Artist description We've all known at least one kid who had too much energy for his or her own good. The kid who would try anything once. The kid who'd always suggest some wild, often dangerous way to have fun. The kid who dared everybody to leap off the top of the jungle gym and was the first one to jump. Emcee/ Producer/ DJ Crush One is that kid all grown up and focused on being a well rounded artist. Crush grew into hip-hop. It's inside him. After starting out as a breakdancer, he moved on to djing, and then on to graffiti before he started rapping, never leaving one of the disciplines behind after he'd mastered it. When he started making jams, Crush drew on influences from all over to create a unique brand of hip-hop. The Dorchester, MA native's style is a synthesis of many great artists that came before him. First came the movement of calypso he was introduced to as youth. Then came major influences like the battle ready, punchline packed freestyles of KRS-One, the rugged monotone of Gangstarr's GURU, and the laid back confidence of Special Ed, combined with the do-for-self aesthetic of rappers/producers Pete Rock and Large Professor. Soon Crush was going through the usual labyrinth of local talent shows, open mics, and moderately successful, local independent releases. After a string of frustrating partnerships, Crush just lost the steam until he looked to himself for the things he needed. "That was always one of my dreams anyway - to be a one man band, the one that could do it all for himself." That DIY attitude combined with his maturation as an artist has resulted in some of his best work. The track "Know Yourself", featuring poet Jamarhl C. Crawford, is a jazz funk infused call to arms against the bling-bling materialism embraced by mainstream hip-hop. Yet, while Crush One is 100% underground hip-hop, it would be a mistake to associate him with the style prevalent in many underground circles or the copycat sound of today's radio friendly hits. He eschews the boring, plodding beats of backpack hip-hop and the simple funkless beeps and blips of "hit-pop" to create music that revisits hip-hop's roots and pushes into new creative territories. Crush uses his voice to provide a view of the world through the eyes of a multifaceted intelligent man. And for the average artist that would be enough - but with Crush, that’s not the case. In addition to his own work he has moved on to do production for others including Illin’ P’s Ill-Boogie Records release, "All We Know" featuring Ed O. G. and Rip Shop. Crush also joined the music collective known as Epidemic Massive, who released a few 12-inch singles and a full-length album entitled Rated E in 2003, which continues to build quite a buzz. Amongst his new projects is a House album, which will shows off his diverse musical taste. All of this and he’s embarked on an acting career. He is a busy man, a busy man with a vision. But when it's all said and done, Crush is quick to let you know where his loyalties lie in the game of entertainment. "I've got a really strong love for the underground. It's the most creative, expressive form of anything that there is. Straight to the point, that's what I love about it." That adventurous spirit that led him face first off the top of the jungle gym is exactly what will take Crush to the top of the entertainment industry.

Artist History Emcee/ Producer/ DJ/ all around B-Boy from Boston now relocated in Los Angeles, California

Location Boston, MA - USA

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