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Welcome to the Biography of Chicago Rapper Verbal Kent. The one and only. Verbal has been a part of Hip-Hop since he was an amazing little child. His life in Hip-Hop really started when the mall opened near his parents house in the summer of 1990. Lincolnwood Town-Center. You know something about that? Probably not.
Bored with everything, Verbal would visit Camelot music on the second floor in search of new and interesting rap albums to listen to. Rap albums! The way that emcees spoke their minds so freely, over big fat music hooked him from the very beginning. He wanted to be a part of it. ...read more
Welcome to the Biography of Chicago Rapper Verbal Kent. The one and only. Verbal has been a part of Hip-Hop since he was an amazing little child. His life in Hip-Hop really started when the mall opened near his parents house in the summer of 1990. Lincolnwood Town-Center. You know something about that? Probably not.
Bored with everything, Verbal would visit Camelot music on the second floor in search of new and interesting rap albums to listen to. Rap albums! The way that emcees spoke their minds so freely, over big fat music hooked him from the very beginning. He wanted to be a part of it. His search was inspired by two things: Music video channel THE BOX, and Chicago radio station 950 am. Yeah man! If he heard a track he liked he would write it down, and visit Camelot in search of the artist who made it. Then, if he noticed an artist who was featured on THAT artists album, he would also take notice of THAT artists own album. An amazing young man he was!
By the age of 14, Verbal had amassed a collection of what now would be considered the backbone of "REAL" Hip-Hop. EPMD, Cypress Hill, A Tribe Called Quest, The Pharcyde, Wu Tang, The Roots, Masta Ace, Redman, Jeru the Damaja, Mobb Deep, Black Moon..the list goes on and on. It was a lonely life. See, his peers did not share the same musical interests. In fact, at times VK was mocked for the bass thumping his mini-van trunk. For his taste in baggy pants, and his blood shot eyes. If you know what I mean. "Fuck them", he said. Isolated with his passion for the art, Verbal began to take logical steps toward honing his own craft. He began to smoke himself retarded and freestyle. Not an uncommon "practice" for devout fans of Hip-Hop.
After a while, Verbal stopped sucking badly at it. By 19 years old he began meeting like minds. He started a live Hip-Hop band called OMU- a giant collective of up and coming emcee's and musicians. Together they released two projects. the 1998 self titled "Organic Mind Unit" and in 1999 "The Usual Suspects". After one member of the band quit by "just not showing up" any more, Verbal Decided it it was time to pursue his own career in Hip-Hop. I mean, fuck that kind of shit. You know?
IN 2003, after years of live shows and wild nights in the studio, Verbal Released a solo 12" entitled "ALIEN ROCK" on Chicago's Gravel Records, followed by the 2004 full length LP "WHAT BOX". He received good press locally and internationally. The album was written up in URB and VIBE magazines. He began performing as much as possible locally and state wide. Things were looking good. He took on a reputation as a hard worker, and solid live performer. Yeah Baby!
Suddenly though, Verbal's career and life itself came to a halt when his throat was slashed in an alley near his home in Chicago. The assailants blade missed the jugular vein by centimeters. It took time and faith, but Verbal made the best of the experience. He learned a great deal about himself, and redefined life as an artist.
IN 2006, As promotion for his second solo album "MOVE WITH THE WALLS", VK dropped the 12" single "DEAD SERIOUS" in the United Kingdom. The Song featuring ILL BILL and long time friend LANCE AMBU. It received rave reviews over seas. "Hip-Hop Connection", "DJ Mag", and "Blues and Soul" gave the release mad props. The release of the full length "MOVE WITH THE WALLS" followed, an introspective album covering a range of content. From the tale of a messy relationship, and the struggles of the daily grind as an artist- to the attempt on his life and the healing process itself. The album connected with many true Hip-Hop fans. Well known magazine "XXL" did a feature story on Verbal and his life changing experience. Verbal Collaborated with a wide range of artists on the project. UK Hip-Hop legend BLADE appeared on the album, later becoming a good friend and mentor. The album was well received, and with it he found a place in the Hip-Hop community.
2007 brought a new crew and album into the picture.."GIRAFFE NUTS: EAT THEM". Verbal Joined friends and fellow Microphone fiends Rusty Chains, Lance Ambu, Alltruisms, RoadBlok, Doomsday, and Moodswangz to create a graphic opus. A limited run of 1000 digi-pack CD's were released, selling out within a few months. Using the momentum of the LP, Verbal followed in 2008 with his 3rd solo album: FIST SHAKING released on Molemen INC. The album was produced by Marco Polo (Duck Down), Oddisee, and Molemen CEO Panik.
IN 2009, After several European Tours to support FIST SHAKING and previous releases, Verbal dropped his fourth album entitled BRAVE NEW RAP with long time friend and Producer KAZ 1. Banger "REMOVE THE GAG" featuring ILL BILL and WORDSWORTH became in instant cult classic. VK and Kaz teamed up with COLDHARD of the legendary Chicago group CRUTIAL CONFLICT on "VERBAL ASSAULT", and BRAILLE on "FAITH".
Since 1998, Verbal has lived a Hip-Hop fans dream. He has performed in the United States, France, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Greece, and the United Kingdom. He has shared the stage with Legends KRS 1, GZA, Sean Price, Cypress Hill, Redman, Atmosphere, Mr Liff, Little Brother, Evidence, Sadat X, Ed Og, Masta Ace, De La Soul, and The Pharcyde.
You can hear these influences in his rap style. He boasts a flawless delivery, sonically equivalent to a snipers eye. Each verse is a puzzle. Rich in humor yet full of a depth that peaks through a line when you least expect it. He can be your best friend and your enemy, at the same moment in time signature. His live performances are regarded as a must see experience. He gives his all, every time no matter what. Audiences know Verbal is having fun on stage, they can just feel that he wants to be there. All this adds up to one thing: Hip-Hop music at its best.
No one could have predicted that what he loved and used as company as a mere amazing child, would have been his ultimate calling in life. If you have followed Verbal Kent, you are sure to agree that the best is yet to come for this dedicated student of the art of rap. Verbal proves Hip-Hop is in fact alive and well, and waiting for you at the next show. « hide |
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