Planet Ubiquity
New York City, New York, United States | SELF
Music
Press
REVIEWS
PLANET U IS THE MOST POWERFUL AND MUSICALLY DIVERSE HIP-HOP BAND I’VE COME ACROSS IN SEVERAL YEARS…. DEFINITELY ENTERTAINING! - Fat Man Scoop- DJ at WQHT Hot 97
PLANET UBIQUITY IS TO THEIR GENERATION AS WHAT THE JACKSON FIVE WAS TO THEIRS. - Steve Manning- Publicist to the stars.
WHENEVER I NEED LIVE MUSIC FOR MY BEATS THE FIRST PEOPLE I CALL ARE PHEARNONE, SHELTON, OR SHAUN. THEY ARE ON A LOT OF BEATS THAT PEOPLE DON’T EVEN REALIZE. - Needlz—Hip-Hop and R&B producer
- Kulture Konnection
"Planet Ubiquity is a band of all-stars so-to-speak. Hailing from brooklyn they are a band with a big sound infusing hip-hop, R&B, and Jazz." - www.bowed.org
Much fun was had by all at the Eighteenth Annual Black Student Center Fashion Banquet on Saturday, April 26. Whether it was the music, stylish clothes, or fine food, the event was sold out to the benefit of the Early Learning Center, which received all proceeds. Held at the Bayside Expo Center Waterfront Ballroom, attendees could either purchase tickets individually or buy entire tables as the Student Senate, the Asian Center, Casa Latina, the Queer Student Union, and numerous other groups did. In spite of some difficulty in finding the place, driving rain and blasting winds could not keep the crowds from showing up, even though weather did cause a few delays.
Musical guests Planet Ubiquity showcased their full range of talents not only playing the drums, but also able to keep the spoken-word rhythm flowing as one of them jammed on a violin, adding a somewhat unique touch to this high-energy performance. Their low-key approach to music, "less is more" attitude, and ability to groove right along when the moment called for it provided the audience with the mellow atmosphere for conversation and relaxation. - The Mass Media Umass Boston
Summerfest 2003
Shani Kulture performed at Summerfest 2003 at Waters Gift Farm in Montgomery County, MD on Saturday, September 6th and 7th, 2003. Shani Kulture and his band, Planet Ubiquity, of New York City performed along with the Baltimore and D.C. area's hottest acts to provide entertainment in exchange for the public's support of a number of worthy causes with a primary focus on children and education.
Duren Communications has organized this year and last year's Summerfest. In its second year of operation, the Summerfest is rapidly moving towards being known as one of the regions' premier summer music events. Witness the broadening of types of artists present at this year's event, beginning with Shani Kulture. Kulture is coming from NYC to show his support for this cause and formally introduce himself and his music to the Maryland area. He is recognized both nationally and internationally as the host of a weekly internet showcase called the Cure. He is also well known locally for 1st Klass Sessions. Kulture teams up with his band, Planet Ubiquity, and most recently, the Wonder Twinz, to host and perform on the first Monday of each month, setting the mood for the hottest hip hop, soulful showcase in NYC.
Kulture has only recently completed his first independent album and has created a buzz among various members of the music industry. His album, Natural Progressions, will be available at the performance. - Shani Kulture News
Space Dreams
One of NYC’s hottest indie hip-hop bands release their first album independent of a major record label
By Kat Noel, August 2007.
A nurturing friendship is the necessary foundation for any relationship that has hopes of growing. And to watch the five members of Planet Ubiquity perform is to see the synergy of more than just a fusion of talented musicians; it is an affirmation of a bona fide kinship.
“We can chill outside of the music, we can have fun and create the music, and we can continue and grow through our music,” says Shani Kulture, the group’s prolific lead lyricist.
And grow they have. Originally an R&B group, Planet Ubiquity has experienced a few name changes, the exit of members and unsuccessful attempts at having a uniformed look. Though the beginning of their journey may sound reminiscent of a season of “Making the Band”, what distinguishes them is not only that they’re actual musicians – think John Coltrane, Jimi Hendrix, Fela Kuti and De La Soul - but a union that allows what’s inside each of its members to shine through. Where many groups fear individuality, Planet U — comprised of Shani Kulture (lead vocals); Shayshahn “Phearnone” MacPherson (five-string violin and vocals); Shaun Kelly (drums and vocals); Shelton Garner (guitar and vocals); and Lenny Johnson (electric bass) — nurtures and uses it to create a harmonious sound that marries straight ahead jazz, rock, soca, R&B, soul, reggae, and hip-hop.
Aside from Planet U, these five men hold an impressive musical resume that spans over ten years of professional experience. Kulture is a radio jock for Hot 97 and has worked with hip-hop legends Mos Def and Talib Kweli. Phearnone teaches violin, dance and aerobics to young students and performed at Carnegie Hall at the age of 12. Kelly shared the stage with soul music’s new kids on the block, including John Legend and Anthony Hamilton. Garner has opened for R&B stars, Musiq Soulchild and Mary J. Blige, and aside from his bass playing skills, Johnson also works as a cinematographer and sound engineer.
