K.U.R.S.E.
Some might be apprehensive about taking the name of something that normally has a negative connotation. But if you are the South Jamaica Queens, NY native K.U.R.S.E, apprehension is not something that is part of your character.
Instead, K.U.R.S.E. is a fearless, motivated and relentless MC whose Islamic studies have taught him it is always better to turn a negative into a positive, a curse into a blessing. His name, which stands for Knowledge Understanding Righteousness Self Elevation, is a testament to his belief . That belief is what continued to feed K.U.R.S.E.’s hunger for success during a brief hiatus from the music industry.
Signed to independent label JPEG Music Group, and inspired by the success of peers 50 Cent and Pitbull, K.U.R.S.E. is now ready to make his triumphant return to the music game.
His newest release, which is entitled "Blessed With a K.U.R.S.E." features Pitbull, AKON, Demorne Warren and production from Cool-n-Dre, Triple Beam Team, Tony Galvin and other up and coming producers. The lead single, “M.O.N.E.Y” is receiving numerous spins on New York’s radio stations Hot 97 and Power 105.1.
K.U.R.S.E., who studied film for a short while at University of Miami, also directed the video for "M.O.N.E.Y." The success of the single and the video led to a short feature on the DVD “What They Do” which is produced and distributed by JPEG Marketing Inc.
While his current ascent may make him sound as if he is yet another overnight celebrity, K.U.R.S.E. has been building his career for over a decade. He began rhyming in 1995 as a way to creatively describe his environment. His talent as a witty, cultured and realistic lyricist was quickly realized by the famed production company Triple Beam Team (50 Cent, Group Home, Guru, Lakey the Kid) and under their guidance he and childhood friend Kai formed a group known as WizeGuyz.
The success of WizeGuyz was immediate and explosive. They toured extensively for almost three years as the opening act for some of the greatest hip-hop and rap artists of all times: WuTang Clan, OutKast, Foxy Brown, Mobb Deep, Busta Rhymes, and Nas.
Unfortunately, before they could further the group’s career, Kai and K.U.R.S.E. decided to part ways musically and pursue solo careers. It was during this time that K.U.R.S.E. moved to Miami and enrolled as a film student. Shortly thereafter, he began an independent venture with a company called Raw Elements .
Under the company, K.U.R.S.E. directed two videos for his singles entitled "Analyze" and "L.O.V.E". The video for "L.O.V.E." earned a Best Underground Video award in Toronto, Canada and a nomination for Best Cinematography in Miami's First Down South Awards in 2001, making K.U.R.S.E. not only a gifted MC, but director as well.
In addition to directing videos, K.U.R.S.E continued to release mix CDs and build relationships with artists and DJs in the Miami area. One of those relationships led to a collaborative song with Crunk artist Pitbull. The song was entitled "Across The Waters" and dealt with the plight of both Haitian and Cuban immigrants who sail to the port of Miami in search of political and financial freedom. The song garnered media attention from CNN, ABC News, The Miami Herald, The Daily News in NY and The Source Magazine. The Miami Branch of the NAACP awarded K.U.R.S.E. and Pitbull their prestigious "Letter of Social Awareness" in recognition of the song.
After the success of “Across the Waters” K.U.R.S.E. recorded a single "Ranue *sp* Inventions" with New Zealand rap group 4th Element. The song topped the international Billboard Charts and renewed K.U.R.S.E’s desire to pursue his solo career.
Since returning to New York in 2003, K.U.R.S.E has been hard at work, attempting and succeeding at turning his “curse” into a blessing. K.U.R.S.E also feels that "Direction is more important then Speed".."This is why I rather take my time creating the best music possible rather than rushing to make the same sounding music out today."
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