Lord Zen and Dannu of the Visionaries form the potent duo known as Writer's Block. Noted for the weight of their poetic lyrics, through numerous works and grassroots campaigning, they have accumulated a strong following in the college and underground markets worldwide; yet, their palatable melodies help create an intoxicating sound, captivating a vastly broader music listening market.
Writer's Block first appeared as a group known as Disciples of the Sound on the Key-Kool & Rhettmatic album Kozmonautz, (released in 1995) on the Visionaries inaugural song Visionaries (Stop Actin' Scary). As 1/3 of the Visionaries, Writer's Block contributed their musical talents on the Visionaries' debut album, Galleries, followed by the second album, Sophomore Jinx, as well as their 3rd album, Pangaea.
Writer's Block released their first 12 inch, a three-song single in 1998. Soon after, the high energy song, Basically, had fans at live shows bouncing from Los Angeles to Berlin. The minimalist rooted, Truth Serum, caught a buzz on mix-shows and mix-tapes. The duo followed with an eclectic single featuring production from Los Angeles underground producers, Omid (aka O.D. of Beneath the Surface) on Situations, Mums the Word on Apples & Oranges, and Visionaries constituent, Key-Kool, on Poetry Explains.
On their third single, they procured the brother Asiatic, DJ Rhettmatic, of the World Famous Beat Junkies, on the head-nodding No More No Less, with the flipside DJ anthem, Spin the Wax, produced by Key-Kool. This single sold out immediately, and the first repress was completely sold out before manufacturing was finished: Writers Block has definitely accumulated quite a fan base. Staying with the grassroots, word of mouth philosophy, the group's debut album, En Route, in 2000. It had a limited press, sold only at shows and selected stores and websites. In 2004, it was repressed, En Route is now available in all fine retailers worldwide through Up Above Records. This critically acclaimed album features production by Omid, Mums the Word, DJ ICD of Blak Forest, Nucleus, and Visionaries' producers DJ Rhettmatic & Key-Kool.
In 2005, Writer's Block formed their own company called On Our Own Music, assumed the roles of executive producers, and released their second album, Next Stop, themselves. Along with veteren WB producers, Key-Kool & Omid, they enlisted the production of DJ Babu, of Dilated Peoples,
Mr. Brady of Deep Rooted, Life Rexall of ShapeShifters, DJ Nobody, Profile of UpStarts/Sound Providers, Da Fallguy, Breeze, and Elon is. The CD can be found in hip-hop oriented stores in Southern California to the Pacific Northwest, plus websites such as upabove.com, access music.com, and la2thebay.com. This CD also has a vinyl single titled, Microphone Love, available thru upabove.com.
Continuing the tradition of their crew, their live shows are filled with energy, taking you on a trip through hills, valleys and winding roads, definitely leaving crowds' hearts pumping. Whether recorded or live, Writer's Block is a force to be reckoned with.
You know, same ol same ol... Getting this music done. Traveling, meeting new peeps, enjoying life. Realy just trying to boss up proper. Holler at ya boy.
LOUS RECORDS 434 N.COAST HWY ENCINITAS, CA 92042 (760) 753-1382
SPIN RECORDS 370 GRAND AVE CARLSBAD, CA 97098 (760) 434-0807
ACCESS HIP HOP POSTED THIS ABOUT - FE MEANS FAITH: Just north of San Diego, representing Escondido and Oceanside is Grape Street Blues and Foreign Eminence member Mannyfesto, teaming up with producer Stel72 for FE Means Faith. In what is perhaps his most realized work to date, and not forgetting the somber and formfitting production from Stel, Mannyfesto is a messenger of truth and honesty in hip hop and one that is sorely needed in SoCal's ever divided scene. Through insightful and introspective lyrics and reflection, this album is deeply personal and poetic, and a good example of positive hip hop coming out of SD. ( cd description)
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