Michael King’s stage name may seem a bit tongue in cheek, but when considering his origins as a formidable battle rapper from Philadelphia, there’s nothing more apropos. Over time, though, the name Mic King has grown and evolved to encompass much more than what inferior emcees might view as a threat. With the launch of his rap career in the early aughts, King went from exciting new up-and-comer alongside labelmates Jean Grae and Fall Out Boy, to successful founder and CEO of a digital marketing agency over the course of a decade. Unlike fellow rappers-turned-business moguls like Jay-Z, King’s career path to the executive boardroom was more unorthodox.

A Howard University dropout with a background in computer science, King released numerous well-received mixtapes and one-off projects, all while conquering the battle rap scene and relentlessly touring the world. Upon signing a multi-album deal with Uprising Records in 2006, King released Mike and the Fatman, a collaborative concept album with Demigodz producer Chum the Skrilla Guerilla. The pair went on to collaborate on two more projects, Flavor Ade and Cool-Aide. At the time, King continued to perform around the world, sharing stages with acts like the Wu-Tang Clan, Rakim, Nas, and J. Cole. King’s crowd engagement at live shows was unmatched, as he would blindfold himself and launch into a freestyle description of any object handed to him by audience members. Technically proficient, incisive, and all too real, King thrilled audiences whenever he stepped into the spotlight.

While the trajectory of King’s rap career was on a steady incline, he eventually became disillusioned with the process and began his journey into the world of business. King landed numerous jobs with ad/marketing agencies and, as he gained experience, seized the opportunity to channel his writing ability and commanding stage presence as a keynote speaker for thought leadership events around the world.  As much as he loved Hip-Hop and music, King found real purpose inspiring the business world as well. In 2014, King became his own boss, officially launching iPullRank, an NYC-based Marketing agency “behind Fortune 500 winning strategies”. As his business grew, King purchased the beloved UGHH brand.  And after twelve years in the boardroom, life, labor, and love during a decade-long hiatus from music, one of Hip-Hop’s most dynamic champions returned in 2021 with the iCONIC EP.  With heady lyricism over hard-hitting, soulful beats reminiscent of 01-03 Rocafella, the project is a triumphant return to form for King. While the music imbues a gritty, fervid sound that has been long lost since that era, the subject matter portrays a more mature Mic King, examining success, growth, and perseverance. It's entrepreneur rap from a now family man and successful CEO that regularly sits across the table from C-Level executives of Fortune 50 companies and is positioned at the top of his industry. King continues to blaze a trail all his own and is in the process of writing a book about SEO for Wiley publishing.

my name is el-p. i produce and i rap too.

Hip-Hop With Drops 🔊 Producer 🎛️ DJ 🗣️ MC
Booking: cody@triplea.agency
MGMT: corey@misfitmedia.io

In a world full of constants you need change, with that said, enter KWOTE SCRIPTURES. Bridgeport, Connecticut's KWOTE would be described as a creative individual who proactively does whatever it takes to get noticed. He’s known for being one to exceed expectations and cross boundary limits to break molds. As you can tell by those brief sentences, you’re dealing with a nuclear weapon instead of a firecracker.

The acronym KWOTE derives from a graffiti background, which transferred into music adding the name SCRIPTURES. The music he creates is geared toward the hip-hop crowd with a global appeal. Styles and song structures are complex but tolerable, due to the nature of content and delivery. The main reason he creates music is due to the fact, that music is the soundtrack of life. It revolves around everything you do, whether you notice it or not. Everywhere you look, every emotion expressed, every major event has a song/sound that will remind you of it.

Being the architect of change didn’t always pay off! In the year 2000, KWOTE met with U.N.I. Sounds (a collective of producers and emcees) from Brooklyn, New York. In 2001, they constructed the conscious album “Time Space Continuum” which gained great praise. The result of this project shed light to complications artists face when trying to provide nutrients for the masses. The foundation for change was now built and the battle is ever so evident. In order to make a difference you have to go against the grain, at whatever cost.

KWOTE studied expressions and reactions of peers toward their favorite songs. An innovator of techniques, he learned how to compose lyrics by placing whatever he viewed in song form. Songs such as, “Fury” and “Facial Features” (U.N.I. Sounds – Time Space Continuum) showcase his genius, as he takes you on a journey of a woman’s facial structure. Other creations such as “EXTRA” display the ability of creating an anthem and slang word that is still relevant in these days and times. Every song written leads us into another area of unique forward thinking content.

