Music
Press
The strength of Messiah Ramkissoon's The Manual lies in its compelling caliber and dynamic discourse. The verses on each cut ensnare, making for a prolific hip hop movement throughout.
The opener, "I Who Have Nothing," sets the tone for the rest of The Manual. The story Messiah contrives is cinematic as he moves through reflections. The lines, "true story like Donald Goines/we was too poor to save them dollar coins/I don't do it for the brownie points/no peer pressure/you can view it from the power points on the projector/anointed by the olive oil up on the dresser/a product of my father's groin and mother Debra/teachin' my little brothers obedience, manners/respect, responsibility with bein a man is," prove that Messiah is a lyrical colossus on the microphone.
The unforgettable, "In the AM," grasps on first listen with its intense and profound prayerful chorus. The trumpet playing in the background elicits thought provoking feelings as Messiah scribes another page in his Manual.
Listen to Messiah Ramkissoon's "In the AM."
"Nobody Understand," is a direct glimpse into Messiah's perspective entwining his struggles with vivid imagery. The Manual becomes bittersweet on the ode to hip hop, "Come Back To Me," and partakes in sentimental pleasantries with "More Than Friends."
The bold "First Black President," is a welcoming close to The Manual. Messiah unveils verbal gems with "to be Black is to be all you can be/thinkin' back before we was free/lookin' back at this shore to see/what's in store for me...what about the first Black President, first Black first lady/father from Africa royalty/father dad seniority/Harvard grad with a law degree/what can they say to a man of your decree." The cut is very uplifting.
Messiah Ramkissoon is a native of Trinidad, by way of Maryland. He appeared four times at the legendary Apollo Theater in New York, winning acclaim for his poem "Sherika Was a Champ," an expressive epic.
The Manual is an extraordinary debut from a poetic storyteller. Every track stands out on its own - but together, create a paradigm for hip hop music. - www.examiner.com
Discography
Messiah - The Manual
http://www.digstation.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumID=ALB000037172
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Bio
Messiah Ramkissoon is a native to Trinidad,West Indies by way of Annapolis, MD and Brooklyn, NY. His birth name and rap name are synonymous, Messiah. He is undoubtedly most proud of his performances at the legendary Apollo Theater in Harlem, New York. Winning three consecutive shows at the Apollo, Messiah silenced the audience with the insightful poem, "Sherika Was a Champ," which with a sweet street eloquence,delved into the sensitive HIV taboo. Episodes of the show air nationwide on the WB channel. He has toured with Grammy nominated singer Kelly Price, shared stages with many celebrity artists; Wale, Lupe Fiasco, Dead Prez and Janelle Monae to name a few. Messiah can be found performing at many college campuses throughout the country and was also a part of the Tied To Greatness High School Tour which was featured in the Source Magazine. Marking one his most recent accomplishments, Messiah performed at the pre-event for the 2008 BET Awards in Los Angeles after winning a BET rap contest. The performance was aired on BET Jazz. Merging education with hip-hop and it's poetic roots, he recently gained a Bachelors degree in public relations from Howard University. This was his first time enrolled in any academic institution. Home schooled all of his life, he attended neither elementary nor high school. He plans on using his expertise to enhance the state of hip-hop music and to also create a lane for others to succeed through his vision and pursuit. Messiah serves as VP of Urban Affairs for Soulful-Steem, a marketing company targeting youth. In this position, Messiah shares motivational work in juvenile prisons and public schools. Messiah's work ethic and dedication to his craft manifest themselves in his live show. He is entertaining to a wide audience and has fans from almost every demographic. Passionate about his craft and purpose, Messiah is the essence of true artistry.
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