Rhyme University embodies the essence of HipHop music. The group consists of blood brothers, Black Ceasar (MC) and Bustrip (MC/producer). They have been rhyming/writing songs since 1996, and have a unique perspective to bring to Hip Hop for a number of reasons. Their parents are from Nigeria; they have lived and traveled extensively throughout the globe including stops in Paris, France and Muscat, Oman. Their music is always socially conscious and thought provoking. Upon hearing their music, the chemistry that the two possess is very apparent. They are not only brothers, but best friends and musical soul mates who share a love of beats and rhymes.
Their 2nd album, Children of Uyo, Give It Your All, was released on May 11, 2006. This follow-up to their self-titled debut is a culmination of years of hard work. Uyo, Nigeria is the birthplace of their parents, and as a consequence, the birthplace of Rhyme University. The songs on this album are intensely personal, detailing the struggles of the two brothers, their Nigerian relatives, and society as a whole. At times militant, the album offers harsh criticisms to injustice, violence, corruption, racism, domestic abuse, and the materialism infesting commercial rap music. The brothers themselves are not immune to criticism, as some lyrics show blunt self-analysis. The beats on this album are at times moody and always soulful, providing the perfect backdrop to Rhyme University's deep lyrics. Children of Uyo, Give It Your All shows the improvement of Rhyme University in their craft and as human beings. This album embodies the heart and soul of the two brothers, and is a must have for any Hip Hop purist looking for lyrical skill, original concepts and dope beats.
Rhyme University's 3rd and latest album, "The Mo(u)rning Call", was released on June 17, 2008. The title of the album immediately should invoke contradictory imagery. If taken as 'The Mourning Call', the listener might initially prepare themselves for a somber album filled with rainy days. However, this assessment would only tap dance around the truth. If the title is interpreted solely to be cheerful with sun-shine piercing through a blue sky as 'The Morning Call' would imply, the listener will hover near the truth, but still fall short of the complete picture. In fact, The Mo(u)rning Call is about the duality of life ... the yin and yang ... the pain and growth. In this society, we are often flooded with negative news pertaining to war, epidemics, natural disasters, famine, injustice, and division. These are the calls of mourning or calls of distress, which should provoke us to come together in prayer and meditation for those who are suffering. Unconditional love is the answer, even when love lies. The bombardment from a deluge of discouraging information can be overwhelming, leading to a valley of sense, or a sense of hopelessness. However, there is always hope even when staring through the eyes of defeat. Seemingly impossible feats enable us to become aware of our strength to see beyond the stars and moonwalk. In the face of mounting misfortune, The Mo(u)rning Call is the music that serves a poetic justice. |