2010 Grand Final Battle Judges
Rahzel
The undisputed "Godfather of Noyze" has re-defined the beat box. A self-defined "vocal percussionist," Rahzel (rhymes with 'gazelle') has perfectly mastered this quintessential hip hop art form and has emerged as a "true virtuoso." To hear him is to be converted.
Billboard Magazine proclaims : "Everyone should experience his fascinating rhythms…using just his lips, cheeks, gums, and Adam's apple he (recreates), with amazing accuracy and detail, tracks from the magic mixing desks of Pete Rock…and others." His mockery of instruments/arcade of sounds leaves audiences captivated, wondering "is he for real?"
Jean Grae
Picking up her Jean Grae moniker and droping her former alias What? What? in '98 upon Natural Resource's break-up, Jean released her first LP "Attack of the Attacking Things" in 2002. Which was followed up by two further albums over the course of the next two years.
She has also recorded tracks with numerous major hip hop artists, including Atmosphere, The Roots, Talib Kweli, The Herbaliser, Da Beatminerz, Phonte, Mr. Len, Masta Ace, Vordul Mega, C-Rayz Walz, and Immortal Technique.
Kenny Muhammad
Kenny Muhammad is one of the most highly regarded beatboxers on the planet. Coming from the second wave of beatboxers in the late 1980's, he needs no introduction to those in the scene. A true beatbox legend.
Pioneering routines such as the 'Wind Technique' and 'Trans Beat Box Express' are still the starting block for every new beatboxer, his crisps sounds and rock solid timing are the epitome of the 'Human Beatbox'! Kenny is a co-founder of the World Beatbox Association (WBA).
Jarobi White
Jarobi White is an American hip hop artist, and one of the four original members of A Tribe Called Quest. He joined the group in the late 1980s as a part-time member. Although he did not rap on the albums, he came up with ideas for songs like "I Left My Wallet In El Segundo". He also contributed to versions of the songs "Push It Along", "Youthful Expression", and "Can I Kick It?". He also appeared in five of the 13 music videos the group filmed.
He continues to produce songs with bandmates Phife Dawg and DJ Rasta Root.
Swiss Chris
Coming to New York in 1996, Swiss Chris started working with a local funk band lead by the Jewish James Brown, Milo Z. He also started working with Hip Hop Old School Legends like Chubb Rock, Charlie Brown from the Leaders of the New School, Slick Rick, Grandmaster Caz, and the Rock Steady Crew.
He is currently touring and recording as the musical director/drummer for the (8-time Grammy nominee) 3-time Grammy winner and multi-platinum artist John Legend.