Brother Ali has no reservations in saying that he’s “trying to be one of the greatest of all time” (on the Molemen track “Life Sentence”). Inspired by golden era legends like KRS-One and Rakim, this undisputed Master of Ceremony began rapping as a means of survival. 

Growing up albino (colorless hair, skin and eyes, poor vision, and extreme sensitivity to the sun) in a world of cruel kids made it strikingly obvious to Ali that he needed a high-powered way to earn some respect and prestige among his peers. As a result, ever since elementary school he hasn’t slowed down with his lyrical grind. In his rare moments of silence these days, if you catch his eyes, you’ll notice that this Minneapolis denizen is rapping in his head. For Ali, hip-hop doesn’t stop when he exits the studio or stage.

Around the turn of the millennium, Rhymesayers Entertainment couldn’t overlook Ali’s talent and drive when he submitted his self-produced demo, Rites of Passage. This rare, cassette-only effort features collections of rhymes, poems, and stories that he wove into his live sets. Its release help make him a welcome member of the RSE family alongside Atmosphere, Musab, and Eyedea and Abilities.


The official Outasight Soundcloud profile.

PLEASE send ALL requests for press, features & booking to Sav:  sav@thenewprint.org

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The classic definition of the term MC is one that has the ability to grip a mic and control the crowd, and Kyprios has more than earned this title. He is a commanding presence on stage – able to hold the crowd in silent rapture as he drops an introspective piece that draws heavily from spoken word, only to suddenly flip it and incite a sea of thrusting hands with a rapid fire set of punchline-laden lyrical flows. Able to deliver a seamless blend of rapping, singing and harmonizing, the North Vancouver, BC native’s larynx is a potent stash of varied lyrical weapons.

On a roadtrip to New York City with Prevail from Swollen Members, the aspiring MC/actor/poet was compelled to lengthen his stay in hip hop’s Mecca. Studying theatre at HB Studios in Greenwich Village, hitting monthly rap battles anywhere in NYC and participating in poetry slams at the Nuyorican Poetry Cafe, the young artist was learning amongst the most reputed craftsman and developing his trade amongst them. Winning a poetry slam with a controversial spoken word piece “Hate,” Kyprios headed back to his hometown of North Vancouver to transfer his education into practice. Kyprios released the independent EP “Mic Tease” that would be the catalyst to get him performing numerous club shows and begin to host a weekly open mic poetry series dubbed “Come With It” in Vancouver.

During this period, Kyprios was also a founding member of the two time Juno-nominated Sweatshop Union. While working within the group, Kyp maintained his solo identity and continued to write and record his own material. This output included three tracks featured on the Local 604 album, which was released by BattleAxe Records. BattleAxe also selected Kyp’s song “Master” for inclusion on their Lyrics Of Fury compilation.

Kyprios’ solo work caught the attention of Sony Music Canada when he sent the company a package containing some tracks and a video of the slam winning, spoken word piece “Hate.” Kyp signed with the label and began a tumultuous period trying to do the impossible: make commercially viable underground music satisfying a record label and his core fans. He also offered outside help on Sweatshop Union’s juno nominated “Natural Progression” from Toronto at this time. His solo effort resulted in the two time, Juno nominated “Say Something,” featuring production from Saukrates (Kardinal Offishall, Method Man), Billy Mann (Pink, Kelly Rowland), Rob The Viking (Swollen Members) and good friend Tawgs (Lights, K’Naan). With the unfortunate timing of the industry’s changing climate, Sony Canada was merged into BMG and Kyprios’ solo record was shelved but his career was not.

Kyprios moved back to Vancouver, re-joined Sweatshop Union to begin a rigorous touring schedule and put out the Juno nominated “United We Fall,” and the critically acclaimed “Water Street” albums. He recently released a new solo offering entitled “12:12″ which propelled him into a radio competition for one hundred thousand dollars in Vancouver, through the Peak radio station called the Peak Performance Project. Kyprios eventually went on to win this prestigious competition and recognizes this experience as the most informative/beneficial of his career.

Kyprios has toured all over North America solo and as part of Sweatshop Union with the likes of The Black Eyed Peas, Busta Rhymes, Wyclef Jean, The Roots, Rakim, Living Legends, Swollen Members and Jurassic Five to name a few. He has made numerous appearances in television and film and is one of the voices for Michael Jordan’s website jumpman23.com. Kyp has won a Jesse for his musical work in a play called “Cranked”, has licensed music to MTV’s “The Buried Life” and continues to write for/with many artists. He still writes poetry and is eagerly anticipating the release of his next major project “The Midnight Sun.” He is currently working on the music for a new play with Greenthumb entitled “Ash Rizin.’”

Cloud 9

Management: jackafoster@gmail.com

Live: BWood@wmeentertainment.com 


I came up in the Music (Business) where there were rules and guidelines to the way things were done. It never made sense to me. I felt like you can own your own studio,make your own records and put them out how & when you want and even shoot your own videos. I'm soooo happy to finally be in that place now. I hope you enjoy the music i'm putting out now as much as i'm enjoying making it. Welcome to my Independence!!!! Check it Out. http://www.djjazzyjeff.com

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