History

As a rap duo U-N-I put out three street albums and one mixtape Fried
Chicken & Watermelon (2007), Before There Was Love (2009), A Love
Supreme (2009) and A Love Supreme 2.0 (2010) becoming known throughout
the urban and alternative blogosphere during a time of “hipster”
movement momentum.[2] The duo were credited with reviving the "true
essence" of hip-hop, rejecting the Gangsta rap style that had become
common.[3] As a duo they won the 2008 MTV Video Music Award for “Best
Breakout LA Artist” [4]

On April 2 he performed as a solo artist for the first time at The
2011 Paid Dues Festival in San Bernadino along with Black Star,
Immortal Technique, Asher Roth, Dead Prez, E-40, Murs, Blu &
Fashawn.[5]
[edit] L.A. Riot

In February 2011 he announced he would be putting out a solo album
entitled L.A. Riot.[6]

Paying tribute to the 20th Anniversary of the Rodney King beating
(March 3, 1991) he released to Youtube a politically inspired
re-enactment of the assault. The video clip transformed him into the
image of the motorist (via makeup and computer effects).[7] In
conjunction he debuted the first song “Rodney King” [8] which was a
stark contrast to the music that U-N-I were known for which
predominately centered on themes of video games, sneakers and
women.[9] “Rodney King” discusses every detail from the night of the
beating including the statistics of the basketball game King was
watching, the alcohol consumption, the marijuana, the make and model
of car he was driving; the chase through highways and residential
areas through Lake View Terrace interspersed with King's parole
worries; the brutality captured on video by a plumber named George
Holliday. He raps: "Beware: This stormy black Monday will morph its
way into a black plague of agony: broken glass, burning buildings
coughing up black smoke. My pain will be a molotov cocktail of hope
for all those who sit silent, listening, contemplating violence,
awaiting their turn to play their part in the uprising we call Rodney
King Riots." [10]

He released the second single “Los Angeles” on April 29 [11] to
commemorate the 19th anniversary of the Los Angeles riots that took
place during the course of six days (April 29-May 4, 1992) in Los
Angeles’ South Central community. He has said that these
socio-economic and political uprisings as well as the recent North
Africa protests serve as the backdrop behind this concept album.[12]
Throughout the music and multimedia campaign a central question he
asks fans is "What do you Riot for?" Even releasing an official "Riot
Manifesto" which included statements like “I Riot, because BET has
failed every generation after 1999” and “I Riot, because I haven't
felt the same love and attachment for an album since Redman's Muddy
Waters.” [13]

On June 21 he released the third single "Prayer" which officially
confirmed the break-up of U-N-I after a groundswell of speculation
from fans.[14]

The album features production from longtime collaborator RO Blvd
(U-N-I), DJ Khalil (Eminem, Jay-Z, 50 Cent), Aaron Harris (Dr. Dre,
Dead Prez), THX (Murs, The Clipse, Mobb Deep) and Terrace Martin
(Snoop Dogg, Lalah Hathaway).[15] Tracks include "Niggas" which
discusses the divisive n-word, race, self-hate and self-love. "Two
Clips" produced by Grammy Award winning producer DJ Khalil features
street-based singer-songwriter Kobe and deals with patterns of
recurring gang violence. Other guest artists include Black Thought of
The Roots and BJ The Chicago Kid.[16]

He has collaborated with his longtime visual director Tomas Whitmore
for what will soon be a video documentary surrounding all aspects of
the 1992 Los Angeles Riots, set for release in Spring 2012 on the
20-year anniversary. They will interview various members of the South
Central community who were present around Florence and Normandie
during the beating and riots.[17]

He currently serves as General Manager at Holy Grail, a consignment
sneaker store located in Downtown Los Angeles.[18]
[edit] Discography
[edit] Albums
[edit] L.A. Riot (August 9th 2011)
[edit] Singles

* "Los Angeles" (2011)
* "Rodney King" (2011)
* "Prayer" (2011)
* "RIOT" f/ Black Thought of The Roots (2011)