ROYAL (DEVON LEE X MIKEFLO)
ALLTHEWAYROYAL.COM
@MIKEFLORBG
@DEVONLEEMUSIC
@4THWARDROYAL

Kenny Keys is a seasoned keyboardist/pianist/composer/producer/session musician and teacher of music.

Contact kennykeys@gmail.com for booking and production inquires.

https://linktr.ee/wearedelasoul

De La Soul is back—but did they ever really leave? After delivering their seminal debut 3 Feet High and Rising in 1989 with the production genius of Prince Paul, the New York City-bred trio of Posdnuos (Pos), Dave and Maseo went on to further impact Hip Hop culture with five more groundbreaking albums: De La Soul Is Dead (1991), Buhloone Mindstate (1993), Stakes Is High (1996), Art Official Intelligence: Mosaic Thump (2000) and AOI: Bionix (2001). But once the digital age exploded in the late ‘90s, De La Soul’s celebrated catalog was unavailable to stream. As the decades passed, the tight-knit group forged ahead anyway—touring the world, connecting with their adoring fanbase and making music on their own terms. Following 2004’s The Grind Date, De La Soul took a hiatus from making albums, but joined The Gorillaz on the track “Feel Good Inc” which won them a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Collaboration.  In 2015, the group raised over $600,000 on Kickstarter from fans to independently release their album and the Anonymous Nobody, which was their first #1 on the Rap Albums chart, and was also nominated for a Best Rap Album Grammy.   

However, the demand for unreleased De La Soul music was palpable and the cry for access to the first six albums grew louder. Unfortunately, De La Soul was stuck riding a roller coaster of stalled negotiations, dashed hopes and dead-end conversations with their old label, and the group nearly gave up. 

"We have lived without the music up for long, these six albums haven’t been up—ever,” Pos says. “We got used to knowing they weren’t up.” In June of 2021, Tommy Boy Music was acquired by Reservoir, giving De La Soul’s catalog a new home.  In March of 2023, the six missing albums were finally available to stream.  But sadly, right before the catalog release, Dave, the beloved member of De La Soul, passed away. Though bittersweet, De La Soul preserves his legacy and the ongoing impact of their music. 

As iconic songs such as “The Magic Number”, found new life in the film Spiderman: No Way Home in 2021, De La Soul continues to resonate with a diverse population of people. 

As Pos notes, “We’ve noticed over the past several years of tour like, ‘Wow, there’s a father here with his child who also is here with their child. ‘We’re generational. To me, there’s nothing more gratifying than that. That means something. That’s telling about a group. What we were doing wasn’t just stuck to that time.”

“We really naturally been that group for everyone,” Pos says. “It was never about we’re just here for this community, that community, this set of people or these certain fans of Hip Hop culture. We see music as music. We’ve been very resilient, even being a group that didn’t have our music up [on streaming platforms]. We still had these beautiful opportunities through young people finding out about us through a commercial or Spider-Man. Now that it can all be there for people to gravitate to, I’m really happy about that.” 

De La Soul's impact on the musical landscape is immeasurable, with 3 Feet High and Rising widely regarded as one of the most influential albums of its era. Pioneering inventive sampling, playful lyrics, and eclectic beats, the album broke new ground and set a standard for creativity in the genre. Recognizing its cultural significance, the album was inducted into the National Recording Registry by the Library of Congress.

To call DJ Self Born a multi-tasker is an understatement. His talent extends far beyond DJing. He is also a music producer and owner of the legendary Love/Hate DJ Bar formerly on South Beach... now a traveling  "pop-up" event. Born and raised on Chicago’s Southside, this one man band has DJ experience in all arenas; radio, night club, corporate and private events. Known as the “celebrity’s favorite” (just ask actress Vanessa Bell Calloway, Gabrielle Union, actors Tony Rock, Donnell Rawlings as well as sport figures Dwayne Wade and Hall of Famer Warren Sapp to name a few) he has had the privilege of performing as well as touring with a variety of well known and legendary artists within the Hip Hop community from the East to West Coast. Currently a resident of Miami, DJ Self Born has become a staple throughout the Miami scene as well as spending some time as an instructor for Jam Master J’s “DJ Scratch Academy.” In 2007 after 10 minutes of listening, Hip Hop legend Special Ed quickly recruited him as his tour DJ. Whether actor, sports figure, comedian or news anchor, DJ Self Born seems to be their DJ of choice. He spins an array of music ranging from Frank Sinatra to Jay-Z, showcasing a level of versatility that is virtually unheard.

His precision, accuracy and love for the music are the foundation of his evolution into a music producer. Music industry insiders consider producing a natural “next step” for a DJ. Self Born’s production work was first highlighted on the debut release by Chicago’s own Outfitters USA titled “Where You From?” Together with rapper / producer Malik Allah, DJ Self Born created a distinct sound as well as a solid producer/co-producer relationship. He has shared the stage with the likes of 50 Cent & G-Unit, Jay-Z & Rocafella and Wu Tang Clan where he toured coast to coast with Raekwon the Chef acting as Tour DJ/Host. Dynamic stage presence and natural chemistry with artists solidified DJ Self Born as a tour DJ. Following a successful tour, a second US tour took the DJ across the country again, but this time with GZA of Wu Tang Clan, Cannibal Ox & J-Live. DJ Self Born has become known throughout the country as a DJ/host that controls the crowd wherever he is booked. 

In 2020 DJ Self Born was recruited by the legendary Chicago group and old friends, Abstract Mindstate. DJ Self Born worked with Kanye West to produce their album “Dreams Still Inspire”. Kanye produced all of the tracks and DJ Self Born provided all of the scratches. Currently Abstarct Mindstate and DJ Self Born are organically touring the country showcasing the latest production work done exclusively by Kanye West. 

In 2022 DJ Self Born decided to release his own remixes and his own re-produced version of songs by known artists. Currently you can hear his latest release, “Heaven is a studio, GOD is a DJ” on Soundcloud. (https://on.soundcloud.com/AMsa)

With a list of accomplishments that would make the average DJ flip into an ego maniac, all DJ Self Born wants is you to have a memorable time and his name to be remembered in music forever.

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

Artist/Producer
RichVi$ion
Instrumentals Featured On BSTN, Vans, Sacai, Nike & Adidas commercials.

The world renowned Legendary Broadway!! Visit TourLords.com

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