JAY-2 - Watts, California
The Nickerson Gardens is considered by many as the most violent, drug infested, crime riddled neighborhood in the country. Contrary to its name, there are no gardens in this place, just dwindling hope, broken dreams, and nightmares that never end. At least that was the case until September 1, 1986, when James Benson was born. James meaning “he who supplants” would one day morph into an artist that would carry his city on his back and replace all broken dreams with dreams fulfilled.
One of six children raised in a single parent household, James looked to his older brother for guidance. His brother, Benjamin Benson, influenced him to start rapping. With extraordinary charisma and catchy lyrics blended with street wordplay, he was aptly named Jay-2 by his cousin Black Jack; 2 representing an artist that is second to none.
Initially, Jay-2 started his career rapping with his cousin Jay Smooth. They called themselves, Unexpected. Jay-2 later asked a then unsigned Jay Rock to become a part of Unexpected. Three strong, they recorded their demo and began doing shows at local parties and venues. Things were definitely looking good. While the group was performing at shows and their demo in circulation, Jay-2 definitely created a name for himself; however, the name of their group was to their detriment as the unexpected happened. Things came to a screeching halt and the group disbanded. Shortly after, one of his former group members signed a deal with Warner Brothers and Jay-2 began to question his destiny.
As destiny would have it, Jay-2 was contacted by a friend who wanted him to replace a member of his group, So Aktiv. No longer questioning what he was meant to do, he headed to San Bernardino to meet Trickey and E-Mo Tha Thrilla. This was the start of a long lasting musical relationship. Though he started off as a replacement, his lyrical genius made it clear that he was a force to be reckoned with. With Jay-2 on board, So Aktiv finished their first studio mix tape. On the eve of their mix tape release, one of the group members left. Undeterred, Jay-2 stayed with fellow rapper E-Mo Tha Thrilla and producers, Streets and Trickey to pursue his solo career.
Since launching his solo career, Jay-2 is featured on So Aktiv With It Vol. 1 mix tape and their compilation album, The Game’s Aktivated. With the support of his fan base and a yearning desire to do his city proud, he immersed himself in his work. During this time, he consistently developed as an artist and gained an even better understanding of music instead of just rapping. As a result, Jay-2 completed his first solo project, Voice Of The City Vol. 1. His initial struggles as an up and coming artist aided in his musical maturity and perseverance. Voice of the City Vol. 1 is blowing up the digital airwaves and gaining in popularity. Jay-2 is here to stay and he lets the world know on his title song, Voice of the City. With great confidence and a very matter of fact delivery, Jay-2 says, “I been through the storm, and almost let go but kept holding on because my city said no”.
E Mo Tha Thrilla - Alexandria, Louisiana
On October 20, 1984, the Jackson 5 was performing at the Cleveland Stadium in front of 40,000 people. Although this was a grand event, nothing compared to the star being born with an audience of 4. Eric Moser, Jr. was this star. Born in Compton, California with a small fan base, unbeknownst to anyone at the time, his fan base would grow by leaps and bounds over the next 25 years.
Eric spent his formative years in Compton, As a result of a house fire, Eric and his family were forced to take solace in the home of his grandparents some 2000 miles away in Alexandria, Louisiana. That move would prove to be instrumental for this developing artist.
Surrounded by a world of drugs and crime in the projects of Alexandria, Louisiana, E-Mo Tha Thrilla emerged. Trying to make sense out of nonsense, E-Mo used music as his daily escape from all of the chaos and confusion that attempted to consume him. He received no gratification in glorifying this world and instead, he created music that was both uplifting and motivating.
With lyrics derived from a place of struggle he tried to bury, people were able to relate to E-Mo and his music became a household name in this small town. He was equipped with an uncanny ability to freestyle for minutes and quickly began to gain notoriety in Louisiana for his skills. The media, fans, family, and a host of music producers spoke highly of his natural talent and that as long as he kept up the hark work, stardom was within grasp.
Music wasn’t taking care of his family but he didn’t want to abandon it either. He tried for a while to carefully balance the studio and the streets but eventually the streets caught up with him. Faced with a life decision, E-Mo had to decide between staying with his friends, family, and life of crime or return to his birthplace and pursue his love for music. Understanding that this was just a minor setback for a major comeback, E-Mo boarded the Greyhound and was Compton bound.
E-Mo hit the ground running. He began networking with rappers, producers, and anyone he felt could help him but was unsuccessful. Through another family member, he was reconnected with his cousin Trickey. Trickey was also into music and they instantly connected. Together, they formed So Aktiv along with two other rappers. With a deal in negotiations with Capitol Records, success was imminent. However, that deal fell apart. The group eventually disbanded with two artists leaving. E-Mo realized that despite these obstacles, he had helped build something special and he refused to walk away.
Besides his rapping ability, E-Mo also has an eye for talent. Undeterred, he introduced an up and coming producer who only had three tracks in his arsenal to Trickey. He saw something in that producer, P. Street, which he knew would both enhance their music and help to build an empire. This newly formed union was on its way.
E-Mo recently released a prequel to his upcoming mixtape album, E-Motional Rollercoaster. So Aktiv With It Volume 1 and 2, and their compilation CD, the Game’s Aktivated, are also being circulated. E-Mo has several tracks on these mixtapes. In addition, he is helping to cultivate the talent in various R&B artists.
