stringtranslate.com

EarthGang

EarthGang (stylized EARTHGANG) is an American hip hop duo from Atlanta, Georgia, composed of Olu (aka Johnny Venus) and WowGr8 (aka Doctur Dot – born Eian Parker).[1][2] They are co-founders of the musical collective Spillage Village, with JID, Hollywood JB, JordxnBryant, 6lack, Mereba, and Benji.[3][4]

Formed in 2008, EarthGang released their first EP, The Better Party, in 2010. This was followed by several singles and two mixtapes, Mad Men and Good News in 2011. In 2013, the duo released their debut album Shallow Graves For Toys and was largely well-received, with Noisey calling it "one of the most well thought-out releases of the year" and praising the album's "playful delivery and biting lyricism."[5] Their second album, Strays with Rabies, was released to positive reviews in 2015. After signing to J. Cole's Dreamville Records, EarthGang released a trilogy of EPs: Rags, Robots (2017), and Royalty (2018), leading up to their major label debut album, Mirrorland (2019).[6]

History

2008–2009: Formation

The rap duo EarthGang was first formed in 2008 by Johnny Venus and Doctur Dot, then both high school students in Atlanta, Georgia.[7] According to Johnny Venus, they had first met on a field trip in 9th grade at Benjamin Elijah Mays High School, with Venus later approaching Doctur Dot to ask about forming a music group.[8] Avid fans of rap and hip hop, both members had grown up listening to artists as diverse as the Ohio Players, Dizzy Gillespie, Madonna, and Richard Pryor.[7] About their name EarthGang, Venus explained in 2011 that "The name came to me abruptly one day. It represents what we're made of and why we do what we do. It's for the people by the people. Our music is influenced by the conscious and subconscious, and we create it to influence the like."[8]

2010–2013: Early releases

On January 26, 2010, the group released its first EP, the mixtape titled The Better Party. Their first full-length recording project, they recorded in a multitude of studio spaces, which, according to Venus, included "dorm rooms at Hampton University, closets in Atlanta, a house studio owned by 'Mr. Fish' (a fellow underground Atlanta musician), and finally in Hampton University's Music Recording Technology Jazz studio." The EP was mixed and mastered by EarthGang, with help from Jack Swain.[8] Also in 2010, they began touring in the United States, performing at festivals such as the A3C Festival in Atlanta.[8] They released periodic singles as well, and in November 2010 they debuted the song "Miss the Show."[8] In early 2011 they taped and released a music video for "Kick'n It", a track first included on The Better Party.[8] Soon afterwards they released the single "Opium",[8] which they would later film a music video for. The group self-released two albums in 2011: Mad Men in April, and Good News in December.

They released their track "The F Bomb" on June 4, 2012. The song would later be included on a 2014 album and was made into a music video. "Machete", a single produced by 808 Mafia, was self-released by EarthGang on February 10, 2013, shortly before the release of their music video for their 2012 single "Fire Kicking Tree Limbs". In March 2013 the group released "UFOs",[9] a slow single over nine minutes long.[9] According to a review in Pigeons and Planes, "Sexual, contemplative, sprawling, and slow, EarthGang's 'UFOs' veers far left from the duo's last music expedition 'Machete' and hews a bit closer to the earthy soul that typified so much mid-'90s Dungeon Family output."[9] They again performed at the A3C Festival in early 2013,[7] also opening for Black Fest at Stanford University.[7]

2013–2016: Shallow Graves for Toys and Strays With Rabies

On July 8, 2013, EarthGang released their album Shallow Graves for Toys on the imprint Spillage Village. The album includes several singles released earlier, such as "The F Bomb", "UFOs", and "Machete".[10] "The F Bomb" was produced by Hollywood JB of Spillage Village. The album was re-released on iTunes in the summer of 2014.[5] In response to Shallow Graves For Toys, in 2014, Noisey called EarthGang "an engaging, clever rap duo", praising the album's "playful delivery and biting lyricism" and calling it "one of the most well thought-out releases of the year."[5] Since the album, EarthGang has released several official music videos from the album.[10] In the summer of 2014, the video for "The F Bomb" was released.[5] On September 20, 2014, EarthGang began supporting a 40 date tour with their collaborator Ab-Soul, a member of Top Dawg Entertainment.

