Music
Press
Following the success of Motion Picture Mayhem Series with over 100,000 downloads and about 12,000 hard copy units in 2008, award-winning hip hop lyricist, promoter and tour musician Michael Barber returns with another hip-hop album, ready to become a surefire hit.
Michael has recorded songs with big names in the hip-hop scene such as Akon and Nappy Roots, so make sure to hit it hard when you listen to his music - you'll end up liking it.
Now a Universal Recording Artist, Michael has recently released Motion Picture Mayhem 2 which is the second part of a five-part series. However, he continued to release the Motion Picture Mayhem series under his own recording label, Rhyme Related Entertainment and T.A.I.D Records, and will be releasing his debut albums, Shotguns and Canned Goods under Universal Records.
What impressed us the most when we first emailed with Michael, was his knowledge of copyrights and licensing rules. Not many hip-hop artists that we dealt with in the past have gone through the trouble of clearing all their samples and we were not able to write about them. Michael Barber took care of all the licensing necessary and even pays royalties on some of the music he used.
Don't take this guy lightly - he has worked with famous hip-hop artists and also famous DJs. He is a musician, writer, composer, hip-hop artist and tour promoter all rolled into one. But aside from being big, Michael's feet remains to be on the ground. He never forgets to give back his blessings to the community.
Michael got his start with the rap group Rhyme Related in 2003 touring the country with the likes of Nappy Roots and many different rock bands from 2003 until 2006 when he decided to move forward with a solo career. Since going solo Michael has worked with many famous DJs including DJ Fade, DJ DB Cooper, DJ Shogun, DJ Mo Phatt, and the Wu Tang Clan’s official DJ, Mathematics.
Michael was a headliner at the 2008 Verbal Anarchy Fest in San Antonio performing with some of the countries best talent including Rahzel the Human Beat Box. The event was one stop of four on the 2008 Rap It Up Tour in Texas and Florida that helped to raise awareness of safe sex. The tour featured some of the today’s brightest stars including, Pitbull, Paul Wall, Kia Shine, and Bun B of UGK.
Michael always shows support for benefit shows, such as the 'Toys for Tots' which aimed into raising awareness about safe sex and skin cancer. He is also set to be on 'Protect Ya Neck Tour' in the spring of 2010.
A talented musician, a great PR person, and an advocate for benefit shows. What more could you ask for? - www.Frostwire.com
Discography
Motion Picture Mayhem
Lead single Lost a Brother featuring Akon
Motion Picture Mayhem 2
Lead single, Swayzzed featuring Akon
Photos
Bio
From an early age, Michael Barber was infatuated with music. Learning from his mother who loved to play the piano, he began picking up beats and rhythms associated with the beautiful art. He began writing his own music as a teenager, borrowing influence from the likes of Frank Sinatra, even though he couldn’t sing. The lyrical style he chose was unlike any other, and Michael wanted to learn and create his own style based on the classics, thus would shape what he is today.
Michael decided to hone his skills as a professional, and earn a degree from Full Sail University. After graduating with an Associates of Arts in Recording and a Bachelors of Science in Music Business, he was ready to take the professional world by storm. He began to network and ended up being featured on 2007 Sony Records Remix, Kick In the Door, featuring Nas. He also worked with the likes of artists such as Nappy Roots, Royce da 5’9, Big G, and also performed on a single with Akon, entitled “Lost a Brother”, which gained a lot of buzz in the local industry. Also the release of Motion Picture Mayhem based off of movie quotes and the cinematic art. It became hugely successful Internet product that gained the interest of important industry players.
Approached by Block Enterprises/Bad Boy South Records, Jive, and Universal, Michael made the brave decision to stay independent, and true to his music. However, he did sign a package and distribution deal with Hoopla media group through publicist Jonathan Hay.
Michael is currently living in Florida, having just released and Internet album entitled “Motion Picture Mayhem 2”, featuring “Muddy Waters” and “Get Wild”. He also released a video for “Sweet Dreams” which was nominated for the 2008 Knocdown Awards.
Throughout all of these efforts, Michael plans to be a known and respected artist in the music industry. Through his lyrics, he hopes to deliver his message to as many people as possible and truly change the face of the music industry.
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