abstract rude

ABSTRACT RUDE Abstract Rude stands as one of hip-hop’s most accessible healers. Since first making regular appearances at L.A.’s legendary Goodlife open mic sessions circa 1994, this MC has steadily found the ideal balance of strong lyrical substance and high entertainment value. Unafraid to sing his own hooks and break out multiple flows within single songs, Ab Rude is one of the most multifarious graduates of the fertile L.A. rap scene. Learning from some of the movement’s best, the guidance received from his original group, Abstract Tribe Unique (ATU), along with Freestyle Fellowship and the A-Team (Aceyalone & Ab) has proven to be invaluable. Abstract Rude co-founded the Project Blowed workshop -- the longest running open mic youth workshop in the world and would later go on to co-executive produce the classic compilation Project Blowed. The groundbreaking album showcased Abstract Rude as a skillful MC capable of expressing soulful sentiments with his mystical themes and deeply pronounced baritone. In addition to highlighting the artistic creativity of an L.A. scene known best for its gangsta rap. In time, Ab Rude has endeared himself to fans worldwide through consistent touring – most recently with international hip-hop artists DJ Vadim and Yarah Bravo -- and by releasing quality LPs such as P.A.I.N.T in 2001, and Showtyme in 2003 (on Battle Axe). Most comfortable fronting the atmospheric sounds provided by producer Fat Jack on albums such as Underground Fossils in 1997, Mood Pieces in 1998 and South Central Thynk Tank in 1999 (on Mass Men), Abstract Rude proved that clarity in rap is just as impressive as complexity. His work on the Haiku D'Etat projects with Project Blowdians Aceyalone and Mikah Nine in 2000 and 2004, which merged hip-hop with jazzy soul, only further illustrated his music’s diversity and ability to capture listeners of various genres. After recording under the Beastie Boys Grand Royal imprint, Mass Men and Battle Axe, Abstract Rude joined the Rhymesayers Entertainment family in 2009 with his Rejuvenation lp. On his Rhymesayers debut, Ab further broadened his medicinal lyricism touching on politics, relationships, and multiple day-to-day issues. And for the first time ever, he worked exclusively with Seattle, Washington beatsmith Vitamin D – who’s produced for G-Unit, Redman, Gift of Gab, Lifesavas, One Be Lo, I Self Devine, among others. With the funk-tinged banger “TV Show,” the thoughtful MC metaphorically contemplates the damaging effects of the “idiot box.” On an equally socially awakening note, Ab is joined by his Haiku brothers on the self-motivating, “Thynk Eye Can” -- a chant for hope in a post Obama USA. Then on the bouncy “Man Down,” Ab aptly declares in a double time flow, “we never fill an album up with one style” as he proceeds to deliver a razor-sharp shot of battle rap. With the ever-shifting subject matter and vocal styles on display, Rejuvenation is further proof that Abstract Rude is a true lyrical heavyweight at the top of his game. After a couple of mixtapes, Steel Making Trax (2011) & Dear Abbey the lost letters (2012), then a collab ep with Rhymesayers labelmate Musab 'The Awful Truth', 2014 finds Ab Rude building his own label imprint, Keep The Feel Entertainment (via Alphapup Distribution), having just released his first official single "Kan Of Whoop Ass" from his forthcoming new lp 'Keep The Feel: a legacy of hip-hop soul'. The new record features over 30 legendary producer & vocalist names celebrating the legacy of Ab's musical journey in conjunction with his longtime indie rap cohorts. He'll spend the summer dropping singles with music videos, leading up to a fall release date to be announced. In addition to releasing his own project, newer artists like Namek, B. Squid, MC Woes, Misleeding, Joaquin Daniels, Johanna Phraze & Rawz Ill Remedy among others are developing under Abstract Rude's KTF Ent. umbrella with good things to come in the near future.