Level 22 Media and Public Relations

Memphis prodigies Three 6 Mafia, 8Ball & MJG, and Yo Gotti have paved the way for underground Memphis rappers to make a come up in the music scene. Humble beginnings and ultimate fame are proof that dedication and determination are still the means to success in the music world. Underground Memphis rapper King Polo—born Brandon Coston—has shown that he possesses both.

At an early age, King Polo knew that he wanted to do music and even experimented with a variety of instruments—from the piano and the cello, to the trumpet and the drums. Growing up in the streets of Douglass listening to Memphis’ own underground artists, King Polo began rapping at the age of 12.

In 2002, King Polo’s passion for music transpired into Club House Records, a record label that he and friend Rowdy Dowdy created during their 9^th grade year. Rowdy had the idea to sign a group and King Polo wanted the group to consist of four guys, hailing from four different areas, who knew nothing about one another. With help of another friend, Wikid, House of Repz was formed, consisting of Wikid, Speedy, Money, and King Polo—then known as B. Coston.

Club House Records was home to roughly eight local underground artists, with House of Repz being the most prominent. During their reign, House of Repz recorded three albums: Political Issues, The Campaign, and The Election—the album that put them on the local rap scene.  House of Repz performed at Memphis city-wide talent shows hosted by J. Bizzle Entertainment and Shunn Gunn, a Memphis area party promoter. In addition, they did shows at Memphis teen clubs through Goodfellaz Entertainment. House of Repz also got the opportunity to open for Yo Gotti.

After many complications and unresolved issues, House of Repz and Club House Records dismantled in early 2008. After everything that had happened among the group, King Polo wanted to call it quits and retire rapping altogether. However, long-term friend and producer Stash was able to persuade him otherwise. “B had too much talent to let it go to waste,” said Stash. Much like Trey Songz’ “dollar and a dream” in the song Just Gotta Make It, King Polo and Stash began with a Casio piano and a karaoke machine.

Although King Polo has already been on the Memphis underground scene for nearly six years, he has recently announced his position as a solo artist. He is currently working on a mixtape, looking to be released within the next few months.

One Sound is a high energy blues infused band resonating through North Mississippi and the Mid-South. Though relatively new, One Sound is no stranger to the music industry. After getting their start in February, One Sound has performed at various venues.
Citing Blue and R&B artists such as Bobby Bland and Michael Jackson, One Sound’s focus is making an impact on the music scene through performing a wide range of everyone’s favorite soul classics as well as original music written by the band members.
Put together by band members Craig Jones, Damecos Henderson and Michael Shirley, One Sound boast 2 keyboardist Earnest Payne and Damecos Henderson, a percussionist, Michael Shirley, a bass guitarist, Kevin McCray as well as 3 lead vocalists, Craig Jones, Refekia Shirley and Adrian Jones.
One Sound performs a standard serving of soul with a side of reggae infused with jazz. They were the staple band at the 3rd Annual White Affair at the Hollywood Casino in Tunica, MS, and have performed with Bobby Rush and Howlin’ Wolf to date.
As a band, One Sound has one common goal: to explore their own talents and to continue to make good music.

There are artists that just play and then there are artists that speak to your soul. In the world of jazz, Charlie Parker captured emotions through our ears, Coltrane captured our hearts and Kirk Whalum showed us what was missing from music. Marque’ Boyd is bringing us back to great music with his refreshing yet soulful approach to jazz music.

Born and raised in the musical Mecca that is Memphis, TN, Marque’ grew up listening to the sounds of Kirk Franklin and Yolanda Adams and developed his distinctive style through his early exposure to Gospel music. He then learned to manipulate it to make it a soulful expression of his inner self.

Growing up in Memphis, Marque’ was exposed to different genres of music but came to love the saxophone as a child of 5 years old. On a trip to Alabama where he witness Greg Shaw playing the saxophone he was hooked and knew what instrument he wanted to touch lives with. After entering middle school, he joined the concert band and continued playing in various bands with Craigmont High School.

Upon leaving Memphis after high school graduation, Marque’ attended Florida A & M University and became a member of the March 100 during his Freshman year of college. After leaving school, Marque’ returned to his hometown and became a member of the band Soulful Xpressionz and performed at various venues around the city. Upon departing from the group, he has gone on to launch his solo career and is currently working on his debut album.