The group 3rd Brillyance was formed in Germany in 2006 by members AlexChadwick and Madd Astronoma. The producer/MC duo met through a mutual friend. After low expectations of each others’ music they were blown away on the first listen and instantly knew they needed to work together. This chemistry is part of what makes their music so significant.
Both group members developed a passion for music at a young age.
MC/ Producer AlexChadwick (who goes by his first and middle name) was born in Baton Rouge / Louisiana in 1983 where he grew up on artists like Master P, The Hot Boys, UGK, Eightball & MJG, just to name a few. Although being influenced by this kind of rap, listeners would describe his sound as east coast, underground or backpack. He started rapping at the age of 9 when he and his friends rhymed over beats played on drum sets made of buckets. His musical talent is evident in his mastery of the bass guitar and piano.
In 1986 Madd Astronoma (a name based on his interest in astronomy) was born in Japan as the child of members of the US Military and has travelled many places all over the planet. Growing up in North Carolina he played the saxophone for several years before being introduced to beat making by a friend in high school, which captured his interest. Once he came to Germany he started taking music more seriously. He is inspired by Hip Hop pioneers like J.Dilla, DJ Premier and others. His love for traditional instruments has an impact on his beats as you hear a lot of 70’s jazz and funk samples.
After combining their styles and making music for nearly a year a competition revealed by Rawkus records caught 3rd Brillyances’ attention.
In February 2007 Rawkus announced the “Rawkus 50” competition where 50 independent rap artists would be chosen to release an album on Rawkus and given the opportunity to take their career from rapping on the corner to being supported by one of Hip Hops most trusted brands.
3rd Brillyance was one of the selected as their debut album “Grass Roots” will be released around September 2007 on Rawkus Records.
On their future releases the duo will keep representing honest Hip Hop. Not striving for a commercialised sound, they will continue to give true music from their hearts, wanting for people to respect them and recognize that they really do it for the love of the music.
Their goal is to put out a brand of Hip Hop that would be timeless and help build the culture of Hip Hop for better causes. Inspired by life and the 3rd member of 3rd Brillyance (which happens to be none other than Music) this promising duo wants to take every opportunity given them and make the best of it.
Being fans of each others’ music they constantly inspire each other to step their game up and work to the best of their ability.
Asking them to define their music they will tell you that it is a reflection of their love for Hip Hop and the desire to put out real music in times where the saying “Hip Hop is dead” turned into a publicity stunt.
“I’ve worked with a few artists in the past and something always seemed to be missing. I think that we match. We make good music.”
- Madd Astronoma, 2007
“I am really feeling his work and he is a fan of what I do also. Of course the divine intervention of the music played the most significant role in all of this.”
yo alex! all good with you guys? it's been a long time... what are you doin' in the moment? good to hear from you... let's do our planned collabo... the time runs like a motherfucker!! ;) peace, lookey
haha...i didnt say whether i was talking height wise, maturity, or anything else....but to clear things up...im talking weight lmao...i jk. 15 DAYS TIL I SEE YOU SUCKA!
=) hey little bro! hows it going? i see matt got a hold of you...awesome! So 3 weeks eh? yay! lol then ill be gone for a few days...and then ill be home =P i bet you miiisssssss me!!!!
Dude your music is legitttttt. I really like it. Keep at it and I'll keep listening! How you been? I haven't seen you in forever. I posted some pics from wrestling on facebook and couldn't find you on there so I asked your sister and she sent me this way. I hope you're doing well!
Please git off yo azzez & make some new 3rd Brillyance jointz to nod my head to while I eat snacks!!! D@mn it man!!! You have an obligation to the people, Hip Hop, & my Microsoft ZUNE. I fuxx-wit 3rd Brillyance suckaaaaaaaaaaa!!!
Hey you guys, I'm so glad that you got a video on YouTube. I definitely think this is an excellent move to get your music out there. Now, you can post the video on your profile, just to see who you guys are in person.
Keep up the work, and let me know if you guys want me to do the album cover.
Hey Madd! Just thought id stop by to say HAPPY 22ND BIRTHDAY BIG BROTHER! im sorry i cant be there on your birthday to celebrate...=( and i know our family is horrible with birthdays so i saw this reflection one. If nothing goes right today, look in the mirror and be happy with yourself, then call me up and i will be happy with you k? and then you can have a happy birthday. =) i love and miss you! ♥always, Your lil sister =) Lika
