EarthGang

EarthGang is one word, and the Atlanta duo of Doctor Diego Dot and Johnny V. are the next artists to get our official stamp-of-approval. Often drawing comparisons to the Dungeon Family (Outkast, Goodie Mob, etc) and the Pharcyde, Earthgang has been doing their thing for years now. But it wasn't until a couple weeks ago that I got put onto the talented twosome. Late pass in hand, I wanted to share their music as I'm sure I'm not the only one that missed out when the bandwagon started rolling out.

With a few projects under their belt, Earthgang's latest full-length release was 2013's Shallow Graves For Toys, which I've included for your listening pleasure below. Stand-outs include "No Peace," "The F Bomb," "Ultra Rare," "UFOs" and "Machete" (which will see it's official music video debuting February 3rd during Black History Month.). Take in the project, venture back to their past work here and let us know what you're thinking in the comments! - 2DopeBoyz - Shake

As of Saturday morning, I thought I would remember BlackFest for performing on the same stage as Kanye’s label mate Big Sean. I thought I might remember seeing how a Stanford crowd reacted to Travis Porter’s edgy lyrics of teenage indulgence. But a duo of college kids from Atlanta took childish themes to school and made me remember BlackFest for their gritty beats and lyrics of youthful rebellion and social commentary. I’m talking about EarthGang, the most refreshing group I had ever heard since Blue Scholars came and killed it on Stanford’s campus two years ago. EarthGang had the crowd rocking with more energy to their hits “The Hum Song” and “Thump Thump Thump” than their follow-ups did with club hits like “Make it Rain” and “Bring it Back.” Note, this is not a Travis Porter-bashing article; Travis Porter was fantastic. However, EarthGang was excellent, and real recognizes real.

EarthGang hit the stage and performed their debut album “Mad Men,” a display of well-crafted lyrics, strong black liberation content and dark East Coast beats – all wrapped up in an eclectic Southern swag. EarthGang was fearless on stage, not editing or tailoring anything for the West Coast, Stanford-infused crowd. “That’s just not what we do,” explained Doctor Diego Dot of the group. With samples ranging from “Where the Wild Things Are” in “The Hum Song” to Nina Simone and The Doors in “Thump Thump Thump,” EarthGang’s music reflects the group’s wide musical influence. Yet in spite of –or perhaps because of – their alternative sound, EarthGang’s music rings surprisingly accessible and honest. Any fan of hip-hop over the last 20 years can understand Doc’s outrage at an industry that “got [his] city lookin’ like somethin’ [he] never grew up in.” Hailing from the historic west side of Atlanta where Dr. King was raised, the duo has a deep reverence and appreciation for the culture that raised them. After an era in which crunk replaced freaknik culture, Doc told me, “The biggest goal for [“Mad Men”] is to break away from just being industry.”



For any music-lover, the OutKast comparisons are unavoidable. An alternative rap duo from Atlanta with swag and a raw desire to subvert the entire rap game, EarthGang deserves every bit of praise and comparison they get to their Grammy award-winning Atlanta counterparts. However, EarthGang also deserves every bit as much independent acclaim. Doc encapsulates this perfectly in lyrics from EarthGang’s second single and banger, “Opium” : “Imitation is suicide, you could die following the footsteps of a pterodactyl off a cliff! Former slaves reeking havoc on the ship!” The song is about having an expressive view in life, since abandoning one’s expressive voice is abandoning one’s independence, one’s existence. Doc broke the song down very eloquently. “Opium” is not necessarily a party record but something you can ride to. EarthGang’s lyrics are a lot deeper than what you hear at a party, however, and if imitation truly is suicide, these burgeoning rap stars are alive and well.

