Music
Press
Pol-B steps into the game with his independent debut, Unsilenced backed by his own independent label, Majeestyle. At first listen, you wouldn’t know this was the debut album from an independent artist. The production team brings the heat throughout while Pol-B delivers a New York flow with a touch of southern swagger. He’s an artist and musician that has created a project that reaches from the clubs to the hood, to the closeted corporate hip-hop fan. This album gives voice to them all, thereby establishing a movement in hip-hop. So for everyone that’s looking for a break from the downward spiral of hip-hop, here’s your first dose…
The album opens with Requiem, a mellow introductory track laced with clever metaphors. It’s an ode to the craft and sets the foundation for the album: For you I wear my heart on my sleeve, I know that you’ll never leave… Check the flow and the beat on Where Are They Now, an anthem that addresses the common threat to the common dream - that's right, the haters. For My Fly is a shout to those that, above all else, preserve the sexy even on the daily grind. Pol-B kicks it up a bit with the sexy hit for the clubs Uh Uh Uh, delivering an irresistible beat and infectious hook. Other highlights include Precision which establishes Pol-B as quite the wordsmith, and the soul-infused Lord Help Me, a nod to those making it through the struggle. My personal favorite is The Raw which includes a haunting sample of King Leonidas and the Spartan Army; there’s just an air of triumph that flows through the entire song.
This is not an album decorated with bling, or an oversexed project, nor is it fueled by any superficial beefs. The Drumatiks production team is featured on most of the album and brings just the right level of fire to the mix. Unsilenced returns hip-hop to its origins: infectious beats, lyrical dexterity, and a little something to make you move your feet. Pol-B is an independent artist that’s taken the reins of his career into his own hands by starting his own label, and is quickly takin this “itty bitty world by storm”… and he’s just gettin’ warm...
http://www.sound-savvy.com/2008/07/pol-b-unsilenced-and-unleashed.html
- Sound-Savvy.com
Sound-Savvy: The Sound-Savvy audience got an initial taste of Pol-B last year when you dropped the Unsilenced album, but for those that don't know, who is Pol-B?
Pol-B: Pol-B is a thinker, an individual, a pioneer. I've always had my own definition of what cool is...I plan on making Pol-B a brand in pop culture. I consider myself an artist, student, and lover of music. It is a genuine passion of mine to spread my sound throughout the world. Pol-B will make people think, laugh, cry, and dance!!
SS: Cool, well nowadays, it seems that everyone wants to be the next big rapper, so what makes you different from any other contender for the title?
Pol-B: I would say my flexibility; I have a 'sound' but not a 'sound' that I am stuck to. I pride myself on being open and able to create with various types of music. To me, its bigger than rap....Its about being the best entertainer. The best thing about art is that everyone has their right to express themselves how they see fit. That's why I dont feel I have any contenders, there is only one Pol-B...I want the world to see me as unique and not just another rapper...
SS: How do you feel about the reception of your first album, Unsilenced?
Pol-B: I feel great....It was an introduction to people about what I felt at the time and my music making abilities. It really meant a lot to get the responses I did off of a homegrown project.... It was absolutely weird to hear "Man this is real hip-hop!" (laughs) I used to always think "Isn't that the point?" I even had a label exec at a hip-hop label say "I love this but I dont know how we can market real hip-hop." I never got mad i just thought it was funny... But its funny how people want to put you in boxes; I aint super conscious backpack rap but.....who cares!
SS: What's the title and concept behind your new album?
Pol-B: Campaign Season... I am ready to take office as commander and chief.. People want something new and this really is "change you can believe in" I feel like Barack right now... (laughs). Its a long journey on the campaign trail but you stand the test of time; what seems impossible to others will happen. I want to show a new side of Pol-B musically and journey in to a few places I didn't get to hit on the first joint. I want people to feel like they are witnessing the victory in this album.
SS: What's different about the new album than your first?
Pol-B: I am already doing different types of tracks, I heard the voice of people who wanted to hear me do some other things. I guess more radio-friendly type joints. There is already a different vibe about the stuff I have done for this album. I plan on collaborating with more producers and artists on this project. I wont say what types of artists and producers but expect it to be a twist.The first recording for the album was in LA where we knocked out 7 songs in two sessions...Once I get goin' I dont know how to stop..
SS: Wow... sounds like a serious session. What was the basis behind The Paper?