“Everybody has their form of therapy,” says Kulture. “I want our crowd to see exactly where we’re coming from. Because once we’re understood, it makes me feel like I’m not crazy. When we can convey a message musically — and [the audience] understands what we’re saying — it makes us feel complete. ”
The group is prepping to take their music to the next level with the debut of their new release, Invasion, which is making a fulfilled living off their craft and invading our ears with a sound that isn’t contrived and rejects all gimmicks.
“The music business now is a uniform conglomerate of what executives think music should sound like based off visuals and concepts,” Kulture said, “Our sound is not new. It’s not like people can’t access it, but it’s hard to get unless you‘re in the underground scene. Everybody recognizes and buys Jay-z, Beyonce and Ciara because their images are a dominant standard in the business.”
During a time when talent is diluted by an obsession with image and the modern-day process of forming musical groups resembles a manufactured assembly line, Planet Ubiquity is a reflection of what’s absent in the industry.
www.shadeszine.com features "Space Dreams"
- Shades Magazine
Summerfest 2003
Shani Kulture performed at Summerfest 2003 at Waters Gift Farm in Montgomery County, MD on Saturday, September 6th and 7th, 2003. Shani Kulture and his band, Planet Ubiquity, of New York City performed along with the Baltimore and D.C. area's hottest acts to provide entertainment in exchange for the public's support of a number of worthy causes with a primary focus on children and education.
Duren Communications has organized this year and last year's Summerfest. In its second year of operation, the Summerfest is rapidly moving towards being known as one of the regions' premier summer music events. Witness the broadening of types of artists present at this year's event, beginning with Shani Kulture. Kulture is coming from NYC to show his support for this cause and formally introduce himself and his music to the Maryland area. He is recognized both nationally and internationally as the host of a weekly internet showcase called the Cure. He is also well known locally for 1st Klass Sessions. Kulture teams up with his band, Planet Ubiquity, and most recently, the Wonder Twinz, to host and perform on the first Monday of each month, setting the mood for the hottest hip hop, soulful showcase in NYC.
Kulture has only recently completed his first independent album and has created a buzz among various members of the music industry. His album, Natural Progressions, will be available at the performance. - Shani Kulture News
PLANET U
Will somebody please tell MC Shan and KRS-One that they have it all wrong?
Forget what you heard, Hip-Hop Kulture started out in Hollis Queens! It was there, outside in the Park, one could find 8-year old Shani Kulture, beat-boxing, controlling the crowd, wind-milling and spinning out of control...
Shani Kulture, the taskmaster, is a dynamic musician, artist, entertainer, promoter, and revolutionist.
Recently documented as a ‘Hip-Hop Immortal’, for the love of music and the oneness of people, his work features a sundry of creative projects that provide inspiration, exposure and artist development for emerging talent.
Shani Kulture is the front man for the hip hop/soul band Planet U. Planet Ubiquity (“Planet U”) is a band that blends emceeing, singing, spoken-word, string instruments, percussion and dancehall music into one enchantin sound. Come tonight and see a whole Planet invade The Ride.
- KYA Entertainment
http://www.ballerstatus.com/article/editorialscolumns/2008/04/4566/
All of the artists in "Rise & Shine," a mini concert series at the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York, put in their work back in late March. It wasn't at all the Apollo I imagined -- the huge stage and rows and rows of seats -- but that wasn't a bad thing. It took place in one of theatre's soundstages, giving the show a very intimate feel. A small stage with portraits of some of the most talented artists to set foot inside the Apollo acted as the backdrop of each performance. After each artist performed they were right there with you in the crowd, enjoying the next artist's music. It's just like co-host Capital J said, "No one in here is bigger than anybody." And we all truly felt that way....
" Next up was Planet Ubiquity (Myspace.com/ThePlanetU), and they immediately put everyone in a frenzy. Their eclectic mix of hip-hop, rock and reggae was definitely a welcomed change amongst the hip hop-heavy line-up. When one of their members Phearnone played his unorthodox red violin, I never knew I could rock out, bob my head and appreciate some classical instruments all at once. So, it's no surprise that these boys have already been on stage with the likes of Common and Lauryn Hill. - monday-April 28, 2008 by Nic Perrino
http://www.ballerstatus.com/article/editorialscolumns/2008/04/4566/
All of the artists in "Rise & Shine," a mini concert series at the world famous Apollo Theatre in New York, put in their work back in late March. It wasn't at all the Apollo I imagined -- the huge stage and rows and rows of seats -- but that wasn't a bad thing. It took place in one of theatre's soundstages, giving the show a very intimate feel. A small stage with portraits of some of the most talented artists to set foot inside the Apollo acted as the backdrop of each performance. After each artist performed they were right there with you in the crowd, enjoying the next artist's music. It's just like co-host Capital J said, "No one in here is bigger than anybody." And we all truly felt that way....
