Three independent artists have aligned spirits, minds and expression to form the Long-Hairz Collective-a blend of hip-hop, poetry, folk and blues music. The Long-Hairz remain rooted in the past, yet sing, rap and speak about a bright vision of what the future may hold.
Brian Babb, poetry/spoken word artist-"I cannot be captured by a summation of words whose meanings I do or do not know. Prayers speak into existence all that I am and burn to ash that which I am not. You can call me a twenty-first century Griot whose message is one of learning how to love in more liberating ways. I am the son of a life-long student who teaches passionate wisdom to all she comes into life-giving contact with, and I thank God for all my relations."
William Copeland, emcee, philosopher, poet-"In the beginning...was the word." William Copeland is a poet/emcee from Detroit, Michigan. He uses his art to express his fears and create new visions. Above all, the spoken musical form is a way for him to make connections. Known as the "Ill Wizzard," this versatile artist has delivered verses for weddings, poetry slams, political rallies, free-style ciphers and community centers. Will is often seen traveling with B. Babb and Spiritboy, making a "joyful noise" as the Long-Hairz Collective.
Joe Reilly, singer, songwriter, musician, ecologist-"I tune my guitar to the songs of my ancestors who sing constantly in my heart and allow me to free my soul and lift my voice. These things are my only weapons." Joe Reilly, a.k.a. Spiritboy, was born in 1978 in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and remains strongly tied to the Earth and the land around him. His new home is in Detroit where he has brought with him a wealth of spiritual flames, helping to re-ignite the Ghosts of Motown into a fire of redemption. Joe expresses himself with voice and acoustic guitar through the songs he writes alone or with his fellow
brothers of the Long-Hairz Collective.
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