Artist
Pancho Rucker
Starting off writing R&B and promoting for local artist, Pancho Rucker saw that the rap game was starting to become tarnished and unreal. He begun to convert his true thoughts over to rap form and lace them over high hats and beats. Influenced by the greatest to ever do it, along with his deeply rooted love for the North side of Saint Louis, he follows in their footsteps by creating something that the majority will like but is still real and not "bubblegum nonsense". In 2004 Pancho Rucker decided to take on rapping full time as an escape from all of the negativity that was surrounding him and make a better life for himself. He chose the first name Pancho as a lifetime dedication to his late stepfather James "Pancho" Dixon, who was brutally slain in the streets of Saint Louis the year before to always keep his memory hovering around. Faced with the realities of life he chose to talk about the issues put before him and not indulge in something that he does not have yet, such as big houses, rims, etc along with the competitive verses that make all others have no choice but to respect him and his abilities.
In March of 2008 he finally released his debut album From The Dirt To The Throne as a cry out to world stating that you don't have to make typical music to be popular. As well as, a shout out to the world that Saint Louis is not only a place for tourist to see the Arch and the Cardinals, but it is a place with real issues and problems that need to be addressed. In February of 2010 he released is Sophomore project FUQ. The controversial album cover pushed him further into the spotlight of the Hip Hop scene in Saint Louis. In Cube Magazine he stated “The black-face album cover is my interpretation of the game and were it is headed.” He has also put out a vast amount of mixtapes in 2010 to prove that along with the talent he has the work ethic to bring out consistent and quality music. Along with the popularity from mixtapes and radio spins regionally Pancho was nominated for a Traffic Music Award for Collaborative Song of the Year for the song “S.T.L.O.U.I.S.” from his critically acclaimed project No Bullshit Allowed in 2011. Pancho hasn't stopped yet, continuing to release mixtapes along his new street album entitled Kurt Cobain Music.
Entertaining you with a sound far from the imagination's boundary line Rucker has been in love with music for over 10 years. In fact, he created a melody for the St. Louis Symphony when he was in the 4th grade. He has created beats for many artist of the country Pancho has a hunger that isn't greedy though. He wants to work with all artist in every spectrum of the music industry. He not only does rap and r&b, Rucker writes alternative, country western, etc. He also writes lyrics for people who have the talent, but don't have a writers touch to create their own.
Pancho has also spread out to internet radio with his own segment PR Radio (BlogTalkRadio.com) and also co hosted Block Radio (RiverfrontRadio.com) where he was able to confront the issues of today's society and be an ambassador for the St. Louis Underground Music scene. He host local Hip Hop showcases through out the city, provide his services as graphic designer and media duplicator through Shogun Distributions, directs videos, and even still has time to give back to the community as Co-Founder of Operation Clean Neighborhood started with child hood friend Kenneth Jones to give back to the streets to make a change instead of being apart of the problem.
Now as the CEO and Chairman of Shogun Music Group LLC, seasoned artist, producer, and songwriter he plans to spread his talents even further to show that St. Louis has talent like none other. "To be honest 99% of the game is wack because they are just trying to sale and not put any heart into it. I am not knocking any body's hustle, but I have to state facts as facts". The self proclaimed "King of the Midwest" brings a light into the hip hop world that will prove him, soon enough, to be one of the greats of the game and a swagger that you would love to hate. Get ready world......
The King Is Here!!!
J. Sloan
Growing up against the rough and tumble back drop of the South Lawn Projects in Houston, J-Sloan is no stranger to the hard knocks of life's many struggles. Born Jarrad Sloan, the 6'5 M.C. can vividly recall the violence that plagued his old neighborhood. The price of poverty cost him a younger brother and even threatened his own life.
"When you meet people on the street and they say, man I thought you was dead, you know it's time to move on" said Sloan. In 1999 when a relative offered a place to stay in St. Louis, Sloan jumped at the opportunity to relocate and start fresh in the river city, anchoring the dangerous day-to-day grind of Houston's streets in the past.
As luck follows destiny, Sloan didn't go seeking a career in music at first. Perhaps drawn by his story to tell, the mic found him, and through acquaintances he ended up in a recording booth rattling off bars drawn from his own pen. While still adjusting to his new found fate, Sloan remembers his amazement with the splicing and blending of studio magic during his first behind the scenes look at production.
Though new to making music, Sloan has been an avid fan for years. Growing up on such soul legends as Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding as a teen his interest turned to the local rappers that make up Houston's infamous underground such as Fat Pat, Scarface, 5th Ward Boys, Street Military, Botany Boys, UGK, DJ Screw, Al D. and Lil KeKe. Sloan also admires the originality and energy of other artists that hail from his native Dirty South. He describes his own style as being versatile. "I would call it laid-back but aggressive" said Sloan.
Complex does more than define his style; his voice is just as much a contradiction, a cross between a husky smokiness and a smooth as gin drawl. This southern paradox of sounds lends itself well to tracks like his debut single, "What's Happenin", a braggadocios presentation with a mellow tempo and much bounce. Now with two projects (In My Zone and Klepto Vol.1) J. Sloan looks to impact the industry with a force that is to be reckoned with. The Heartbeat of the Lou is here to stay.
"When you meet people on the street and they say, man I thought you was dead, you know it's time to move on" said Sloan. In 1999 when a relative offered a place to stay in St. Louis, Sloan jumped at the opportunity to relocate and start fresh in the river city, anchoring the dangerous day-to-day grind of Houston's streets in the past.
