There is a lot of incompatibility in modern music. Often, listeners are interested in how successfully psychedelia and spirituality, consciousness and lyricism are mixed. The idols of millions can lead a reprehensible lifestyle without ceasing to stir the hearts of fans. It is on this principle that the work of The Underachievers, a young American group that has managed to quickly achieve world fame, is built.
Line-up of The Underachievers
The Underachievers team consists of two guys. These are Issa Dash and Ak. Both are young and black. The guys met through common interests. The guys all their childhood and youth lived in New York, Brooklyn's Flatbush district. They lived only a few blocks from each other, but met only as adults.
This area is home to a multinational population, many immigrants from the Caribbean. There is a spirit of freedom in the atmosphere. This is hooligan behavior, soft drugs, rhythmic music. Both members of The Underachievers come from wealthy families.
Attitude towards drugs
The members of The Underachievers met on the background of the use of light drugs. For the youth of Flatbush, this is not nonsense. Issa Dash admits that his main interest was to smoke weed. One day a friend brought him to the AK. The guys started talking about mushrooms, acid, and then it came to music. The guys found a common language, quickly became inseparable.
The Musical Experience of The Underachievers
AK has been interested in music since childhood. From the age of 10–11, he began to compose rap lyrics himself. In high school, the guy was already trying to record songs using someone else's music. Issa Dash really fell in love with a friend after they met. He used to listen to music, but never thought to do it himself.
AK showed him a good example, convinced them that they can do what they like, and not just listen to others. Issa Dash at first only helped a friend, but soon gained experience and began to rap too.
Team name
AK, having been doing music for a long time, came up with a creative pseudonym for himself. Underachiever translated into Russian means lagging behind. This is how the guy assessed his musical success. He wanted to make better music, but he understood that he was still far from ideal.
When the team appeared, the ending -s was just added to the existing name. It seems to be a negative name, but the guys like it. This name allows you to move forward, despite the errors. Guys strive to make music that they like, and not be known as idols for worship.
Prerequisites for the emergence of the group The Underachievers
In 2007, AK met the guys from Flatbush Zombies. It was this meeting that prompted him to create his own group. He understood that it was difficult to break through alone, without connections. The Zombies have had experience in contact with established musicians. This allowed them to take the stage more confidently. Therefore, the appearance of a colleague delighted AK.
The guys grew up on the rap of the 90s. Among the idols were Hieroglyphics, Pharcyde, Souls of Mischief. The guys call 50 Cent an unsurpassed icon of the direction. From modern bands guys like Fleet Foxes. It is not only the music that impresses here, but also the organization and the atmosphere. At concerts there is always a stir, there is an aura of fun. The guys also celebrate the work of Grizzly Bear, Yeasayer, Band of Horses. Live performances are especially impressive. This is an incredible sound, energy coming from the musicians.
Direction for work
The music of The Underachievers is an explosive mixture. It successfully combines the traditional sound of New York hip-hop with modern psychedelic motives. There is a touch of mysticism and unrestrained fun. The lyrics are saturated with a drug theme. Typical youth problems are raised.
The guys sing about what they live. It is this kind of people that attracts the attention of the masses. Simple and understandable texts with a beautiful presentation are just what teenagers, who are the bulk of the group's fans, need.
Career development
Despite the fact that the guys from The Underachievers have known each other since 2007, they started to seriously rap together only in 2011. Before releasing their debut music video, they did a lot of research and evaluation by looking at popular creations. In 2012, their video "So Devilish" caused a real stir among fans of youth music. The release of the single "Gold Soul Theory" was broadcast on BBC Radio in August 2012.
Producer Flying Lotus called the team to the Beast Coast conglomerate. The group seemed promising to him. He has long been famous for working with experimenters who represent potential success. The Underachievers have signed a contract and successfully cooperate with Brainfeeder.
In 2013, they released 2 mixtapes at once. This was the impetus for the active development of popularity. In 2014, the band released their first studio album, Cellar Door: Terminus ut Exordium, and the following year, the next album, Evermore: The Art of Duality, was released. In 2016, the guys decided to confirm their success with a new mixtape. And, of course, the team is actively touring. So far, the last album of the guys is the work "Renaissance", which was released in 2017.
The Underachievers perform actively both with colleagues and on their own. The group is trying to arouse even greater interest, acting on all fronts: this is thoughtful creativity, high-quality music, and fashionable presentation of material. Critics foretell them a rapid development, which is very pleased with the public.
