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HighDro's trilogy album shows his versatility, passion
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HighDro focuses on three styles of hip-hop, from fun to "political/revolutionary."
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LAS VEGAS REVIEW-JOURNAL
Updated: Apr. 29, 2010 | 8:43 a.m.
He's one of Vegas' most multifaceted MCs: political, party-friendly, laid-back and galvanized all at once. A local hip-hop lightning rod, HighDro's not just blowin' smoke:
What does HighDro sound like?
"A fresh breeze of something new. Diversity from many angles that all form who I am. Wise, intellectual, but still fun. Well thought out, meaningful lyrics with a purpose. Music that doesn't follow a mold, nor does it choose to make one. Lessons of life with no sugar coating. My style of music changes daily, so when asked what genre I am, I say 'music'! Can't restrict my emotions or creativity to one style or technique within barriers. I'm an out-of-the-box type of person."
Your latest disc, "The Time Is Now," is part of a trilogy that you've released. Explain the concept behind the series.
"Originally, I wanted to release three six-track albums that displayed my different styles of hip-hop that I either grew up on or have grown into. I wanted to wait and release all three albums at the same time as a set. I didn't want to release a political album and then a year down the road something totally opposite like my mainstream, bass-heavy album. This way, from the beginning, people understand my creativity behind my music.
"The first release, 'Rise Up,' is the me who I would love to be most of the time. I consider it a fun, upbeat, reggae feel on a hip-hop album. With the second album, 'Concrete Jungle,' my intention was to make music I like that was like the mainstream music back in the day: catchy hooks and hard-hitting, dope beats. 'The Time is Now' was the final album of the three and it's the political/revolutionary album or 'underground side.' For this album, I read a couple (of) books before I finished writing to help really sharpen my knowledge on the topics. I'm a very concerned person for the world and everyone in it. There's a lot of love in my heart, and I feel like 'The Time is Now' is my tough love to the world's people and our government. My hope is that it enrages people enough for them to be concerned and be accounted for."
"Time" is rooted in class consciousness. What do you ultimately want listeners to take away from the record?
"I explained a bit of this in the last question, but I would say 'knowledge.' Although a lot of the information I speak about in this album is known, most of the info/facts are suppressed and you really have to dig deeper to get those answers. I think that's life in a nutshell, in a way. We all need to dig deeper in life -- especially deeper inside ourselves. So many people are concerned about the exterior and not the inside, where it really matters. I want people to be inspired, open, angry, hurt and understanding and to be ready to get active after hearing this album."
In the liner notes to the disc, you encourage listeners to check out books such as Jack Here's "The Emperor Wears No Clothes" and John Perkins' "The Secret History of the American Empire." What else have you been reading lately?
"I've had to take a break from all the political reading for a little. People that get really into suppressed information know that it can start to wear on you. That knowledge is needed, but too much of it can have you goin' crazy. I'm currently reading 'Music Money & Success,' the fifth edition, by Jeffrey and Todd Brabec to help gain the knowledge needed to escalate my career to that next level. I'll be back to more political readings soon. I always try to stay up on current events."
Hear HighDro at www.myspace.com/highdrolv
Contact reporter Jason Bracelin at jbracelin@reviewjournal.com or 702-383-0476.
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