Peep at EarthGang’s work at http://earthgang.bandcamp.com/, and email csmooth@stanford.edu if you have any questions or commentary about the material. - CSmooth

A year ago, I introduced Brooklyn Bodega’s audience to a pair of young cats from Atlanta. The duo, known as Earthgang, is comprised of 21 year olds Eian Parker and Olu Fann and have since become #InboxSessions staples on #BodegaRadio. An odd companionship reminiscent of Outkast, they still manage to have an immeasurable symmetry on stage and on wax.
This past week, Twitter—specifically Hampton University and the surrounding DMV area—was bombarded with approving tweets about Earthgang’s new release, Mad Men. The second mixtape—despite a few awkward verses—boasts original production by the group and friends and has a more sullen feel than the debut tape, The Better Party.
“We came up with the title on one of those random nights; thinking, talking and zooted.” The pair told me in a humorous tone during a phone interview. “This is a classic for the summertime; you’re definitely going to like it a lot better than the last tape.”
With intriguing titles like, “Thump, Thump, Thump”, “That Jeezy Shit”, and “Idris Alba” the rap group definitely plays on the psychosis of the listener. Great marketing technique. However, dope cover, concept and naming is not all that’s unique here. The music is actually good.
The first three singles—“Thump, Thump, Thump” “Opium” and “Miss the Show” are absolutely stellar. With eerie beats and unusual samples, Earthgang speaks on a range of topics; the industry, their hometown, women and the outsider’s perception of their music. Their emcee cadence is nowhere near jigsaw. At most times they are outside of the beat, almost talking, leaving leftover track in each bar. The unusual thing about this style is, the words still unquestionably fit and are undeniably catchy.

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Shows at their academic stomping ground — Hampton University, Spelman University, an upcoming one at Stanford University and an exclusive interview with DJ Tay James (Justin Bieber’s Disc Jockey) — highlights how fast their reputation is spreading. The team boasts full crowds in two different school student centers. In fact, their talent and buzz is what incited an upcoming feature with Brooklyn Bodega Show and Prove Alumni, Mike Twice. The duo instantly looked to the older emcee as a prime example of proper lyricism. After explaining that he wanted to start an elite group of emcees from the South, a revitalization of Goodie Mob, he said, “We’re planning on basically revitalizing the real Hip-Hop scene. I think Earthgang has a pretty dope show. We’re definitely going to do something before the end of the year for their project and mine.” The three emcees met at the recent Spelman show where Twice was a cameraman. Both parties don’t have anything concrete planned yet, but it’s sure to be epic.
Speaking of epic, my favorite track on the album is “The Hum Song.” The beat is comprised of a simple hum and drums and is still deemed one of the tape’s most noxious. When a track is that simple and still manages to grab my ear—it’s inevitable that it becomes a favorite.
On May 14th, Earthgang will be performing at Stanford University’s Blackfest: The 20th Anniversary. They’ll be performing a few of their singles alongside other emcees including Big Sean. Almost 2,000 people will be in attendance and this will be the two emcee’s biggest show yet. They also plan to release a video soon for “The State of Things.”
Mad Men boasts poetry, a symbolic skit with Raven Powers a.k.a. Atlanta giving her “Wayward Sons” to Mr. D Industry, and loud outbursts of powerful phrases. While The Better Party, was a compilation of dance-to tracks, Mad Men is a peek into the cerebral of the complexity of the duo—as the title suggests.
I once heard somewhere that if you’re so unique on the music highway, you’d have your own lane with no competition alongside. Earthgang seems to be moving Audubon-style, 90MPH with nothing but their eccentricity to lose. Safe travels, boys.
Follow EarthGang on Twitter @JohnnyVenus and @DoctorDiegoDot
Follow Riva Flowz on Twitter @RivaFlowz - Erica Buddington for Brooklyn Bodega

If the names Sir Hobbes and Johnny Venus seem extraordinary to you, wait until you hear their music. Their most recent work “The Better Party” boasts a variety of upbeat production and classic rhyme scheme: Featuring production from Jack Swain and Miles D. These two Atlanta Emcees—who call themselves Earthgang—are only 19 years of age and boast musicianship of another generation. Most of their work, formulated in an impromptu and completely off-the-dome manner seems to convey that they’ve been working on the project for years. As Johnny Venus describes it, Earthgang is “something you’ve kind of heard, but never heard.”