On February 26, 2015, EarthGang released a 7 track EP called Torba with track titles for each day of the week. The EP included features from Mac Miller, OG Maco, and JordxnBryant, with production from Childish Major, Shine, Zeroh, Hollywood JB, and more.[11] On July 6, Spillage Village released their second collaboration project Bears Like This Too.[12] On November 6, 2015, EarthGang released their second album, entitled Strays with Rabies. The album includes features and cuts from JID, DJ Khalil, DrewsThatDuDe, Ducko McFli, J.U.S.T.I.C.E. League, Richie Quake, SykSense. They were also one of the featuring artists on Mac Miller's GO:OD AM tour.[13] EarthGang has stated they as well contributed to the production of the album. On June 3, 2016, the duo would join Dreamville Records' Bas on his nationwide Too High to Riot Tour. The tour would later be reprised in Europe on November 13.[14] On December 2, 2016, Spillage Village released Bears Like This Too Much with features from J. Cole and Bas, and production from Mac Miller, Ducko Mcfli, Childish Major and J. Cole among others.[15]

2017–2019: Rags, Robots, Royalty, and Mirrorland

On August 31, 2017, rapper J. Cole's imprint Dreamville Records announced the signing of the duo and they released their Dreamville debut project the following day, the first extended play from their trilogy titled Rags. The project features guest appearances from DC Young Fly, Childish Major, Mick Jenkins, and fellow Spilage Village member and Dreamville artist JID.[16][17] Their second EP in the trilogy Robots was released on October 20, with SiR as a guest feature.[18] The third was released on February 23, 2018, named Royalty, with features coming from Ari Lennox and Mereba.[19] In 2017 and 2018, EarthGang co-headlined in the North American and European Never Had Shit Tour with JID, and guests Lute, Chaz French, and Mereba.[20] A year after serving as the opening act on the European leg of J. Cole's 4 Your Eyez Only World Tour, EarthGang were also the supporting act on 36 shows of the North American KOD Tour in 2018.[21]

On September 4, 2018, EarthGang premiered the song "Up" on the Berlin platform Colors Studio. On September 21, they released a single titled "Stuck" featuring Arin Ray.[22] In January 2019, the duo announced that they will be a supporting act for Smino on the Hoopti Tour.[23][24] On February 5, 2019, they released the second single "Proud of U" featuring Young Thug.[25] On July 5, 2019, Dreamville Records released their 3rd collaborative album, Revenge of the Dreamers III. Earthgang contributed to five songs including "Down Bad", "Swivel", and "Sacrifices" on the album. On August 30, they officially released the single "Up", and "Ready to Die" on September 2.[26][27] Mirrorland was released on September 6, 2019, and includes features from Young Thug, T-Pain, Kehlani, and Arin Ray. The production of the album was handled by a variety of producers including Olu, J. Cole, Elite, Ron Gilmore, Christo, Bink, DJ Dahi, Childish Major and Groove, among others.[28]

2020–present: Spilligion and Ghetto Gods

On September 25, 2020, Spillage Village released their fourth collective album Spilligion, with EarthGang part of the singles "End of Daze", "Baptize", and "Hapi".[29][30] The duo also released the single "Powered Up" and appeared on songs with TOKiMONSTA, Louis The Child, Sinéad Harnett, and Gorillaz in 2020.[31] On December 18, EarthGang released the first single from their next album, "Options" featuring Wale.[32] On February 16, 2021, EarthGang revealed the album title, Ghetto Gods.[33]

