|
|
|
|
"The Ezekiel Hanani LP" is a unique collaboration of DJ ROEG DU CASQ and Soulbrotha (of PLUSSIGN). The project itself is based on the fictional character, “Ezekiel Hanani” who has a deep and profound love for music but also holds a corporate job as an entry-level engineer in a construction firm.
The album is a collage of different performances and showcases Ezekiel has participated in over the span of 2005. Fondly called, “Zeke” by his audience, he has successfully established a following that is more than eager to see and hear him, welcoming him back into the “fold” so to speak.
After taking somewhat of a hiatus from music due to a busier work schedule and family interests, Ezekiel returns to the stage with newer material. This new material spans a time frame from his last performance before the hiatus, events in his life during the hiatus and finally his return to the music scene.
On the idea of how Ezekiel Hanani came about Soulbrotha had this to say, “It was never intended from the beginning to create an album, album.” “We just wanted to knock out a few songs and put out; seeing what the response would look like.” “However, after listening to the entire instrumental cd it just flowed together as a cohesive body of art and I thought why not?” “Admittedly, I was a little frightened at first, because I didn’t know where or what to say/rap about.” “I definitely did not want to do something usual or ordinary and at the same time I didn’t want to be too out-there.” “I could only depend on God for inspiration and I prayed, asking God for ideas because I wanted this album to touch people, change them, affect their situations.”
“Later on, a name just kept popping into my head, swirling so to speak.” “I tried shaking it off but it wouldn’t let go. I believe it was the Holy Spirit just making an impression on me.” “BOOM! There it was.” “I took that and ran with it.” “My intention was to ensure this character was as relatable as possible.” “It is my prayer and desire that people receive this album with the same nostalgia and anticipation as I did after hearing Roeg’s instrumentals.”
Both Roeg and Soulbrotha met via online on the okayplayer boards in May 2005. Whilst browsing the “freestyle forum” Soulbrotha chanced upon Roeg’s post requesting for people to listen to his beats. Soulbrotha clicked on that post and the rest is history as they say. Following in the footsteps as the groundbreaking – Foreign Exchange album (Nicolay & Phonte of Little Brother), DJ ROEG and Soulbrotha corresponded via emails and post; each one sending cd’s back and forth across the globe. The first version of the album was recorded over a period of 3 months and later on was re-recorded and re-mastered over another 6 months. This work of art carries the same theme as many unions of one DJ one emcee as DJ Jazzy Jeff and the Fresh Prince, Gangstarr and many others.
No promises of “changing the game” or the current landscape of Hip Hop were made here. The intention of both collaborative partners was to express the best quality music artistry for the maximum benefit spiritually, mentally and physically of the hip hop audience and musical public in general, worldwide.
This album currently is the first volume in the works and possibly more volumes of work to come from this collaboration in the future