Bekay, the Brooklyn native, hence the moniker, has been an active participant in hip-hop culture since he penned his first rhyme at just ten years old. It’s not hard to listen to one verse from Bekay to realize that he has skills. Bekay personifies the changing definition of hip-hop as someone very passionate about this culture and eager to let the world in on his story. Bekay's writing talent, punch-lines and unique perception have not only enabled him to become a cult personality, but have also brought credibility and power to the issues found in his music.
Truly a product of his environment, Bekay first drew inspiration from his Brooklyn-bred childhood. As Bekay started to mature, he began to write rhymes as therapy to help him escape from his troubled home-life. Being a white Jewish kid from Nostrand Avenue chasing down the dream to become a rap star is not an easy task. In fact, his journey is one that has endured opposition through nearly every turn. Ultimately, Bekay made the decision that he would not only endure such opposition, but that he would defiantly rise above any resistance to his pursuit through battle rapping. It’s the very culmination of these early experiences combined with his inner rage and defiance that molded him into a ruthless competitor in New York’s battle rap scene. Before long, Bekay’s skills were embraced and he found solace in feeling accepted by the same culture that once rejected him. After realizing that his career would thrive more prosperously by recording songs then through battling, Bekay turned his verses into songs and started working with various producers. Before long, Bekay was offered his first record deal through T.S.O.B. Records.
During Bekay’s short-lived affiliation to T.S.O.B, Bekay was introduced to the late Old Dirty Bastard. Instantly, a friendship developed that eventually led to a collaboration of the anthemic “Where Brooklyn At?”, which was one of the last songs that ODB ever recorded prior to his untimely passing. The song was well received, but neither a video nor any radio promotions ever materialized. After several requests from T.S.O.B. to move forward with a video shoot for “Where Brookyn At?” after Ol’ Dirty’s passing, Bekay decided to leave the label, “I wasn’t about to profit from his death, so I requested to be released.”
Bekay wasn’t on his own for long. Through the buzz that he created in the underground, Bekay was offered a deal through the burgeoning New York City based indie label, Coalmine Records. Under his new deal, Bekay has added more hits to his list including collaborations with Saigon and Inspectah Deck on the underground smash 12” titled “The Raw”. The buzz of this record reinforced the growing strength of Bekay’s name in the indie radio community. DJs worldwide were excited by Bekay’s vinyl debut and begab to realize his future potential. “I’m happy to have something from Bekay on wax now, cuz I’ve played a lot of his joints on CD a while back.” (DJ Ethx – Seattle, WA - University of Washington). “Bekay is an exclamation point, rather than three periods, it’s Bekay!, not Bekay...feel me? (CJUM- Brandon – Winnipeg, MB, University of Manitoba).
To start ’06 with a bang, Coalmine teamed Bekay up with mix-tape legend DJ Kayslay on a 22 track mix CD that includes new recordings, remixes, freestyles and previously released material.
“I just wanted to make sure I keep it real hip-hop and kill’em with lyrics. In my opinion real hip-hop music is dying out and as part of the new breed of MCs, I feel that it’s my responsibility to keep it healthy. I love this culture, and it’s all I got. It was great to be able to work with Slay and all the other features, and there’s only more heat to come.” Coalmine hit the streets with this mix-tape and was successful in reaching out to new audiences that have since embraced Bekay’s talents.
After realizing that a radio push for the previously released “Where Brooklyn At?” was necessary, Coalmine was able to ink a licensing agreement for this record, thus allowing a radio campaign that that helped focus the just deserved spotlight on Bekay and the late Ol’ Dirty. “…On ‘Where Brookyn At’, Bekay rides the divide between dope punch lines and leftfield introspective flows, drop in the late Dirt McGirt and this joint is smoking.” (WPRK – Keith Jackson – Orlando, FL -Rollins College). After another successful radio campaign, Bekay climbed the college charts to a number two position on a record that had strong supporters from the very beginning.
By 2007, the renowned Rawkus Records began an artist driven revolution comprised of the 50 next important hip-hop artists. Bekay was selected among all applicants to be among this elite crew and subsequently released his acclaimed Rawkus 50 album,
The Horror Flick LP. This project further catapulted Bekay’s reputation in the hip-hop community as one of the more dynamic battle rappers that can produce a conceptually balanced album that features unparalleled production.
The Horror Flick LP went on to be among one of the top selling records for the Rawkus 50 program.
It’s now 2009 and Bekay gets set to release his benchmark album to date with
Hunger Pains.
HP is a project that took two years to complete and enlists several noteworthy guest appearances and producers such as Masta Ace, Dilated Peoples, Saigon, Heltah Skeltah, Insepectah Deck, R.A. The Rugged Man, Wordsworth, DJ Revolution, The Alchemist, J.R. Rotem, Illmind, Marco Polo, DJ Babu, Shuko, BeanOne, Street Orchestra and more.
Hunger Pains showcases the rare unification of an underground rapper with a major label soundscape. Bekay scores a tremendous achievement through this album that will solidify his standing in the game as an artist dedicated to both the progression and preservation of this culture.
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