From a chance meeting between Richie Royale and Luccini, came about the rise of a heavyweight production duo, known as, Living Proof.
Starting early on in their career, working on material with chart toppers Natural Born Chillers for the Nu Breed label, Living Proof built on their talents as producers and DJs. Together they have played at exclusive nights in and around the South West, holding residencies in some of Bristol’s most renowned nights such as Slinky and Drive By.
After many years, and beats later, Living Proof met an energetic and creative rapper going by the name of Bubbz. His quirky and original sound combined with the soulful yet gritty beats of Living Proof led to a win on Ras Kwame’s Home-grown Cuts competition on BBC Radio 1Xtra, with the track "You know I'm the boss". This was coupled with a second win for the production duo when their single "Part-time Lover" featuring the Bristol based singer, Desola beat all the competition to also claim the top spot.
During this time, a West London lyricist, Stealth MC, had been brought into the frame. Stealth was already causing a stir with various open mic and pirate radio appearances, which got him onto the bill with a Hundered Strong performing along side Def Harmonic at the Ashton Court Music Festival. Stealth MC and Living Proof’s work together lead to a sell-out debut single –
“Back to the Mothership” on the internationally renowned independent label High Noon Records, which received worldwide acclaim:
“Stealth MC hits us with a real quality 12".”
(Fat City)
“A stunning slice of how good the British Hip Hop scene really is.”
(Rough Trade Shops)
“This is top notch UK Hip-hop”
(Groove Distribution)
Meanwhile, a South London MC was emerging from the shadows, Sparks. This original and devastating lyricist was first unleashed at an open mic battle night, at the club formerly called Nocturne, which was owned by Bristol's favourite export, Massive Attack. Many, apart from Sparks himself were surprised to see him walk out victorious, and eager to bring more heat to the table.
Talent of this magnitude could not be suppressed, a legion was formed and
"Brought up in the capital, searching for capital..." In a working class home, moulded with middle class values and surrounded by a strong Ghanaian cultural presence, Bubbz was constantly absorbing and mentally recording his environment. These surroundings helped shape his music to date.
Surrounded by the sounds of house, garage and rappers like Biggie, Busta Rhymes as well as Black Twang, he was sure he had a love for music. So much so he started to learn the saxophone, only to be kicked off the class programme for not learning fast enough. It was at this point he turned his attention to rhyme and poetry, rapping over the sounds of garage and any kind of beat that could be made. Whether it was sounds from a beat boxer, forks & spoons or even pennies banging against the tables and chairs. Following failed football aspirations, and being released from 6th form for breaking the rules, Bubbz found himself on the sunny shores of Ayia Napa. He embarked on his first overseas shows in the club Insomnia sharing the stage with Ms Dynamite and Masterstepz.
He soon relocated to Bristol to study a pharmacology degree. During his days off from university, while most students would be in the bar drinking or chasing skirt, he would team up with the production duo Living Proof. A number of years on and a succession of student loans later, he had not only invested in studio equipment, he had featured on Ras Kwame’s Home-grown Cuts on BBC Radio 1Xtra, as a winner for his track entitled "You know I'm the boss". Not content with this and still wanting more, he made his way across the pond to the USA. Bubbz backpacked across the US visiting Miami, New York, Cincinnati and LA, in search of the hottest spots and sickest rappers, on a mission to quench his thirst for knowledge. It was this trip that solidified his transition from a rapper to an artist.
On return to the UK, the penny had dropped. Bubbz arrived through customs declaring himself a man more serious than ever. He was determined that given the opportunities he had, there was no way he was not going to be someone. Forming an alliance with similar minded artists Living Proof, Stealth MC and Sparks a legion was formed. The Faction was born.
Out now the debut mix CD release - The Art of Piratology, with a forthcoming solo album out soon, as well as the debut video Be Easy featuring Sparks due to be on heavy rotation on both Channel U and MTV Base.
Bubbz aka Chief Bossman is a rapper and producer with a unique delivery awaiting to take the country by storm.
Born to a Nigerian father and a Jamaican mother (a fiery combo from the outset), has lead to a cultural mix that has moulded a smooth but sharp style. Starting his early years in Bristol then moving to West London, Stealth MC began rapping in his early teens. Heavily influenced by his older brother’s love of Hip-Hop, rapping became an obvious path.
He first took to the stage at his high school talent show, with his group Elite Squadron. Unsatisfied by their teacher's response, the newly formed group set about entering battles up and down London, from Choice FM’s Rapology, being judged by the likes of Mystique and Iceberg Slimm, to clashing with other London crews on pirate radio. The group were well known as top contenders.
Leaving London for university in Bristol lead to the start of new partnerships that would eventually lead to the release of his sell-out debut single, Back to the Mothership, produced by Living Proof and released on High Noon records in September 2005. Gaining critical acclaim -
“Stealth MC hits us with a real quality 12".”
(Fat City)
“A stunning slice of how good the British Hip Hop scene really is.”
(Rough Trade Shops)
“This is top notch UK Hip-hop”
(Groove Distribution)
His time in Bristol has lead to him performing at the 2005 Ashton Court Festival with the American based trio Def Harmonic and the live band Hundred Strong. As well as headlining for Laid Blak at the NASS extreme sports festival in Shepton Mallet, he has held nightclub residences at some of Bristol's most prestigious venues, like the Fleece and Firkin and Dojo. Collaborations with some of Bristol's finest, such as K.ners and the production duo Living Proof, has led to airplay on local stations as well as on BBC Radio 1Xtra. Stealth was invited to be a part of the Hip-Hop Weekend, and was interviewed by Reg & Dev following a performance live on the Overstand show. Support has not only been local, from DJ Excalibah, Jenna G, Rodney P and Skitz but worldwide, receiving airplay in Australia, Canada, Japan and across Europe.
The name alone sums up the fiery and somewhat random character of this Hackney born lyricist.
As a cheeky and restless child Sparks saw himself being shuttled between South East London and the West of England. His parents split soon after his birth and he found himself in Bristol, only to return to London at the age of 6. These troubled surroundings have lead to his upfront, in your face demeanour. Sparks has never been one to follow the crowd and constantly does his utmost to stand out as an individual.
By the age of 18 he chose to embark on a new journey that would take him away from his normal pursuit of girls, clothes, money and raving. Returning West, he began studies at university in Bristol and loved the idea of uni-life, but soon found himself pursuing the same things he had left behind and began losing interest in the studious life.
However, his time in Bristol was not wasted; he had found a new love in the form of hip-hop and was itching to get on the mic wherever and whenever he could. Whether it was through hosting club nights or promoting his own events, the realisation of his talents and true interests had begun to form.
Always a lover of music, Sparks began writing lyrics and taking his interest more seriously. Silently perfecting his skills with a pen and a pad and sparring with friends, he soon had the opportunity to get into the studio and put his thoughts to beats. He began to work with Living Proof and confirmed his belief that he had skills.
Sparks began battling other rappers on the Bristol circuit and with his particular flair for thinking fast on his feet, his freestyle game lead to him walking out victorious in his first live battle. Future shows at Bristol hot-spots such as Bar III, Capri and Fiesta-Havana only increased his confidence.
With a totally original flow, an immense hunger for success and ruthless determination, Sparks is set to cause a stir, most probably making more enemies than friends as he sets out on his musical path.
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