As a result of E-Mo’s maturity, guidance, and leadership, the passion of each member has challenged their potential, promoted growth, and produced a sound that is complimentary of their talents both individually and collectively.
So what’s next for this musically inclined, lyrical genius and entrepreneur? The answer lies in the theme song, Hustler’s Anthem...Everybody wants to know what you’re cooking up, he’s cooking up another masterpiece, that’s what’s up!
Krystyle - Los Angeles
In Torrance, California, on November 14, 1985, Krystal Scott was born. As a resident of Torrance, California, the city’s motto “A Balanced City” would have a great impact on how Krystal learned to live a balanced life. Raised in a solid household, her upbringing taught her how to be independent and responsible. Being a musical artist takes talent and dedication. Krystyle showed that she is capable of leading a well-balanced life as she used these skills to complete nursing school, raise her daughter, and continue to perfect her craft as a rapper. Consistently giving 110% and her unrelenting determination is an inspiration to others.
As a teenager, Krystyle looked up to her aunt Tammy and her musical artistry. Over time, she realized that she was so in-tuned with her aunt’s ability to rap that she found her self rapping whenever time permitted. Sensing that she was talented in this arena, she went to her aunt Tammy, aka Karizma for advice. Karizma began to have a great influence on her career as she taught her all about the rap game. She later joined Karizma and KoKo to form a female rap group. Due to circumstances beyond her control, the group disbanded; however, this would mark the true beginning of what is to become a successful career.
A few years ago, Krystyle met E Mo Tha Thrilla and Jay-2 who were members of S.A.E (So Aktiv Entertainment). The professional and musical chemistry was instant and they went to work immediately. Not only was she what S.A.E. was missing, but what the rap game was missing altogether. It’s been a while since the West Coast has been graced with the presence of a female rap artist with such class, style, and show-stopping execution of her lyrics. Krystyle’s lyrics like the ultra luxury champagne, Cristal, sparkles and leaves a bolstering rich flavor that keeps you yearning for more.
While a relative newcomer to S.A.E, Krystyle’s two solo songs were a major contribution to the So Aktiv Entertainment Presents: The Games Aktivated compilation CD. In the male dominated rap game, it was easy to mistake Krystyle’s sexy swag as a weakness but her scene stealing verse on “Make These Haters Mad”, made her a quick fan favorite. In addition to gaining a fan base in what seemed like overnight, she also made it very clear to all male rappers that she could stomp with the big dogs. Krystyle continues to grind in the studio, perform at local venues, and promote the So Aktiv brand. She is sure to be revered by all.
Streets & Trickey - Studio, California
What do you get when you mix two men with raw talent, determination, and musicality? Very simple, you get Streets & Trickey, a music production team that is making it clear they will be in this industry for years to come.
Trickey, born Rickey Thornton Jr. on June 22, 1982, has worked relentlessly to develop his talent. Trickey got his start by supplying his beats for local college talent and at the age of 18 began working on what would become an extensive and eclectic library of music. A few years later, he was joined by fellow producer, Paul Street.
Streets, born Paul Street on April 6, 1986, was a relative newcomer to music in 2005. Streets grew up playing instruments but didn’t realize that he had a talent that could contribute to the music industry. He simply played music. Not for one moment did he think that a newly budding friendship with E-Mo Tha Thrilla of So Aktiv Entertainment would be the catalyst to him becoming a producer.
As fate would have it, with two beats in his arsenal, E-Mo introduced Streets to his cousin Trickey. That was the beginning of what has become a powerful production team. With both their love and talent for music, they went to work quickly. Under Trickey’s mentorship, Streets played catch up until he was fully prepared to produce on his own. That didn’t take long at all and very soon after, they began pooling their talents together in preparation for a music industry takeover.
Streets and Trickey are the primary producers for So Aktiv Entertainment. They continue to collaborate with their three artists; E-Mo, Jay-2, and Krystyle. Together, they produced the entire compilation album for So Aktiv ENT, and their artist’s solo albums.
Constantly growing, the list of artists they have either played key roles in developing or having valuable input include: Jay-2, Krystyle, E-Mo, pop artist Dawna Star, JK Da Future, developing artist Wicked Wizard of the West, R&B singer Travis, and rapper Chinye. In addition to working with rap and R&B artists, they successfully branched out and created great music with the rock group Light Pattern. To continue to cultivate their talent, expand across music genres, help their artist’s musical careers flourish, and be the best there is, they did work for and received mentorship from Donald Tavie of the legendary group Lakeside.
Together they have created an inspiring collection of R&B and Hip Hop that is heavily concentrated on creating music rather than sampling it. No one knows this better than their artist E-Mo who gives accolades to their genius on his song “Hero”. Very simply but masterfully said by E-Mo, “Streets and Trickey, this beat is like a symphony”.
Streets and Trickey continue to grind in order to make So Aktiv Entertainment one of the major production companies in America. Two musical minds, a mixing desk, compression settings, reverb tails, and drums, the studio is their instrument. Be sure to keep a watchful eye as they will be coming soon to a studio near you.