I've always been infatuated with our Nation's capital for a number of different reasons. I've been a political junkie since I could read and accompanied my Mom on mad trips to the Mall and Capital Hill. Then there was the abundance of relatives that resided there, my Howard year, the list goes on and on. But one thing that never drew much attention from me was DC's Hip-Hop. Until I heard Asheru and a few others I thought that Go-Go was as close as DC brothers came to MCing. I was always amazed that such an intriguing world capital hadn't produced an abundance of quality Hip-Hop. That being said I was really rooting for Birth of a Movement when the intro caught my ear and the linear notes told me Sunz of Soul repped Chocolate City.
But things can't always be how you want them. Despite the intro Birth of a Movement is slow off the gates blocks. The beats are cool but not spectacular. Stylistically think of an East Coast Self Scientific b/w a little Lil Brother. Unfortunately the rhymes aren't quite up speed. Despite all the great DC slang sprinkled in too many cliches are employed. But like a classic soul album Birth of a Movement chugs along and builds with each track until it arrives at "Soul 48". This track reinvigorates the album. The beat is great, a soulful gem and the lyrics are up for the challenge. Blak Mamba even touches on the lack of DC MCs while reciting a nostalgia inducing Chocolate City roll call. The momentum continues with the melodic funk of "2" and "Love, Life". "We Funk A" and "On Some Other" have more of a boom bap feel to them, with Blak starting to shine on the vocals of the latter. "I flow by the power vested in me/Drop soul from here to infinity" he recites at the beginning of one of his better 16s. The hand clapping and textured sample of "Bass and Treble" are a great nod to Tribe, an obvious inspiration for the Sunz. Blak spits his best on "Don't Sleep" and "Brotha on the Run" is a great view on DC from the inside out. Birth of a Movement keeps getting better through its conclusion atoning for its shaky start. Hopefully Sunz and more artists of there ilk will give DC the representation it deserves in this Hip Hop universe.
-- C. Benz, 2007 (http://www.okayplayer.com/reviews/index.php/weblog/more/birth_of_a_movement/)
Press Release: Infinite Soul Music Releases Sunz of Soul's "Birth of a Movement" August 28, 2007
August 6, 2007, Release No. 0207
Birth of a Movement, the sophmore release from Sunz of Soul, is not just another hip-hop CD, it's an experience that could possibly serve as a catalyst that converts hip-hop into a true art form. It's the fourth commercial release and the fifth overall project released by Infinite Soul Music, the label that prides itself on artistic integrity.
The Project is best described as an eclectic, soulful journey through the Sunz' inner mind's eyes--accented with timely, pertinent social and political assessments and commentary.
Jewels filters his signature urban thump into a bona fide soul-sonic force, while Blak Mamba waxes prophetic and poetic over undiluted soul tracks. The duo's chemistry, dexterity, and hip-hop acumen are boldly brandished as they launch banger after banger in an unrelenting barrage of pure hip-hop soul.
Birth of a Movement is a collection of 16 possible lead singles of varying tempo, content and intensity. There is no filler-material on the project.
"1st Things First," on Birth of a Movement the Sunz of Soul take you on a soulful journey that tells you "Just How it Is" with colorful language, head-nod-inducing beats and a chemistry that makes the project a true monster. "It's So Hard" to put the experience into words, so let me take "2" seconds to compose a proper description.
It's really about real life experiences. Not the dramatic shock and awe hood-tales that have become almost caricature of themselves, but epic depictsions of "Life and Love" that people from all walks of life can relate to and believe.
You will never be inclined to skip a track, although you may need to adjust your "Bass and Treble" to maintian the integrity of the perpetual groove. A stark departure from the mindless clowns who are "Sayin Nuthin," this one-hour soul tutorial emphatically confirms that Blak Mamba and Jewels are "On Some Other" ish!
Sunz of Soul follows the "Footsteps" of acts like The Roots, Common, and A Tribe Called Quest in delivering material that's off the beaten path, yet appeals to all who crave substance in their hip-hop. "Don't Sleep!"
Visit www.infinitesoulmusic.com to learn more about the Sunz of Soul, Birth of a Movement and the entire Infinite Soul Music camp (Anonamas, Jewels and Shawn Struggle). You may also visit the Web site for booking inquiries.
-- Infinite Soul Music 8/2007
Press Release: The Self Outside Project
Self Outside is the third commercial release and fourth project overall from Infinite Soul Music, the indie label that wrote the manuscript on artist integrity. Prior projects include critically acclaimed releases from Sunz of Soul; The Situation and Anonamas: Truth Thru Fiction. Jewels's manifesto keeps step with its predecessors by exploring new territory and as Jewels says "not being afraid to try something different."
He describes the project as "a freely composed collage of soulful, hynotic rhythms that stimulates your senses." Self Outside offers a unique blend of insightful, moving instrumentals, thought providing hip-hop oratory, and cutting edge nu soul. This effort pushes the envelop of creativity while remaining squarely within the realm of authenticity. Upcoming projects include sophomore releases from Sunz of Soul and Anonamas and a solo project form Sunz of Soul's Blak Mamba.
Guest appearance by Blak Mamba, Anonamas, and Passage provide the perfect flavor without ruining the stew. Their presence accents the project. The chemistry shared by these stalwart label-mates is truly unreal.
