Oaxaca, Mexico herself, enjoys seeing the boys captured in the rhythm and the positive energy it activates. Pa que sepan, Mi Cielo: que en las montanas de Los Angeles... hacemos ruido.

scribeOne, an'I'mout
- scribeOne


"Brown Pride"

So I was talking to big Ron Dada (pronounced rahn-dah-dah) about the new Dead Silence Records album I've been bangin'. Ron Dada being in the music business, and all, was taken a back by the fact that the Blaxican sigue saliendo con pinche canciones mas chingones. Varios estylos que refleja la idioma de nuestra region. "Mommy el negro esta ravioso, qiere pelar con migo, ya mandale a su papa." The beats are definitely sick and the attitude is pure Southern Califas.

Now, Ron Dizzo's is a member of a big time DJ network (been in it for a while, too). Thing is, he's convinced that rap is a predominately black thing. So I tell him, "look brother, it's not like that with hip-hop. The drums are universal so there's no colorlines. Besides, the best Spanish rapper in the city happens to be Kemo the Blaxicano. And he comes with real Spanish, too - not that fake shit you hear on the radio. Check this out: 'Es que somos trece. Los que viven en la mente, y cada veinte-quatro encuentro nuevo scenarios. Algunos somos sanos, y varios somos locos. No es facile distinguirnos por la calma en los ojos.' Does he tell it like it fuckin is, or what, man"?

"I don't understand a lick of Spanish, but I remember Delinquent Habits rockin' hella shows, lots of them. Paid more dues than the union; So I'm definitely gonna have to check out what homedude's doin'."

"Yeah, take it to your world-on-wheels meeting and tell them that when I play the CD at home (titled SIMPLE PLAN by the way) my sons pound their little aztec drums and dance to the music. Over an hour of goodness. Even my wife, being from Oaxaca, Mexico herself, enjoys seeing the boys captured in the rhythm and the positive energy it activates. Pa que sepan, Mi Cielo: que en las montanas de Los Angeles... hacemos ruido.

scribeOne, an'I'mout
- scribeOne


"Sweet Latin Sounds"

Kemo The Blaxican has some really sweet Latin sounds and inspirations coupled with some hard beats which makes for some impressive Latin Hip Hop. I can't say that I am full across all the Spanish, but the vocal tone and inflections are all there and when this is put together with the flows and how it fits with the beat the overall package is impressive, refined and eminently listenable.

Including skits the LP weighs in at a thick 24 tracks. The first full track comes in surprisingly quickly after the intro, but the Cuban feel of the beat gives the album a strong beginning. The title cut Simple Plan is also a posse cut which features affiliates Jehuniko, Mostro and Monica Quello Ortiz doing the vocal back ups. This has a slower tempo than I has expected and is original with the slightly whiney singing. The beat is simple, but making a simple beat is actually quite complicated. The guitar notes and sequence really make the track swing along. On this track each of the MCs spits in English and this does help me get into the track.

Leccsion 13 is a snippet from a Spanish lesson record and following Somos Trese is another really groovesome track which makes use of more great samples. A double bass and single plucked guitar drive the track with gently stroked violins adding a periodic change. The Bad Money skit in which a father educates his son on who he should be hanging with and where he should be sourcing his money from segues without a break into Kind Of Stories, another track in English in which Kemo drops some education relating to money issues and the daily rat race.

The production across the LP is all really sweet and the samples selected really go together well. Ruido has a sort of Young Disciples feel. I Drink She Smokes is half of a sort of love song in which Kemo explains how he loves a drink or two, but his loved one loves the Mary Jane, all over a suitably stoned beat with similarly laid back delivery. But about half way through Kemo goes off on a tangent about how West coast radio stations are racist in his opinion because it seems hard to get airplay, then he remembers the track he is on and gets back to telling us about his girl. A bit of a change for Note The Crowd where Kemo breaks down his feelings on playing live and his audiences as he notes the girls in the front row and how he can make the crowd move in unison.

