The Reign of King Darius dropped on 2-12-2012. It's the latest, great
Misol Tribe production by DJ Dubb One. (Incidentally, King Darius was a king
that encouraged the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem about 520 B.C.) But
our King Darius, from Boyle Hts. Los Angeles, CA is alive and kicking; and if
hip-hop is a temple - he makes sure no shorts are being offered. Half-steppers
don't cut it. And foogayzees get pulled when the flow is sacred. Whether on the
stage with the mic or in the parking - lot cyphers, King Darius gets props for
clever vocabs and instantaneous timing. "...Here's a poem about a king that was
born for a throne, only he could rule like the boy who pulled the sword from the
stone. From the time he could speak, his mind combined rhymes with beats - by
the time he reached his teens, could practically rhyme in his sleep..." An
introduction to the Ballad of King Darius which is a modern-day corrido (in
English) that serves as a testimony about the power of music in his life.
If you're like us, and tired of the Same Ol' Same, individuality gives
rise to fresh perspectives. And some of those new ideas are necessary to help
break up the monotony of redundancy. Especially when the popular music is
degenerate, tainted by the influence of corporate America; the heart of the
underground provides liberation from the mental enslavement with/thru knowledge.
Knowledge of self and kingly domains are concepts contrary in today's worldly,
democratic beliefs. If you could think in these terms, enlightenment brightens
the dawn of a new day like the beginning of a New Rule and an established
kingdom of prophecy.
Although, this album is not considered Christian
rap (it's too grimy, and from the street). The lyrics are explicit; descriptions
illicit; but the imagery is exquisite in its existence and an eloquent
reflection of society. You can't help but hear Hood Royalty featuring Slip
Capone and say Damn! They're ingenious with their wordplays and innuendos. The
sex plays are what make it down to earth (ya know), I wouldn't give it to the
kids. But recommend it to the grown folk that could appreciate the metaphors and
similes, subliminal messages and symbolisms in rhyming words. So, if you
consider the track featuring A10 titled Royal Council (King Darius' most trusted
advisors), notice the completeness of the song: Rahten5Star's verse is
tongue-in-cheek joking around (just one side of the many sides of Mr. Rahten),
then, Aaron comes in with"...I see nothing but excellence, potential and
perfectionists. Consecutive cross-references, but separatist are causing
hindrance with incidents in increments in sequences in frequent blips..."Which
is the Yin to the Yang (or vice versa) of his partner's words, one extreme to
the other. And King D. brings it full circle (literally) with some real slick
diction then busts out with,"...stiffer than a stick up and this is my palo.
After I pull-out, leave them feeling all hollow." The beat stops and his last
word echoes (note: his first line in the song is, "I wallow in my
decadence..."). A slight pause leaves the listener thinking, muy bien hecho...
and a lot of times rewinds the track here.
Now, the whole mood of the
album changes after that song. It gets more serious from there. But let's back
it up to Back On because that's not just another return of the Mac song, either.
It goes, "Never turn your back, ON THE STREETS, shit happens so fast as you see!
Cats fall casualty in a dog-eat-dog world. You need a beast in your anatomy!
(that's reality)" It's some of the hardest stuff to hit your eardrum, son. Let
me tell you: the first time I sat down and talked to King Darius was about his
previous work on the As Man Thinketh Today project; and I swear, I was looking
at a gangster and hearing a college professor speak. Talking 'bout," It's a
contemporized rendition of a nineteenth century philosophy." I knew he was no
ordinary cat. You could say I sensed a royal Bloodline. But then again, that's
how the MISOL TRIBE rolls...
As mentioned earlier, this album takes a
deeper, more serious note and is like a rollercoaster ride. Highs and lows, much
like life itself. One thing is fore sure, though: when King Darius teams up with
his boy A.O.D. it's a dangerous combination, mayn. He says they were neighbors
at one time and got to vibe each others styles real good. The cool thing is they
sing melodies and add soul to the jams. A lot of vatos can't do that, honestly.
They're another great pair of emcees that complement each other and show there's
nothing but players on this side! The homeboy Complex rocks with'em on Problem
Child; which is a musical documentary for rising above the dysfunction prevalent
in many families' homes. There's also about a minute interlude called People are
Running which contains the ambiance of an epiphany (at a crossroads) transformed
into a raw energy of perseverance. It's moving, absolutely, positively
motivating and inspirational. King Darius doesn't just call attention to the
broken pieces of the system without giving his antidote for it. In other words,
he offers both the problems and solutions.
Over the past few years, I've
gotten to know King Darius better. He's recorded and sound engineered the team
at the HardNDaPaint workshops. He got engineering credits for an awesome job on
his brother Kristastrophe's mix-tape, too. Anybody that knows him will tell you
(2) things about King - He keeps it real and takes this rhyme game serious. It's
like his calling to fulfill a destiny. And, the Force is very strong with him.
His majesty has a reputation that sets the bar high in the camp, both lyrically
and in delivery. Still, the cool guy that he is, worked with us on a package
deal, offer for you while supplies last. And supplies are very limited (only a
couple dozen). An official copy of the full length album Reign of King Darius
and an authentic Firme Crown tee-shirt (rereleased design brought back to go
with the urban rulership concept) BOTH FOR $15.99 plus shipping and handling.
The shirts come in two colors: black and red. The sizes range from medium to
2xl. First come, first served. E-mail gato@brownpride.com for more
information.
King Darius wearing the limited edition "FIRME CROWN"
graphic tee. Photo by Tizok of Misol Tribe.
