M.anifest (Ghana) and Krukid(Uganda) with production from Budo(Seattle)

West Africa meets East Africa meets Seattle meets the Midwest on this groundbreaking new project. Emcees Krukid (Rawkus records) and M.anifest (Minneapolis’ Songwriter of the Year) combine with production from Budo (Red Bull Big Tune Champion) to create an entirely unique sound. Drawing on sounds and influences from artists including Fela Kuti, Tony Allen, Mos Def, and more, these artists are blazing a new path with a compelling story.

M.anifest
“M.anifest has the kind of assured, joyful, ruminative voice that made Mos Def into Hollywood’s favorite conscious-rap star.” The City Pages, Minneapolis, MN

M.anifest is a rapidly rising hip-hop artist born in Ghana and currently residing in Minneapolis. Voted Twin Cities songwriter of the year (City Pages) - as well as a couple of top albums of the year mentions - M.anifest’s star quality was made evident with the seductive sound of his widely embraced 2007 debut Manifestations.He has captivated the attention of music fans and critics alike with a powerful mélange of aesthetically relevant music and an enchanting quality of social mindfulness.

The Star tribune describes him as “…smart as Talib Kweli and funky as Kanye West” and a rapper “out to be the best of any nationality.” M.anifest effortlessly molds his transnational experience into powerful songs ; delivered skillfuly and with literate lyrics over African inspired rhythms and melodies. Armed with an added ability to move the crowd in any live setting, M.anifest is poised to make memorable music for a long time. (myspace.com/manifestations)

Krukid:
Edwin “Krukid” Ruyonga, East African emcee residing in Champaign, Illinois, was officially selected to be part of the Rawkus 50. he also won the award for best Hip Hop at the 1071 CU Local Music Awards for the seecond year in a row this year. Born and raised in Uganda, East Africa, Krukid formed the Urban Thugz with a group of equally talented friends and won a countrywide music competition in early 2000. He moved to the United States in 2002. Krukid has learned to weave substance in and out of music you can play at a party and still keep everyone moving. His Critically acclaimed Debut album “Raisin in the Sun” (4 out of 5 afros/questies on Okayplayer.com) and his much anticipated Sophomore release “African” (4 out of 5 afros/questies on Okayplayer.com) was released in conjunction with Rawkus records. Rawkus records is famous for many underground hip hop acts such as Company Flow, Mos Def and Talib Kweli (a duo known as Black Star), Common, Pharaoh Monch, Skillz, and DJs and producers such as Hi Tek, Dr. Luke, Marco Polo and DJ Evil Dee, as well as resurrecting hip hop legend Kool G Rap. Its well known projects are The Lyricist Lounge and Soundbombing. “I’m a hundred percent African Pride/ Like the Ugandan flag on the side, the front and the back of the ride…” -Krukid, My Music My Country (myspace.com/krukid)

Budo:
Budo is a Seattle-based beat maker and record producer, a rare breed who is intent on making his mark through the execution of full records. Currently hard at work on projects including a full-length LP with Grieves (Black Clover), Luckyiam (Living Legends), Macklemore (Integral Music Group), Xperience (Oldominion), as well as A.R.M., 2008 promises to be big year for this young artist. (myspace.com/budo)