To me Silence Is Dead has a sort of comedy element in the way the production is put together and the way Kemo jokily sings along, but when he raps he gets more serious, there isn't so much of a topic to this track except that Kemo is really letting us in on what he is like as a person. Some Spanish guitars indicate a raising of the tempo and energy levels for Reflejo, much more of a dance track, but in a folk way rather than your traditional House music sense. Johnny re-works a famous Army marching song for a heavy and overbearing production which is predominated with the bassline and this features another of the few guest spots Grisel Ramirez. More Blue Note type samples return for Quiero Volar and some really bouncy production. Kemo is definitely repping his compatriots and with his Spanglish should be able to appeal to many markets. His bilingualism doesn't hamper him at all as he is able to express deep concepts and emotions in both languages. For some reason as soon as La Flor came on I got a feeling of the Pedigree Chumps and I think the Intoxicated Monkeys track. Don't know why right now, but it must be a similar piano sample or something. More likely there is nothing similar about the tracks, just the way my mind works, it definitely reminds me of something.

As the LP enters the final stretch Last Days brings a more melancholy beat for Kemo's dark moody lyrics. Underground Muscle continues this feel with a more aggy delivery and a host of guests including Jehuniko, Monomaniac, Mostro and Sicko, all of whom come correct and make for an outstanding posse cut. The final track Nobody Likes again brings a great soul sample with trumpets and makes for an uplifting beat which is really outstanding. Whilst the lyrics may talk of discrimination, this is not a negative track as Kemo explains how he has the strength to overcome this.

If you have an open mind to a bit of Spanish you could do a lot worse than peeping this release. Peep it even if you don't. I thought that this was quality pretty much all the way through. The artwork is sepia toned and does the job.

- LatinaBeatz


"Sweet Latin Sounds"

Kemo The Blaxican has some really sweet Latin sounds and inspirations coupled with some hard beats which makes for some impressive Latin Hip Hop. I can't say that I am full across all the Spanish, but the vocal tone and inflections are all there and when this is put together with the flows and how it fits with the beat the overall package is impressive, refined and eminently listenable.

Including skits the LP weighs in at a thick 24 tracks. The first full track comes in surprisingly quickly after the intro, but the Cuban feel of the beat gives the album a strong beginning. The title cut Simple Plan is also a posse cut which features affiliates Jehuniko, Mostro and Monica Quello Ortiz doing the vocal back ups. This has a slower tempo than I has expected and is original with the slightly whiney singing. The beat is simple, but making a simple beat is actually quite complicated. The guitar notes and sequence really make the track swing along. On this track each of the MCs spits in English and this does help me get into the track.

Leccsion 13 is a snippet from a Spanish lesson record and following Somos Trese is another really groovesome track which makes use of more great samples. A double bass and single plucked guitar drive the track with gently stroked violins adding a periodic change. The Bad Money skit in which a father educates his son on who he should be hanging with and where he should be sourcing his money from segues without a break into Kind Of Stories, another track in English in which Kemo drops some education relating to money issues and the daily rat race.

The production across the LP is all really sweet and the samples selected really go together well. Ruido has a sort of Young Disciples feel. I Drink She Smokes is half of a sort of love song in which Kemo explains how he loves a drink or two, but his loved one loves the Mary Jane, all over a suitably stoned beat with similarly laid back delivery. But about half way through Kemo goes off on a tangent about how West coast radio stations are racist in his opinion because it seems hard to get airplay, then he remembers the track he is on and gets back to telling us about his girl. A bit of a change for Note The Crowd where Kemo breaks down his feelings on playing live and his audiences as he notes the girls in the front row and how he can make the crowd move in unison.

