Newark, New Jersey is rich in culture, creativity and history. The state of New Jersey’s biggest city, Shaquille O’Neal, Faith Evans and Whitney Houston are Brick City’s notable representatives that were idolized by today’s millennials. Years later, lyricists like Vernell Bryant, better known to his rap audience as Knew Era are carrying on Newark’s tradition with creativity in today’s digital age.
Knew Era began rapping when he was 12 years old freestyle battling his brothers in his parent’s home. He didn’t start taking his craft seriously until 2008 when he and his brother created a series of street-flavored shows on YouTube called Brick City Uncensored. The videos were a means of showcasing his talent as an underground artist. Under the name Re Bannon, Era and his cousin Chad Bryant used YouTube as a means of gaining a broader fan base. He enjoyed the exposure by sharing his story with his fans. “People get to learn about me and relate to my life and fans make it worth it,” Knew Era told The Source.
Knew Era incorporated interviews with signed artists, as well as some up and comers. What started out as a medium for developing an audience quickly turned out better than he had hoped. In 2009, Knew Era met manager Latiem Welton and worked on his first solo project The Break Out Hosted by DJ New Era which was released in 2010 on Dat Piff. In 2011, Era formed DOP3 Kru Inc, with his cousin Chad Bryant and Shamoan Artis.
In 2011, Knew Era and DOP3 KRU released the Behind The Music mixtape on Dat Piff and gained a ton of buzz with the Mix Tape featured on numerous blog sites. His success got him a deal with Limitless Clothing Factory and a show at The Vibe in Riverside California. It was at that venue that he announced that his EP 4 Laps and his debut album, Indie would release later that year. “The joy I get out of rapping is making records that actually tell stories about my life ,” said Knew Era.
Check out one of Knew Era’s videos:
Knew Era recently caught up with The Source and shared his story and his inspiration in the music scene:
The Source: Who inspires you in hip hop?
Knew Era: Right now Curren$y inspires me and is my favorite artist. His passion and remaining himself through it all. Staying true is what inspires me. I would like to work with him soon. He pushes me without him even knowing by just constantly working as hard as he does. Lifeeeeee!
The Source: Why did you choose hip hop?
Knew Era: I started rapping when I was 12 battling my brothers when we were little but not taking it serious just messing around.. When I was 15 I moved back to California in the Bay Area with my aunt & started making tracks with my friends out there. From that point I moved back east and got busy with my cousin Chad making freestyle videos and documenting my life.
The Source: Tell us more about DOP3 KRU.
Knew Era: My team consist of producers, artists. photographers and the DJ of course. We are the DOP3 KRU: Mone Mafia, Rellevent, Jha, Ali Streetz and DJ Knew Era.We are pushing one another towards great heights and will be the face of music soon. We also have a partnership with Genco Mafia and are currently working with one another as a whole supporting the movement. We book events, interviews, press releases and drop projects consistently. Be on the look out for what’s in store next.
The Source: So what’s next for you and your team?
Knew Era: I’m currently working on an EP titled 5 Laps which is a serious following up from last years EP 4 Laps. The date is forthcoming, but it’s what’s next from me following an album in the fall. Expect some good features on the album and be on the look out for many surprises. You never know what or who you might hear on it!
Check out more of Knew Era’s recent work:
Make sure to follow him Era on Twitter @KnewEra and download his music by clicking here.
