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The term "purist" has no place in music, since one genre often influences or gives birth to another genre every few years. Jazz purists are
sometimes displeased with the genre being sampled by Hip-Hop artists, but no one can argue that it has inspired a new generation of Jazz
enthusiasts. Bop Alloy, comprised of Baltimore, MD emcee Substantial and the Seattle, WA producer Marcus D, is the name that best describes the
brand of hip-hop
(labeled "Jazz Hop" by today's listeners) made popular by legendary groups like Gangstarr and A Tribe Called Quest. Bop Alloy haven't set out to be
the n ...read more
The term "purist" has no place in music, since one genre often influences or gives birth to another genre every few years. Jazz purists are
sometimes displeased with the genre being sampled by Hip-Hop artists, but no one can argue that it has inspired a new generation of Jazz
enthusiasts. Bop Alloy, comprised of Baltimore, MD emcee Substantial and the Seattle, WA producer Marcus D, is the name that best describes the
brand of hip-hop
(labeled "Jazz Hop" by today's listeners) made popular by legendary groups like Gangstarr and A Tribe Called Quest. Bop Alloy haven't set out to be
the next group of artists with a throwback sound, but to "make quality music that anybody, from any walk of life can enjoy,"
says Marcus D.
After several well received collaborations, such as "Day In The Life," featuring Steph and "Enjoy Yourself," the two have officially formed a duo and
are putting the finishing touches on their debut album entitled Substantial & Marcus D are Bop Alloy (SMDABA). The
highly anticipated LP will debut mid-2010. Leading up to the debut, they plan to release several 7" vinyl singles in Japan. A 2010 Japan Tour and
spot dates in the US are already in the works, although details on the release remain a secret. Heightening the anticipation, the pair released an
exclusive song on Substantial's promotional download mix Wink - Something Substantial, which was featured on several popular blogs and Web
sites. SMDABA features guest appearances by Edgar Allen Floe (Justice League), Cise Starr (CYNE), Mr. SOS (formerly of CunninLynguists), Kokayi,
Gods'Illa, Niles, and Mello D. Steph the Sapphic Songstress contributes the most of all the guests with choruses and background vocals on half of
the album, adding to the already soulful sound-scape.
Substantial & Marcus D first began collaborating in 2007, soon after Sub returned to Maryland after living in Brooklyn, NY for nearly 10 years. MD
was working on his debut release, Revival of the Fittest, when he first contacted Sub. Substantial instantly noticed similarities in MD's sound to
Nujabes of Hyde Out Productions, with whom Substantial debuted. Sub knew that if the two continued to work together, it would be well received
by
fans who missed the sound of the early collabs with Hyde Out. When describing what it is like to work with MD, Sub said: "It's the type of
relationship you want to have with your producer. You want them to be equally excited about the project and he is. I don't have to push him to
be productive, he just is." Eventually, Tsunetake Ito of Tamashie Creations/Elevation signed both artists to his company in Japan and quickly
began promoting the two, leading up to the inevitable release of their debut album.
Baritone vocals, fluid flows, and honest lyrics over hypnotic melodies and pounding drums defines the Bop Alloy sound. A sound and chemistry that
feels familiar yet, one-of-a-kind. Marcus says, "The musical chemistry between Substantial & me easily transcends the phrase "frequent
collaborators," but I think the most unique characteristic of our group is our substantial (no pun) difference in age, but our ability to interact on
the same level as human beings, business partners, and musicians." Substantial adds, "I have experienced a lot of things in the music biz that
makes most folks bitter, where Marcus D is a fresh face with a somewhat different outlook. This allows us to find a healthy middle-ground which is
ideal for our growth as a unit. Needless to say we plan on making a major mark with this endeavor." « hide |
Similar Bands: Nujabes, CYNE, Marcus D, Substantial Contributors: BullshitAsUsual, gagnonov, Saros, Josh-D,
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