To me Silence Is Dead has a sort of comedy element in the way the production is put together and the way Kemo jokily sings along, but when he raps he gets more serious, there isn't so much of a topic to this track except that Kemo is really letting us in on what he is like as a person. Some Spanish guitars indicate a raising of the tempo and energy levels for Reflejo, much more of a dance track, but in a folk way rather than your traditional House music sense. Johnny re-works a famous Army marching song for a heavy and overbearing production which is predominated with the bassline and this features another of the few guest spots Grisel Ramirez. More Blue Note type samples return for Quiero Volar and some really bouncy production. Kemo is definitely repping his compatriots and with his Spanglish should be able to appeal to many markets. His bilingualism doesn't hamper him at all as he is able to express deep concepts and emotions in both languages. For some reason as soon as La Flor came on I got a feeling of the Pedigree Chumps and I think the Intoxicated Monkeys track. Don't know why right now, but it must be a similar piano sample or something. More likely there is nothing similar about the tracks, just the way my mind works, it definitely reminds me of something.

As the LP enters the final stretch Last Days brings a more melancholy beat for Kemo's dark moody lyrics. Underground Muscle continues this feel with a more aggy delivery and a host of guests including Jehuniko, Monomaniac, Mostro and Sicko, all of whom come correct and make for an outstanding posse cut. The final track Nobody Likes again brings a great soul sample with trumpets and makes for an uplifting beat which is really outstanding. Whilst the lyrics may talk of discrimination, this is not a negative track as Kemo explains how he has the strength to overcome this.

If you have an open mind to a bit of Spanish you could do a lot worse than peeping this release. Peep it even if you don't. I thought that this was quality pretty much all the way through. The artwork is sepia toned and does the job.

- LatinaBeatz


"Spin on Hip Hop"

‘The Blaxican’s’ new album, “Simple Plan,” was released June 29th, and is taking Latin hip-hop to another level. The former member of Delinquent Habits, places his own spin on hip-hop, using smooth transitions from English to Spanish and then back to English throughout the album. “Simple Plan” is an album that touches on several topics revealing some of Kemo’s views on real life issues, motherhood, and morals, rather than the superficial images that saturate the hip-hop market today.

This self produced album--with the exception of “Silence is Dead” which he co-produced with Monomaniac (for Hands on Wax Productions)--is intimate and allows the listener to feel and see who Kemo really is. While the lyrical content is powerful and provocative the tracks are hard hitting and original. The combination of these elements introduces the skills and personality that Kemo possesses as a solo artist.

“La Receta”, is a hot single from the album which has received massive airplay in San Diego. The song combines a Sonora-style horn riff with strong lyrics for what should be a summertime hit. The title track “Simple Plan” is a collaboration between Kemo, up and coming artist Jehuniko, rapper Most, and vocalist Monica Ortiz. The unique voice of Monica brings a 50’s radio-sound to the hook of “Simple Plan” which will leave listeners bobbing their heads.

This is an album that Kemo does not hold back on. Although, the album exhibits real hip-hop, it has a cultural flare that is laced with flamenco guitars, jazz, and spoken word. Its unique sound differs from Delinquent Habits in which he had a major role in solidifying the group as one of the most influential Latin hip-hop groups of all time.

Now a solo artist, Kemo is officially no longer a member of Delinquent Habits (DH). Although, he did have great success with DH--with whom he introduced himself as “The Blaxican”-- his solo album had been highly anticipated by DH fans for several years. Since the risky but necessary leave, the self proclaimed Blaxican has strived to keep himself on the move.

In 2001 Kemo recorded a song with Grammy-winning merengue queen Olga Tañon and Egyptian singer Hakim. The track which combined hip-hop, merengue, and modern Middle Eastern sounds was a success from the Middle East to the West. In the summer 2003, Kemo and a longtime business partner Albert Hernandez Launched Club Vibe. The no-dress code club attracted MC’s from the Los Angeles area who rocked the mic entertaining hip-hop fans from all over.

Kemo ‘The Blaxican’ was given the opportunity to feature his voice in a recent Budweiser commercial in which he raps in Spanish to a heavy guitar beat. Already in 2004, in the midst of his newly released solo project Kemo managed to team up with Sick Jacken of Psycho Realm on a collaborative effort to appear on the Spanish hip-hop compilation “Imperial- Latino” due out on Profeta Records in months to come. The compilation will also feature a solo track of Kemo’s called “No Que No.”

Kemo ‘The Blaxican’ is an MC who is putting Latin hip-hop on the maps. For more information and performances near you visit www.KemoTheBlaxican.com.

