The Lyrical Sharpshooter:
Hardcore Hip-Hop's Rise
Of
A-1 Thee Assas'n
Warning!!! This is NOT your average rapper. A-1 Thee Assas'n is a force of nature, a lyrical tsunami, a verbal hurricane that tore through the underground hardcore hip-hop scene and emerged as the dominant figure in the genre. But it didn't happen overnight. He's been struggling and hustling for the past twenty plus years, so it's past time to see him finally be recognized for his contributions to the Hip-Hop industry. Those who know will agree, this man has earned it!!!
His story is one of raw talent, unwavering conviction, and a God-gifted lyrical ability with words that can cut deeper than any blade.
Unlike some other hardcore rappers who relied on shock value, A-1 possessed a chilling authenticity. His lyrics weren't bragging or glorifying, they were testaments to the harsh realities he'd actually witnessed. His flow is relentless and his voice is a gravelly rasp that demands attention. Plus, his style with the aggressive lyrical content is captivating. He isn't afraid to push boundaries. His wordplay is as sharp as a switchblade, and his metaphors, brutal as the concrete jungle he navigated.
Songs like "On My Own" and the smash single "Stabbed In The Back" offered insight to his dark and depressive past and taught us all that you really CAN'T trust anyone...Even the ones you think you can trust!!! These tracks outline the pain and the aftermath after four of his friends tried to murder him a few years back. An unfortunate, but true story. Though he survived somehow, the lingering psychological effects in the form of PTSD and violent outburst still haunt him to this very day. A permanent condition he must learn to live with.
"Stabbed In The Back" by A-1 Thee Assas'n
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Featured on The HALF ANGEL EP
A-1's rise wasn't meteoric; it was calculated. He released a string of independent mixtapes (Five-Five Bully Vol. 1, Secret Ingredient, Audio Magic Vol. 1 & 2, and Point Blank Range, alongside a few others), each one gaining him a dedicated following. His DIY approach and in-your-face delivery resonated with hardcore fans who craved the raw, unfiltered truth. Battle rap became his proving ground. But quickly, he dismantled opponents with razor-sharp wit and his victories helped spread his name like wildfire through the underground circuit in Portland and all through the west coast.
AND THEN...
The turning point came with the release of his Mix-EP, "Assassination Day ", which came after his 2012 release from prison. It was a critical and underground success!! Critics hailed it as a "landmark release", praising his unflinching honesty and sheer lyrical power. And the fans connected with the album on a visceral level, seeing their own struggles reflected in A-1's words.
The never ending innovation he brings provides a constant energy flow full of nothing but good vibes. His creativity is genius level. And it enables him to always find a way to be different and stand out. Here's a perfect example... This very project, "ASSASSINATION DAY", instead of being content with labeling it as a "mixtape" like millions of others have before him, A-1 found a way to legally monetize his renditions of other musician's music without infringing and then created an entire new sub-category additional to the four we all know - Albums, Singles, EP's, and Mixtapes. But now, thanks to A-1 Thee Assas'n we can also categorize our release as a "Mix-EP". The definition may be self-explanatory for some, but for the ones who need a clear explanation, I asked A-1 to officially define the term and here is his answer...
So What Is A 'Mix-EP'??
A-1's Answer...
Mix-EP: "A 'Mix-EP' is a hybrid musical release that contains elements of a mixtape (like such found within the Hip-Hop communities worldwide), that may consist of unlicensed use of another musician's instrumental but contain all new lyrics and / or subject matter. The project is then infused with the signature style and sound of the new artist and combined with a carefully chosen mixture of some of the new artist's original recordings (but the total number of tracks may or may not be enough to be considered a full length album). This is done to create an end result of a musical project ideally between 4 to 7 songs (but you can really add as many as you wish) that can't be classified under any of the standard musical terminologies. It has mixtape-style songs, so it's not an album. It's definitely not a single or a maxi-single. It has too many tracks to be considered an EP, yet it's not formatted to be heard as an album either, making it a perfect example of a "Mix-EP".