On December 8, 2021, EarthGang released the first official single for the album titled "American Horror Story".[34] On January 14, 2022, the second single titled "All Eyes On Me" was released, accompanied by a music video.[35] The third single, "Amen" featuring Musiq Soulchild was released on February 22, and was premiered on the Apple Music 1 radio show.[36] On the same day, they also announced the Biodeghettable Tour, with Mike Dimes and Pigeons & Planes supporting.[37] On February 25, 2022, Ghetto Gods was released, including guest appearances from Future, JID, J. Cole, Musiq Soulchild, Baby Tate, Lynae Vanee, CeeLo Green, Nick Cannon, and Ari Lennox.[38] On March 31, they appeared on the Dreamville compilation D-Day: A Gangsta Grillz Mixtape, on the songs "Ghetto Gods Freestyle", "Jozi Flows" and "Everybody Ain't Shit".[39]

EarthGang performed at the 22nd Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in April 2023.[40]

Musical style

Incorporating Southern hip hop and genres such as funk and soul music, EarthGang has drawn comparisons to groups such as Outkast, Dungeon Family and The Pharcyde, among other artists.[10] Stated the duo in early 2011, "When we create, our goal is to set the listener in a mood for each track... the style is all a part of the execution. You'll hear who we are, where we're from, and what sounds we like through our music. We pay attention to details."[8]