The “EXTRA” 12” vinyl single surfaced in the spring of 2003. It featured: Pack FM and iCON the Mic King on the energy driven anthem “EXTRA” b/w “BUILT FOR THIS” featuring Poison Pen (informing listeners, fans and more about his dedication) and the ode to women titled: “JUST BE FRIENDS”. With the single in rotation, KWOTE has shared the stage with the following: Raekwon the Chef, Ghostface, Immortal Technique, KRS ONE, Jedi Mind Tricks, Ja Rule, El Da Sensei, Poison Pen, iCON the Mic King, Pack FM, and Pumpkinhead just to name a few.

Fast forward to Fall 2006 where we welcomed the “Today’s Scriptures” album. This non-explicit album is dedicated to versatility and creativity in music. Featuring “Never Give You Up” produced by Chum the Skrilla Guerilla, written as a guessing game with thought provoking content that will have you listening more than once. “Its Approved!” is the new anthem/slogan that picks up right where the “EXTRA” 12″ vinyl single from 2003 left off. “Dedicated” produced by DJ Craig Rip, is well crafted and will prompt you to call the one you love and inform them how much they are worth. Always one to compliment the production, KWOTE was able to deliver the message clearly. The vast differences in the songs speak for themselves, while taking the listener on a guided journey.

As an artist and supporter of the music business, KWOTE sought out to change the monotonous approach of others by delivering a true solo album. A true solo album is one that has no guest appearances and really gives you insight as to who the artist really is. All it takes is one listen to “Today’s Scriptures” and you will understand the meaning and diversity of KWOTE SCRIPTURES!

Also on the horizon are a multitude of guest appearances on other talented artists projects such as: iCON the Mic King, Poison Pen, and Ravage. Quality music takes time and the “Architect of Change”  will provide that, remember the name: KWOTE SCRIPTURES!

Grafh, born Philip Bernard, hails from Jamaica, Queens, New York. He made a name for himself on the mixtape circuit, where he garnered early support from influential mix-show DJ’s in New York. His skill, charisma, honesty, and determination were so obvious that he generated a buzz nationwide and attracted the attention of the major labels. Even in the early stages of his career, Grafh was being heralded as the “Black Eminem.” Although he’s remained independent, Grafh has had distribution deals with Sony, Rocafella Records, and E1 Music (formerly Koch). He released a substantial collection of mixtapes and a street album, Autografh, to critical acclaim.

Despite having yet to release a studio album, support for Grafh and his music has been overwhelming – both among fans and within the music industry. His songs have been featured on HBO’s Entourage, Fox’s Meth and Red, BET’s Ultimate Hustler and in a number of video games, including EA Sport’s NFL Streets, Saint’s Row, and 25 to Life.  Grafh has also been heavily supported by his peers, including Drake, Wiz Khalifa, Raekwon, Bun B, Jim Jones, Busta Rhymes, Waka Flocka, and many others. Grafh was surprised, however, when actor Shia LaBeouf said he was “really, really, really good” in a late-night TV interview with Carson Daly. This sense of appreciation has motivated Grafh to stay true to his fans while touring and releasing new music online via his official website, GrafhOnline.com. He has also built a strong following on Twitter, where he applies an entertaining combination of sharp humor and brutal honesty to everyday life.

 Grafh is currently focused on completing his new project Pain Killers: Reloaded. The first single off of the release is "Magic Like Disney World" featuring his child hood friend Shalone. The project also features Jadakiss, Bun B, Chris Webby, Jarren Benton Styles P and Sheek Louch.  Over the last year, Grafh has built a creative team of young, talented people that are working with him toward the project’s release. He has redefined his sound – drawing inspiration from multiple genres – and has made a concerted effort to be more emotionally candid. The result has been the best music of Grafh’s career, with more songs still to record. With this album, Grafh hopes to prove that he’s more than just raw talent. He has set out to challenge the labels that have been put on him as an artist – to push his own boundaries musically, lyrically, and visually. Just as he did at the start of his career, Grafh plans to let the music speak for itself.

Mic King is following