Courtesy of Deep Rooted

The members of Deep Rooted are on the rise to big things. The group has a special essence to its work that is respected by local bands because it represents the evolution of an aspiring hip-hop group.

Nothing is more inspirational than a band that has hit the hip-hop industry with a unique style. The independent San Diego group came together in 2004 and not long after its creation, it won “Best Hip-Hop Album of the Year” at the San Diego Music Awards in 2005 and 2006 and was nominated for “Best Hip-Hop Group of the Year” from 2005 to 2008.

Deep Rooted is comprised of two male emcees, Mr. Brady and Johaz, a DJ by the name of DJ Artistic, one female vocalist, Brea, and two dancers, CeSe and Boosie from the crew Urban Dynamics. But beyond the band’s diverse beginnings, there are other reasons for the group’s success thus far.

It has a reputation for leaving a powerful impression amongst its growing fan base as it continues to work its way up in the music industry.

Its story is simple.

At first, the main members recorded as solo artists. Then, Mr. Brady and Johaz became friends and recorded a few beats together. Not long after, DJ Artistic joined the duo and before you knew it, the group needed a singer to add depth to the songs emerging from the burgeoning collaboration. That’s when CeSe brought Brea, a young woman with jazz experience. She was the girl the group needed.

Mr. Brady explained that she “killed it, (they) used her for another (song), and it worked so well the rest is history.” She was soon formally asked to join the group, and that’s when Deep Rooted was created.

You may ask how hip-hop artists and a girl with jazz experience can create great music, and that’s just it: They aren’t like other mainstream musicians. Apart, they are solo artists, but together they uniquely create music that hip-hop junkies crave.

The group has continued to stay grounded and is still motivated by the epic artists of the early hip-hop culture who created the sound that defines the genre. A Tribe Called Quest, Big Daddy Kane, Rakim, Nas, De La Sol, The Pharcyde, J Dilla and Slum Village are just some of the hip-hop artists who Deep Rooted respects and emulates. Like many hip-hop artists, its music is a tribute to the creators of the culture. More importantly, Deep Rooted pays respect by keeping its music truly distinctive.

Currently, Deep Rooted has released two albums, “A New Beginning” and “The Second Coming.” Its third album, “D.E.E.P. R.O.O.T.E.D.,” will be dropping January of next year. The band is expecting big things for the future. Mr. Brady emphasizes that the artists strive to always remain who they are along the way, making sure to stick to their roots as their music progresses.

Deep Rooted will keep on setting high standards for aspiring San Diego hip-hop groups as it keeps hip-hop alive through diversity of sound and expressive beats.

You can check out Deep Rooted on MySpace so you can make it to some of its live performances. The schedule of tour dates can be found at www.myspace.com/deeprootedent.