|1)|Ignoring the gimmicky formulas of commercial rap, and stale “keep it real” clichés of the underground environment, Chapter 13 brings some thing fresh to the table. Rashid Hadee and Young Valentine combine soul piercing wit, hard edge confidence and innovative beat production, which reminds listeners of the “Golden Era” of Hip-Hop. Heavily influenced musically by the soul of his father who passed in 1998, and his Uncle, both talented musicians in their own right, Rashid uses this inspiration plus the real life lessons learned on the gritty Chicago streets to formulate a mic presence that is easily relatable. From tagging graffiti on walls to waking up to the ice-cold “hawk” of the Windy City in his Hyundai Elantra, Rashid passionately recounts tales of life in Chicago while overcoming personal demons and obstacles. The talented producer has laced tracks for MCs such as Common Sense and Special Ed and is working on Abstract Mindstate’s mix tape with guest appearances by Kanye West. With the perfect mix of arrogance and confidence, Young V, hailing from Jackson, MI, brings that Dirty South bred flavor to the mix. Never limiting himself to making over hype crunk for the club beats, Valentine is able to incorporate many facets of Hip-Hop into a style that is unique and ground-breaking. Taking from the soulful revolution that underground hip hop is enduring, and mixing it with the dirty south drums that stay banging in the club, Young V has formed his own niche in the game. “My music is straight from the heart,” proclaims Valentine, “I’m from the south but grew up listening to all kinds of hip-hop, and those influences are clear in my music.” From the moment these two dynamic individuals met in high school in Jackson in 1997, they started making beat tapes for friends. After high school, Rashid moved back to Chicago and Young V followed later on where they got together and recorded a full length LP in 2001 called Legendary Aspectz. Now with Valentine back in Jackson they continue to work with Neblina Records creating an industry buzz with their Nevermore’s Asylum Mixtape. Chapter 13 works together with a yin and yang duality to create dynamic depictions of pavement pain mixed with well-mastered lyrical prowess. “We’re basically each other’s biggest fans,” states Rashid, “we both got a strong love for each other’s music.” Gifted double threat artist, capable of making beats and rhyming with the best, their style of Hip-Hop is a breath of fresh air. Rooted in the fundamentals, but versatile enough to touch on the broad spectrum of real-life struggles, Rashid and Young V encompass the spirit of Rap’s Renaissance Crafting music that expresses the wide range of emotions and situations people experience, Chapter 13 is hear to write their chapter in the book of Hip-Hop. |
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