THE LIKWIT JUNKIES BIO

THE LIKWIT JUNKIES BIO
There is nothing more traditional in hip-hop than a group consisting solely of an
emcee and DJ. The hip-hop duo is and intricate thing. It is a symbiotic relationship where
each member inspires and in turn inspires the other. Not since hip-hop giants like Pete Rock
and C.L. Smooth, Premier and Guru, Eric B. and Rakim, and Kool G Rap and Polo have we
seen a pairing of an emcee and DJ that channels the energy and emotion of pure,
unadulterated hip-hop. On March 22nd 2005, the Likwit Junkies bridge the gap between hiphop’s glory years and the sounds of today.
After nearly 10 years of creating good music independent of each other, Babu and
Defari took to each other like the musical equivalent of peanut butter and jelly. Both have
established themselves as hip-hop main stays; Babu being a world recognized turntablist and
up-and-coming producer and Defari being a well respected L.A. artist. But unlike many of
the old school duos, these two can exist independent of each other and have quite
successfully for some time before their pairing.
Babu is most known for his role as a DJ for Dilated Peoples as well as his
membership in the lauded DJ collective the World Famous Beat Junkies. He is also
internationally renowned for his solo turntablist skills; having earned him many national and
international DJ competition championships. With the release of Rawkus Presents:
Soundbombing 2 (1999), he became an accomplished producer, going on to produce tracks
on the second and third Dilated Peoples albums as well as a track on Defari’s sophomore
release Odds and Evens. It was through Evidence and Rakaa that Babu had first met Defari, a
longtime friend of the Dilated Crew.
Defari, a member of the influential Los Angeles collective Tha Likwit Crew
alongside the Alkaholiks, King Tee, and Xzibit, is a thinking man’s rapper. Quite literally, he
is himself a thinking man, having earned his BA in Sociology at UC Berkeley and his
masters in History and Education at Columbia University, not to mention a teacher in a Los
Angeles high school. Despite having begun emceeing in 1987, Defari didn’t release his first
single, “Big Up,” until 1995. What followed was a string of well-received singles, including
“Joyride,” co-produced by Evidence and none other than Babu in 1997. But according to
Babu, “it wasn’t until Defari and I collaborated on ‘Behold My Life 1 & 2’ (in 2001) that we
realized our chemistry.”
And its only natural that both having started their careers with Beni B. that they
would bring that very chemistry back to ABB. The result is a new LP resonating the
complimentary nature of emcee and producer, while still showcasing each one’s own
distinctive sound. The self-titled new album features appearances by Evidence, Planet Asia,
Krondon, and Phil Da Agony, as well as sultry vocalist Noelle. Key tracks include the duo’s
second single “The Hop,” which has received much radio acclaim around the country as well
as the upcoming lead single “One Day Away.” The newest timeless hip-hop duo bring you
classic hip-hop with a contemporary edge, harnessing the raw energy of Babu’s beats and
Defari’s gritty lyrical realism in an album that is sure to make an impact on hip-hop in 2005.
Press inquiries contact: Diane Payes at (510) 419-0396 or [email protected]
THE LIKWIT JUNKIES SONG CAPSULES
L.J.'S ANTHEM
This song is our driving force, our vertebrae...Noelle sings a triumphant melody which
perfectly describes our identity...
ONE DAY AWAY
This song is primarily about the concept of Hope...That we're all one day away from
elevation and positive success; that we control our destinies and have to tap into that
control.
THE HOP
The title explains this song perfectly...This is the backbone of Defari and Babu.. Good
solid bangin' B-Boy shit!!!
SALUTE
Salute is a tribute song to Los Angeles and the West Coast...It is a tribute to everything
West Coast...
CHANGE
This song is about struggle...seemingly hopeless struggle....which is why I say "God help
us change our lives"....The feeling here is that the struggle is such that controlling one's
destiny needs divine intervention.
STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
This song has only one prerequisite....KILLL THAT SHIT!!!!! Phil kills it Evidence kills
it Defari kills it....Hip Hop at its best...
THE GOOD GREEN
The title is pretty much self explanatory...Break it down, roll it up, light it! Here we also
see the first introduction of Likwit Junkies Records artist Dodee Westbeach...who sings a
compelling rendition of a famous tune....
KEEP DOIN' IT
This song describes both Babu and Defari's personal ambitions, work ethics, and
drives....The idea here is that nothing or no one can stop us...Interestingly enough there's
also a testament to all haters as well...That it literally doesn't matter what they think or
do....We don't give a f*@k!
ONE TIME
This song is a compelling dedication to all those who have been harassed, beaten, or
killed by the Police.....
Press inquiries contact: Diane Payes at (510) 419-0396 or [email protected]
D.G. SKIT
This is technically an interlude, however we felt it should be a song...The skit is a
comedic, yet braggadocius tale about Defari's mastery in between the sheets...It's a simple
tale of confidence...And eloquently put as well...Based on a true story.
6 IN THE MORNIN'
An excellent example of not only the L.J.'s musical diversity, but also a much needed
curveball on the album...This song shows our diverse musical influences....Good world
music...
GHETTO
This song is a simple dedication to all those who grew up in the innercity ghettos...Noelle
is simply a beautiful songbird in this one...Adding the sparkle to a song that celebrates
growing up impoverished but having so much soul....
S.C.A.N.S.
This song is the L.J.'s sound at heart...This song in effect gives you the background of the
world that Defari and Babu coexist in...While also describing their demeanor...
DARK ENDS
With the impressive assistance of Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples, this song is
literally about the dangerous innercity streets of Los Angeles....Simply put, how
deceiving sunshine and palm trees can be to an out of towner.....
DREAMGIRL
Likwit Junkies Records artist Dodee Westbeach at his finest...This song is the ultimate in
low riding music...Defari delivers incredible verses describing is love and sincerity for
his Dreamgirl....Another example of the L.J.'s highly impressive soul background....
BROTHER
This is a statement song...Exploring the notion of "who really is my brother's keeper?" In
an age of such chicanery and an immense population of imposters, this song cry's out and
glorifies real brothers who stood together as a fist and represented something much more
valuable than materialism....
THE INTERVIEW
The bio of the Likwit Junkies....all in one clever song....Babu lays down a straight banger
here to, which catapults this song's content....
Press inquiries contact: Diane Payes at (510) 419-0396 or [email protected]