"100,000 hits and still counting"

The Woonsocket, Rhode Island Hip Hop & Rap group “1 LYFE” is heating up the myspace.com circuitry. They have generated over 100,000 hits on their web page and have gained a large internet fan base, and started their own local label recently “1 Lyfe Productions, llc”. I had an opportunity to meet with the group last week and spoke to them about their LYFE in the music business.

The group has three members NIQ [Nique Fullen], AC [Aaron Cole], and J.DOT [Jarrett Flores], and each one brings something different to the table.

NIQ is the “beat man” and a contributing lyricist. He brings the club vibe and swag to the group. A self proclaimed ladies man; he is always on the prowl for inspiration. NIQ began his career at the age of eight and has never stopped working to reach his goal of becoming a “player” in the music business. He spoke with great passion about his music and his creative lyrics. “I just take what’s going on around me and write it down”.  

You can follow him at: twitter.com/1lyfe401.

AC is the critical thinker and metaphoric leader of the group. His lyrics touch on the street life, politics, and social awareness. Throughout the interview he spoke about how his music tells a story, evoking emotion from the listener and identifying with the groups target audience [15-24 year old].

You can follow him at: twitter.com/acthegreat75.

The final member of the group is J DOT, who is the explicit lyricist. He brings a certain roughness to the group, “gangster swag” if you will. I found J DOT to be very approachable despite his tough exterior. He too spoke passionately about his group and the vision they shared for their future. He shared some of his influences [Jay-Z, Lloyd, and others] in the music business. J DOT talked about their past performances at venues such as Destiny’s Tavern in Woonsocket, RI, The Slaughter House at Tommy’s Lounge in Pawtucket, RI, and Jerky’s in Providence, RI.

You can follow him at: twitter.com/jdot1lyfe.

The group has been extremely busy working on their new album and their collaboration with SODMG and litplayboii [One of Soldier Boys artist]. The new album is scheduled to be released this summer and the group will be opening for Cassidy on Thursday April 22, 2010 at Level 2, 101 Richmond Street, Providence, RI.

I look forward to listening to the group’s new album and a follow up interview.