Pol-B: The Paper is an ode to gettin money...It was really just magic once I started recording this joint. I guess it could of been having the late great (Notorious BIG) sampled on the hook but it just all came pouring out. I feel everyone can relate to this joint. If you are the hardest of the hardest or a business man about gettin paper you can feel this
SS: In times like these, we all can relate. So what's your goal with Hey Baby?
Pol-B: The rhythm of this track puts u in a trance... the ladies automatically start shaking and we all start watching! (laughs) I want people to look at Hey Baby as a fun record....something that when people hear it in the club they want to be on the dance floor, something that makes you turn up the radio while driving. I wanted it to be club but I still wanted to kill the track with my delivery...So far it seems like I accomplished both.
SS: I agree... definitely feelin' that joint! So overall, what can fans expect on the new album?
Pol-B: A music buffet...just get your plate. I don't plan on leaving any rock unturned with this album, I want to explore a wide range of musical concepts. It will still be in traditional Pol-B form which equates to a little bit of everything. The goal is to produce an undeniable banger... I want 5 platinum headphones!!!!
SS: What's in store for the future of Pol-B?
Pol-B: I currently have plans on shooting a video and hitting the road to show the showman side of Pol-B. There will be some upcoming collabo's and features that will boost the celebrity a little bit. But my main goal in these next few months is to establish the name to all music lovers... There is always something to be doing and I plan on doing it! I pray God continues to allow me to grow as a man and an artist...When the world is ready they will see...
Special shout outs to ACE Group, Majeestyle Ent, and The DRUMATIKS!!
http://www.sound-savvy.com/2009/04/savvy-spotlight-unsilenced-pol-b.html
- Sound-Savvy.com
Discography
UNSILENCED THE ALBUM OUT NOW!!!!
LIVE ON ITUNES, AMAZON, RHAPSODY, NAPSTER, AND LALA
CAMPAIGN SEASON ON THE WAY
Photos
Bio
There’s a bit of creative genius in every one of us. Sadly, only a small percentage of us actually unlock that side to maximize its potential. For Steven Allen (Pol-B), unlocking that side was the easy part. Pol-B brings an interesting mix of his New York flow with a touch of southern swagger. It is his education and knowledge of the craft that makes him not just an artist, but also a learned musician, creating music that reaches from the clubs to the hood, to the closeted corporate hip-hop fan. In his life, he has connected with them all so naturally in his music, he gives voice to them all.
From an early age, Steven Allen was destined to rock the world’s stage as an MC. Raised in a musical family with strong spiritual roots, Allen was exposed to different styles and even sang a bit himself. His heart, however, yearned for a different path – its desire was hip-hop. From the time he was 9 years old, his ingenuity began to show in his musical ability. The journey to hip-hop began with a young Allen creating his own beats on tape by beat boxing into a karaoke machine, which he would then play back and record his rhymes over. From then on, the seeds of hip-hop would continue to blossom and the world would come to know that young, determined Steven Allen as the unsilenced hip-hop hero – Pol-B.
Instead of aspiring for stardom, Pol-B chose the road less traveled – he decided to chase after greatness. The difference is simple: emulation can make you a star, but the path to greatness involves knowledge of the craft, honing your skills, and dedication to personal development. Allen’s dreams of being an educated artist led him to undertake music theory in both a performing arts high school and as a major area of college study. Coupled with his hours in the booth sharpening his skills, Pol-B presents himself as a true artist, destined to reach hip-hop fans with his story.
In an era where creativity is in short supply Pol-B expands on the ingenuity of his youth and infuses it into every element of his music: from his crafty punch lines on cuts like Where Are They Now, to the soulfulness on Lord Help Me and even in the sexiness of club bangers like Uh Uh Uh, all from his debut album Unsilenced. “It’s not about trying to be different,” Allen explains. I’m just being myself – that alone makes me different.” With this strong sense of individuality, Pol-B is on a mission to revive the element of originality that brought hip-hop from a New York dream to the fruition of universal acknowledgement.
Pol-B is an artist with a story – not dressed up with delusions of grandeur, but real enough to reach everyone. Sometimes he’ll make you dance, sometimes he’ll make you think, and sometimes you’ll laugh until your sides hurt. And that’s because he laughs, he dances and he thinks. That’s what makes Pol-B an artist everyone can vibe with, and it makes Steven Allen a man everyone can relate to.
Links
