Album Notes

I’d rather preach freedom-
deep wisdom in the rhythm-causin’ major affect
I seek and search what will work-construct my musical trek
physical tactics to hit beats-motion in me
I’d rather be the master shaman on the m-i-c
(Gettin’ Up Mornin’ from B-Boy Universal LP)


Orbitron

Orb began his life journey amidst the chaos provided by the legendary streets of South Central Los Angeles. During his youth, which came in the wake of both the collapse of the Black Panther Party and the rapid rise of the drug- gang culture of Crips, Bloods, and the LAPD , Orb’s family made a difficult move to Las Vegas hoping to begin a more stable life for he and his siblings.

As a young teen growing up in Vegas, Orb grew to love hip-hop music and culture and found inspiration in the golden era of the hip-hop diaspora. The positive messages of resistance, struggle, knowledge of self and having fun communicated throughout the music were like water in the desert for a young Orb trying to understand and overcome his many life challenges.

For a brief time, the family attempted to return to Los Angeles, where they had lived for generations. But this effort was marked by life in homeless shelters and hardship, which prompted the family’s retreat to Las Vegas. Orb and his folks stayed in that city until he graduated from high school in 1995. After graduation, Orb relocated to Seattle to attend art school and build a new life. Orb found inspiration in Seattle’s mid-nineties hip-hop community, especially connecting with the b-boy element, and he became one of the founding members of the legendary crews Circle of Fire and SoulShifters.

Through his hard work and love for hip-hop culture, Orb emerged as one of Seattle’s most celebrated b-boys enjoying opportunities to travel the world representing the 206. Orb has enjoyed international acclaim as a b-boy and freestyle dancer appearing in numerous international events including Lords of the Floor (Seattle), Battle of the Year 2000 (Germany), Dance Delight 2001 (Japan), Armory Cup 2006 (Korea), Juste de bout 2007 (Paris), B-Boy Summit and Freestyle Sessions.

Orbitron the emcee had been patiently building his skills releasing several small underground projects highlighted by the most recent Dirty Scientifics in 2005. Orb’s work on Dirty Scientifics brought him his first local radio play and the opportunity to perform at Seattle’s famous War Room.

For his first solo LP, Orb chose to work with upstart Seattle music producer Alonzo a.k.a. “Big Zo” and veteran 206 Dj Tecumseh forming the foundation for BeaconSkillz. With Zo’s Beacon Hill home as the inspirational base for production, recording and mixing, the BeaconSkillz team set out to create a record that was an authentic reflection of Orb’s passion for hip-hop culture. Orbitron’s debut LP entitled B-Boy Universal is an example of an authentic voice in Seattle’s growing hip-hop movement. His music is a true reflection of the creativity, hard work and warm smile that Orb brings with him to every hip-hop event throughout the world. Orbitron is the real deal, no artificial additives or preservatives necessary. Orbitron is B-Boy Universal.