Nashville is known as “Music City USA” for a variety of reasons. In addition to being the world capital of country music, it is also credited with producing superstars Chet Atkins, Webb Price, Randy Travis, and the father of Bluegrass music, Bill Monroe. Since country music is Nashville’s most prominent musical genre, other forms of audio expression are often overlooked by the majority of spectators. With this in mind, desiring artists who wish to express themselves without a twang must discover a way to strike a cord with open-minded music lovers. It was this challenge that brought both Kamoshin (a.k.a. Robbie Halperin) and DVST8 (a.k.a. Jeff Hayes) together in the winter of 2003 to form the charismatic hip-hop faction, Fluent Dialects (FD). Being likened to the multi-faceted hip-hop trio Dilated Peoples, FDs’ sound is often described as quick-witted rhyme styles intertwined with intoxicating turntablism.
Kamoshin and DVST8 originally met while employed at WMTS 88.3 (Middle Tennessee State University’s student run radio station). It was there that these two skillful entertainers discovered one another’s passion for hip-hop. Upon recognizing their mutual fondness for pioneers like Run DMC and A Tribe Called Quest, Kamoshin and DVST8 decided to form a group that would embody hip hop in its purist form; from this idea Fluent Dialects was born. With Kamoshin focusing largely on the dynamic duo’s lyrical content, DVST8 uses his expertise in heading production and engineering. Although FD began with high expectations, it only took little time for the group’s imminent up-hill battle to come to fruition. The greatest challenge was establishing an audience; and Nashville bar owners closing their doors to the local hip-hop community made this especially complicated, forcing Fluent Dialects to take its mesmeric sound to the neighboring town where they both reside, Murfreesboro.
In Murfreesboro, FD started performing at small hip hop showcases alongside a slew of local artists such as Out of Place, IEnquiring Minds, and Plan Beat, to name a few. Despite being turned away from most clubs and bars, one place in particular became the stomping ground for local rhyme technicians and beatsmiths. It was a space where the hip hop community could come for solace without enduring criticism from apathetic onlookers. The name: Showbiz Studios. Not much larger than a garage, Showbiz served as a training ground for up and coming artists, also doubling as a venue for local hip hop events. At these events, FD’s invigorating live performances took off, grabbing the attention of hip hop fans in Middle Tennessee. Soon after, a buzz soon began to circulate from Showbiz’s events, immediately evoking curiosity among Nashville club-goers. The wonderment started weighing in heavily, and soon folks from Nashville were eager to see what all the fuss was about.
In time, FD’s live performance generated rave responses from crowds which soon led to the booking of larger gigs at bars in Murfreesboro. Following Murfreesboro’s lead, Nashville gradually opened its doors to the fresh sound that was captivating local youth. By the time FD began performing in proper clubs and bars (besides Showbiz) their fan base was on a constant upswing. In light of the hype surrounding FD, Kamoshin and DVST8 found themselves in a position to contemplate the group’s next move.
Finally, more than a year since its inception, Fluent Dialects has taken the monumental step of releasing its full-length debut LP entitled “Constructive Interference.” Highlighting FD’s experience performing with international stars Ming and FS, Karsh Kale, Louis Logic, and Brycon as well as multiple shows with local legend Spooky Johnson, this album gives insight into FD’s awe-inspiring sonic architecture which has garnered much attention from the Nashville community. FD is now prepared to take that influential sound global.
Unlike most mainstream southern rap, FD spends less time focusing on frivolous themes like violence, drugs, and the objectification of women, and more on universally understood concepts that appeal to all walks of life. Set to the backdrop of DVST8’s sonic canvas, Kamoshin pens in lyrics with the intent of provoking thought amongst his listeners. Believing that being heard is a privilege, Kamoshin refuses to water down his raps or include tasteless content simply because it fits the trends of urban radio. Instead he alternates between the common man’s struggle and creative head-nodding jams reminiscent of hip hop’s golden era. While Kamoshin diligently perfects FD’s lyrical sharpness, DVST8 polishes his turntable skills by collaborating with Smallhead, DeeJay Tanner, E Cue, Wick-it the Instigator, and Blackat Sylvesta as a part of their all-turntablist band known as The Full Hows DJs.
With energetic performance capabilities and strong work ethic, Fluent Dialects clearly stands out among other run-of-the-mill southern based hip-hop crews. During their time at Middle Tennessee State University, both Kamoshin and DVST8 spent time educating themselves about the intricacies of the Recording Industry, which has, thus, enabled them to make professional decisions about FD’s future course. With Kamoshin focusing on the business side and DVST8 on the studio mechanics, each brings something significant to the group; and applying what they learned during school has in turn given both Kamoshin and DVST8 a chance to witness FD’s progress on all sides of the spectrum. Perseverance and dedication matched with a knack for creating transcendent music is a combination that has put them on the road to success. Through its accomplishments, Fluent Dialects will insure the title of “Music City USA” remains in Nashville, Tennessee.Sam Frank ©2005 Journalist - The Oceanbun
