Mixtape: A-1 – Thurlian
The Bay Area Rapper Remixes Tracks From Genre-Bending Producers For His Raw, Energetic, Conscious Mixtape
3.5.2015
Critical Praise For A-1:
“A-1′s style has a similar kind of funny, free-for-all feel as post-Mac Dre rappers like [Roach] Gigz, but has a sly rap style that is distinctly his own.” – The FADER
“Easily one of the illest emcees I’ve heard over the last few years.” – OkayPlayer
“…something that sounds so vital and absolutely hyphy that it pretty much had to come from the Bay.” –Noisey
The Album:
After a series of weekly single and video releases, charismatic San Francisco rapper A-1‘s #ThurlianThursday campaign has reached its pinnacle with the unveiling of his Thurlian mixtape. The project finds the MC remixing beats by genre-bending producers Sango, Mr. Carmack, Ryan Hemsworth, Stwo, and BEAR//FACE, while working original cuts by Mikos Da Gawd and Woostar. A-1 merges emotionally charged rap lyrics with raw testimony, ranging from party-ready anthems to message-driven deep cuts. His prolific rhymes have gained attention from outlets such as The FADER, Noisey, FACT Mag, Okayplayer, GoodMusicAllDay, HYPETRAK, Mass Appeal, and more. In their premiere post of A-1’s hyphy single “There I Go,” Noisey raved that the track is “something that sounds so vital and absolutely hyphy that it pretty much had to come from the Bay.”
“Thurlian is a compilation of songs I’ve been recording over the past two years that all symbolize different aspects of what it means to be ‘Thurl,’ which is to Think (for oneself), Hustle (for one another), Understand (each other), and Really Live (one’s life to the fullest),” A-1 explains. “This project was inspired by my experiences while traveling, seeing different parts of the world and realizing that human suffering is a constant struggle everywhere. As someone with a voice and a following, I feel I have the power to influence those who are willing to listen, and therefore I think I’m somewhat obligated to use that voice for good.”
“I wanted to make an album with a message of love and unity, that would make people think critically about the state of the world, but not in a way that would make them feel depressed or guilty, but rather hopeful and willing to contribute to the change. I hope that people walk away from this project feeling fulfilled, confident and optimistic,” A-1 adds. “My idea is that if one day, modern human beings can finally figure out a way to live peacefully amongst each other, develop clean sustainable method for gathering energy and food, and can live in perfect harmony with Mother Earth, we will have entered a new stage in human evolution.”
Listen to Thurlian: https://soundcloud.com/adamraps/sets/thurlian
Check out A-1’s newly launched website: http://www.a-1music.com/
[soundcloud url=”https://api.soundcloud.com/playlists/86455610″ params=”color=ff5500&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false” width=”100%” height=”450″ iframe=”true” /]Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with A-1.
A-1 Background:
Born Adam Traore, a first generation US citizen to West African and Italian parents, A-1‘s music is constructed around vivid stories of growing up in The City while searching for happiness and self awareness. After the release of After School Special, a mixtape based on 90s television shows, he gained a fan base through internet buzz while still living on his friend’s couch. Soon after, he released his follow-up The Book Of Adam which was received so well, he quit his day job the day after the listening party. With 2012’s The Thurl Tape, A-1 has been acknowledged by publications such as the FADER and Complex. Equipped with a heart filled with passion, an insatiable desire for creativity, discerning eyes and ears for quality, and a plan to spread his music to as many people as possible, A-1 is poised to be the first name in music lover’s iPods in the very near future. A-1’s Thurlian mixtape released March 5, 2015.
Links:
official site | twitter | facebook | youtube | tumblr
Thurlian: https://soundcloud.com/adamraps/sets/thurlian
“Sunday Love”:https://soundcloud.com/adamraps/sundaylove/
“Good People”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNf8e034Dtg / https://soundcloud.com/adamraps/good-people-w-b-e-a-r-f-a-ce
Thurlian promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEtoZvLR4Oc
“There I Go”: https://soundcloud.com/adamraps/there-i-go-original-music-by-mr-carmack/
“Doing the Most / Carry the Ghost”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qJS6zCFdK18
“Parasail”: https://soundcloud.com/adamraps/a-1-parasail-prod-louis-futon
“Summertime Sadness”:http://youtu.be/4hdqYMkpIj8
“Retinas”: http://youtu.be/V2s5jOsf5mw
“Summertime Sadness” Remix: https://soundcloud.com/adamraps/summertime-sadness-prod-ryan
“The Ritual”: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WI2UfwopCI0
Bio, photos, and additional info: http://www.audibletreats.com/a-1