San Francisco based Colorado bred 1865 brings the funk every time. The live feel of his beats and the street rhymes bring you a unique hip hop amalgam; a complete departure from the hard edge of L.A. and New York that is more akin to their cousins from the dirty south. Rappers like the late Mac Dre had been bringing that southern sound and combining it with Oakland’s unique groove since the nineties and although Ao Anderson does not site the late rapper as one of his influences his style and swagger is a proven influence on bay area music. Sophisticated and balanced; with an ever present chuckle and philosophical bent that gives his rhyme reason . 1865’s sense of humor is reminiscent of Stankonia era Outkast and early Kanye, citing the latter as an influence . I am Gangster, I am Monkey is a choice cut and gives you his take on the state of today. Telegraphic Funk and Travels of a Giant have 1865 rhyming over vintage keys and soulful funky beats. He wears his message on his sleeve much like MP3.com sweetheart, the underground socially conscious east coast hip-hop sensation The GIF. With the burgeoning popularity of these artists. It begs the question. How much longer will these voices be relegated to open mics and Myspace when John Legend is out there singing Vietnam era civil rights covers?
Moving to the bay area from Colorado in order to get more visibility has proven to be a smart move for the Colorado native. His latest EP Sodium Girl has 1865 touring the west coast and working it like a first string NCAA college athlete. Ao Anderson is tackling a whole level of social commentary in his music so far ignored by mainstream hip-hop and his beats are candy for your neck . This is rap without crack. Rock solid beats and a message to get down with. Get out and get yourself some now. 1865 will live to laugh another day.
—————————
More Information
—————————
