Music
The best kept secret in music
Press
Musik G and the UGA (standing for Underground Army) have been at it for some time. They've also been on the "H.E.A.L." Project, back in the day, they've released a batch of 12"es and they've been performing, like every real hip hop artists does. Teaming up with Activity records now, the plan is to follow this single with the release of "The Underground Can't Be Stopped" any minute now. With this two tracks certainly offering a glimpse at what's to expect.
The opening cut "UGA Throwdown" takes us right back a couple of years, with an 808 type drum programming and eerie string sections, plus Musik G spitting verses that are equally flexing his lyrical skills, as well as getting a couple of punchlines out. His flow and way to approach the verses are also pointing towards an older aesthetic, what however is not a bad thing. Because the whole track is an appreciated trip back, with the images in our head making us feel present at the very times when there was less money in hip hop to be made, thus it still was pure. And the music does have a certain purity to it, what also means it's a little stripped off the newest style accomplishments. What then must make it sound foreign to the young buck's ears, but the seasoned listeners will know where to place this.
The second track "I Do Dat", makes the old school drum programming even more blatant. There's also a break with scratches, but little else. So this is really a back in the days styling, that however young cats might enjoy, because they simply have not heard anything like that before. And in an abstracted way, that's also what the lyrics talk about. As they get critical: Musik speaks on how the society fails to still be good for the world and youth. He then continues with speaking on how he's opposing that, with his thoughts, rhymes but also actions, as "the greatest risk is not taking one". A true message on an honest record. With however the EP hopefully offering a little more than just nostalgia. Because despite the nostalgia being good, needed and etc, this new version of the real deal could be maybe too easily interchanged with the real deal.
- UrbanSmarts.com
For lovers of an old-school sound Musik-G and The Underground Army (http://www.undergroundarmy.com/) have “UGA Throwdown” b/w “I Do Dat”. The first track is a call to arms as the crew show their lyrical firepower over some stuttering beats rounded off with some nice cuts on the chorus. The flip meanwhile offers a neck-snapping rim-shot snare with a deep bass that gives a beautiful old-school sound. This is some real underground heat and certainly worth checking for - highly recommended.
- rawroots.co.uk
Discography
H.E.A.L. LP (Elektra Records) 92'
Mau Mau Jungle LP (Sky High Records)92'
O Freedom 12" (Sky High Records)91'
What Kind of World 12" (Sky High Records)93'
Rock On b/w No Games (UGA Records)98'
Tear it down b/w Live on the box (UGA Records)00'
CLN Ouv La Pourte (CLN Records)01'
UGA Throwdown b/w I Do Dat (Activity Records)03'
The Underground Cant Be Stopped EP (Activity Records)04'
Beatskill - Vom Himmel durch die Welt zur Hölle (Fächerstadt-Beats ENT)04'
Underground Cartel - (What a good thing Aired Out Remix) (New Dawn Records)04'
Photos
Feeling a bit camera shy
Bio
Musik G and The UnderGround Army (UGA) is a hip hop crew based in New York City, founded by Musik G
(The Musik Generator) in 1992. Musik G and the UGA are currently ready to release a new EP entitled
“The Underground Cant Be Stopped” on Activity Records. The EP is a salute and inspiration to all
independent and underground music movements around the world. It is a testimony to those who have struggled to get their music out to the masses. Tracks such as “I Do Dat”, ”Got U” and “Cant Be Stopped”, are introspective of the struggles many artist go through to put out their product. Radio friendly tracks ensure that Musik G and the UGA are ready for the airwaves on their latest attack.
The project is part of a larger career development plan that will take the group around the world.
Other members of the group include DJ Mor, the lead turntablist who supports the live performances and provides all the scratching on the new project. Additional contributions on other projects come from original member DJ Frenzi and assistance from DJ Major Ito. Lex is the main graphic artist who provides all the visuals and designs seen on all releases including CD Covers, posters, stickers and other promotional materials. UGA Emcees include the outstanding skills of WHY D Original, Danjah Stand Clear, Zulu Jeff and Royal Rich. Featured UGA Vocalist include the powerful vocals of EL Rae and the multitalented Duches. UGA instrumentalist include the percussion excellence of Ralph White and the funky bass playing of Mike Eder.
There are more talented instrumentalist still to come. Musik G and the UGA have performed in various cities in the United States with artist such as Afrika Bambatta, Slick Rick, KRS-One,
Craig Mack as well as numerous Zulu Nation Anniversaries. They have also performed in Germany, Holland, England and France with Ed OG and the Awesome 2.
Musik G’s recording career has afforded him the opportunity to work on the Human Education Against Lies (H.E.A.L.-Elektra Records) album project with LL Cool J, KRS-One, Queen Latifah, Big Daddy Kane and Shabba Ranks to name a few. He has worked with Ansel Cridland of the Meditations on the “What Kind of World” project released on the Mau Mau Jungle (Sky High Records) album.
Musik G has released the singles “Rock On” b/w “No Games” and “Tear it down” b/w “Live on the box” on UGA Recordings. They are currently set to appear on the new Self Destruction 2 album with many other hip hop stars.
Along with recording and producing his own projects, Musik G’s production credits include hosting his own radio show the “Original B-Side” on WBAI 99.5fm with DJ Frenzi from 1997-2000.
He also produced special segments for the legendary
Chet Jackson’s Nite Flyte show also on WBAI 99.5fm in New York City. Musik G has worked on production for the well respected Underground Ruffhouse Video Show hosted by “Uncle” Jessie Barnes.
He contributed music work for the Martial Art World Television Show produced by ESPY-TV for the Madison Square Garden Network. Musik G has contributed his talent to number of hip hop documentaries produced by independent and student
filmmakers.
Currently he produces “The Wonder Twinz Show” Channel 40 Hip Hop on Sirius Satellite Radio.
As Musik G and the UGA’s influence continues to grow in the hip hop world we look forward to bigger and better things from this dynamic, intuitive and
creative hip hop group.
Links
