The Sleeping Monk is hailed as one of Sydney's longest serving MC's.A veteran of the game,Monk started spittin venom in 1992 & has never looked back.A true school disciple of the Hip Hop culture,Monk gained infamy when he joined Sydney's first freestyle(that's off the top of the head for y'all that don't know) MC crew Easybass.A group of lyrical renegades who tore up mics at many local jams & radio stations.They released 2 cassettes(yes,tapes people)"Straight Up & "Space Program" before splitting up in 1996.Then Monk collaborated with long time friend & Producer Lou'dicrous under the guise of Frequency Unknown with their debut EP Vinyl on Parallax View Recordings in 1998.The EP was known as an underground classic as this was the only release Frequency Unknown had after spliting one year later.What was to follow was the concept album"Genesis of The Nemisis" by Ear Infection which consisted of Monk,Az 1,Mr Clean,Psyclops & The Almighty Apex(RIP) which was released in the year 2000.Then Monk was asked to be lead vocalist of the funk/jazz outfit Upshot.They toured extensively & were hailed as one of the pioneering Hip Hop live acts along with others like Explanetery,Good Buddah,Resin Dogs & The Fuglemen.They also released an EP on Obese records which received much praise & good reviews.Monk then left to pursue a solo career which began with the release of his EP Vinyl The Fulltime Emcee on Parallax View Recordings in 2004 which featured production from fellow Basic Equipment member Sereck of Def Wish Cast.
The Monk is no stranger to the stage rockin many shows & supporting the likes of Mr Lif, DJ Craze, DJ Dexter(The Avalanches), The Liks, DJ Revolution, DJ P Money,Foreign Legion, Total Science, DJ SUV, Pep Love(Heiroglyphics), The Herd, Resin Dogs, Maya Jupiter, J-Zone,Blackalicious,Masta Ace,Good Buddah,Koolism,Trey,Def Wish Cast,Upshot & Katalyst.The Monk has stayed true to his roots by reppin Sydney for over 16 years & is one of the original members of the Basic Equipment crew which include pioneers like Def Wish Cast,13th Son,Celcius,Immune,Rivals & Brass.
Now after a 4 year hiatus,The Sleeping Monk has returned with a new album"Unreleased" on his new label Chemical Imbalance Productions.This is NOW available at all good retailers & or just send a message for more details.
Stay tuned for new releases in 2009 from Dirtbox Kings & SOSA(Sons Of South America)on Chemical Imbalance Recordings.