- Kristina Renee McGee


"Spin on Hip Hop"

‘The Blaxican’s’ new album, “Simple Plan,” was released June 29th, and is taking Latin hip-hop to another level. The former member of Delinquent Habits, places his own spin on hip-hop, using smooth transitions from English to Spanish and then back to English throughout the album. “Simple Plan” is an album that touches on several topics revealing some of Kemo’s views on real life issues, motherhood, and morals, rather than the superficial images that saturate the hip-hop market today.

This self produced album--with the exception of “Silence is Dead” which he co-produced with Monomaniac (for Hands on Wax Productions)--is intimate and allows the listener to feel and see who Kemo really is. While the lyrical content is powerful and provocative the tracks are hard hitting and original. The combination of these elements introduces the skills and personality that Kemo possesses as a solo artist.

“La Receta”, is a hot single from the album which has received massive airplay in San Diego. The song combines a Sonora-style horn riff with strong lyrics for what should be a summertime hit. The title track “Simple Plan” is a collaboration between Kemo, up and coming artist Jehuniko, rapper Most, and vocalist Monica Ortiz. The unique voice of Monica brings a 50’s radio-sound to the hook of “Simple Plan” which will leave listeners bobbing their heads.

This is an album that Kemo does not hold back on. Although, the album exhibits real hip-hop, it has a cultural flare that is laced with flamenco guitars, jazz, and spoken word. Its unique sound differs from Delinquent Habits in which he had a major role in solidifying the group as one of the most influential Latin hip-hop groups of all time.

Now a solo artist, Kemo is officially no longer a member of Delinquent Habits (DH). Although, he did have great success with DH--with whom he introduced himself as “The Blaxican”-- his solo album had been highly anticipated by DH fans for several years. Since the risky but necessary leave, the self proclaimed Blaxican has strived to keep himself on the move.

In 2001 Kemo recorded a song with Grammy-winning merengue queen Olga Tañon and Egyptian singer Hakim. The track which combined hip-hop, merengue, and modern Middle Eastern sounds was a success from the Middle East to the West. In the summer 2003, Kemo and a longtime business partner Albert Hernandez Launched Club Vibe. The no-dress code club attracted MC’s from the Los Angeles area who rocked the mic entertaining hip-hop fans from all over.

Kemo ‘The Blaxican’ was given the opportunity to feature his voice in a recent Budweiser commercial in which he raps in Spanish to a heavy guitar beat. Already in 2004, in the midst of his newly released solo project Kemo managed to team up with Sick Jacken of Psycho Realm on a collaborative effort to appear on the Spanish hip-hop compilation “Imperial- Latino” due out on Profeta Records in months to come. The compilation will also feature a solo track of Kemo’s called “No Que No.”

Kemo ‘The Blaxican’ is an MC who is putting Latin hip-hop on the maps. For more information and performances near you visit www.KemoTheBlaxican.com.

- Kristina Renee McGee


Discography

"NOT SO RICH & FAMOUS" 2007 ALBUM
"SIMPLE PLAN" 2005 ALBUM

SINGLES RELEASED

"LA RECETA"
"KIND OF STORIES"
"I DRINK SHE SMOKES"
"NOBODY LIKES"
"NO QUE NO"
"EL NEGOCIO"
"5TH OF MAY"
"YOU KNOW"

RADIO AIRPLAY
"LA RECETA"
"5TH OF MAY"
"KIND OF STORIES"
"YOU KNOW"
"NOBODY LIKES"
"I DRINK SHE SMOKES"

Photos

Bio

KEMO THE BLAXICAN

The hard-hitting beat is what grabs you first. Then you hear the smooth-yet- powerful baritone vocals attack with a distinctive tone. You recognize the voice as it commands attention with provocative lyrics over the flavorful track. The MC shifts the rhyme from English to Spanish and then back to English again, with such a seamless transition that you barely even notice the language switch. Your head was bobbing the whole way through - it didn't even matter if you couldn't understand the Spanish parts. Then it hits you, you're sure of it. The voice and trademark rhyme flow belong to none other than “The Blaxican” - Kemo, former member of Latin hip-hop pioneers Delinquent Habits, whose highly-anticipated second solo album ‘Not So Rich & Famous’ drops on May 29th 2007.