Although both artists don’t like to be compared, their sound clearly conveys their predominate influences. As, “Ms. Yvette” states, the two ATLiens have a similar sound to Outkast. However, their production shows their musical tastes vary, ranging from The Beatles to UGK. The two seem to both agree that their favorite and most influential emcee is Kanye West. You can find girls—on their university’s campus—sporting the Earthgang paraphernalia which consists of self designed buttons and t-shirts. They plan to push their merchandising and branding while simultaneously promoting their music.


Sir Hobbes—born Eian Hobbes—has always been an introvert, deciding to break out of his shell through stage performance at an early age. Johnny Venus—Olu Fann—the producer with an ear for specific sounds, began his love for music with singing in the choir as a child. Although both of them are not exactly sure how the name “Earthgang” originated, they plan to effect change in the game. Venus states, “We plan to change the absence of creativity, eradicate that assembly line production, and have fans in total appreciation of our art and what we do.”

The two young men, a duo since high school, have just released their first mixtape and plan to allow time for their fan base to grow before releasing another project. Earthgang also has plans to collaborate with other artists such as “Euro P. Gold.” Unsure if they aspire to be on an indie or major label, they are sure that they want to be affiliated with a label who appreciates their artists. They have just released their single “I Bet You Hate this Song.”

The duo certainly has the raw talent, ability, and the drive to accomplish their goals. As a fellow alien and outcast of sorts, I recommend getting some Earthgang for your play list rotation.

They are certainly out of this world.
- Erica Buddington for Brooklyn Bodega

It’s always great when you come across an artist or group who can successfully ‘go left’, as they say, and still appeal to a large number of fans. In fact, that’s a skill that every creative person with artistic integrity dreams of. These guys, EarthGang, have done just that and then some. The first real show they performed together was to a crowd of 3,000 people. Hailing from the world-famous Atlanta, Georgia, EarthGang consists of two very talented emcees. Johnny Venus and Sir Hobbes. EarthGang is a duo of innovators in an industry full of followers, biters, and cheap imitations looking for a quick buck. Here are a few of my favorite songs off of their latest effort, The Better Party.



“Booom (EG Rock)”
This is the song of theirs that’s been buzzing around the the net since early last year. I’ve been listening to it since about last month. To me, this song perfectly sums up EarthGang as a group. It’s their “Through the Wire”, if you will. It’s a high-energy, uptempo blend of hip hop, rock, and pop that boasts an overall sound that has the potential to appeal to many different audiences. They both go in on their verses too. That, to me, is their biggest strength: their rapping abililty. It’s hard to believe this is their first official record. I feel like I’m listening to a couple of seasoned veterans.

“Ms. Evette”
This is my favorite song on the project. This joint actually features a verse from Euro P. Gold who really does his thing on it. Sir Hobbes’s verse is my favorite, though. He goes second. This is one of the highlights of the mixtape. All three emcees get very lyrical about a (fictional?) chick named Evette.

“Kick’n It”
Here, EarthGang goes in over some good ol’ sample-based boom-bap. I love how Johnny Venus comes off on his verse (He has the first verse on this joint). He kills it. And then Sir Hobbes comes in and cleans house. This joint made me realize their range as a group. They can sound good over many different kinds of beats.


Sir Hobbes and Johnny Venus are more than just two emcees collaborating with one another. When you hear them on a track together, you’re hearing a real group with real chemistry. Listening to one of them, makes you look forward to hearing what the other has to say.

Although they are emcees, EarthGang also shows that they have the beginnings of a sound that can crossover to audiences beyond just hip hop fans; a trait they share with groups like Outkast, Gnarls Barkley, and The Black Eyed Peas. And fortunately for them, that’s exactly the type of success major record labels dream of achieving. One of the most annoying things about many up-and-comers out there is that too many of them make false claims of being “different”. EarthGang, on the other hand, lets their music speak for itself and they truly are unique. These guys have a bright future ahead of them. Make sure you download the mixtape now! And don’t hesitate to reach out to them on Twitter. Their links are below:
- Fresh Cookiez Blog