Highlight – Pigeon John

Highlight

John “Pigeon John” Kenneth Dunkin began his career – like many other west coast underground rappers – at the Good Life Cafe, influenced by famous artists like The Black Eyed Peas, Jurassic 5, De La Soul, etc. John is noted for his interesting lyrics, semi-satirical verses, and inclusion of religion and social issues into his music. Many of his songs focus on his experiences and problems (or stories he made up about his life), and his community and friends. John’s songs also talk up the work he puts into the music constantly, and make fun of mainstream rap in many songs. He’s particularly known for poking fun at himself – in the “song” (more just talking over music) Scene 1 – I Thought You Was a G a guy is berated for liking his music.

He helped form the collective L.A. Symphony with a few friends, a group that freqeuntly mixed “regular” hip-hop with Christian overtones. John has more recently signed to Quannum Projects, another collective (based in San Fransisco) and fully independent and private owned record label. He has also worked with the collective Project Blowed (official site, John’s bio, Myspace Page).

Interview

John talks about why he became an underground rapper, his influences, and his lyrical style in the interview. It’s interesting to note how he never swears in his music or interviews, as an ideology, not a novelty. He compares his style against mainstream artists like André 3000 and Kanye West. More info can be found here, and at his website.

from www.undergroundhipho posted with vodpod