As luck follows destiny, Sloan didn't go seeking a career in music at first. Perhaps drawn by his story to tell, the mic found him, and through acquaintances he ended up in a recording booth rattling off bars drawn from his own pen. While still adjusting to his new found fate, Sloan remembers his amazement with the splicing and blending of studio magic during his first behind the scenes look at production.
Though new to making music, Sloan has been an avid fan for years. Growing up on such soul legends as Marvin Gaye and Otis Redding as a teen his interest turned to the local rappers that make up Houston's infamous underground such as Fat Pat, Scarface, 5th Ward Boys, Street Military, Botany Boys, UGK, DJ Screw, Al D. and Lil KeKe. Sloan also admires the originality and energy of other artists that hail from his native Dirty South. He describes his own style as being versatile. "I would call it laid-back but aggressive" said Sloan.
Complex does more than define his style; his voice is just as much a contradiction, a cross between a husky smokiness and a smooth as gin drawl. This southern paradox of sounds lends itself well to tracks like his debut single, "What's Happenin", a braggadocios presentation with a mellow tempo and much bounce. Now with two projects (In My Zone and Klepto Vol.1) J. Sloan looks to impact the industry with a force that is to be reckoned with. The Heartbeat of the Lou is here to stay.
Lil Smurf
Raw uncut and unapologetic Lil Smurf brings a style to the world of hip hop like no other. Raised from the mean streets of North Saint Louis, Lil Smurf had to learn the hard way how to survive. He sees the world as it is through a hustler's eyes.... Money, Power, Respect, and Loyalty is all that matters.
He has revolved around the music world since the tender age of 5 and knows what it takes to be the best artist in the industry. He has worked with various artist such as Magnum, J Sloan, and Pancho Rucker. Lil Smurf sheds a light on Saint Louis's wicked treacherous areas with his real, gritty, and grimy stories will have you on the edge of your seat wanting more. He beautifully balances the art of street poetry and radio savvy to create a sound unlike any heard in his region.
With a will to steadily improve, he is always wanting to try new and innovative things to stake his claim in music. His hypnotic flow and charisma clings and laces your eardrums to hold and never let go. With his new untitled album, Lil Smurf will take you on his journey of his life from his hustle, trails, gains, struggles, and view points. The self proclaimed “Prince of the City” also has a swagger that he loves to show off, the ladies love him and the fellas have no choice but to. “Hip- Hop has lost the real. "Everybody is trying to be something they not. I've lived that life and ain't trying to go back. So what I'm gon' do is change people mind about what they spit by being that example.”
With freshman project "From My Hood 2 Yo Hood" under his belt, Lil Smurf is bombarding the scene with nonstop performances and a work ethic that will make the strongest man grow weary. So as the weak get weaker, Lil Smurf refuses to say die and doesn't plan on coming down. The question that's left is.......
WILL YOU BE THERE TO WITNESS HIM SHINE?
He has revolved around the music world since the tender age of 5 and knows what it takes to be the best artist in the industry. He has worked with various artist such as Magnum, J Sloan, and Pancho Rucker. Lil Smurf sheds a light on Saint Louis's wicked treacherous areas with his real, gritty, and grimy stories will have you on the edge of your seat wanting more. He beautifully balances the art of street poetry and radio savvy to create a sound unlike any heard in his region.
With a will to steadily improve, he is always wanting to try new and innovative things to stake his claim in music. His hypnotic flow and charisma clings and laces your eardrums to hold and never let go. With his new untitled album, Lil Smurf will take you on his journey of his life from his hustle, trails, gains, struggles, and view points. The self proclaimed “Prince of the City” also has a swagger that he loves to show off, the ladies love him and the fellas have no choice but to. “Hip- Hop has lost the real. "Everybody is trying to be something they not. I've lived that life and ain't trying to go back. So what I'm gon' do is change people mind about what they spit by being that example.”
With freshman project "From My Hood 2 Yo Hood" under his belt, Lil Smurf is bombarding the scene with nonstop performances and a work ethic that will make the strongest man grow weary. So as the weak get weaker, Lil Smurf refuses to say die and doesn't plan on coming down. The question that's left is.......
WILL YOU BE THERE TO WITNESS HIM SHINE?
Streets
Streets is the artist that men want to be and the women love. The flashy North St. Louis native has been in music his entire life and he makes sure that his fans know it through his music. Deciding to put the street life behind him, persuaded by J. Sloan, he chose to pick up the microphone to let the world know what he is about. Streets affectionately describes his work as “Getaway Music” that takes him further that what is going on around him and points his songs towards those that feeling the same way.
From his life’s travels he has crossed paths musically with local and national artist such as Rukka Puff and the Black 300, J Spitty, Def Jam Artist Gunna, and Rosegold. Being no stranger to hard work Streets eventually plans to own his own company or staying behind the scenes making moves for those like him in the music industry. “I make music 'cause its fun. I make music 'cause I know music I make music for music fans” With this embedded in his “Mojo” he doesn't plan on stopping any time soon. Well could you blame him?
From his life’s travels he has crossed paths musically with local and national artist such as Rukka Puff and the Black 300, J Spitty, Def Jam Artist Gunna, and Rosegold. Being no stranger to hard work Streets eventually plans to own his own company or staying behind the scenes making moves for those like him in the music industry. “I make music 'cause its fun. I make music 'cause I know music I make music for music fans” With this embedded in his “Mojo” he doesn't plan on stopping any time soon. Well could you blame him?
