ArtistInfo

S.U.N.

Hip-Hop/Rap
A.k.a. Santonio Hughbanks San Antonio (2)

Hip Hop has seemingly devolved over the past several years. It has fallen into a trap of constant self-deprecation for the single focus of making money. S.U.N (Scientific Universal Noncommercial), born Santonio Hughbanks, has taken the initiative to return the music and the culture to its distinguished past, while bringing a refreshing and original sound back to the forefront. With the recent release of his masterwork, ‘Uni-verses’ S.U.N. has found himself, once again in the role of musical trailblazer. A distinguished veteran of the Detroit Hip Hop scene, S.U.N. has astonishingly redefined his unique blend of Hip Hop, Afro beat, and Soul with a record that flows like one continuous song over the course of 22 tracks. The genius lies in the fact that all of the tracks contain only ‘One Verse’. Production was provided by some of the finest producers in the country, including the Lab Technicians (Athletic Mic League), DJ AMF, & ZO!. The Lab Techs and Zo! have produced for and worked with such luminaries as Slum Village, Dwele, Little Brother, Phat Kat, Platinum Pied Pipers, OneBeLo and too many others to list. S.U.N’s lyrical prowess comes from his upbringing in Ypsilanti, Mi. where the inability of people to rise above their conditions has been an inspiration to project their plight through his words. Through the exposure he has received on myspace.com, songs like ‘Black Economics’ and ‘Give Me Understanding’ have become anthems for the impoverished and disenfranchised around the world. With ‘Uni-verses’ his spiritual and meditative approach to his music bleeds through on songs like ‘Life Is In Motion’, and ‘Be Original’. The mood of ‘Uni-Verses’ reflects all that has influenced his writings over the past four years. Songs like ‘Now Showin’ was written on the eve of the American invasion of Iraq, while ‘Tryin to Get A Win’ reflects the financial struggles of an pure lyricist in the post 9/11 economy. S.U.N’s distinguished career has led him to work directly with some of the biggest names in the business. As a member of the Fonkey Bald Heads he had the opportunity to work with Prince. He has recorded with, and had featured appearances on his records by such hip hop luminaries as Juice, OneBeLo, Bizarre (D-12), and Buff 1 among countless others. He was listed by the Metro Times (Detroit Weekly) as one of several local artists who should be credited for the evolution of the Hip Hop scene in Detroit. S.U.N’s live performances have won him acclaim all over the U.S. for his spontaneity, lyrical precision, impromptu accapellas, and top flight musicianship provided by the official live hip hop band of Detroit, the Gorilla Funk Mob. Unlike many emcees in the industry today, S.U.N is a veteran of performing with live musicians and is equally at home performing with a band as he is with a DJ. Off stage, S.U.N. is relaxed and contemplative. His favorite quote is simply “Underground music should be felt not heard.” When people witness him for the first time onstage, that is exactly what they experience. By the end of the show, they’re usually running to the ATM to get enough cash to buy his CD’s.

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