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New Minnesota Music: Phonetic ONE March 2, 2010

Posted by jdoetkott in Music.
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1 comment so far

A while back I promised that I would update this blog with new, up-and-coming Minnesota musicians. It took me a little while, but here is the first installment. Check back soon for similar posts.

Phonetic ONE

With a long history of a vibrant music scene, Minneapolis has spawned many great bands and singers. Names like Bob Dylan, Prince, and The Replacements spring to mind. But Minneapolis also has a strong connection to hip-hop, with the group Atmosphere certainly serving as the current face of the local hip-hop scene.

But as the rapper Murs once said, “Opinions are like rap careers, everbody’s got one.” So to that end, let me give you my opinion on a blossoming rap career born in the heart of south Minneapolis: Phonetic ONE.

Phonetic ONE

Born Andrew Thomas, Phonetic ONE describes himself as a rapper, actor, poet, singer-songwriter, and educator. He was born and raised on the Southside of Minneapolis, attended Minneapolis South High School, and now goes to the University of Wisconsin – Madison. Phonetic ONE has been featured in local Madison music publications, performed at halftime of Wisconsin basketball games, and along with other members of his First Wave hip-hop group, opened for the world-famous rapper Ludacris at a concert this fall.

To date Phonetic ONE has released three compilations of music: his first LP entitled Life Music: Volume ONE, an EP called Phonetic Phenom, and very recently, an LP entitled On The Bus Stop.

I met Andrew Thomas about 2 or 3 years ago and I have heard nothing but good music from him since. He raps with an underground style and a Minneapolis swagger. His work with the rest of his UW crew has shown he has a range of abilities, not to mention his freestyle skills. I would expect to see a lot more great music from this young artist and I encourage you to download his albums and support a Minneapolis musician.

Be sure to check out his website: http://www.myspace.com/phoneticonemusic

And his Facebook page:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Phonetic-ONE/12434346921?ref=ts

I leave you with one of Phonetic ONE’s first songs, and please check back soon for more updates. Enjoy!