Online Forty Niner: v8n3: Hip-hop group set to get the Union rockin'

L.A. Symphony, one of the newest groups to emerge from the prolific Los Angeles hip-hop scene, is scheduled to perform at noon today in the University Student Union's West Terrace.

The nine-piece outfit, who recently signed to Squint Entertainment home to Sixpence None the Richer, boasts "a fresh outlook for the hip-hop nation with their positive lyrics and their tremendous stage shows," according to the band's website.

The group has made a name for itself on the West Coast by combining hip-hop, humor and high energy at their recent appearances at Spaceland, Troubadour and The Roxy.

Made up 8 MC's (bTwice, Cookbook, FLYNN, J-Beits, Joey L., Pigeon John, Sharlok Poems and Uno Mas) and 1 DJ (Power 106's very own DJ J-Boogie), the group is still in the process of putting together their debut release for their new label tentatively titled "Call it What You Want."

Several of the songs were produced by Black Eyed Peas' co-founder and lead rapper Will.I.Am. Prince Paul (De La Soul) and Mario C (Beastie Boys) also helped with production. Grammy-nominated mixer Dave Pensado who has worked with Brian McKnight, Christina Aguilera, Jermaine Dupri and Coko is mixing the album.

LAS has one independent release titled "Composition No.1" which was released in January 1999. The 17-track album featured the songs "San Diego" and "Mr. What D. Heck" and drew comparisons to acts such as Native Tongues, the Pharcyde, Black Eyed Peas and Brainwash Projects.

The band is also scheduled to play in Whitter Friday night, more information is available on the band's website at www.microckers.com.

Photo courtesy of Mic Rocker Management

Hip-hop group set to get the Union rockin'