Recently, Smash Studios in NYC was buzzing with anticipation as the New York preview location, hosting one of the hottest new MCs to hit the urban music scene—Really Doe.
Allido/Interscope Records artist and DC-based MC Wale was on the scene at Smash Studios, along with several regional media and photographers to witness a performance from this buzz worthy innovator in urban music. Really Doe recently met with Heed Magazine and other press in an exclusive reception to give the 411 on his new album, collaborations, and plans for musical domination.
Ever heard of Really Doe? Actually, you may have heard him on Kanye's Late Registration. Really's new album First Impressions is heating up urban music charts and creating a new template for major label Hip-Hop copycats.
Really Doe grew up on the South Side of Chicago, and began writing rap songs as a teen. His love for music was sparked by his neighbor, a nightclub DJ. Soul from the 70s, hip-hop from the 80s, and classic rock have an undeniable influence on him; and upon listening to his album, those influences are clear. Many of the cuts are straight from a DJ's crate (samples galore) and a feast for a true Hip-Hop connoisseur.
In the mid 90s, Really Doe became a member of the Hip-Hop trio "The Go Getters," with Kanye West and GLC. Naturally, the Really-Kanye connection led Really to open for five of Kanye's tours. Really was also featured on Kanye's acclaimed "Late Registration" - which established Kanye as the foremost eclectic and progressive voice of Hip-Hop.
First Impressions, on Cartel Records, is getting acclaim in night clubs and on I-pods worldwide. The production is soulful and similar to West's Late Registration with a banging, classic vibe and electronic sheen. Most of the beats feature live instruments and even a "Wailers-like" female vocal trio singing on some cuts.
The sound has an international appeal and pop/rock fans will find cuts that they enjoy. First Impressions debuted at #6 on iTunes and was re-released recently to debut at the top of the charts, which is rare. Rocker, Danny Klein sings the hook to the song "Mesmerized," GLC and Malik Yusef are featured on the song "Fabric," and Kanye West on "Plastic."
As a cool and humble MC with big dreams, it’s amazing to see how Really Doe transforms onstage. Spitting song after song for the appreciative crowd, he truly turns the tables, displaying his mastery of lyricism and rhythm. He's a guy from Chicago, but Really Doe has a sound that reminiscent of late 90s gangsta-rap. His verbal delivery, cutting like a machete, is paired with hot beats and gives listeners a full-throttle journey through life.
Really rhymes without all the saccharine swirl and radio fluff. It’s about time for Hip-Hop artists to "be men" (according to Jay-Z on "DOA"). You can hear some hardcore Ice Cube or Eazy-E in his voice, even on some of the faster cuts. Really gives a refreshing contrast to the "hipster" and "fashionista" styles so prevalent in the industry today—Hardcore delivery...yet eclectic and progressive.

Most of the imagery and lyrics throughout the album are honest and street, without being offensive or foul. Every MC has to have a confident swagger but Really conveys his love for the craft in every cut like a hip-hop veteran, without putting other MCs on blast. Really reminds me of veteran LL Cool J in the 80s—just a talented guy, without the packaging. MCs like Really don't rely on controversy to sell, they rely on ability.
His charisma is similar to Q-Tip and the ladies love him. He's an up and coming quality Hip-Hop performer determined to establish himself in the industry. It’s refreshing to see an MC who does it for the art, versus the self-indulgence of being onstage.
Buy "First Impressions" and learn more about Really Doe:
http://really-doe.com
http://www.myspace.com/reallydoechicago
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