Held down by core members Dudu Stinks (Laduma Nguyuza) and drummer/vocalist Jah Boogie (Demetrius Wainright), dumate -- always with a lower-case d -- self-released their first album, The Known Knowns, to widespread critical acclaim in 2005. Following the departure of keyboardist A2the, the band regrouped and reinvented itself, adding bass virtuoso Bobby Peru (Nick Moran), multi-talented producer/MC DLO (Bradley Thomas), and Madison’s 2009 Beat Battle Champion Man Mantis (Mitch Pond) to the lineup. After nearly two years in the studio, dumate has emerged anew with a lean, vibrant record reflecting both the band’s explosive live performance and their dedication to the traditional beat-making techniques that are their inspiration. Having honed their set alongside legendary acts like DJ Kool Herc, The Game, Rhymefest, Gift of Gab and Lyrics Born, dumate is preparing to take its innovative approach to live hip hop in front of a national audience.
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