THE SOUND:
The appeal of the COTW sound grew from a willingness to incorporate each member's musical influences, as they collectively represent a comprehensive array of styles. By blending elements of hip-hop, alt-rock, psychedelic jazz, and reggae based grooves, fused w/ aggressive yet contemplative poetry and rhymes, Cousins of the Wize are able to dutifully exploit the essence of numerous musical forms. The COTW sound provides vivid musical imagery with layered chords and quirky sound effects, as they create a unique pocket of musical expression with a smattering of electronic accents, as well as a dose of hip-hop authenticity.
THE EXPERIENCE:
The stage has always been where the Cousins of the Wize truly come to life, it is their live stage shows that give COTW an opportunity to vent, inform and entertain. Cousins of the Wize larger than life shows incorporate elements of animation, tenacity and impromptu stage antics that will snag an audience's attention for an entire show, while often inspiring the crowd into a beer-drenched frenzy.
THE HISTORY:
Formed in 1998, COTW consists of two lead vocalists, guitar, bass, drums, keyboards, saxophone and turntables. The Cousins originally were fronted by 3 vocalists, but in 2003 a tragic car crash claimed the life of one the original MCs, CPT (Cool Poetry Talker) a.k.a. Chris Pangrazi. COTW took a two year hiatus from music, and members went on to other musical endeavors (Trik Turner, Phunk Junkeez, Magnum P.I.e). Now a revamped and re-energized COTW are back with the follow-up to 1998's "A Brief Moment in Time's Pocket". The new CD "The Art of Living" is now available for download worldwide on iTunes, Amazon, Rhapsody, Napster and more!!
THE HYPE!!
Cousins Of The Wize have played shows with:
Incubus, Cypress Hill, Run DMC, De La Soul, House Of Pain, Fishbone, Pharcyde, Phunk Junkeez, Z Trip and many more.
Voted 3 time winner of the New Times "Best of Phoenix" -Hip Hop.
