Biography
Red Clay is a movement. Red Clay reinforces the groundwork of the four elements and historical undertakings of hip-hop. Emceeing, deejaying, graffiti writing and break dancing, along with respect for the people create determined spirits. The members of Red Clay, much like the elements of hip-hop, bring different techniques by which they communicate a message of loyalty, love and education. Through poignant prose, versatile verbalization, and under the inebriating influences of great Jazz, Rock and R & B legends, Red Clay produces a brand of hip-hop named, Rugged Soul.
Clay is referred to as the “human frame” biblically; it is the material used to forge bodies that carry out missions of a higher being. Red signifies the ancestors, which members believe guide them through that heaven sent mission of affecting the world. Red Clay instills virtuosity and grace not only into their music, but also the ears and hearts of listeners. With a diverse following, the group continuously creates images through words and beats, which speak to the artistic threads that are commonly spun throughout all cultures.
Members, B.A.R.O.N, Probe 4 and General Lou have been seen on stages throughout the city. Nuyorican Poet’s Café, Knitting Factory, and CBGB’s are just a few venues that have witnessed the powerful personalities that these gentlemen bring to music. They worked intensively with acclaimed hip-hop magazine The SOURCE. B.A.R.O.N was a finalist in the Sprite Unsigned Hype Battle; following Red Clay was featured in the “Unsigned Hype” column of the magazine. Due to their amazing work ethic, Red Clay was one of the first groups called upon when the magazine filmed the pilot for the or the SOURCE Sound Lab television show. Hip-hop critic, Gotti of the SOURCE Magazine compares the stylings to Red Clay to that of Guru and Premier, preserving the two turntables and a mic roots of the genre. In addition to stage and television, the group regularly appears on radio shows throughout the state.
Each member fulfils specific duties to projects. B.A.R.O.N provides lyrical mastery and along with Probe 4, General Lou, Mosca 1 and E-Que manage the intricate workings of tracks and treatises. The gentleman confer regularly about which beats will properly compliment a certain message and which business relationship will effectively facilitate the type of growth Red Clay is striving for. After working with and supporting many non-profit organizations, record labels and other musicians, the group has clearly defined the type of affiliations they are interested in. B.A.R.O.N says on atrack, “….me and my knights of the round, holdin’ it down”, the group does in fact, hold down it’s own record label, producing and distributing all projects independently on RED CLAY RECORDS. Like King Arthur and his posse, they have a commitment to community service. Working with colleges across the country and doing intense advocacy work with G.A.ME, an organization set in place to protect and provide artists’ rights, such as health care and other necessary resources. Alongside spokesperson, M-1 from the group dead prez, Red Clay forms strategic partnerships that support musicians in completing projects, from recording to marketing initiatives.
Red Clay continues to unite powerful intentions with meaningful music and change the world. With such a rich foundation the collective has no other choice.
