REELAKTZ (pronounced "relax") means real acts, as opposed to fake ones. They pride themselves on the honest, authentic originality of their brand of hip-hop. The wordplay on the term "relax" signifies the crew's peacefulness, respect for one another, etc., as opposed to the schizophrenic, ultra-violent rappers that get big exposure today. In mid-December 1996, REELAKTZ finished their first full demo. They intend to widen the boundaries of respectable hip-hop with strong, soulful beats, charismatic vocals and apparent links to hip-hop's origin via Dallas, Texas.
Personnel
Sheldon (21) - producer, dj, aspiring record label head
Bavu, or Voo (22) - emcee, wordsmith
J (22) - emcee, artist (canvas/video)
Personal
Voo and J – both graduates of The University of Texas at Austin – met in fourth grade and have been best friends ever since. When J rhymed aloud for the first time, Voo was there, vice-versa. In 1986, they kneeled between a Casio keyboard and a tape recorder in the corner of Voo's bedroom and made their first recording, a smart-ass satire called "Nerd Rap".
They found Sheldon in their late teens, when he first started deejaying -- and they've been paying dues ever since. REELAKTZ wants "applause for yes y'alls/Ovation".
Voo has a plain-faced but colorful personality to match his baritone voice. Yet he's known for a clever-witted, courageous, sometimes boastful style that surfaces at most shows, open mics and parties – "perfect for tape decks to Broadcast." Voo's energy and arrogance peak in the cipher (probably because he's never been defeated or outshined).
On and off the stage, in and out of the sound booth, J is a nonchalant but polished tenor. He meets listeners head-on with the depth, quality and delivery of his free verse. J comes across as the crew's laid-back lyricist because of his quiet confidence. But don't mistake poise for laziness; he's willing to pick up the tempo for a high-energy crowd-booster like "The Joint".
Sheldon, first and foremost, is a music lover who's studied the art formally and informally. Maze, George Duke, Earth Wind and Fire were some of the sprinkles from his parents' stereo that seasoned his childhood. After traveling many roads of life, he realized the only thing that would make him happy: hip-hop. It's no mistake Sheldon conveys distinct moods and production modes from track to track: "I don't want to be the type of producer who doesn't expand his style from song to song". After Sheldon moved to Atlanta and back, REELAKTZ (under its current membership) became official in January 1996.
Product and Demos
In five songs and nineteen minutes, REELAKTZ guides you along a well-rounded array of concepts and grooves, stressing versatility on the first demo. It opens with the upbeat chant "Reelaktzation", swings to the low end with "Limit Less", and lets J narrate from the club scene with "The Joint". Next thing you know, Voo brings a woman into the booth for a head-bobber, "Broadcast", which precedes the speaker-friendly "Studio Time". Much more is in the works. REELAKTZ is ready for professional recording, shows and tours, representation and exposure.
