Almost Famous

Kenneth "Kendo" Walker, also known as Do to family and friends, was a child of the 80's. He grew up during an era of multitalented Hip-Hop artists, such as Public Enemy, Erick B & Rakim, and N.W.A, that produced authentic music that is still being used as a mold for the kind of sounds we hear today. These influences, as well as the "big brother mentoring" of Chuck D, renown from the multi-in lyrics that are lucid and enlightening. Kendo's multifaceted approach may have some calling him "different," but this opinionated star keeps the crowd educated and interested, and always partying when he is entertaining with the support of his band, The Almost Famous.
Through great leadership and friendship, Kendo has organized and motivated his band through and towards all rising situations. Living by his motto "Never Stop" and the words of one of his many hit songs, "It Always Feels Like Somebody's Watching Me" Kendo and The Almost Famous Band is always reaching for a higher level and seeking more to accomplish, while they live their lives and perform every song as if the world is always watching. The name of the band is always a constant reminder and drive to the entire team that there is always more to be achieved. With this attitude, Kendo and The Almost Famous Band will forever be reaching for the next rung on the "never-ending" ladder that will keep them on top.



platinum group Public Enemy, helped to breed a young man that is exciting, creative, and full of fire. Never being afraid to explore new job titles, Kendo has been, and still is, a songwriter, lyricist, producer, actor, mentor, friend, and father. Coming forth with at least five MC styles within, shows his versatility and originality. His calm demeanor presents us with logic and truth.



Hyenas in the Desert



Die Laughing



RS: 4of 5 Stars
Average User Rating: 5of 5 Stars



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The first release under public Enemy leader Chuck D's Slam Jamz imprint, the debut EP from Hyenas in the Desert is like a nocturnal howl in the wilderness, a strange, disquieting sound coming from MC Kendo (Kenneth Walker) and his cohorts as they stalk the outskirts of contemporary hip-hop. Die Laughing's throbbing midtempo jams &150; combining thick minimalist beats and densely constructed word flows &150; are a far cry indeed from the sample-happy, crossover spirit of the West Coast sound. Where Coolio coasts in style atop the classic choruses of old R&B hits, the Hyenas work from raw materials like the slapped bass note, skull-crushing back-beat and tightly syncopated rhyme scheme in "Wild Dogs." The Hyenas can quote old-school faves like Whodini and red-hot rave Nas without missing a step, but the music of this crew, from Long Island, in New York, is brash and brusque to the point of brutality.The Hyenas' secret weapons are Kendo's verbal dexterity and supercharged delivery. He possesses some of Chuck D's bass-y vocal authority but makes no claim to preaching or teaching. In the chilling autobiography "Why Me," Kendo owns up to past criminal exploits and a tragic family history without using one to excuse the other, an expression of vulnerability that feels believable and real. Hyenas in the Desert may be too rough to ever hit the pop charts, but hip-hoppers bored with cheap gangsta poses and hippie-dippie alterna-rap can roam with these lone wolves. (RS 742)MARK COLEMAN