EL.i.BE

After a busy year of touring and performing as part of Cherry Sky Studios, eL.I.Be is back with some positive waves with “Feeling Right.”
With the flute based creation from Modern Filth’s Diatonic, the Minneapolis MC proves that he is able to channel the rejuvenating energy that comes from appreciating the present. While the song is a catchy follow up to local house party staples such as “Grab A Drink (Dear 9-5)” and “Party Down,” “Feeling Right” also celebrates eL.I.Be’s re-commitment to balancing his personal life with his artistic drive.

“It was a very busy year,” said eL.I.Be. “I planned and managed two tours, performed, interviewed, networked ect… After it was all said and done, I was just exhausted and my work life balance was out of wack. So when I got home after my last run, I was overworked and couldn’t bring myself to work on music. After that my friends started noticing that I wasn’t myself, they sat down with me and helped put things in perspective, reminding me that that this music business is a marathon and not a sprint and that it’s ok to slow down sometimes to regroup.”

As he continues to take the time for personal growth, this doesn’t mean that he will be stepping away from the mic anytime soon as “Feeling Right” is the first in a series of singles leading to his upcoming solo debut, Hoping Tomorrow Never Comes.

To stay up to date with eL.I.Be, check out his website, Facebook, and Twitter pages - Breaks x Lakes

Cherry Sky Studios is a local rap collective comprised of rappers AhbiNav, eL.I.Be, T La Shawn and Rico Polo, and producers Diatonic and Steppenwolf. Right now, they're gearing up to drop their debut album as a crew. As individuals, they've already got projects under their belt, but Red Eye Flight is their first statement as a single entity. Gimme Noise talked to AbhiNav, eL.I.Be, and T La Shawn about the album and their journey in making it a reality. - City Pages

...EL.i.BE features on this track and delivers an equally impressive flow. To the album’s credit, all the features are well utilized and add depth to their respective song, whether it’s a verse of their own or on the hook. - KSSU - theajtaylor

eL.I.Be is a Minneapolis rapper who I haven't posted on Midwest Broadcast before. However, recently I saw Truth Be Told tweet about the new EP from eL.I.Be, Dreams. It's a 9-song collection that serves as a good introduction to the emcee if you haven't listened to him before. It also features guest spots from the Wize Guyz, Truth Be Told, and more. Stream it below. - MidWest Broadcast

His new single “Fellin’ Right,” which Ghettoblaster shares today, is an upbeat, feel-good homage to the good vibes that evokes the nostalgia of cruising through childhood neighborhoods and reminiscing with friends - Ghetto Blaster Magazine

EL.i.BE (aka El Karnwie-Tuah), is a Twin Cities based MC and producer, who recently kicked off his album release tour in Duluth. He’s in the middle of his tour now, and I had a chance to check out the kick off show in Duluth. Not only is he a very experienced MC and performer, but he’s also the co-founder and marketing manager of Twin Cities based hip-hop label, Cherry Sky Studios.
I originally met El and other Cherry Sky associates at a hip-hop festival held a few years ago in Wisconsin, called Phat Camp. El and his group played some great on-stage performances during that festival, as well as some amazing live improvisation off-stage that really caught my attention. After the connections Cherry Sky made at that festival, that included a lot of Duluth hip-hop artists, El started visiting to perform in the Twin Ports. I’ve come to know from his visits to Duluth over the last couple years, that El is not only talented, but very professional to work with, and also just an all around nice person. All things that are always refreshing to meet in the music industry.
El is a first generation immigrant from Liberia, and has been working on hip-hop in the Twin Cities since 2004, when he formed his first group called D-Mine. El said, “I got my start in high school. A couple of my friends started a group called D-Mine and we performed at the pep fest and the rest was history.” When that group disbanded in 2011, El went on to work on his solo career as EL.i.BE. In 2011, El released his first solo album, ‘Dreams’, under the Cherry Sky Studios label. El has shared the stage in Minneapolis for over ten years now with many mentionable names in the past too, including but not limited to; Prof, Joelle Ortiz, Slug of Atmosphere, and Brother Ali. When asked how El would describe his style, he explained, “I would say my sound is a cross between Childish Gambino and Schoolboy Q. There’s a good balance between story telling and feel good party music.” I got the chance to asked El about the new album and he elaborated that, “Liberation is my second solo album. The thought behind Liberation was to help listeners understand where I’m coming from as a First Generation Liberian-American. I wanted to connect with listeners and I feel like telling my story is important given the current social and political climate we now live in.” - Duluth MN Reader

“I might get lit up if I swerve,” rapper EL.i.BE acknowledges, dreading a “sequel of Philando” at an impending traffic stop. While he and O-Lay share their rhymes, dancers Peace and Nteranya perform intense moves in this film by Benji Cooper. - The Current

More horrific evidence/ footage surfaced yesterday in the tragic shooting of Philando Castile. When video after video surfaces of the mistreatment of African Americans, I often have an out of body experience; flabbergasted as cops act like animals with no remorse. Heartless, fearful of their own pain inside, and obviously suffering from some severe psychosis.

I am white, but my best friends in the world are black, and I feel immense pain every time I read about a police officer getting off the hook. In the case of Philando, the police officer who shot him, Jeronimo Yanez, was acquitted of all charges. I often shed a tear when I see this news; and know I will never know the true meaning of racism.

I care more than you can imagine, so it’s only right I post the new music video from EL.i.BE. Balance was inspired by Philando, and others whose lives have been cut short by police aggression. It is VITAL to watch if you are an American. The content is superb, with compelling rhymes that never slow down. EL.i.BE. gives a stand out performance coming straight from the heart.

It’s always amazing to hear rappers speak their mind on this, and often don’t have a hint of anger in their voice. They replace pain with hopefulness and determination to make things better for their community. I will continue to have the utmost respect for these individuals that stay fearless and know they will be happier than bigots who hate anyone that is different. - Flow For Days