Album Notes

Hip-hop needed class. It also needed some innovation and honesty. In 2002 The Urban Sophisticates began to provide just that with a project record that no one new would slowly but surely change the face on the genre on the east coast. When Urban began taking the road less traveled, it founded itself on the ideal that beats could move bodies and true music could move souls. Now today after a critically acclaimed release in The Cowards Anthem and a touring schedule which has taken them north to New York city, south to Austin Texas for south by southwest, west to Chicago, and even as far as Japan and Korea, the sound has become the definition of what hip-hop will be in the near future. Lyrically Benton James continues to confess his flaws and sarcastically point at what’s horribly right and wrong with the world. Aaron James brings a catchy well sung hook to every song. Romondo Jessup brings his cool and collected rhythms through his drums. Jeremy Denman brings his wisdom and flow to the trumpet. Sal Mascali brings his crazy energy and high level of talent to the trombone. Ricky Nxumalo always brings his flair for great bass lines and heavy stage presence to what’s has become a famous under ground live show.

The Urban Sophisticates have nowhere to go but up. September of 2008 marked the independent release of “Classic Material.” The record continues to gain momentum and build Urban’s already impressive resume. Now hip-hop has class, innovation, and honesty. Hip-hop has The Urban Sophisticates.