biographical info
“Fresh” – a Hip-Hop term used in the 80’s indicating something
new and unique. As the Art of Fresh, D.O. and Slakah the Beatchild
are a mission to bring butterfat boom bap to the funk nation.
With an undeniable chemistry between the two, the Art of Fresh
was formed in 2003 after several successful collaborations. Byram
“Slakah the Beatchild” Joseph, is the groups producer and doubles as
rapper and singer. Duane “D.O.” Gibson is the lead M.C. in the group,
but also influences the musical style.
The age gap between the two is partly responsible for the groups
unique sound. While D.O. grew up in the 80’s - a time known as the
Golden Era of Hip-Hop, Slakah grew up in the 90’s listening to neosoul
influenced Hip-Hop. Putting the two together can only be
described as Tribe meets Outkast, Boogie Down Productions meets
the Fugees, Rakim meets Raphael Sadiq.
In addition to being a group, Slakah the Beatchild and D.O. are
also accomplished solo artists.
“Funky Music” – Slakah’s first single, rose
to the top of the charts in 2005. In demand as
producer, vocalist and M.C., Slakah’s produced
top hits for Arabesque, Melanie Durrant and
Drake and is signed to Universal Music as part of
the group Opinion. In 2006, he was contracted
to produce “Soul Grooves,” a commercial project
that required him to update classic Motown songs
on behalf of Somerset Entertainment.
An accomplished emcee D.O. was declared the “True Freestyle
King” by XXL Magazine after he set the Guinness Freestyle Record
rapping over 8 hours and 45 minutes. In 2007, he released his debut
album “The Northstarr” featuring the hits “Young Brother” and “Defy
the Odds.” He has been profiled on Muchmusic, MTV, YTV and
featured in Urbanology magazine.
In the summer of 2007, The Art of Fresh are releasing their new
single “Get Free” to radio and video. The song is unique combination
of Hip-Hop and House - the group dubs this
new style as House-Hop. Completed with the
aide of a FACTOR demo grant and VideoFACT
grant, the duo look to follow up the single with
a full length LP set for release in 2008.