Official Biz Music
Rialto, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2019 | INDIE
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Discography
Independence: The Debut Album
On July 4, 2019, Official Biz Music released its long-awaited album, they call Independence. Infused throughout the production are notes of Classical music, Jazz, Gospel, and RnB influences which reflects this production team's extensive musical background that collectively spans two decades of music. However, the funk sentiment is firmly rooted in every track, solidifying Official Biz's place in the neo-retro funk space.
Independence, Official Biz's debut album is a true representation of the group's rich and diverse history and background within the group. The five-track EP shows classical, jazz, Minneapolis funk, P-funk, RnB and Gospel notes.
Track 1 is "The Moment", which incorporates horn section lines that is prominent in the introduction and bridge. The vocals infused in the chorus, reminiscent of Earth, Wind and Fire melody lines are delivered with a blend of The Rugged's smooth tenor voice, Doc Spanks raspy lead lines, and Bunny's alto and soprano vocals. The bridge binds the whole song together with horn harmonies on top of soft strings, blending the whole funky symphony together.
Track 2 is the song featuring Dwayne, "The Rugged" Cousin - "Can't be Mad". This track is a soulful throwback offering that evokes 80s, 90s, and early 2000s RNB vibes. With a strumming electric guitar rhythmically driving the pace, the Rugged's vocals are supported by vocal rich harmony backgrounds, organs and piano, and framed by one of The Rugged's famous bass solos. Fans of the song love the song lyrics which share a story of a love story ending. It is an ode to an ending relationship, but having continued respect for each other.
Track 3 is "Elevation" feat. Bunny Hearts. This track is Bunny's "baby" as she calls it. Written years ago, Bunny presented the track to the team, and the result is a beautiful collaboration between The Rugged, Doc Spank, and Bunny. The track starts with pulsating steel drums and piano, joined with a melodic bass that becomes a signature line throughout the song. Strings and piano are prominent throughout and the drums, provided by Charles “C3” Hervey, gives a Iive band feel where the tension builds up to the Chorus using a droning style beat for the pre-hook. The song picks up and builds up to a synth solo, then a piano solo. The collaboration resulted in a melodic, funky, and symphonic composition that has become a favorite among Official Biz fans and followers.
Track 4 is “Bacon Phat” feat. Rodney “Doc Spank” Thomas. This track is steadily caught the attention of Official Biz fans who love the funky musicianship. Bacon Phat is all funk. The track is laced funk sounds such as organs, funky bass lines, synth hits, rhythmic and syncopated drum lines, and colorful, playful lyrics describing a “favorite thing”, whatever it is for an individual. Doc Spanks raspy and percussive delivery becomes an infectious vehicle that takes you on a funky adventure that is Bacon Phat.
Finally, Track 5 is “Do Sum Things”. This track is a tribute to the freestyle or old school funk styles of the 70s and 80s, with a slightly modern twist. Synth heavy, percussive, and straight funk on the beat, this song is lyrically joyful and playful. The Rugged, Doc Spank, and Bunny offer their own unique vocals in each verse, and come together in the chorus to create the signature Official Biz vocal harmonies that has evolved with the collaboration of this talented trio.
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Bio
Our History:
Official Biz evolved from an eclectic Neo-retro Funk group comprised of highly skilled and experienced musicians in 2008 to its current iteration. The brainchild of founder, bassist D'Wayne "The Rugged" Cousin, Official Biz has metamorphosed into its destined form, a musician collective, who not only perform, but also compose and produce extraordinary and well-crafted music from the Inland Empire region of Southern California.
Known for performing funk covers and writing strong Neo-retro Funk tracks, Official Biz's anticipated debut fulfills the musical requirements for funk. The freshman EP highlights the group's solid place in the funk genre. This first album is a collaboration of three music producers who have performed with the Official Biz brand since the late 2000s. This five song compilation is a unique and creative expression of bassist, D'Wayne, "The Rugged" Cousin, pianist Janie "Bunny Hearts" Rosete, and keyboardist Rodney "Doc Spank" Thomas. As the primary drummer for Official Biz live concerts, Charles "C3" Hervey provided the drum tracks for this EP.
Official Biz Members:
D’Wayne "The Rugged" Cousin is known for his rugged style of bass playing. Although well-versed in multiple styles, The Rugged is known for his exciting funk style. At a young age, The Rugged was signed to a major record label, Total Experience as a Producer, recruited by founder Lonny Simmons. Total Experience artist roster included artists such as the Gap Band, Yarborough Peoples and Penny Ford. He then went on to perform with recording artists including, Jon B, Howard Hewitt, Karen White, Gap Band, El DeBarge, Chico DeBarge, Danny Boy, Brandy and Ray J, Christopher Williams, and more. Recently, The Rugged has produced various hip hop and RnB tracks for independent artists in the local Southern California area. He is known for his solid mixing and engineering skills, and continues to work in the studio with up and coming talented new artists.
Janie "Bunny Hearts" Lyn brings her classical background to the Official Biz Music team. At the age of 5, she began to play the piano, and started to be involved in regional piano competitions when she was 12. At age 13, she began to play at her parent's church, and became the church choir accompanist until her late teens. In high school, Bunny joined the school choir, then later was chosen to be the concert choir pianist. Bunny went on to earn a Nursing Degree from California State University, SB where she received her BSN RN, and later earned her Masters in Business Administration (MBA). Longing to get back to her passion for music, Bunny started to write music in 2008, when she met The Rugged at a local Jazz Lounge. Consequently, she joined Official Biz, and became one of the bands regular Funk Keyboardist. Since then, Bunny has played keys on stage either with or opened for artists, Christopher Williams, ODM and Shiro from Lighter Shade of Brown, Skeelo, Paper Boy, Rodney O, Joe Cooley, Lyfe Jennings, and most recently a tour in Japan with Jesse Johnson.
Rodney "Doc Spank" Thomas is a Grammy-nominated Songwriter, who co-produced songs for Charlie Wilson's album, Forever Charlie. A seasoned veteran in the industry, Doc Spank has collaborated and played with LL Cool J and Ozone Band. He has also performed with Official Biz to either play keys or open for artists such as El Debarge, Chico DeBarge, Jon B, and Christopher Williams.
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