Grxwn Fxlks, a Pittsburgh-based emcee/producer super-duo consisting of Masai Turner and Akil Esoon, set out to develop music that would appeal to Hip-most Hop’s marginalized audience—adults—on their debut album. The pair established offices in New York, Los Angeles, and Atlanta in order to work with legends and access facilities of the highest caliber. Together, they created a project that is very different from the overused themes prevalent in popular culture. Their finest work, Volume I: Independent, is the outcome.
Positive vibrations, social awareness, ethnic pride, and street wisdom come together in Volume I: Independent. On the song “Grxwn Fxlks,” which bears his name, DJ Jazzy Jeff, a two-time Grammy Award winner, displays his magnificent turntable skill. Raheem DeVaughn, who has been nominated for three Grammy Awards, contributes to “Magic,” one of the album’s outstanding songs and a love letter to the magical traits that every wonderful lady should be admired for. On “Let’s Talk About It,” Masai and veteran Bronx emcee, activist, and novelist Mysonne trade rhymes about the drawbacks of street life over a healthy serving of boom-bap from Akil Esoon. Nikki Jean, a singer/songwriter for Rhymesayers Entertainment, lends her endearing cameo talents on the album’s final track, “One.”
You can tap into the new release below.