Members

Discography

Albums

Extended plays

Mixtapes

Compilation albums

Collaborative albums

Singles

As lead artist

Other charted songs

Guest appearances

Tours

Headlining

Supporting

Awards and nominations

References

  1. ^ a b c Wicker, Jewel (July 11, 2019). "EarthGang Are Carrying on the Legacy of Freaky Southern Rap". Pitchfork.com.
  2. ^ "EarthGang: Out of This World » Brooklyn Bodega". Archived from the original on August 17, 2016. Retrieved July 29, 2016.
  3. ^ Scott, Carter. "Welcome to Spillage Village: Members, Origins, & Music". Centralsauce.com. Archived from the original on May 11, 2022. Retrieved December 16, 2018.
  4. ^ Minsker, Evan (June 11, 2020). "Spillage Village—Supergroup With J.I.D, EarthGang, 6lack, Mereba—Share New Song". Pitchfork. Retrieved February 23, 2021.
  5. ^ a b c d Kramer, Kyle (August 5, 2014). "EarthGang's "The F Bomb" Video Is About to F Your Whole Day Up". Noisey. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  6. ^ Ivey, Justin (September 26, 2017). "EarthGang Explain How They Got Signed By J. Cole, "Rags" EP & Upcoming Projects". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  7. ^ a b c d Diep, Eric (February 3, 2014). "The Break Presents: EarthGang". XXL Magazine. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  8. ^ a b c d e f g h Johnson, Myles E. (January 31, 2011). "Atlanta natives EarthGang sound nothing like stereotypical Atlanta (c)rap". Creative Loafing (Atlanta). Archived from the original on October 3, 2014. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  9. ^ a b c Tanners, Jon (March 11, 2013). "EarthGang – "UFOS"". Pigeons and Planes. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  10. ^ a b c "Meet EarthGang, An Atlanta Duo Who We've Been Sleeping On For Far Too Long". 2DopeBoyz.com. January 20, 2014. Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  11. ^ Lilah, Rose. "Torba". Hotnewhiphop.com.
  12. ^ Kramer, Kyle (July 6, 2015). "This New Spillage Village EP Is About to Trigger a Worldwide Weed Shortage". Noisey.vice.com. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  13. ^ Godrey, Gavin (September 19, 2014). "5 Play: EarthGang hits the road, Key! gives 'em 'Hell'". Creative Loafing (Atlanta). Retrieved September 27, 2014.
  14. ^ "too high to riot europe 2016 tour dates". fiends.
  15. ^ Starling, Lankin. "Atlanta-Based Collective Spillage Village Releases Bears Like This Too Much EP". The FADER. Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  16. ^ Findlay, Mitch (August 31, 2017). "J. Cole Signs EarthGang To Dreamville Records". HotNewHipHop.com. Retrieved August 31, 2017.
  17. ^ Goddard, Kevin (September 1, 2017). "Stream Earthgang's "Rags" EP". HotNewHipHop.com. Retrieved September 1, 2017.
  18. ^ Ivey, Justin (September 26, 2017). "EarthGang Explain How They Got Signed By J. Cole, "Rags" EP & Upcoming Projects". HipHopDX. Retrieved September 26, 2017.
  19. ^ Ivey, Justin (February 22, 2018). "EarthGang Completes Trilogy With "Royalty" EP". HipHopDX. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  20. ^ "J.I.D AND EARTHGANG SHARE NEVER HAD SH!T EURO TOUR DATES". XXL. March 21, 2018. Retrieved May 10, 2018.
  21. ^ Cowen, Trace William (June 17, 2018). "J. Cole Announces KOD Tour With Special Guest Young Thug". Complex.
  22. ^ Ichiki, Chase (September 21, 2018). "Dreamville duo EarthGang team with Arin Ray for "Stuck"". Revolt.tv.
  23. ^ Strauss, Matthew (January 15, 2019). "Smino Announces Tour". Pitchfork.com. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  24. ^ Findlay, Mitch. "EarthGang To Join Smino On Upcoming "Hoopti" Tour". HotNewHipHop.com. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
  25. ^ "Young Thug Joins Atlanta Duo EarthGang for "Proud of U"". Complex.com. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  26. ^ "Dreamville's EarthGang Shares Gritty New Single "Up"". Hypebeast.com. August 30, 2019. Retrieved September 2, 2019.
  27. ^ "EarthGang Shares "Ready To Die" Visual & 'MirrorLand' Release Date". Hypebeast.com. September 4, 2019.
  28. ^ "EarthGang Drops Major Label Debut Album "Mirrorland"". HipHopDX.com. September 5, 2019. Retrieved September 6, 2019.
