MP3: Grayskul – “Zenith”
Seattle Rappers Premiere Title Track Off Of New Album Zenith Today On Complex
08.13.2013
The Song:
Seattle rappers Onry Ozzborn and JFK, together known as Grayskul, are soon releasing their new album Zenith, their first album with Fake Four Inc. The 18-track release features Aesop Rock, Raekwon, Solilla, Reva DeVito, and labelmate Terra Lopez of Sister Crayon. Production on the album is handled by Aesop Rock, Smoke, Void Pedal, Moodie Black, and more, and the entire album was recorded with sound engineer Zebulon Dak. Accompanying the album release is the new single, also named “Zenith.”
Both originally part of the Pacific Northwest rap collective Oldominion, a crew of which they’re still part, Onry and JFK stemmed from the larger group as Grayskul a decade ago. After touring with Eyedea & Abilities in 2004, Grayskul caught the attention of underground label Rhymesayers Entertainment. Their label debut Deadlivers gained praise from outlets such as SPIN, and now their upcoming album is building anticipation with the release of “Zenith.”
The duo release the title track from their upcoming album Zenith today on Complex. Though the version premiered on Complex does not feature Wu Tang Clan member Raekwon, he will appear on the album version of the track. Oldominion’s Smoke M2D6 originally produced the track for JFK’s solo project, but when the rapper showed it to his Grayskul partner after a few listens, it was decided it would be perfect for their new album. Onry says the challenge in making this song was “just knowing already by hearing the beat that it would be the title track of the album…we had to make an epic hit of sorts and push to hit our own Zenith thus far to make it the best song it possibly could be.”
JFK tells us the inspiration behind the song was “my recovery. During the process of writing the entire record I was not drinking and had been sober for 6 months.” He also lists his sobriety as one of the main challenges in making this album, saying he was “focused and sober and had the opportunity to write with such conviction and clarity which I enjoyed…we all know how challenging it is to fight our vices.”
Listen to the song here: https://soundcloud.com/fakefour/zenith-album-version/s-4YM2M
Check out the Complex premiere here: http://www.complex.com/music/2013/08/premiere-grayskul-zenith
Please contact Michelle or Dan if interested in talking with Grayskul.
Grayskul Background:
Members of the West Coast rap collective Oldominion, rappers JFK and Onry Ozzborn are now a two-man hip-hop team known as Grayskul. From their first tour in 2004 with to their upcoming album Zenith, Grayskul have a decade of experience in the indie rap scene under their belts. In 2005 they released their first label-backed album, Deadlivers, on underground hip-hop label Rhymesayers Entertainment. They have since released a number of tour-only albums as well as releases through Rhymesayers, and a collaborative album with producer Maker titled Graymaker. Grayskul have recently signed onto Fake Four Inc., and are releasing their new album Zenith on the label soon. The albums guests include Aesop Rock, Raekwon, Solilla, Moodie Black, and sound engineering by Zebulon Dak (who’s resume includes working with Aceyalone and Techn9ne).
Links:
official site | twitter | facebook | youtube
“Zenith”: https://soundcloud.com/fakefour/zenith-album-version/s-4YM2M
Bio, pictures and streams available here: http://www.audibletreats.com/grayskul/