" Next up was Planet Ubiquity (Myspace.com/ThePlanetU), and they immediately put everyone in a frenzy. Their eclectic mix of hip-hop, rock and reggae was definitely a welcomed change amongst the hip hop-heavy line-up. When one of their members Phearnone played his unorthodox red violin, I never knew I could rock out, bob my head and appreciate some classical instruments all at once. So, it's no surprise that these boys have already been on stage with the likes of Common and Lauryn Hill. - monday-April 28, 2008 by Nic Perrino
Discography
Two Shots
War's Favorite Things
War Cry
Dope Band
Where Would we be
REBIRTH
My Life
The Vibe
Troubles
Big gunz
The Streets
Photos
Bio
Ambassadors of the alternative NYC music scene, Planet Ubiquity (Planet U) is a band that blends emceeing, singing, spoken-word, string instruments, percussion and dancehall music into one enchanting sound." -KYA Entertainment-
The umbrella of music that is reached at a Planet U experience ranges from Rock, to Traditional West African drumming, R&B, Jazz, Soul, Hip-hop, Soca and Roots Reggae music. Adrian Kamwell (bowed.org) discribed Planet U as a "….band of all-stars hailing from Brooklyn; they are a band with a big sound infusing Rock,hip-hop, and R&B."
Every member of this "all-star band"were born and bred in the culture saturated streets of New York City. Everything from the walk to the bodedaga (corner store) in the Bronx, interactions with sophisticated ladies on Wall Street, and the taste of salt-fish-and-bake on Eastern parkway during the Caribbean Day Parade is reflected and felt in planet U's music. Most of the members of Planet U met through another New York City tradition: West African drumming in dance classes. Ironically, besides there main instruments, Kulture, Shaun, Phearnone, and Shelton are skilled in West African drumming. The link to Planet U's heavy rock influence comes from the kinship between Shelton and Lenny, who joined forces in several rock bands together and followed the tradition of rock legends like Jimi Hendrix. Shelton also brings a strong Roots vibe to Planet U.
Planet Ubiquity has been featured in Shades Magazine, PMC-ENT.com Radio, Sirius Radio with Amanda Diva's"Hip-Hop Nation," Bowed.org radio, they’ve been mentioned several times on WQHT's Hot 97 morning show with Miss Jones, Center Stage TV, The Veronica Kit T.V. Show, and Mass Media Boston.
Planet Ubiquity has shared the stage with Common, Talib Kweli, Lauryn Hill, Q-tip, Black Moon, Gregory Isaacs, Jaguar Wright, Imani Izzure, TL Cross, Queen Godis, Bilal, Lost Boyz, Busta Rhymes, and Jaru "The Damager."
These five, individually and as a band, have preformed in over 20 different colleges, Carnegie Hall, Lincoln Center, Brooklyn Street Festival, Black August, The Kennedy Center, S.O.Bs, BB Kings, and CBGBs to name a few. Planet U’s mission is to create a higher platform of music using old and new genres, while providing a positive message out of realistic issues such as politics, realationships, and urban life. Their music represents a breadth of genres and cultures. If you are lucky enough to catch them on planet Earth you will experience a wonderful musical invasion on the ears, mind, heart and soul.
Planet U hit the road in August 2007 to promote theirforthcoming album, Invasion.
SHANI KULTURE
Aka "Da Runaway" is the prolific lead lyricist of The Planet U. His unique skills and style with Trinidadian roots are felt from NYC's massive underground hip-hop scene, having collaborated with Mos Def & Talib Kweli, and working on the official #1 hip-hop station in the world, Hot 97 WQHT-FM. Kulture is prepared to take command of any audience made up of any demographic. When it comes to entertaining, intriguing, captivating and thought provoking personalities, Shani Kulture is the embodiment of this and more. Kulture's assignments with Planet U are front man duties, lyrics & percussion. Kulture was a native of Hollis Queens, New York before moving to the Planet U.
Shayshahn "PHEARNONE" MacPherson
Known as Phearnone to his friends and fans, Shayshahn is the secret weapon of Planet U. Phearnone can be seen performing spoken-word poetry and playing his five-string violin simultaneously all over the U.S. Phearnone is truly Ubiquitous in the hip-hop scene. You probably have heard his string work on songs produced by many hip-hop and R&B producers like "Needlz" and "Steve E." Phearnone received his B.A from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His first big performance was Carnegie Hall at the age of 12. Phearnone's duties with Planet U are strings, lyrics, West African percussion and energy. Phearnone was a Bronx native before he moved to Planet U.
SHAUN KELLY
When you think of drums you think of the root or the pulse of any band: Shaun Kelly is just that. Shaun started his studies of percussion at the early age of 11 while enrolled in the Harlem School of the Arts. By 18, his studies paid off by getting him a music scholarship to the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Djembe, Congas, Timpani, Marimba, Sabar, and drum set are all accomplished in this mans 4 limbs. He also raps, sings, and composes. Watching this brother perform is mind-boggling. You can catch Shaun's work in movies like Marci X staring Damon Wayne and Lisa Kudro, to playing behind John Legend, Anthony Hamilton, El De Barge, Larant Camara and Moussa Traore. Shaun has preformed all over the Globe—Queens to Cali, Africa to Europe, Canada to Asia, and from Australia back to Planet U!
SHELTON GARNER
The "hardest working guitarist in the New York Scene" is working for Planet U. Shelton's duties with Planet U are show
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