3 FOR THE FREE - The Mix-EP ~~~~~~~~ ~~~~~~~~ ASSASSINATION DAY
From his hardcore rap style to his slow R&B sound, ASSASSINATION DAY showcased A-1's versatility and really raised the bar on how a mixtape or mix-EP should sound. When you hear it, you completely forget that this project is mainly a mixtape. Half is comprised of original songs, but each and every one has the A-1 sound stamp all over it. It honestly sounds like an original album!! I'm just saying, it's THAT good!!! A-1's signature sound made hardcore underground music seem mainstream. And that's exactly what Assassination Day sounded like. To this day, I have yet to hear another project as groundbreaking as this one. Period.
Article Written By: The Prolific Journalist Known Only As - Anonymous Writer X EchO
BONUS MATERIALS...
Sector One
SO WHAT IS A-1 THEE ASSAS'N CURRENTLY WORKING ON?
After a slew of famous features and award show appearances, (not to mention the twenty plus years he's invested in his career), the underground Hip-Hop community has now crowned A-1 Thee Assas'n as "The King Of Hardcore Hip-Hop". A-1's dominance in the genre isn't just based on his lyrical abilities. He became a symbol of resilience and a voice for the voiceless. He challenged the status quo, sparking conversations about social and religious issues that were often ignored. Without effort, he built a loyal fanbase, not just of listeners, but of fellow artists who look at him as a kindred spirit.
Throughout the years of his professional career, A-1 has managed to secure close friendships with key industry insiders and shot callers who seem to come at A-1's every beckon call. I'm talkin' people with power. Political socialites and secret society members. These men all seem to be hovering around A-1 like a living and breathing bulletproof vest. Especially the Freemason's. They follow him with protection detail 24 hours a day. I mean, the shit is crazy!!! Never before have I seen anything like it. This man, this rapper, is more valued and protected than the fuckin President. And I'm sorry, but that's not normal. Not for an underground rapper. So what's really goin on? Because they gotta be hiding SOMETHING!! They know something about him that we don't, and they're going the extra mile to cater to and protect him like he's their saviour. So who is he really? Or maybe the question should be, What is he?
All we know for sure is that his music is absolutely flawless, laced with hardcore bars and catchy choruses that can have you addicted very quickly. What many don't know is that during his twenty pus years as a professional musician he's wrote for other singers and rap artist and has many past and upcoming releases with multi-platinum superstars like Juicy J, Cam'ron, Rick Ross, Snoop, Jadakiss, Kokane, Juvenile, Xzibit, Gucci Mane, Sean Kingston, DMX, Big Pun, Yukmouth, and many MANY more!!!
Watch "BLOW MY MIND" featuring Kokane
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Featured on A-1's latest release, "The A-1 Experience"
ALSO...
CHECK OUT THE BEHIND THE SCENES FOOTAGE OF THE VIDEO SHOOT AT THE LINK BELOW
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
A-1's current musical endeavors include MULTIPLE Albums, Mix-EP's and Mixtapes simultaneously in the works along with brand new business ventures into the world of internet radio and journalism and written entertainment with his company's planned acquisition in forming A1BHM Radio and Black Heart Music Magazine. Just a few months ago he managed to track down and hire an anonymous journalism syndicate (hint, hint) that has remained in the shadows for over 25 years or better. Again, how does this man decipher hieroglyphics that aren't even there? How does one acquire and secure something that was never meant to be found?
Watch "TRY TO FIGURE OUT" by A-1 Thee Assas'n
https://www.youtube.com/watch?
Featured on the second chapter of the "Because You Need To Catch Up..." series
DOWNLOAD THE ENTIRE CHAPTER TWO PROJECT ABSOLUTELY FREE!! - Click Here
The journey of A-1 Thee Assas'n is still unfolding. He continues to push boundaries and bring forth innovative solutions to this industry enabling us to explore new techniques to monetize our talents and increase our revenue. His music continues to evolve while still remaining authentic to his core audience and retaining his hardcore hip-hop element. He's the living personification of the power of words. In the unforgiving world of hardcore hip-hop, he's carved a throne for himself. His reign, his authenticity, and powerful lyrical ability show no signs of abating anytime soon. So.... what more can I say.... LONG LIVED THE KING!!!
