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Artfull
Dodgers
Flint's hottest new gem
by: kirkland washington
From way
down the depths of the underground Hip-Hop scene in Michigan comes the
Artfull Dodgers. Consisting of two veteran MCs and a DJ, the
Dodgers have been gaining recognition throughout the Midwest for years.
By incorporating
several different genres of music into their production, and mixing
complex lyrics with innovative deliveries, they have created their own
unique style of Hip-Hop.
The founding
members Brady "B.Gozza" Gasser and Rex "Jackpot"
Demski began recording and performing in the early nineties. In
1994 they collaborated with other local rappers and producer Phizyx
to release a successful single under the collective name "The
Juggernaut". Enjoying success at retail and receiving critical
acclaim, the group toured the Midwest until disbanding in 1996.
Shortly
after, B.Gozza and Jackpot began working again as the
Artfull Dodgers. In 1997 they released the EP entitled "Dusted
World", with Phizyx returning on the production. The
Dodgers wasted no time and started performing again throughout Michigan.
From 1998-1999
the Dodgers completed their first full-length album, "Lazy Eyes".
Collaborating with well-established producer Pharlon "Bangtown"
Randle, the 12 song LP was a creative masterpiece that spoke out
to the global Hip-Hop scene. The album received critical acclaim and
opened many doors for the Dodgers. The single "One Mic Then
Pass", quickly became an underground classic throughout the
Midwest. The song also became the Dodgers' first music video, and received
steady rotation on many independent video shows. The Dodgers continued
to perform all over the Midwest in clubs and arenas, and have shared
the stage with such industry heavyweights as Killah Priest and
Cappadonna of the Wu Tang Clan, Too Short, Petey
Pablo, and Eminem as well as headlining many of their own
shows.
2001 was
an exceptional year for the Dodgers. After picking up a pressing and
distribution deal through Chicago's Aeemp Records, they released
a new single called "Laced" and began working on their
sophomore album. The Dodgers also added a new member to their roster
this year, Jake "DJ Sir Real" Greba, formerly of Detroit's
Howling Diablos. Sir Real had previous experience working
with the Dodgers and became a powerful addition to the group. The Dodgers
traveled the country touring, and recorded the new album in various
studios with multiple producers to accomodate the experimental feel
of the album.
In 2002
the sophomore album "Second Wind" was unleashed. The
22-song LP was an achievement, and elevated the Dodgers into the underground
elite. Collaborating with a variety of talented producers and the likes
of Killah Priest and underground legend J.U.I.C.E, the
album secured the Dodgers spot among the most promising of independent
Hip-Hop artists. "Second Wind" and the lead single
"Still Writing Rhymes" quickly became classics in the
Midwest. Success on College radio and astounding critical praise continues
to elevate the album. "Second Wind" even received the
prestigious "Album of the Year Award" from Detroitrap.com
at their Hip-Hop Awards Show.
In 2003
The Dodgers began recording their third album "Off The Credenza".
The highly anticipated album is self produced by the Dodgers' Earth
Movers Productions. It is set to be released in 2004 along with a DVD
showcasing the Dodgers' film debut "Breaking The Chain"
as well as the "Still Writing Rhymes" video.
In 2004
the Dodgers went on the road with the Vans Warped Tour performing
on the Code Of Tha Cutz Stage. The tour was a huge success with
record setting attendance at the Detroit stop. More tours are in the
works as well as the Dodgers debut in Europe. A second Artfull Dodgers'
film is currently in production.
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