Graffix
Baltimore, Maryland, United States | INDIE
Music
Press
The Southern MIX’s REVIEW: GRAFFIX
By: Isaac Davis Jr., BGS, MBA
Sluggerz Entertainment is producing top notch performers in the genres of Rap, Hip-Hop, R&B and Reggae. You won’t find any fake entertainers on this Entertainment label. We recently selected B-Amazing for an interview and was easily impressed with his skills and talents. This brings us to our next spotlight, Graffix, who parallels the same skills and talents with his own fresh flavor. What sets Graffix apart from most Hip-Hop entertainers is his lyrical flow. It doesn’t matter what Graffix is rapping about he comes out as a champ when he is rhyming to some of the sickest beats I have heard in a long time.
Another aspect that stands out is the incorporation of orchestra instrumentals into the funky beats that flows nicely with Graffix’s commanding voice. Overall, Graffix’s music is not meant for the weak hearted as he does not hold back, but for true Hip-Hop music lovers this is an added bonus.
Go out and check him out; you will not be disappointed.
Graffix on Coast2Coast Mixtape Vol. 65 hosted by MIMS
http://www.thesouthernmix.com/profiles/blogs/the-southern-mixs-review
- Junior's Cave Magazine
The Foo thinks Graffix has had some tough life experiences and it shows in his music. The rhymes that come from this rapper's pen are filled with working mans blues and elegant stories of hardship. Specifically, the song he has featured here called "Blue Collar Music". It's refreshing to hear wrappers that are not caught up in the game, Graffix states in his submission "The unfortunate part is that, we only hear about the blings, women, and cars in today's music. I aim to change that." - A powerful statement that is directly reflected.
The Graffix flow is infectious. As Foo types this (and Foo is not the biggest rap fan), Foo tries to find his favorite song..At first it was the aggressive "Say Goodnight" with the funky rhythmic loop on the intro....then Foo got caught up in the lyrics on "Wha Cho Name Is" - Foo thinks he actually saw himself in a boobie palace sipping drinks and watching all the pretty women...um..oh ok (by the way, whatever she tells you, that's not her name).
Regardless, Graffix seems to stay true to his own bigger picture; he is down to earth, realistic and engaging. This rapper is not playing the same game as the rest of the genre. There's intelligence in the flow and versatility from track to track. Foo's ok with he audio aspect of this review....sonically speaking the recordings are all hot and quality. The keys are a too hot on the track called "Calm Down". But overall, Foo likes the juicy beats and the vocals sound great.
Graffix seems to have the determination and skills to carry him far into the underbelly of the music industry.
FooStats(out of 10):
Audio Quality: 8
Originality: 7
Spicey factor:7
Chops: 5
Total: 27
http://liveaudiomag.com/cgi-bin/browsereviews.cgi?id=17 - Liveaudiomag.com
Track List - click track to start player on that track:
01. Bitch About Graffix02. Glory (Produced by_ Midas03. Focused (Produced by_ Midas04. God Amongst Men (Produced by_ Midas-0105. How It Begins (Skit06. New Dawn New Day07. Set The Record Straight08. Chill09. Abduction Intro10. Abduction (Produced by_ Midas11. DMV (Produced by_ Midas12. What You Doin (Huh13. Whacho Name Is14. Spitgame15. Scorched Earth (Skit16. Line 'Em Up17. Can We Talk18. Game Plan (Skit19. Take It All (Produced by_ Midas20. G Till I Die21. Say Goodnight (Produced by_ Midas - Thatcrack.com
Graffix: Indie Music Artist of the WeekPosted by Mike Wilson On June - 15 - 2009
Born into poverty to a single mother in Jamaica, Dwayne Whyte and his family moved to the Bronx, NY at the tender age of two in search of a better life. With no father figure in his household, Dwayne witnessed his mother manage working excessive hours at multiple jobs to provide for his family. In 1994, Dwayne and his mother moved to Baltimore, MD. He found the mean streets at an early age, and became consumed by the life. While his mother worked at night, he was roaming the street corners selling drugs and hustling anything he could get his hands on. Once Dwayne’s mother became aware of his new found hobby, she decided to move her family back to the Bronx to keep him from the Baltimore street life.
Turbulence
While back in the Bronx, Dwayne became even more drawn to the streets; this is where he found rap. What started out as free-styling for fun would eventually become the ground work for the artist now known as Graffix. Although his talents were unmistakable, Graffix did not take his craft seriously at first. In fact, Graffix did not start writing rhymes until his then favorite artist, 2pac was killed. He felt that the hip hop scene was becoming too much of a cliché with gimmick songs being mistaken for real hip hop masterpieces. At this point Graffix knew exactly what he wanted to do with his talent. Unluckily for him, he faced another obstacle in life. Graffix and his family became homeless and were forced to move from shelter to shelter in New York City.
At the age of eighteen, Graffix moved back to Baltimore on his own, to begin a new life. He started working a regular 9 to 5 job and also began making music. While Graffix juggled with work and rap, he still remained drawn to the streets. As a result, he was arrested numerous times, although he managed to escape long term imprisonment. Around the same period Graffix was introduced to Sluggerz Entertainment, LLC by a close friend. He was asked to audition on the spot. After he finished spitting some of his verses and freestyles, he was offered a contract the same day.
