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Discovered by Rev. Run at the age of 14;
detailed by Detroit-native Poet, Jessica Care Moore; and
directed by the, Grammy Award-winning, Hidden Beach Recordings
staff, Chris Concept is developed and ready for the world!
Actually, his timing couldn't have been more perfect. In
an industry that is vastly becoming imitative and unappreciated,
Chris Concept brings musicianship to the sundry sounds of
Hip-Hop music. This definitely shows in his independent
debut short play album, "Pump Your Break" (due
to be released later in 2004).
A 5 track journey through life, love, and time as he calls
on the production of Oddisee (DJ Jazzy Jeff's the Magnificient
LP), Slum Village mentored, JayLyrikal, and newcomer Wyldfyer
to recall a forgotten, native-tongue vibe. This vintage
vibe combined with a trademark, rhythmically complex delivery
and content matter that will find you searching the depths
of your own soul, are satisfying the palates of, not only
the true school Hip-Hop heads, but those of all who enjoy
good music!
At a tender age, Chris' mother relocated
him to Westchester, NY, in order to escape the harsh living
conditions of Brooklyn. Chris' father moved to Denver, Colorado
where he continued touring with acclaimed instrumentalists
like, Chaka Khan, Earth Wind and Fire, and Roy Ayers. Chris'
musicianship began at the age of 5, when his mother purchased
his first viola. He has, since then, become proficient at
several instruments, including String Bass, Tenor Saxophone,
and the Trumpet. On his own at age 15, Chris' left NY to
pursue his dreams of becoming a respected musician. Notwithstanding
the many tragedies he'd encounter along the way, he graduated
from high school, and studied at the, world renown, Berklee
College of Music.
He would eventually, move back to Denver,
only to find that AIDS had claimed the life of his aunt
at age 37 and, shortly thereafter, witness the death of
his paternal grandmother. It would take nearly 5 years before
DEATH would consume the majority of the paternal side of
his family, including his cousin and adopted brother, who
died in a tragic drunk driving incident one week after his
18th birthday. Determined to climb out of the destructive
web of death, life spun him; Chris made a decision to attend
Clark Atlanta University to pursue his educational goals.
Despite positive stories that had been told about HBCU institutions
being more empathic to the plight of African American males
trying to achieve an education, he encountered the same
financial woes that plagued him years prior at Berklee.
After two years of an uphill financial battle, Chris was
left with no choice but to withdraw from Clark Atlanta.
Shortly thereafter, he learned of the suicide of his former
girlfriend. Depressed, destitute, and derelict, Chris drove
back to New York to find himself. It was there, that he
would complete an internship that cultivated his knowledge
of; and bring him presence in, the music industry. "The
staff of Hidden Beach Recordings, would assist me in being
the best artist I could be, I was lucky! Not many people
can even get the attention of a record label, let alone
the guidance of an entire staff" said Chris! Finally,
it seemed that destiny was on his side. It was also through
his internship that he would meet gifted business mind and
friend, John A. Toler. "John and I would work side
by side against all odds for one year to develop the beginning
of MY SOUND." stated Chris.
In September 2003, Chris moved back to Atlanta,
armed with a strong demo, vital connections, and industry
relationships, ready to take over the city. The bus ride
from Washington, D.C. would prove to be very beneficial
to say the least. Chris credits Darryl "Quartermaine"
Francis and David "D-Hub" Hubbard, for putting
him in contact with Amir "Oddisee" Mohamed, one
the producers on the album. "It was Oddisee who personally
gave me the tools I needed to find myself and taught me
what it truly means to 'GRIND' in this industry". "I
credit Oddisee and long-time friend and producer, Wyatt
"Wyldfyer" Coleman, with bringing forth the intermediate
stages of my artist development" stated Chris.
Currently, Chris is working on securing
international distribution for his debut Full Length album,
which is to be released in 2005. "The moral of my story,
though it still continues, is that through this long windy
road we call life, there are things that will attempt to
discontinue your existence on this planet. But, if each
step you take is worth the risk, you'll continue to fight
for it, in spite of! What do you believe in? What are you
willing to fight for?" |
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