BONUS MATERIALS...
Sector Two
Beyond the Mic:
A-1 Thee Assas'n isn't just a lyrical powerhouse; he's a shrewd entrepreneur who has built a mini-empire around his music and brand. While his music dominates the hardcore hip-hop scene, his business ventures showcase a remarkable drive and diversification.
The cornerstone of his business empire is Black Heart Music Entertainment, a record label he founded to release his own recordings and potentially nurture upcoming talents. This allows him complete creative control and a direct line to his fanbase.
Branching outward, A-1 also owns several online stores catering to different niches. The A-1 Store serves as a central hub for his growing line of merchandise, while Sole Mates and The Hat Rack tap into the lucrative streetwear market. This not only extends his brand but it creates new revenue streams. Nice ones!!!
Recognizing the importance of production value, A-1 established Workaholic Audio Engineering, a company that I presume handles his music production needs, but could potentially be used for other artists. This alone opens doors for collaboration. Another audio company he owns is called A1DidThaT, a music production business which hints at his involvement in crafting beats either for himself or others.
But A-1's creative talents extend beyond music. His ventures in graphic designing and apparel branding through companies like BHM Apparel, ZSX Unlimited, and Black Heart Music Entertainment's Film And Graphic Arts Division leave no question whether he might be involved in designing his own merchandise. (A-1 recently announced that he is even taking on freelance work to assist other up and coming musicians by supplying them with the tools and support needed in order for them to make an impact in the industry and a profit in their pockets.
The sheer number of clothing lines under his BHM umbrella is impressive. BHM Apparel, ZSX Unlimited, Anti-Religion Apparel, A-1 Thee Assas'n Apparel, WAR Inc. , EMFK Clothing, Angelic Reject, Lady Henchmen, and SIN SHADOW, just to name a few. Not only does this speak volumes of his organizational skills, but also to showcase his diverse design sensibilities and ability to cater to a wide range of tastes within the hip-hop audience, from male to female, young to old. His mother is also in the fashion industry. Known as Moms The Muscle, she's a guru in personal garment customization. As a single mother of two, she still managed to build her business, which carries her name, Moms The Muscle Custom Accessories, from a small room in the corner of her house that offered garment repairs, to a full on clothing and apparel brand that not only offers custom embroidery and hand-made high-quality clothing, but an array of sewing services and fully customizable handbags, duffel bags, purses, backpacks, hats, face mask, and pretty much whatever else you can imagine.
To manage this growing portfolio, A-1 established The BHM Conglomerate LLC, a holding company that centralizes and streamlines operations. This allows him to maintain control while ensuring efficient management for all of BHM's endeavours. The Conglomerate proudly offers small business owners and musicians of any genre a wide wealth of crucial information, secrets, and corporate knowledge that will surely get them ahead of the game and introduce new revenue streams to their operation.
But A-1 Thee Assas'n's entrepreneurial spirit just doesn't stop. Reports suggest he even offers services like marketing and website design, further expanding his empire and solidifying his position as a multifaceted brand.
A-1's success as a businessman is the testament attributed to his drive and vision. He leverages his musical fame to build a loyal customer base for his various ventures. By remaining independent and building a conglomerate, he controls his brand narrative and can therefore avoid potential limitations imposed by outside corporations.
The story of the rise of A-1 Thee Assas'n is one that is expressed with both laughter and tears, smiles and frowns, friends and enemies. He's an artist who isn't afraid to hustle. He's the definition of the term "workaholic". Believe me. And no, he's not just another voice among the many in hardcore hip-hop. A-1 is waaaay different. There's something about him. He's just... special. I don't know really how to explain it. Musically he's a genius. When you meet him in person, he's a gentleman. But if you ever cross him, that facade fades and you'll see why some people think that "A-1 is the Devil". But no matter what your opinion is, the truth is, he's a savvy entrepreneur who has carved a unique space in this industry.
#Salute To The Black Heart Boss
Recording Artist / Entrepreneur / C.E.O.
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