After establishing himself as one half of the Bay Area’s most formidable rap duos, The Frontline, emcee Locksmith is testing his mettle with a solo career. While putting the finishing touches on his debut LP, Frank the Rabbit, Locksmith is releasing the single “Therapudic,” (Infrared Music Group/Gangsta Music Incorp) which is already making its rounds on mixshows and getting regular spins on KMEL and Sacramento’s KBMB.
The Richmond-born emcee hasn’t lost his trademark raw lyricism, precise delivery, or stinging critiques of the status quo. Whether it be industry games or governmental corruption, Lock calls it how he sees it on the new track.
“Just because Obama is president doesn’t mean things are going to change,” declares Lock. “He’s got the same administration as Bush and Clinton, so it remains to be seen how different things will be.” And, tired of being relegated to a “west coast” or “hyphy” artist, Lock hopes fans and critics alike will judge him as an emcee.
The truth is, with his lyrical prowess-- over super-producer E-A-Ski’s lean, menacing beats---Locksmith transcends all hip-hop boundaries. From his studio in Oakland, CA, Lock, who also recently re-entered the battle rap circuit, expresses his excitement about his solo release and claims Frank the Rabbit---which features Royce the 59, Jake one, Left of the Frontline and E-A-Ski, might surprise heads.
“Sonically, it’s a very different from what I’ve done in the past Locksmith adds. “There’s lots of instrumentation, a little reminiscent of old skool hip-hop.” As for the concept, it’s a wild ride into the darker, uncensored side of his brain, an idea he got from one of his favorite flicks, “Donnie Darko.”
Most heads are familiar with Locksmith from his group The Frontline, who were catapulted onto the national scene when the duo appeared on the first MTV Battle (May 2003), where Locksmith was awarded runner-up, though clearly he was the crowd favorite. The group, who are still signed to Bay Area legend E-A-Ski’s Infrared Music Group -IMGMI went on to release the album Who R U in 2004, which spawned the single “What Is It.” The track was a Bay Area anthem and became a club favorite in San Francsico, Atlanta and Australia. They went on to release Now U Know in 2005 and Lock & Left in 2007. The Frontline, Lock explains, remain a group and are working on a record now.
“I think you have to push yourself creatively and that’s what I’m trying to do,” he says of his solo career. And But The Frontline isn’t going anywhere.”
Frank the Rabbit will hit stores this summer.
The Richmond-born emcee hasn’t lost his trademark raw lyricism, precise delivery, or stinging critiques of the status quo. Whether it be industry games or governmental corruption, Lock calls it how he sees it on the new track.
“Just because Obama is president doesn’t mean things are going to change,” declares Lock. “He’s got the same administration as Bush and Clinton, so it remains to be seen how different things will be.” And, tired of being relegated to a “west coast” or “hyphy” artist, Lock hopes fans and critics alike will judge him as an emcee.
The truth is, with his lyrical prowess-- over super-producer E-A-Ski’s lean, menacing beats---Locksmith transcends all hip-hop boundaries. From his studio in Oakland, CA, Lock, who also recently re-entered the battle rap circuit, expresses his excitement about his solo release and claims Frank the Rabbit---which features Royce the 59, Jake one, Left of the Frontline and E-A-Ski, might surprise heads.
“Sonically, it’s a very different from what I’ve done in the past Locksmith adds. “There’s lots of instrumentation, a little reminiscent of old skool hip-hop.” As for the concept, it’s a wild ride into the darker, uncensored side of his brain, an idea he got from one of his favorite flicks, “Donnie Darko.”
Most heads are familiar with Locksmith from his group The Frontline, who were catapulted onto the national scene when the duo appeared on the first MTV Battle (May 2003), where Locksmith was awarded runner-up, though clearly he was the crowd favorite. The group, who are still signed to Bay Area legend E-A-Ski’s Infrared Music Group -IMGMI went on to release the album Who R U in 2004, which spawned the single “What Is It.” The track was a Bay Area anthem and became a club favorite in San Francsico, Atlanta and Australia. They went on to release Now U Know in 2005 and Lock & Left in 2007. The Frontline, Lock explains, remain a group and are working on a record now.
“I think you have to push yourself creatively and that’s what I’m trying to do,” he says of his solo career. And But The Frontline isn’t going anywhere.”
Frank the Rabbit will hit stores this summer.
atiently Waiting:: like 50 and Em.