The Crash
With a glimpse of musical success Graffix took to the streets to celebrate with friends. Unfortunately, he was at the wrong place at the wrong time when police made a bust at his hangout spot. Due to his previous troubles with the law, he was sentenced to 18 month at the Baltimore County Detention Center. During his stay at the jail, Graffix had a revelation to turn his life around. He remained productive by attending classes, writing rhymes and songs, and doing anything positive to take his mind off his confinement.
The Awakening
Having learned the harsh reality of having his freedom taken away, Graffix is now ready for the world to witness his impeccable talent. As noted by Al Shipley of the Baltimore City Paper, “Graffix’s material is competent and we find ourselves nodding to his beat. He is also an engaging and quick-witted performer.” To sum up this prolific artist’s life long struggles, Graffix simply said "I fell in a deep gutter, and was not able to climb up until I touched the bottom,” referring to his incarceration. “And now, every positive step I take will only help me climb out of the gutter.”
On the Grind
When he’s not blazing the stage at local Baltimore clubs like The Ottobar, The Black Hole, Bedrock, or The 5 Seasons, Graffix is always writing, recording in the studio, and listening to new music. “I am a big music fan,” he says. “I like good music. I enjoy hearing an artist spit something hot to motivate me to come up with something hotter.” Graffix is gearing up for his upcoming mixtape “Slugfest Episode 2,” followed by a video for a single to be released early 2009.
Sites:
Myspace
Sluggerz Entertainment Page
http://indiemusicuniverse.com/artisthighlight/graffix-indie-music-artist-week/
- Indie Music Universe
Discography
Say Goodnight
Spitgame
Wha Cho Name Is
Calm Down
Crank Dat
Can We Talk
Nite Life
Let's Talk Money
Show Me Sumthin
Good To Go
My City
Photos
Bio
Born into poverty to a single mother in Jamaica, Dwayne Whyte and his family moved to the Bronx, NY at the tender age of two in search of a better life. With no father figure in his household, Dwayne witnessed his mother manage working excessive hours at multiple jobs to provide for his family. In 1994, Dwayne and his mother moved to Baltimore, MD. He found the mean streets at an early age, and became consumed by the life. While his mother worked at night, he was roaming the street corners selling drugs and hustling anything he could get his hands on. Once Dwayne's mother became aware of his new found hobby, she decided to move her family back to the Bronx to keep him from the Baltimore street life.
Turbulence
While back in the Bronx, Dwayne became even more drawn to the streets; this is where he found rap. What started out as free-styling for fun would eventually become the ground work for the artist now known as Graffix. Although his talents were unmistakable, Graffix did not take his craft seriously at first. In fact, Graffix did not start writing rhymes until his then favorite artist, 2pac was killed. He felt that the hip hop scene was becoming too much of a cliché with gimmick songs being mistaken for real hip hop masterpieces. At this point Graffix knew exactly what he wanted to do with his talent. Unluckily for him, he faced another obstacle in life. Graffix and his family became homeless and were forced to move from shelter to shelter in New York City.
At the age of eighteen, Graffix moved back to Baltimore on his own, to begin a new life. He started working a regular 9 to 5 job and also began making music. While Graffix juggled with work and rap, he still remained drawn to the streets. As a result, he was arrested numerous times, although he managed to escape long term imprisonment. Around the same period Graffix was introduced to Sluggerz Entertainment, LLC by a close friend. He was asked to audition on the spot. After he finished spitting some of his verses and freestyles, he was offered a contract the same day.
The Crash
With a glimpse of musical success Graffix took to the streets to celebrate with friends. Unfortunately, he was at the wrong place at the wrong time when police made a bust at his hangout spot. Due to his previous troubles with the law, he was sentenced to 18 month at the Baltimore County Detention Center. During his stay at the jail, Graffix had a revelation to turn his life around. He remained productive by attending classes, writing rhymes and songs, and doing anything positive to take his mind off his confinement.
The Awakening
Having learned the harsh reality of having his freedom taken away, Graffix is now ready for the world to witness his impeccable talent. As noted by Al Shipley of the Baltimore City Paper, Graffixs material is competent and we find ourselves nodding to his beat. He is also an engaging and quick-witted performer. To sum up this prolific artist's life long struggles, Graffix simply said "I fell in a deep gutter, and was not able to climb up until I touched the bottom, referring to his incarceration. And now, every positive step I take will only help me climb out of the gutter.
On the Grind
When hes not blazing the stage at local Baltimore clubs like The Ottobar, The Black Hole, Bedrock, or The 5 Seasons, Graffix is always writing, recording in the studio, and listening to new music. I am a big music fan, he says. I like good music. I enjoy hearing an artist spit something hot to motivate me to come up with something hotter. Graffix is gearing up for his upcoming mixtape Slugfest Episode 2, followed by a video for a single to be released 2009.
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