S.O.E.

S.O.E. (son of encouragement) entered the Hip Hop game primarily as a dancer. Although a fan of rap music, it was the B-boying aspect of the Hip Hop culture that really grabbed his attention.



Like most people that lived outside of the U.S., Rappers Delight by the Sugar Hill Gang was the first rap song that S.O.E. ever heard. Later, songs by Kurtis Blow, Run DMC and LL Cool J increased his admiration of this new art form. However, it was the complex delivery and wordplay of Big Daddy Kane and Kool G Rap (out of the Juice Crew) that really got him to pay attention.



In 1991, S.O.E. himself picked up the mic and started rapping with a childhood friend's brother, Jubal. They would go on to form the Rap group Set Free in 1992.



Set Free recorded some tracks and performed them at a variety of local venues. At this early stage they were offered a record deal by an independent label, but turned it down because they didnt think the timing was right. In the years that followed the group honed their skills on and off stage. They would go on to perform in Iceland, Norway, Holland and Guernsey.



In 1998 S.O.E. hooked up with a long time friend from his University days to record two Unofficial Nigerian World Cup songs under the moniker Alpha Select.



In 2000 Set Free released a double-A single, "In Dayz Like These" on their own label, Set Free Records. The single was well received by their fan base and received considerable radio airplay.



In 2001 S.O.E. helped to set up and run a number of London based community projects for disadvantaged children and young people. The projects used the Arts and self development training to engage young people, with a view to helping them to fulfil their potential. S.O.E. went on to executive produce an innovative short film, "Ralph Rules", featuring youths from one of such community projects (Heartbeat Academy) aimed at helping to reduce bullying and drugs misuse among young people. He also successfully produced an under-21 talent competition Strictly Muzik aimed at showcasing and helping to develop young talent in London.



During this time S.O.E. continued work on his debut solo Album, Chase The Dream. The album released on his label Reconstruct Records, artistically mirrors his music preference: big beats laced with lyrics that inspire positively.



Rap music has changed a lot since S.O.E. first heard Rappers Delight. There are a lot of rappers and less MCs on the Hip Hop landscape now. When asked about his purpose in the game, S.O.E.s response is: "To make music that challenges, inspires and sparks change; Music that honours GOD and leaves listeners hopeful."



His strong debut album, "CHASE THE DREAM" is definitely a big step in the right direction.



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