Dee (Delon Crawford) is the sole Dallas native of the group. Born and raised in the city's southern region, Dee creates AIFA's eclectic soundbed from a massive collection of old records and new technology. From hard-bop jazz, to 70's funk, 80's pop and even classical sources, Dee is one of the prime reasons The AIFA's sound has transcended the regional into the universal.
Tahiti (Walter Archey), born in Oscota, Michigan, has thrilled the Dallas scene with his innate ability to throw large masses of people into a frenzy with his onstage antics. Though he is only featured sporadically in The AIFA releases, his own solo release, The Birth of Whack, has garnered international acclaim and redefined the standards of excellence for Dallas hip hop. Tahiti serves as The AIFA's creative spark-plug and is intrinsic to the group's unique sound. Currently, he is one third of the flashpoint trio PPT, who has utilized Tahiti's vision to create show stopping performances of their own.
Chucky Sly (Karlton Little) was born in Bedford, England, raised in various parts of the European continent and is widely regarded as one of the city's (genre's!) true upper echelon wordsmiths. His vocabulary is nothing short of encyclopedic and his ability to engage the listener with his hypnotic baritone has made him the favorite emcee of Dallas emcees. As a testament to his versatility, he also fronts the Dallas Observer nominated rock band Rubba Rode.
Influences
The totality of music. Listen closely and you might be able to pick them out on your own.
The Almighty International Free Agents are an anomaly of sorts. As one of DFW's longest lasting and most respected acts, their performances have earned them the reputation of being one of the best live shows in Dallas in ANY genre. It's three members, Chucky Sly, Tahiti and Dee can be found on countless albums and compilations and are revered by their peers as one of the best acts ever to come out of DFW's hip hop scene. So why do so few people recognize them?
Perhaps because though they've been steadily making incredible music since 1993, they have yet to release a full length album.
They'll readily admit that their greatest asset is also their greatest flaw. Per Chucky Sly, "We're pathological perfectionists."
The three elemental entities of The AIFA hailed from different parts of the globe to find purchase in Dallas, TX.
Currently, the group has been working on the achingly long-awaited debut album, Transplants, while biding it's free time with occasional shows throughout the city (most notably as return invitees to A- Teem Alumni's Final Friday events). As the scene's well-respected and vocal elder-statesmen, The AIFA has enjoyed the respect of a major-label act with none of the exposure. Soon enough, the rest of world will learn what DFW already knows.
The individual and collective parts of The AIFA can be found on the following releases among others:
Tahiti: The Birth of Whack
Symbolic One and Illmind Present: The Art of One Mind
Hydroponic Sound System: Grids/Loops/Intersections
Hydroponic Sound System: Mixtape Mentality
Strange Fruit Project: Soul Travellin'
T-Wrex: My Life on Paper
Info Red: Weapons of Mass Construction
Nominations and awards include:
2004 ConRadio Award- Best Record Hydro Soundclash w/ Grand Supreem (Hydroponic Sound System)
Nominated 2006 Dallas Observer Best Hip Hop Act- Tahiti: Birth of Wack
Nominated 2004 Dallas Observer Best Hip Hop Act- The AIFA
Nominated 2006 ConRadio Award- Best Live Performance- The AIFA
Nominated 2006 ConRadio Award- Best Group- The AIFA
rocked that shit last nite dog...great seein' you again brother...and just so you know...track 14...?Elaborate Plans?...my new favorite song for right now...heh...and i don't owe you $5...more like $500 for handin' me a c.d. thats actually dope for a change...my ears and brain thank you graciously...forever 817 bredren...C.C. "WE SPEAK DELIBERATLY..."
Starting Friday May 1st Ez Eddie D, VJ Smooth and Second Sense will be playing great hip hop, neosoul and other great tunes including reggae @ Torch on lower greenville right behind service bar, check us out. 3 dollar drinks til midnight.
Starting Friday May 1st Ez Eddie D, VJ Smooth and Second Sense will be playing great hip hop, neosoul and other great tunes @ Torch. Come check us out. 3 dollar drinks til midnight.
HIP HOP IS COMING TO ARLINGTON!!! Enjoy the live music...set the mood with the hookah smoke...walk away with custom t-shirts made right there on the spot...and feel the impact of THE SOUR GRAPES CREW and their in-your-face live art!!! But most importantly SAVE MONEY CUZ IT IS FREE!!!!!..
just thought that I would tell you that they operated and removed my slightly bad knee and and i am now partially bionic... my health isnt great but then I am still here.. hope this finds you well and i can still write after the therapy sessions.. the pain aint gone but then what the hell i aint dead yet,. see ya when the sun comes up again..tell your brother i love him when you two talk again... love you pops
