Joey and Mick met at acompany in Pasadena, California, became friends, and started working on poetry and music in May of 2002. They realized they were comfortable with the elements of spoken word verses combined with rhythmic heavy bottoms and (hook-laden) vocal choruses.
When commenting on his pre Read more...
Joey and Mick met at acompany in Pasadena, California, became friends, and started working on poetry and music in May of 2002. They realized they were comfortable with the elements of spoken word verses combined with rhythmic heavy bottoms and (hook-laden) vocal choruses.
When commenting on his previous musical/writing experiences, Joey noted:
"Musically, I always wrote very simple changes. I learned my pop from Mowtown. My ability to write hooks comes out of the fact that I hear more like a listener than a musician. Spoken Word and Rap/Hip-Hop are a natural fit for me. I was into the mix of spoken word and music as far back as The Last Poets and Gil Scott-Heron. When rap first emerged I didn't perceive it as being that much different from what the Beatniks did with Jazz in the 50's"
They realized that rap could play a part in all this, so they asked rapper "Lil' Tip Toe", who also happened to be Joey's stepson-in-law to insert himself into the compositions. He listened to the music, and that first day and off the top of his head, give them first drafts of his raps. So now, the group has the narrative spoken voice of Mick McMains, Joey's hooky, completely untrained scat singing, and Lil'Tip Toe's strong rap presence. Mitch Rafal had come to LA years before, and his significant input added a whole new musical layer to the mix.
As work progressed in the studio, Mick's son/guitarist Ian's presence eventually drew him into the group, adding even another layer. The addition of Jeremy's scratching talents completed the picture. So, with a very hot CD,the group has received lots of excellent press, very good reviews, and continues to make airplay inroads.
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