L.A. Symphony is an independent hip hop group from
Los Angeles,
California. Current members of L.A. Symphony are FLYNN (also known as
Flynn Adam), UNO Mas, CookBook,
Joey the Jerk
Sarpong Siriboe Boateng (born October 14, 1976), also known by the stage name Joey the Jerk and formerly Joey Lawrence and Joey's Dream, is an American Christian hip hop musician. He has released two studio albums, ''Average Joe'' in 2003, and, ...
(formerly Joey's Dream), Sareem Poems (fka Sharlock Poems),
Pigeon John and bTwice (collectively known as
Brainwash Projects
Brainwash Projects is a hip hop group formed by LA Symphony members Pigeon John
John Kenneth Dust (born John Kenneth Dunkin: November 30, 1972), better known by the stage name Pigeon John, is an American rapper based in Los Angeles, Califo ...
), and J-Beits a.k.a. Great Jason. Past members include Trendi MC (who compose Halieyoos Fishermen with Sharlok Poems and J-Beits), Coy (
Paul "Coy" Allen), Xpress, Gaja and Beond of Acid Reign.
History
Formed in 1997, the band released their first album, 1999's ''Composition No. 1'' on independent record label Eartube Empire. They then recorded an album entitled ''Call It What You Want'' between 1999 and 2001 for
Squint Entertainment.
It contained tracks produced by the band and by
Mario C,
will.i.am
William James Adams Jr. (born March 15, 1975), known professionally as will.i.am (pronounced "Will-I-am"), is an American rapper, singer, songwriter and record producer. He is the founding and lead member of the musical group Black Eyed Peas.
...
and
Prince Paul. It was slated to be released in April 2001 and was sold as a bootleg copy at live shows and online until unofficially released as ''CIWYW'', in addition to a release a promotional EP titled ''Big Broke L.A.'' that contained tracks from ''Call It What You Want''. The lead single was "Broken Tape Decks" and was released as a limited edition 12" vinyl and CD single, with B-Side "What You Say?!?". The album was never released due to issues with the label.
LA Symphony independently released the ''Baloney'' EP in 2002. Originally, 1000 limited edition copies were pressed, hand-numbered and shipped in resealable sandwich bags. ''Baloney'' was later re-pressed.
Following the ''Baloney'' EP, L.A. Symphony was signed to
Gotee Records. They then released ''The End Is Now'' in 2003, ''Less Than Zero'' in 2005 and ''Disappear Here'' in 2005. 2005 was also a year of personal tragedies for the band.
''CCM'' reported that immediately after re-signing to Gotee, three members experienced personal traumas—UNO came down with
Guillain–Barré syndrome, CookBook's father suffered from a
stroke
A stroke is a medical condition in which poor blood flow to the brain causes cell death. There are two main types of stroke: ischemic, due to lack of blood flow, and hemorrhagic, due to bleeding. Both cause parts of the brain to stop functionin ...
, and Joey's grandfather also died.
In 2007, the group released a mixtape, ''
Unleashed
Unleashed may refer to:
Art and entertainment Film and television
* ''Unleashed'' (2001 film), a film featuring Jeff Anderson
* ''Unleashed'' (2005 film), a 2005 martial arts film starring Jet Li
* ''Unleashed'' (2016 film), a film starring ...
''. Guests on the album include
Posdnuos
Kelvin Mercer (born August 17, 1969), also known by his stage name Posdnuos and occasionally Pos, is an American rapper and producer from East Massapequa, New York best known for his work as one-third of the hip hop trio De La Soul. Through ...
and Awol One.
In 2009, the members decided to put the group on hiatus. Since then several members have continued with solo projects.
On December 19, 2011, rumors started circulating (via bTwice's
Twitter account) about a reunion of the group. The group would likely welcome back former members bTwice, Pigeon John, J-Beits (aka Great Jason), and J-BoogiE.
On February 15, 2012 it was announced by bTwice via Twitter that the group would play the 2012
Paid Dues festival. It was also said that former members Pigeon John, J-Beits (Great Jason), and bTwice will return to the group for this show.
In December 2014, released their first record together with all 8 members since 2003 in honor of their 15th anniversary called You Still on Earth!?!.
Discography
References
External links
*
L.A. Symphony Interview
{{Authority control
Hip hop groups from California
Musical groups from Los Angeles
Gotee Records artists