  29. ^ "Spillage Village Dropping New Single "End Of Days" This Week". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  30. ^ Marie, Erika (September 9, 2020). "Dreamville Announces Spillage Village Album "Spilligion" Drops This Month". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on September 15, 2020. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  31. ^ Hussey, Allison (August 14, 2020). "EarthGang Share New Song "Powered Up": Listen". Pitchfork.
  32. ^ "EarthGang Enlists Wale for New Song "Options"". Complex.
  33. ^ "EarthGang Reveal New Album Title On The Breakfast Club". HotNewHipHop. Retrieved February 16, 2021.
  34. ^ Rose, Jordan. "EarthGang Release "American Horror Story" From Upcoming 'Ghetto Gods' Album". Complex.
  35. ^ "EarthGang's "All Eyes On Me" is a celebration of survival". The Fader.
  36. ^ "EarthGang share 'Amen' featuring Musiq Soulchild alongside North American tour dates". NME. February 24, 2022.
  37. ^ "EarthGang Announce Tour, Share New Song "Amen": Listen". Pitchfork. February 23, 2022.
  38. ^ "EARTHGANG Reveals "Ghetto Gods" Tracklist: J. Cole, Future, 2 Chainz, J.I.D., & More". HotNewHipHop.
  39. ^ "J. Cole and Dreamville drop new mixtape with DJ Drama". The Fader.
  40. ^ "Coachella 2023 Weekend Two Day Two Review - Calvin Harris Closes Out Main Stage, Zendaya Joins Labrinth, Blackpink Has Electrifying Set, and Much More! -". mxdwn Music. April 23, 2023. Retrieved April 26, 2023.
  41. ^ "Writer profile – olu O. Fann – Musixmatch".
  42. ^ "Writer profile – Eian Undrai Parker – Musixmatch".
  43. ^ "EarthGang Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  44. ^ "EarthGang Chart History: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  45. ^ "EarthGang Chart History: Top Rap Albums". Billboard. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  46. ^ "EarthGang Chart History: Billboard Canadian Albums". Billboard. Retrieved September 17, 2019.
  47. ^ a b "EarthGang and Snakehips To Collide on Collab EP: 'SNAKEGANG'". Hype Beast. June 21, 2024. Retrieved June 22, 2024.
  48. ^ "Various Artists – Chart History: Billboard 200". Billboard. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  49. ^ "Various Artists – Chart History: Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums". Billboard. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  50. ^ "Various Artists – Chart History: Top Rap Albums". Billboard. Retrieved April 12, 2022.
  51. ^ "DREAMVILLE – REVENGE OF THE DREAMERS III". RIAA. Retrieved November 9, 2019.
  52. ^ "EarthGang – Chart History: Billboard Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  53. ^ "EarthGang – Chart History: Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs". Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  54. ^ "EarthGang – Chart History: Hot Rap Songs". Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  55. ^ "EarthGang – Chart History (Adult R&B Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  56. ^ "EarthGang – Chart History: Canadian Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2020.
  57. ^ Skelton, Eric (August 31, 2017). "After Signing With Dreamville, EarthGang Share New EP 'Rags'". Pigeons and Planes. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  58. ^ Lammare, Carl (October 6, 2017). "EarthGang Dive Deep Into Their Emotions on 'Robots': Premiere". Billboard. Retrieved March 5, 2018.
  59. ^ Robertson, Darryl (February 20, 2018). "EarthGang And Ari Lennox's Only Concern Is Putting Out "Nothin' But The Best"". Vibe.com. Retrieved March 4, 2018.
  60. ^ "EarthGang share new track "Stuck": Stream". Consequence of Sounds. September 21, 2018.
  61. ^ "EarthGang & Young Thug Visit "Mirrorland" On "Proud Of U"". HotNewHipHop.com. Retrieved February 5, 2019.
  62. ^ Marie, Erika (June 12, 2019). "Dreamville Delivers "Down Bad" Single Ft. J.I.D, Bas, J. Cole, EarthGang, & Young Nudy". HotNewHipHop.com. Retrieved June 13, 2019.
  63. ^ "Down Bad". RIAA. Retrieved December 18, 2019.
  64. ^ "EarthGang Reach Ascension On Long-Awaited "Up"". HotNewHipHop.com. Retrieved September 3, 2019.
  65. ^ "Tiana Major9 And EarthGang "Collide" In New Collab From 'Queen & Slim' Soundtrack". Complex.com.
  66. ^ "DreamvIlle Drops Off 2-Pack of Ari Lennox's "BUSSIT" and EarthGang's f/ Reason "Still Up"". Complex.com. Retrieved January 14, 2020.
  67. ^ "End of Daze – Single". Apple Music. Retrieved June 11, 2020.
  68. ^ "Powered Up – Single by EARTHGANG on Apple Music". Retrieved August 15, 2020 – via Apple Music.
  69. ^ Marie, Erika (September 9, 2020). "Dreamville Announces Spillage Village Album "Spilligion" Drops This Month". HotNewHipHop. Archived from the original on September 15, 2020. Retrieved September 10, 2020.
