Prank
Richmond, California, United States | Established. Jan 01, 2007 | SELF
Music
Press
With six solo projects under his belt it would seem that Prank's lyrical ability, his dedication to the culture and the capacity of his craft is unquestioned. But in that time-honored Hip-Hop tradition of lucid rhythm coupled with intense lyrical delivery, Prank certifies the truth of his claim with L.O.A.D.B (Last of a Dying Breed) and elevates his stature from amateur rapper to seasoned emcee. Prank approaches each track with a sense of ease and standard of integrity that could only come through much practice, experience and wisdom. The opening track "Don't Want It" in its brief two minute time frame sets the tone for the mixtape with a simple boom bap beat that is reminiscent of Tupac's "No More Pain" and is laden with just as much articulated force and meaning. The nostalgia continues with an interlude from the late Tupac himself in which the rapper discusses an array of topics including war, poverty and religion in almost a sermonic form. The issues outlined by Tupac in the interlude are then addressed by Prank on "Why." The song, both deeply personal and universally appropriate, acts as more of a soliloquy than a monologue as listeners are given access to Prank's innermost thoughts: Looking in the mirror thinking what have I become?/Stare at my hands thinking what have I done?/ Why didn't I run? Why did I choose to stay?/ Questions like what if that sh*t had went the other way?/ Would I still be here to see my beautiful niece?/Why don't all my actions match the sh*t that I preach?/Why do I hate police?/ No, why do they hate me?/Why does it seem that weed is my only therapy?
An even greater asset is Prank's indelible loyalty to the Bay Area and his rap group, The Diligentz, which is demonstrated in the consistency of these relationships from content to collaboration. On tracks like "Hun Dun" with the help of Bay Area veteran Willie Joe and fellow member of the Diligentz, AkaFrank, Prank unambiguously describes what it means to keep it 100. Willie Joe professes,"in other words they talkin/and me and my niggas live that/ keep it 100, nigga I did that." This sentiment of realness and friendship is carried through on "Get Mine" in which Prank ardently translates his "I" passions into "we" dreams in an effort to see the success of those he is close to. "Get Mine," which samples Geto Boys "My Mind Playing Tricks On Me" adds depth to the meaning of the song as it connotes a feeling of delusion as expressed in the sample track; nevertheless, Prank uses the eeriness of the Geto Boys hallucinations as a backdrop to make real a dream that can be attained through unity, confidence, and hard work.
Other tracks like "All Night", "Bad B*tch", and "West Side" are Prank's attempts at being versatile which ultimately pale in comparison to the polished delivery and sincerity of other tracks. "All Night" can be likened to Webbie's "Gimme That" beauty and the beast fantasy line which may appeal to a select female audience. "Bad Bitch" follows suit but with a number of collaborators on the track has more of a playful and celebratory vibe. Likewise "West Side" is a feel good song utilizing the cadence of Montell Jordan's hit "This is How We Do It" that could be commercially successful as 2013's summer anthem.
Much like other Hip-Hop greats such as Nas and Tupac, Prank has demonstrated a mastery of skill and intellect at such an early age that fans and critics alike can only look on in awe at his future. Whether you have followed his career or this is your first listen, Last of a Dying Breed adds another brick to the foundation of lyrical prowess and fortitude that Prank is building.
L.O.A.D.B (Last of a Dying Breed) is available for stream and FREE download at WhoIsPrank.BandCamp.com and www.thizzler.com - Parle Magazine
Discography
2008 - "C.R.E.A.M. VOL.1"
2009 - "WHAT THE BAY'S BEEN MISSING VOL.1"
2010 - "NO MIX, NO MASTER VOL.1"
2011 - "WHAT THE BAY'S MISSING VOL.2"
2012 - "MMXII (2012)"
2013 - "NO MIX, NO MASTER VOL.2"
2014 - "D.O.P.E."
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Bio
Making music with his friends in high school was enough to stimulate his interest in the business. In fact, two songs and a mixtape was all it took to turn Philip Burns into Prankstaa Tha Kidd. Since then, Prank has dropped Tha Kidd from his name and diligently assumed the role of mentor, manager and businessman. Beyond a capacity to rhyme and an amicable personality, Pranks got a tight grip on the game and hes not letting go anytime soon.
He balances a solo career with being an primary member of the Bay Area rap group, The Diligentz. It all goes back to The Diligentz, he answers both loyal and nostalgic. We started off together and we stayed together, he emphasizes. King Style, the groups first mixtape, not only solidified their friendship but increased their ambition to succeed; not to mention, it created a buzz that quickly spread throughout the entire Bay Area. But what was stronger than the groups buzz was Pranks business sense. Determined to turn cents into dollars, following high school Prank moved to Los Angeles to enhance his musical skill set by attending college. Whether it was school, or the move to Southern California, by the time Prank released his latest mixtape What The Bays Been Missing, after only four weeks of preparation, it was clear he had stepped his bars up making him a notable lyrical competitor.
Cream Vol.1 is the album that really gave me my buzz, he says. But its on his new material that his unique fusion of beats, rhymes and concepts gets jiggy. And no, he doesnt mean the 90s dance craze popularized by Will Smith. In his own words, jiggy is, smooth, its got a bounce to it. Once you hear it, youll understand more clearly; but if your mind is searching for a frame of reference, think of Snoops Rhythm and Gangsta album. Now thats jiggy, he explains.
Prank is currently working on What the Bay's Been Missing Vol.2 and a street album with The Diligentz with production by Skin and Bones. Whens hes not on his studio grind, hes pursuing one of his other ventures Right now Im working with an R&B artist by the name of ML2K and The Diligentz have a publishing company, Diligentz Music Group. Not bad for a 21 year old. If Im going to do it, I may as well press the whole issue, he confesses. In the Bay we got all the right niggas, we just have to get our package together. Hmm perhaps, thats what the Bays been missing.
For Prank, doing music is more than bars and hooks, however, it is an opportunity for him to come on, come through and make a way. Influenced by 2Pac, Mos Def and Devin the Dude, Prank understands the importance of making good, classic music that supersedes the rhythm of the beats. With the reverence and humility to be both a big bro and a lil bro when necessary, Prank is already working towards the type of longevity that is intrinsic in icons.
Brandy Varnado - One Stop Hip Hop Shop
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