Tuesday, January 16, 2007

Brick Records Reaches The 10 Year Mark

Surviving a decade in this fickle independent hip hop climate is next to impossible these days. Brick did it pre-internet, pre-international distribution and pre-pro tools. Sounds crazy, yet true. The imprint would lead a resurgence in the Boston hip hop scene and would establish artists to carry on the torch initially lit by legendary acts like Gangstarr Posse, Edo G., The Almighty R.S.O, Top Choice Clique and TDS Mob. Brick Records launched the careers of every notable "new school" act to come out of the commonwealth in the last ten years, most importantly The Rebel Alliance, 7L & Esoteric, Mr. Lif, Insight, Skitzofreniks, Beyonder, D-Tension and currently Raydar Ellis and Termanology.Not limited to 'Murda' Mass, Brick expanded it's operation and it's wings releasing projects worldwide with a pre-mask wearing MF DOOM, Ras Kass, Scratch (The Roots), 9th Wonder (Little Brother), brooklyn rhyme legend and Wu Tang affiliate Shabazz The Disciple, Mood frontman Main Flow, Louis Logic and super producer Chops (Mountain Brothers). The label would pair up it's stable producers and artists with some of the best in the industry leading to collaborations with Slug (Atmosphere), Cormega, Talib Kweli, Black Thought, Z-Trip, Boot Camp Click, A.G., Jedi Mind Tricks and more right up to the current hit single from Termanology "Watch How It Go Down (Remix),", produced by legendary producer DJ Premier and featuring Lil Fame from M.O.P. and recent Jive signee/Kay Slay protegé Papoose.X: A Decade Of Independence is a celebration of an accomplishment; of a respected history and brand. Seamlessly mixed and blended by the newest and very talented additions to the Brick family Raydar Ellis and Will C. and with precise cuts and scratches by DJ Rugged One, "X" takes the listener on an interesting journey over two discs and 27 of the best Brick has to boast, starting with the first future retro sonics of God Complex's "Strontium 90" right up to the Term and Premo current classic "Watch How It Goes Down." Thorough and historic stuff. (Credit: Brick Records Press Release).