Two years after the release of his solo debut ‘Simple Plan’, Kemo the Blaxican has stepped up the game with his strongest and most musically-ambitious album to date, the self-produced ‘Not So Rich & Famous.’ The conscious bilingual rapper means business, as evidenced by the opening refrain on the powerful first track “You Know”: “Sixteen bars, three verses – forty eight in all, delivered with a purpose.” Influenced as much by the west coast funk and soul icons he grew up listening to as by hip-hop, Kemo the Blaxican is joined by Tetsuya “Weeping Willow” Nakamura (harmonica player for the legendary War) on “5th of May”; the track is a groove-heavy indictment of urban commercial radio, which has traditionally neglected Latino hip-hop artists except on Cinco de Mayo, “the day they spin some brown.”

As Delinquent Habits’ only Spanish-fluent MC, Kemo spent twelve years with the group, releasing four albums and taking the Delinquent sound beyond borders and around the world. In 1996 the group struck gold with their very first single "Tres Delinquentes", a song that masterfully fused a traditional mariachi sound (courtesy of Herb Alpert's "Lonely Bull") with the raw hip-hop backdrop of the streets. The sound was a breath of fresh air in a stale rap scene, and opened a new creative doorway into which many other Latin hip hop acts would follow.

"Tres Delinquentes" blew up almost overnight, receiving airplay not only on hip-hop radio but rock and Top 40 stations as well. The track eventually landed Delinquent Habits an appearance on NBC's ‘Late Night with Conan O'Brien’ and tours with heavyweights like Korn and Ice T. In no time, "Tres Delinquentes" became a worldwide hit, selling over 1 million copies around the globe and pushing the group’s self-titled album to nearly the same figure. This was the public’s first introduction to Kemo's lyrical skills and flawless bilingual transitions. He stepped into the hip-hop game, introduced himself as “The Blaxican,” and never looked back.


Four Delinquent Habits albums later - after countless tours around the globe including the UK, Europe, Japan, South America, Mexico and Taiwan - Kemo decided to leave the group in 2004 and embarked upon his solo career. The move allowed him to record ‘Simple Plan,’ the solo album that many DH fans had been asking of Kemo for several years. Risky but necessary, Kemo walked away having played a major role in solidifying Delinquent Habits as one of the most influential Latin hip-hop groups of all time and establishing himself as one of today’s top Latino MC's.

Kemo has always strived to keep himself on the move. In 2001, the multilingual LA rapper (of Mexican and African-American descent) recorded a song with Grammy-winning merengue queen Olga Tanon and Egyptian singer Hakim. The track fused hip-hop, merengue, and modern Middle Eastern sounds and was a mainstay on the charts from the Middle East to the Wild Wild West. On top of it all, Kemo still finds time to nurture new artists, cultivate his record label Dead Silence Records, and sell his own streetwear line Joint Clothing to hip hop and streetwear stores worldwide.

2005 saw the release of Simple Plan, Kemo's first album as a solo artist. The disc found the Blaxican taking his talent for wordplay and ability to draw a vivid picture through rhyme and attitude to new heights. With songs that are in English, Spanish and bilingual as well, Kemo’s solo album touched on several topics that have a lot more to do with real life than the superficial images saturating hip hop today. The album featured the popular single “La Receta”, which was featured prominently in the Warner Brothers movie ‘Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants’ as well as Morgan Freeman’s film ‘Ten Items
or Less.’ Kemo’s solo debut also spawned “I Drink, She Smokes,” a jazz-soaked spoken word excursion that landed on the soundtrack to the acclaimed film ‘La Mujer de Mi Hermano.’

With ‘Not So Rich & Famous’, Kemo the Blaxican has shown that he is not only one of the world’s best bilingual MC’s, but also a gifted producer who is not afraid to explore genres and co