Move.meant

Although challenging at times due to label drama and everyday struggles, 2006 was a big year for Champ, JustBeats, and DJ Spider, collectively known as Move.meant. They watched Crash (which featured two of their songs) win an Oscar for Best Film. They won an award themselves, taking the Best Urban category at the Diesel-U-Music Awards in London. And Spider blew up on the club scene, touring with Mark Ronson and DJ AM and landing residencies and gigs at some of the most high profile venues and A-List parties. So, in spite of dealing with industry nonsense, the timing couldn?t be better to release their first full-length alum, The Scope Of Things.

The Los Angeles based hip-hop group began to take shape when Spider (DJ) introduced longtime friend, J. Beats (Producer), to Sonoma State classmate, Champ (MC). They clicked instantly and after recording only a handful of songs, it was obvious they had a special chemistry. Since then, they?ve been hard at work, both in the studio and on the stage.

Few hip-hop acts have a sound as strong as Move.meant. When it comes to beats, J. Beats' versatile production is on par with the best in the game, past and present. Champ's distinct voice and delivery, intelligent lyrics, and blue-collar sensibility set him apart from the average MC and provide direction for the crew's music. And how many groups even have a DJ member anymore, let alone one as creative and solid on the decks as Spider? Collectively, their songs possess a universal quality that make them accessible to people from all walks of life, from black to white, young to old, underground to commercial.

Move.meant also boasts an innovative live show. Just (a drummer since the age of six) plays an electronic drum kit linked to a sampler, which allows for improvisation and gives programmed beats a live feel. With no need for a hype man, Champ controls the crowd on the mic, while interacting with the audience and running through line after line without missing a beat. Spider adds the finishing touches on the turntables, tying together a seamlessly organized set.

In December 2002, Move.meant released their first single on vinyl, The Rebirth b/w Heather, followed by their debut CD, the Move.meant EP in early 2003 on their own Wax Paper Records. Both were well received by the hip-hop community and earned regular radio play and rave reviews. Their work has been licensed for various TV, film, and independent projects including CBS's Joan of Arcadia, Fuel TV, and Crash. 2006 saw the release of The Good Money E.P. to widespread critical acclaim. With two EP's under their belt, the group decided it was time to work on their debut full-length.

The group released the single and video for "Higher (Breathe)", which solidified Move.meant's place in the hip-hop world with regular spins on the Wake Up Show and radio across the country. Backed by "Relax", the release proved that they?d perfected their signature sound ? uplifting, sample-laden tracks, classic cuts, and real content. It also set the tone for The Scope Of Things, a balanced, intelligent album built on soulful instrumentals and clever, inspiring words.

On "Say When", JustBeats chops up fat horns and bass to lay the groundwork for an intelligent commentary on the connection between schools, jobs, and drugs. While the subject matter is serious and the lyrics are truly poignant, Champ manages to examine the issues without preaching or whining, making harsh facts more easily digestible.

With "Rock Steady", the crew changes gears, setting deeper concepts aside in favor of witty wordplay over a break beat backbone. Spider takes it back on the doubles with one of hip-hop's original breaks, complimented by a booming 808 and Champ?s clever punch lines.

The title and last track, "The Scope Of Things", emphasizes hope in spite of circumstances over a lush, soulful beat featuring powerful vocals from Paola Jean. By using stories to illustrate his point, Champ touches on topics that resonate with most anybody, conveying the central theme of the album. Punctuated by a trumpet solo, the song ties everything together.

The Move.meant continues?