  70. ^ Cho, Regina (September 22, 2020). "Spillage Village shares reflective new single "Hapi" featuring Big Rube". Revolt. Retrieved September 23, 2020.[permanent dead link]
  71. ^ "EarthGang Enlists Wale for New Song "Options"". Complex.
  72. ^ "Run It Up - Single by Snakehips & EarthGang on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved July 26, 2021.
  73. ^ "Anarchy (feat. EARTHGANG) – Single by Jarren Benton". Apple Music. March 9, 2016. Retrieved January 6, 2020.
  74. ^ a b "Bears Like This Too Much". iTunes.apple.com. December 2, 2016.
  75. ^ "J.I.D Reveals 'The Never Story' Tracklist, Drops "D/Vision" With EarthGang". March 6, 2017. Retrieved April 26, 2017.
  76. ^ "EarthGang Join Samm Henshaw For Soulful Anthem "Church"". HotNewHipHop.com.
  77. ^ "Emeryld & EarthGang Get Reflective On "Hope You're Happy"". HotNewHipHop.com.
  78. ^ "TOKiMONSTA – "Fried For The Night" (Feat. EARTHGANG)". Stereogum.com. January 14, 2020.
  79. ^ "Louis The Child Reveal Tracklist, Release Date For Debut Album, "Here For Now"". Black Music Scholar. Archived from the original on July 3, 2020. Retrieved July 1, 2020.
  80. ^ "Sinéad Harnett Teams Up w/ EARTHGANG". Respect Mag. Archived from the original on October 22, 2020. Retrieved October 23, 2020.
  81. ^ "EARTHGANG Joins Tommy Newport for New Single "Stargazer"". Hypebeast. April 14, 2021.
  82. ^ "Dermot Kennedy Shares New Version Of 'Better Days' Ft. Earthgang". uDiscoverMusic. January 28, 2022.
  83. ^ "EarthGang – Chart History (Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Songs)". Billboard. Retrieved January 8, 2021.
  84. ^ "NZ Hot Singles Chart". Recorded Music NZ. March 7, 2022. Retrieved March 5, 2022.
  85. ^ "J.I.D – Route Of All Evil LP". Retrieved October 6, 2017.
  86. ^ "Marian Mereba 'Room For Living Remixes'". Okay Africa.
  87. ^ "J.I.D "OCTOBER/ 3 STORMS" FT. EARTHGANG". Elevatormag.com.
  88. ^ "Premiere: Stream Money Makin Nique and J.I.D's "Lucky Buddha" EP". Complex.com.
  89. ^ Kramer, Kyle (January 26, 2015). "J.I.D. Wants You to Think Differently About Atlanta Rap and His 'DiCaprio' EP Might Help". Noisey,vice.com. Retrieved April 25, 2017.
  90. ^ Lute (September 25, 2017). "Premonition ft @EarthGang and @iamCam (produced by @iamCam ) now available #West1996Pt2". Twitter.com. Retrieved September 29, 2017.
  91. ^ "Sy Ari Da Kid's "Better Safe Than Sy Ari" Features J.I.D & CyHi Tha Prynce". HotNewHipHop.com.
  92. ^ "Listen to Rico Nasty and Kenny Beats' New Album Anger Management". Pitchfork.com. April 24, 2019.
  93. ^ a b c "Listen to J. Cole's Dreamville's New Album Ft. Kendrick Lamar, Vince Staples, and More". Pitchfork.com. July 5, 2019. Retrieved July 7, 2019.
  94. ^ "Bas Shares New EP 'Spilled Milk Vol. 1' f/ J.I.D, EarthGang, and Ari Lennox". Complex.com.
  95. ^ "Dirt Road Diamond by Childish Major". Genius.com.
  96. ^ "Mick Jenkins Shares "The Circus" EP With Guest Feature From EARTHGANG". HotNewHipHop.com.
  97. ^ a b "Dreamville Share "Revenge Of The Dreamers III Deluxe" Tracklist & Cover Art". HotNewHipHop.com. Retrieved January 16, 2020.
  98. ^ "DUCKWRTH AND EARTHGANG TAKE US TO THE SKIES ON "SUPER BOUNCE" [VIDEO]". The Word is Bond. August 24, 2020.
  99. ^ "Gorillaz Venture to the Moon With Robert Smith in New 'Strange Timez' Video". Rolling Stone. September 9, 2020.
  100. ^ "EarthGang Reinterpret Brittany Howard's "Goat Head" In New Remix". Hotnewhiphop.
  101. ^ "Tobe Nwigwe - Wildlings feat. Olu of EARTHGANG & Duckwrth [Video]". dstngr. November 24, 2020.
  102. ^ "Yara Shahidi Debuts Facebook Watch 'Forward: Future of Black Music' Series With Rapper Neelam". Global Grind. February 16, 2021.
  103. ^ "ARIA Awards 2023: the Nominees & Winners as They're Announced". NME Australia. November 15, 2023. Archived from the original on November 16, 2023. Retrieved November 17, 2023.
  104. ^ "Here Are All the Winners From the 2020 BET Hip Hop Awards". Billboard. Retrieved October 31, 2020.
  105. ^ Davis, Clayton (December 11, 2019). "Black Reel Awards Nominations: 'Queen & Slim' Lead The Field, Kelvin Harrison Nabs Double Nomination". Awards Circuit. Archived from the original on February 15, 2020. Retrieved February 15, 2020.
  106. ^ a b "Artist – EarthGang". Grammy.com. Retrieved November 24, 2019.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to EarthGang.