Don't miss your opportunity to step outside of the box make a "New Begending" and look "Into the Sun." Listen to that voice screaming from your "Inner Ear," its usually right. Jewels isn't afraid to "In Spite" of the redundant, dormant trends dictated by our warped and jaded music industry. This is good music to ride to so turn up the volume and listen to Jewels " Speakin; On It, for Musicislife!"
-- Damien Hill, Curtis Jews 1/2007
Washington, D.C. duo, Sunz of Soul describe their debut album, The Situation, as "thumping substantive sonic urban rhythms that aptly and completely encapsulate D.C. life." I'm not from D.C., so I guess it's hard for me to tell whether or not that mission statement is accurate. What I can tell is that these guys outdid themselves on The Situation, delivering a strong debut with exceptional production and lyrics that always manage to keep up.
Reminiscent of A Tribe Called Quest, or the Roots’ earlier material (specifically Illadelph Halflife), Sunz of Soul are held down by producer Jewels’ dazzling production. Jewels captures that same mid-90s feel that 9th Wonder is presently receiving so much praise for. Jewels manages to use a number of different techniques to keep the production exciting; vocal samples on “Make A Way”, a jazzy bass line on “Up To Speed”, and interesting rhythmic patterns on “Murda Rap” all contribute to making these songs some of the albums highest points.
MC Black Mamba remains consistent throughout the album, at points stealing the show with tongue twisting flows. “Rhyme Flow” probably best displays the rapper’s promising talent. On “Soul Meeting”, another highlight, Black Mamba discusses hip hop’s current state, while working in some of the genre’s biggest names. “So High” allows Mamba to show off his story telling ability, riding the beat like a Cuban Linx-era Raekwon. While not always profound (i.e. flipping a Wu Tang line as the chorus to “Murder Rap"), Black Mamba is obviously a strong talent. At no point does he sound weak on the mic; lyrically he holds his own, and at times is outstanding in his own right.
Sunz of Soul leave little room for additional help on The Situation, but when the duo do bring in third parties the results are pleasing. Angel B makes a guest appearance on “Make A Way”, where the female MC and Black Mamba show great chemistry. “Be There” features guest verses from Sean NeyPalm and Rotelli WAR, and “Soul Meeting” enlists Anonomas, a female vocalist, who successfully adds to the personality of a very catchy chorus.
The Situation is a strong first release for Sunz of Soul. It captures the feeling of 90s hip hop, and sounds truly sincere while doing so. It’s good to see promising talent coming from new places. Sunz of Soul obviously care a great deal about what they commit to wax, and the effort definitely shines. Don’t sleep on this album, it’s really good.
-- A.D., 2005 (http://www.okayplayer.com/reviews/index.php/weblog/more/the_situation/)
Damien Hill from Mitchellville and Curtis Jews from Fort Washington make up the hip-hop group Sunz of Soul and the two celebrated their album⁄video release party Monday night. Hill and Jews are co-owners of their own record label, Mitchellville based Infinite Soul Music, LLC.
Hill and Jews have performed as ‘‘Blak Mamba” and ‘‘Jewels” for more than 10 years but have known each other for 16 years. They began their label four years ago.
‘‘We called our label Infinite Soul Music, LLC because we are inspired by a lot of soul music and if you listen to our sound it has a lot of that soul element in it,” Hill, 29, said. ‘‘Our biggest challenge has been trying to fight through the stereotype of what people perceive hip-hop to be. Hip-hop was built on an actual art form and we try to bring that to the forefront in our music.”
Both Hill and Jews said that their label is a fight against the norm in the music industry.
‘‘I think that a lot of people take the easy route as far as doing what’s trendy,” said Jews, 28. ‘‘We like to do what feels good to us and in turn our music will feel good to people listening to it. We think outside the box and try to be innovative.”
In Sunz of Soul, Hill takes the role of emcee and writer and Jews acts as producer and beat maker. At Monday night’s event at JoJo restaurant in the District, the two revealed their first music video for their single ‘‘Be Like That.” The video was shot in the District with footage of the Jefferson Memorial, the National Monument and JoJo restaurant.
Hill has been writing for 17 years and sees both writing and performing as a form of release.
‘‘Real hip-hop requires thought before you write or rap. Some people say the first thing that comes to their head,” Hill said. ‘‘I am more introspective in developing a concept and subject matter in my songs. It’s hard to fight trends and gimmicks that the industry demands and bring something that is stable, pure and authentic.”
For Jews, who credits his mother for buying his first set of turntables at the age of 15, producing allows him to escape from the stress of the world. When looking for artists to sign, Jews and Hill look for dedication and originality above all else.
‘‘I am a workaholic and I don’t like to hear ‘I’m tired’,” Jews said. ‘‘I am looking for artists that are willing to spend the night in the studio and have a good work ethic. They have to have an unique talent and be genuine in their craft.”
In addition to Sunz of Soul, whose album ‘‘The Situation” is available at www.CDBaby.com and www.TowerRecords.com, Infinite Soul Music, LLC is also preparing to release ‘‘Truth thru Fiction” from neo-soul artist and Greenbelt resident Anonamas in July.
‘‘What Damien and Curtis are trying to do is incredible. They work so hard and I can see their drive and admire them for that,” Anonamas said. ‘‘I don’t think I’d have as much creative freedom if I was with a more known label. I wouldn’t have been able to create the music I’ve created if it wasn’t for Infinite Soul.”
-- Brook N. Garner, 6/2006 (http://www.gazette.net/stories/060106/fortnew191130_31966.shtml)