CARNAGE
Sense Of Sound
Having appeared on over 30 releases, Carnage delivers his debut solo album. This Mpls, MN veteran MC weaves intricate, multi-syllabic patterns of rough, edgy and controversial lyrics with speed and accuracy into high-quality, densely-layered production.
ABOUT THE ALBUM…
Carnage proudly presents salivating fans with his long-awaited official solo debut, “Sense Of Sound”. Accompanied by producer Booka B, Carnage embarks on a mission to engrain the messages that he is not just another average local battle rapper. When asked to define his "style" on this album and in general, Carnage is often quoted rattling off the description, "Immorally hand-woven catastrophe tapestry orally attached to beats". How Fitting! Carnage seems to effortlessly, yet aggressively pull you into his world with complex, multi-syllabic rhythms of edgy, personal and controversial content. Top notch wordplay and vocal accuracy at sometimes jaw-grinding speeds keep you on the edge, wondering what Carnage is going to spit out next.
Carnage NEVER bites his tongue and sometimes says what other MC’s may be afraid to even think of! Carnage informs listeners of what is on his mind and what most often puts him on the edge of combustion. He gives his thoughts on the purpose of life and politics, as well as warning those who have negative intent to watch their steps!
Booka B drives you into a frenzy with diverse, multi-layered musical backdrops which encompass creative sampling, live instrumentation and unorthodox drum-programming for a melodic but surprisingly raw sound. “Sense Of Sound was recorded, mixed & mastered by long-time collaborator/friend, Eyedea (Rhymesayers Entertainment), giving it a high-quality, professional feel not heard in many underground Hip Hop albums. Guest vocalists include Desdamona (“The Stank”), Concentrate (“Creative Freedom”) & Illusion (“Monsters Ink”). DJ Jimmy2Times performs wonders with Technics 1200 manipulation, supplying the album with superior scratches.
Released independently by Carnage on his own Hecatomb Industries label, “Sense Of Sound” was listed as number 9 in the top 10 best selling CD's in MN in Fifth Element and the number 3 best seller in Electric Fetus! “Sense Of Sound” is what listeners expected from Carnage…And much more! So if you havent already, get yourself a copy of "Sense Of Sound" and see what people are talking about!
ABOUT THE ARTIST…
A multi-task expert by nature, Carnage The Executioner is widely recognized for his mind-numbing lyrical dexterity, abnormal freestyling ability, boundless energy on both stage & songs, and uncanny knack to compose musical symphonies with his mouth through beat boxing. Years of performing locally & touring nationally, as well as collaborating with countless musicians from all genres has contributed to Carnage’s constant progression.
Carnage is often referred to as "the hardest working emcee without a record deal", "everybody's favorite rapper", and "the show stealer". Unlike most Independent emcees who travel the path of organized battles to earn themselves a "name", Carnage has made a respectable name for himself through the display of raw talent. This quality makes Carnage the type of emcee that does not necessarily need to engage in battles to prove his skill level, instead making him the type one prefers to have on their side as a collaborator.
Carnage wrote his first rhyme in 1987 under the name "T-Swift", which began his quest to become an emcee. Following his first time recording in a studio in 1991 with partner DJ X-Caliber and performing a few local shows, he made his first appearance on a release in 1996 on Minnesota’s first full-length Hip Hop compilation called “The Collective”. In 2001, Carnage, along with his former group, The SWEEPS released, "Bootleg Tracks From Junkion" EP in 2001 & "Foreign Genetics" full-length in 2003. Most recently, Carnage independently funded and oversaw the release of his first solo, unofficial album called, "The Carnology Vol. 0.5 EP" on his own label, Hecatomb in 2004. This release continues to sell in high volumes via his previous official website, www.CarnageXXXL.com, hand-to-hand, and in many independently-owned record stores, moving over 3000 copies with no distribution to date.
Carnage received his first taste of national recognition after collaborating with Eyedea (Rhymesayers Entertainment) in 2002. First appearing on Eyedea's "The Many Faces Of Oliver Hart" on the song, "Coaches", Carnage goes for the throat instantly! The song's opening freestyle prelude has made some refer to Carnage as a "legend" in the art of off-the-head rhyming. Carnage later appeared on the Eyedea & Abilities 2004 release, "E&A", on the song, "Star Destroyer" and his popularity with Underground Hip Hop consumers has yet to diminish due to his astonishing performance. This chemistry between Carnage and E&A alike has lead to numerous tours and performances where E&A have chosen to showcase Carnage's skills. Believing that "if it ain't broke, don't fix it", Carnage, Eyedea & Abilities can still be seen tearing stages apart across the nation!
In addition to working full-time as a social worker, Carnage still found the time to tour with Eyedea and Abilities twice. He guest-appeared on the Leave Of Absence Tour in October & November of 2004 and in April of 2004 on the Plague On Wheels Tour. In July and August of 2005, Carnage toured the Midwest with Eyedea and emcees Mazta I & Kristoff Krane, along with J.T. Bates playing drums and Casey O’Brien playing bass for the Eyedea & Friends Tour. He and the crew performed improvised Jazz/Hip Hop sets for over 2 hours a night! This tour resulted in Carnage being featured on Eyedea & friend’s all-improvisational 2006 release, Face Candy, “This Is Where We Were” (Rhymesayers). This album features Carnage both freestyling & beat boxing.
In addition to his beat box work with 5 time MN Music Award winner Desdamona (The two form a duo aptly called Ill Chemistry), he collaborates with the unstoppable Rock powerhouse, Bill Mike Band, to create an interesting Hip Hop MC/Rock band fusion incomparable to anything heard before it. As if he is not already busy enough, he runs a record label called Hecatomb comprised of up-and-coming local Hip Hop & Rock artists. Carnage has also shared stages with Atmosphere, GURU, Devin Tha Dude, X'zibit, Sage Francis, Sadat X (Brand Nubian), Aesop Rock, Brother Ali, El-P and more over the past 4 years.
Carnage has been called one of the top 5 rappers in MN in the Star Tribune, and, "The emcee to keep your eyes on", in The Minneapolis City Pages. The Carnology Vol. 0.5 EP nominated as 'One of the Top 10 Albums That Matter In The Past 2 Years' in the Star Tribune. Carnage was also nominated for a Minnesota Music Award for 'Best Hip Hop Artist/Group' in 2006 for his work with Desdamona.
Carnage stays hungry and continues to improve his craft. With no signs of slowing down anytime soon, Carnage is a musical dynamo to keep your eyes and ears on!
Hip-Hop/Rap: Underground Rap