The Nothing, a three-member Hip Hop collaborative hailing from Gettysburg, PA, is a fusion of distinct rap styles, talents and influences. Composed of emcees Teddy Holmes (Ted), Solomen Pade (Ken) and Wally Peanuts (Mar), the group was officially formed and named in 2005. What started out as harmless comical parodies and freestyle battles recorded on old boom boxes shared amongst peers, ultimately evolved into the trios definitive rap style. The Nothing blends unique sound bites over chopped up beats that compliment ingenious word play, crafting a musical collage that is all their own.
As artists, each member offers unique musical backgrounds, influences and vocal styles. Teddy and Wally share their roots on the Eastern coast, Pade originates from the South. Though from differing spheres all three rappers grew up in a millieum saturated by music. Music, no matter what the genre, became their element. Their musical catalogs range from classic artists like Marvin Gaye and Ottis Reading, Pearl Jam and U2, to 2 PAC, Bone Thugs, Master P, and JDilla to name a few. The presence of such influences and their common passion for Hip Hop is felt throughout their music. Their unified sound is reminiscent of musical influences such as De La Soul, Black Star, Little Brother and The Roots. Wally’s love of percussion resonates through his production of textured beats layered with crisp soul samples. Pade’s love for verse and poetry is synchronous with his delivery of hypnotic lyricism and urgent flow. Teddy’s love for the culture is echoed in his effortless rhymes that connect him to his listeners. Collectively, The Nothing’s complimentary vocal styles with rhymes scaling on classic life lessons and daily efforts creates a chemistry that produces “feel good music”.
Becoming more than just bedroom rappers, in 2006 the trio, along with then manager Doug Shew, resolved their love for Hip Hop and need to be heard, they dropped their first album “From Nothing to Something - Chapter 1”. Late night sessions gradually yielded more and more results and in 2007 the mixtape “Live From the Shelter” was born. The LP “Closer” followed in 2008. “Digital Villains” their latest project dropped this year, available on Amazon, iTunes and Rhapsody. An album that embodies their musical maturity, yet with an old school feel without sounding dated. Additional video footage showcasing performances and blogs is available online on Padeblog, Youtube.
As performers, they are unstoppable. With a stage presence that makes the audience stand to their feet, their energy is contagious. Their first live performance was lucrative, raising monies and awareness for needy children, “Hip Hop for the Homeless”. Successive shows were “Guerrilla Words” in New York, “Kipona” in Harrisburg, along with other local performances.
Accolades came, not only from peers but also from established sources. Described as a “blended style of contemporary and old school…gritty, crunchy yet jazzy beats, with witty emcee uppercuts” by Origivation Magazine, Mode Magazine. Additionally recognized in the local Gettysburg Times, and posted on Legendaryhiphop.com based out of San Francisco, The Nothing is making musical imprints nationwide.
New year, new clear. From using a DR5 to Fruity Loops and now Reason for beat production…from using old Boom Boxes to Cake Walk to Sonar and now Protools for recording vocals, The Nothing has come full circle. They continually produce the music that they feel, despite mainstream expectations, in a genre desperate for an answer. The Nothing is composed of three emcees that move whichever way the wind moves them. “The Nothing, no gimmicks, no costumes” (Solomen Pade), just good music.
