Swing
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Swing

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Discography

Devils Advocate - Release in October 2008
Pain Is Progress - 2006
Operation Terror - 2005
Reality - 2004
Phd - The Hungry Years - 2000

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Bio

Hip-Hop has long been a forum for expression and art that very few people have executed correctly. The ability to express emotions, thoughts and events both fictional and factual through a collage of lyrics is not a gift granted to everyone. The art of rhyme has become an avenue for monetary gain and many individuals who lack the gift have come forward in an effort to increase their social status. These individuals are soon broken down physically and mentally when their hunt for cheese leads them into a field of rat traps. Some individuals that lack the gift get lucky enough to reap the games benefits momentarily. Since only a true love for the art will help you through it's many obstacles and pitfalls these individuals soon become casualties of war. Sadly their success becomes short-lived and obsolete. True MC's find gratification in the execution of their talent and do not need success to roam in the field of mines. They do it willingly and with pride. One of these MC's goes by the name of Swing a.k.a. The Devils Advocate.

Jose Santiago a.k.a. Swing was born and raised in Perth Amboy, NJ. He began his quest for lyrical supremacy in the early 90's. Hip-Hop was in its glory days with such artist as Nas, Biggie and Jay-Z releasing their freshman albums. In his wreckless travels he was introduced to his producer and life long friend Keman Bell a.k.a. Theory. Together they formed their first group which was entitled "Oursin Ave". After a year the group split except for Theory and Swing which then called themselves P.H.D. (Poor Hungry Dirty). The group recorded their first album entitled Poor Hungry Dirty in 1996. They began doing shows in New Jersey, New York and Long Island regularly. The group made a quick name for themselves and started selling CD's hand to hand. PHD also cut a record with recording artist K-Banger in the late 90's who is now signed to Shaman Work Recordings. The song was entitled "The Article" and can be found on K-Bangers freshman album.

In the early 2000’s P.H.D. Started experiencing growing pains, both financially and artistically. It was at this time that Swing recorded his first solo album entitled “Reality”. It featured such local acts such as "ILL SOULS", "James Watts", "Theory", "John Brown" and radio personality "BIG BONE". Most of the production on the album was done by Theory for Silent Assassin Enterprises. It was at this time Swing began running with close friend and radio personality Benito Torres a.k.a. "Big Bone". Big Bone is the founder of the Downlow Hip-Hop show on 90.3fm in central NJ and has been compared to the legendary Bobbito Garcia a.k.a. DJ Cucumberslice. Together they began distributing Swing's material at every NJ and NY venue they could. While flooding the streets with freshman album Swing recorded his sophomore album "Pain is Progress". With his second album Swing began doing such venues as Remote Lounge, Don Hills Nightclub, Pyramid Nightclub, The Colosseum, 88 keys, Vibe Lounge, The Court Tavern, Studio 9, Harbortown Tavern, Brokers, Hummers and too many more to mention. He did many college radio interviews promoting his material. He received honorable mention in the Newspaper multiple times mentioning upcoming shows that he was to perform at. One show in particular was the Unity Show that promoted peace within the hip-hop community. He recorded a freestyle entitled "The Amboy Anthem" that later became his first video. It was directed by Theory for Silent Assassin Enterprises. At this time Swing was ready to film his second video and linked up with Director Jason Hill a.k.a. Truth (R.I.P.). Truth was a promoter as well as a director and started pushing Swings material to a broader audience. As Truth gained more confidence in Swing his venues became larger and larger and so did his following.

Swing is currently in the process of recording his latest work of art entitled "Devils Advocate". This album has features such as "Fo Onassis" (Replay, Girls Gon Wild), "Young Boss a.k.a. David Valentine"(Pitbull, Joe Buddens, Trina),"Terell"(Hi-Five, Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston), "Universol"(Hub City Hip-Hop), "Shak" of Blood Cuzinz, "Mystique" and "Theory". With producers such as Lynx (Produced Shooting Star for Young Boss which aired on Hot 97), Ricky Mendosa (Bel Biv Devoe), DJ Absurd (Killah Preist, Afu Rah), Theory, and Nemesis it is no surprise this will be a hit album. The title describes the mix of rock and hip-hop that the album will portray as well as Swing's darker image.