Mike and Ike

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Reviews and Press



Interview

at Suckarepellent.com



Article on Mike and Ike from The Daily Texan



Review

at MusicforAmerica.org by da bookman

" Anyone who feels that a music once the most outspoken has been quiet

as of late only has to hear this and the rest of the album to know that the

electrical tape is in a slow peel."

"In layman's terms, this is a very good album from two people who share

their love of hip-hop through their own music. Exceptional."



Review

at The Austinist.com by Truecraig



"Ike tips his hat on almost every track to tuxedo brass, tasteful piano grooves, snare rim-shots, and ridiculously sexy jazz vocals. Very reminiscent to older Tribe, KMD, and De La."

"East coast styled, with some southern sensibilities."



Review

at HipHopLinguistics.com

"I cant seem to take it out of my CD player recently."

"Great soulful and jazzy production, good rhymes and lyrics, and a couple great deep and inspirational tracks."



Review

at Okayplayer.com



Bio



Mike and Ike met at the University of Texas at Austin, where they were both undergraduates. They discovered a common passion for hip hop music, and Ikes budding beatmaking skills provided the backdrop for the two to hone their rhyme abilities. Years passed, with the duo improving steadily, both in the studio and on stage. Ike found his footing as a producer, and developed a distinctive style that formed a perfect canvas for their art.



Mike and Ike blend smart, but accessible lyrics with the infectious sounds of jazz and soul music to create a style that recalls the best elements of where rap music has been, but stays fresh and inventive, always looking toward the future. In a musical landscape full of studio gangsters rapping about how hard they are and money they may or may not actually have, Mike & Ike are a refreshing change of pace.



Rather than fall into the all-too-common trap of preaching about what they are not, however, they choose to focus on what they are, and the original styles they bring. They kick intelligent rhymes that a wide range of people can relate to their own daily struggles and triumphs. The raps show that the two are aware of and concerned about social ills, but avoid becoming overly self-righteous or cliché in their treatment of them. Mike & Ike know when to be serious, but never lose sight of the idea that hip hop should be at least as much about the good as the bad, and maintain an overall positive and fun vibe.