Dope Lyricist Those Chosen

Category: Featured artist

THOSE CHOSEN- an avant garde hip-hop group known for their street influenced, politically fueled, spiritual lyricism consists of Japetto, Kornbread and Foreshadow. The trio’s common love for music helped form a musical brotherhood that has Those Chosen on a journey to become the premiere influence within music.

The trio recently released their ep, 5IVE, via Brooklyn Hip-Hop Festival founder Wes Jackson’s digital imprint, Savannah Boogie Music and Song. 5IVE has earned a coveted 5-star “classic” rating from URB Magazine and fans have given the trio tremendous feedback about the record. The ep features smash hits like “Soundclash” and “Spare Tires” along with 3 new songs for fans to enjoy. The EP serves as a musical teaser while people anticipate TC’s full-length album. Also, URB Magazine recently crowned Those Chosen the 25:NOW! (Artist toWatch) because of the trio’s explosive live performances on MTV2, numerous national music festivals, sold out concerts, and collaborations with hip-hop legend Slick Rick, Grammy-winning super-producer IZ Avila (of the Avila Brothers), in addition to hit-maker THX.

Before 5IVE was released, the group gained attention from their much talked about internet releases “Steamulus: The Watts Riot Effect” and ”Reign Food”. Both projects capture listeners with dynamic lyricism and vivid story telling that ranges from estranged relationships, feel-good vibes to triumphant glory mode; and beyond. TC is always reaching new sonic heights. TC does not indulge in the commercialism of mainstream hip hop’s immediate hooks and predictable sounds, yet amazingly Those Chosen continues to create mass appeal excitement with eager fans and music lovers on a global scale.

Location: Los Angeles

Website | Myspace

Urban Steez: Tell everybody your name and what area you represent?

Those Chosen and we represent California all day!

Urban Steez: Yessir!! How did you come up with your music name?

Those Chosen: Initially it started as something that sounded good. From that it developed as a type and shadow of what we represent. We know that we have been selected to represent the voices of those unable to be heard, whether it is the issues of living as an artist or everyday life in general.

Urban Steez: How long have you been doing music and what made you get into music?

Those Chosen: Pretty much our entire lives. We were all born in LA then our families relocated to a city called Rialto about 45 minutes from Los Angeles. We ended up hanging out in the same neighborhood, then went to the same high school together. During high school, we used to kick it with a bunch of homies with the same taste in music and use to wreak havoc on the local scene by battling squads, etc. Eventually, we were the only ones that really remained focused to make a mark in music and took our passion for the craft to the next level. Once we got our minds wrapped around the concept of the "music business", our legend took off from there. Basically, what people know Those Chosen as today was formed from that initial journey several years ago.

Urban Steez: Good Stuff!! How would you describe your style and why? And what do you feel you can bring to the table as an artist?

Those Chosen: Our style is message over mayhem. We like to bring something of substance to the table, something fit for all walks of life. Just real life music.

Urban Steez: Niiiiiice, Good Music!! We need music of substance, it goes a long way. If you had to pick which label to be signed to what would it be and why?

Those Chosen: When it's time to negotiate a deal, we want to feel comfortable that our worth and brand is recognized as a revenue generating commodity and not something that will be shelved. We will continue to focus on making quality music and constantly grow as artist and business men. We believe the best label or situation for us will present itself.

Urban Steez: What’s the biggest challenge you feel you face as an artist?

Those Chosen: Just finding that balance between life and "rap life". First and foremost we are men and role models, so one always needs to have that in mind. You always want to reflect nothing less, and sometimes with the rigors of all this rap sh*t you can loose sight of that. Thankfully we have family and friends to help us remain grounded.

Urban Steez: That’s Wassup!! Who would you want to collaborate with in the music
industry and why?

Those Chosen: Any and everyone that makes music from the heart, but off the top...Dr. Dre, N.E.R.D., NaS, Damian Marley, Black Thought of The Roots, Bilal, Musiq Soulchild, Prince, Ice Cube, the list goes on and on...basically ALL the legends in the game

Urban Steez: Definitely a Good Look… So how do you feel you rank against top music talents today? And why?

Those Chosen: We always feel as though we are top-tier artists but to rank ourselves is not something we get down with. We mean that's something for others to decide . Truthfully, we are barely scratching the surface as to what we will become, but with that being said, "We are always gunning for #1" !

Urban Steez: Good Answer, Let the fans call it! What are you working on now and when can fans expect to hear more from you?

Those Chosen: We released an ep called "5IVE" that includes the hits "Soundclash" and "Spares Tires" available on iTunes now. Currently, we released volume 5 of a 3-song ep that's part of a monthly series called the "3P Series" which is exclusively produced by J-Bizness available on www.thosechosen.bandcamp.com and the blog FMWJ's Rappers I Know. We have other projects in the works like our full-length record and will continue to hit fans with fresh new Those Chosen content.

Urban Steez: Where do you see yourself a year from now?

Those Chosen: Lord willing...we will be alive, healthy, making good music, touring the globe, spreading love, and enjoying life!

Urban Steez: Who and what are your influences?

Those Chosen: We are influenced by all types of music and life in general. To name of few of our musical heroes, it'd be A Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, Ice Cube, The Roots, OutKast, Prince, and of course the one and only - Michael Jackson.

Urban Steez: A top notch line up, you got there, they all impacted music in a major way…What do you think of the hip hop/music world right now?

Those Chosen:Hip Hop is in a dark space on one end right now and bright and
thriving on the other side. For example, rappers who respect the art are not getting much support like those who are promoting drugs, sex, and violence. On the other side, hip hop is the dominating cultural force in the world. Everything is influenced by hip hop. All that is entertainment/pop culture, but there definitely needs to be a balance.

Urban Steez: Righteous, very true! What music do you have playing in your sound system right now?

Foreshadow: Beats mainly, I'm usually working on new music, but on my downtime it could be any and all types of music honestly.

Kornbread: I' m on that Stylistics, Delphonics, Prince flo right about now

Japetto: J Dilla

Urban Steez: @ Kornbread, I digs that!! Who is your celebrity crush?

Foreshadow: Rosario Dawson and any "video vixen" of the minute, you know what time it is!

Kornbread: Ummm I would have to say Rachel from Carribean Rythms circa '92. Nah, I'm gonna ride with Ms. (Keri) Hilson!

Japetto: Tahiry (XXL Augst 2010)

Urban Steez: @ Forshadow Haha I see where your head is at pimpin!! How can business heads and fans contact you in the future(myspace, email, number, etc.)?

Those Chosen: Join us at:

facebook.com/thosechosenmusic

myspace.com/thosechosen

twitter.com/thosechosen

iammanutebol.com
all serious business inquiries hit us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or our manager's email at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Urban Steez: Any shout outs?

Those Chosen: Shout out to Donnie Bo and the DUI squad, Arie from Leira PR, all the producers and artists we work with, but mostly importantly the "steamsters", our fans, that rock with us!