Considered the ninth member of the Wu-Tang Clan, Masta Killa (b. Elgin Turner; aliases: High Chief, Noodles) recorded his first rhymes at the end of “Da Mystery of Chessboxin'” from the Clan‘s 1993 seminal debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers). He had never seriously written rhymes, let alone rap before then. However, under the tutelage of the GZA, he developed a steadily paced flow that accentuated his intellectual lyrics — although equally distinctive were his smooth voice and understated demeanor. Because Killa was incarcerated at the time, his closing verse on “Da Mystery of Chessboxin'” was his sole contribution to the album, but he always remained in the fold on the set of Wu-Tang solo records that ensued in the mid-’90s, including GZA‘s Liquid Swords, Raekwon‘s Only Built 4 Cuban Linx, and Ghostface Killah‘s Ironman. There was no questioning his status in the Clan after the release of their 1997 album, Wu-Tang Forever, where Killa contributed to numerous tracks, particularly his standout lines on the lead single, “Triumph.”
Nonetheless, similar to the plight of Wu-Tang member Inspectah Deck, Killa worked on his solo material for many years before it would actually come out. After two more Wu-Tang full-lengths and a second string of Wu splinter projects, his solo career finally began with No Said Date, released via underground rap label Nature Sounds in 2004. Staying in-house with producers the RZA, Mathematics, and True Master, the album was one of the few Wu-related releases post-Wu-Tang Forever that received critical praise, particularly by Wu-Tang‘s loyal fan base. Killa returned in 2006 with Made in Brooklyn, working with a more diverse array of underground producers, including MF Doom, Bronze Nazareth, and the legendary Pete Rock. His third album arrived in 2012. Selling My Soul featured guest spots from Kurupt and Ol’ Dirty Bastard, as well as production by 9th Wonder, Mathematics, and PF Cuttin. Another long gap followed before Killa released his fourth studio LP, Loyalty Is Royalty, in 2017. Wu-Tang members Cappadonna, Method Man, RZA, GZA, and Inspectah Deck joined other guests like Redman, Sean Price, Prodigy, and KXNG CROOKED on the album. ~ Cyril Cordor, Rovi
Andy O & Axiom
E&J (Eleven & Jason D)
Eleven & Jason D (aka E&J) are a Boise, Idaho based MC & DJ group. Heavily influenced by 80’s & 90’s Hip Hop, the crew is known for bringing a live show and that raw Boom Bap sound to the stage. The duo released their “Strike Back” album in 2020 with critical acclaim and spins around the globe. European based Hip Hop Golden Age blog called it one of the best Hip Hop albums of the year. In 2021 & 2022, the crew released a series of singles, including “One Of One featuring REKS”, leading up to the December 2022 release of their 4th album “Carefully Crafted”. The singles have been featured on SiriusXM Eminem’s Shade 45 and are staples of underground Hip Hop radio shows, blogs, and playlists around the world.
Zero Wan-Kenobi
Hip hop artist, ZERO Wan-Kenobi resides in Eagle Idaho running a window cleaning business called “Shinobi Window Cleaning”. In his down time from grime-fighting, he constructs inspirational stories with a lyrical entanglement that holds the listeners tightly. He reminds us that though we are fragile creatures, we are also extraordinarily powerful beings full of chaos ready to go off at any moment. Let’s keep pushing to be our better selves! 
Laurance
Laurance is a talented team of musicians who specialize in blending the raw sounds of Hip-Hop, Pop, Funk, alongside the sleek contemporary sounds of Electronic Music. Brian, Elijah, and Phillip first teamed up with the goal of pushing the boundaries of the mainstream music form. Their efforts have paid off in generating a truly original sound. Their tracks are notorious for their tight production and catchy hooks; with a focus/fusion on a wide range of genres and influences. Whether they’re working on a hard-hitting rap track or an electronic banger, Laurance always manages to bring a fresh and exciting energy to their music. With their unique style and rapidly growing fan base, this talented group is definitely one to watch out for in the upcoming years.
Mister Dre
Mister Dre is a rapper, producer, and founder of Mindset Muzik, a label built on resilience and realness. Born from the struggle, Mister Dre turned pain into passion, using music as an outlet to rise above life’s hardships. With a raw, high-energy delivery and deep storytelling, Mister Dre blends hard-hitting beats with powerful lyricism, influenced by artists like Tech N9ne, Eminem, Kendrick Lamar, Jarren Benton. Now leading Mindset Muzik, Mister Dre is creating a movement—one that represents ambition, hunger, and the grind to make it against all odds.
