The J.U.S. Evolution

The J.U.S. Evolution Bio

American Dream

His childhood friends in Far Rockaway thought he was strange for listening to Rock music. As a young rapper, his penchant for rhyming over live instrumentals confused A&Rs. P. Diddy confessed he dug his style, but would playfully describe him as a “weird dude.” Others have called him “different,” “odd,” “eccentric,” but never has he been labeled a conformist. After nearly a decade of uncompromising dedication to his craft, Jus (born: Allah Ricks) has finally realized his lifelong dream—The J.U.S Evolution.

The Evolution began in a Brooklyn Group Home, where a teenage rapper picked up the guitar and never put it down…. literally. The self-taught guitarist would later become infamous for sleeping with his instrument on MTV’s “Making the Band.” To eat, sleep and breathe music = The J.U.S. Evolution.

Before Jay-Z rocked out with Linkin Park and before Kanye collaborated with Coldplay’s Chris Martin, the Evolution was well underway. The style has been refined but cannot be defined: A fusion of Rock and Hip Hop? A masterful blend of guitar solos and freestyle? A potent mixture of dynamic instrumentality and street swagger? Perhaps, The J.U.S. Evolution.

Music executives considered the hybrid sound “innovative but risky.” After being dubbed an “Unsigned Hype” by the Source magazine, many advised that the road to success lay not through blazed-trails, but on the beaten path. But packed shows and fervent crowds suggested otherwise. Jus still treasures his early collaborations with industry pioneers such as Paul Rosenberg, Cypress Hill, Q-tip and the Alchemist, who supported and fueled his vision. And while it was a flattering endorsement of the Evolution’s style, Jus was forced to decline Lil Wayne’s request to be his guitar protégé. Jus always knew the dream rested with Lucky, Enzo, Leo and Christian—The J.U.S. Evolution.

Meet the rest of the J.U.S. Evolution:

Lucky Church – Hype-man/Vocals

Every great Hip Hop act has a Hype-man. Call it luck that this Bronx native also happens to sing, write, arrange and play percussion. Night after night, Lucky commits to “sweating out [his] perm” on stage. The crowd’s response always makes up for Lucky’s sacrifice.

Enzo (Hitman) - Bass

This Phillipino bassist knows how to rock out. An experienced musician, Enzo has performed all over the United States and abroad. Already a star in the Philippines, now he seeks world domination.

Christian Mendazo- (Guitar)

Straight from the streets of Mexico, this young guitar player has a unique style that no one can compare too. Turning his guitar into a set of Turntables with DJ like scratches and guitar solos that will surely make him a guitar hero. Who needs a DJ when you have Mr. Mendoza.

King Leo- (Drums)

When you think of a world class drummer...... look no further. A combination of Mitch Mitchell and John John Bonham all in one. His timing and fills are effortless. What a blessing he is to this collective of superstar talent.

These guys come together to form a sum greater than its parts—just like Voltron—with Jus as the head. Based in New York City, the Evolution has toured worldwide. Defying classification, challenging convention, knowing no creative constraints—The J.U.S. Evolution pays homage to the legends of the past, while creating a new sound in the present and is destined to be the voice of the future.