Basic Sounds: February 2012

We Are Not The Cool Kids ...
We Are Not Pac Div...
We Are Not U-N-I...
We Are Not The Niceguys...

If there is anything you should know about AoC, it's that they're original and creating a new sound called Bombastic rap. While looking from outside the snowglobe, you'd think they were clones of the above mentioned groups, but hardly! More energetic but less lyrical than the groups, AoC brings a fun to hiphop meshing with retro style and vision that the other groups don't have.

Seemingly leader of the group Tony is bold and calculating, heart throb AF is smooth, but agressive on the mic--comparison to Wesley Snipes character in White Men Can't Jump, and Vic, the shy yet confident rapper set in his tenor ways all make for an interesting mixture. With in house production and a great visuals in their catalog AOC is ready for Houston to take notice.

Here is BasicSounds exclusive interview of AOC

How are you?

Hey man We good, just making music and loving it!! We are excited that the new Ep Vantage Point 86 is doing so well for us. So We cant complain LOL

For starters describe who is AoC ?

AheadOfClass is the voice of the radicals, the love for the lovers and some young motherfuckers who is here to change the way the south,especially Houston, is being viewed musically.

What type of sound do you have and what are the influences?

Well shit, i cant (TonyDel) put a finger on who We sound like. I believe the sound is new to the region, kind of how outkast did in Atlanta in the 90s. Or more recently what Kendrick Lamar is doing for the west coast. We are just doing something new and fun i would call it bombastic rap. Our songs are full of energy and breathes life into the listener (well thats what We hope happens)

Tell us about your create process?

Our producers cp3, Chaz Fuego and 7th Letter normally load our email with beats and us rapper guys normally write and formulate different versions of the beat. We then get together and craft them out LOL. There are some some tracks that is mapped primarily by one person like Woodstock 69 will took the driver seat with that one. Last shot was headed by g2 and lifestyles of born again sinners by tony. It be like i got This verse i got This hook i jus need yall to fill it in LOL

What separates you from the millions of other rappers?

Our live shows are craaaaazzzzzyyyyy!!! LOL Our energy is,what sets us apart at first glimpse. Once you get lnto Our tapes, the way We tackle life issues and Our own vices seperates us from the next rapper. We love This shit. Its not for a check so all Our songs are from the heart Or moment. We have the ability to capture moments and make awesome songs from them.

Hiphop influences other entertainment and vice versa what are your Favorite clothing brands?favorite retro?

Outkast,Bone,Ugk, the late great Dj Screw are the rapper influences. But We kinda be like fuvk rap!! Its all recycled anyway. We listened to alot of pink floyd, mgmt,girl, coheed and cambria and erykah badu while recording vp86 LOL crazy huh? Clothing wise right now Im in alot of diamond supply, small circle clothing, blue dolphin, while performing. You can catch me in 10 deep and imking alot too. Obey jeans and huf t's are the norm. Gotta be confortable LOL. Not a big retro fan although i do own some classic ralph lauren shit. All my ol skool shit is Jordan LOL 3,4,6,11 they can keep that other shit.

Favorite lyrics in music .

Favorite music line is from a coheed song Where Claudio says "This is not your playground. Its my heart" i feel that way bout music alot of so call artist claim they the best but just play with my craft. This shit is my life!!

I notice a distinct effort to be energetic in your music, where does that come from?

We are energetic because Our city is slow as fuck!!!!! We are heavily influences by rock music and they always bring the energy. I hate going to a rap show and the rapper stands still in one place rapping. We be like get yo ass up and move!!!!!! LOL

What do you fear people won't take away listening to your music?

We touch on real life shit. Like on Our track PONR. We speak about Our lazy judicial system Our poor school system how as a generación We going to college just because. Not rally knowing what We want out of life. I think people over look Our positive message.

Are you misunderstood or undervalued?

We might be misunderstood but We are artist so its open to the listeners own interprertation. We are extremely undervalued for what We do. We breed a new life to Our underground scene. While all Our supporters are from different states Wtf is up with that? Shit is crazy.

How is the music scene in your area?

The music scene in Houston is diverse yet dull. We only have one promotor bringing big name artist and they dont give any good underground talent a chance unless they pay. Which is bullshit imo. But its good artist emerging from houston. We are inferir rated for Hip hop.

Future Plans?

The next project will be the Lawson Kelley Ep by TonyDel then Vantage Point 87. You can catch us at sxsw next month doing rapper stuff. As far as major moves We have been talking to a few major labels. So you might see AoC all over pretty soon!!!!

For More Ahead of Class:

http://www.reverbnation.com/aheadofclass