Beetcafe.com
rockford illinois entertainment guide
Date: 03/31/2007
Problem Addict - Another Case For Rockford's Hip Hop Dominance
by Gary Hill
gary@beetcafe.com
www.musicstreetjournal.com
Is it something in the water? I don't know, but Rockford is sure producing a lot of talented hip hop acts these days. Problem Addict is one of them. Formed in 2006, the duo consists of Ethan 'E-Thin' Speizer on vocals and Brad 'Sangre' Peterson on beats and production. Their new CD is a fine example of their talent.


While they don't shy away from the type of language that is so common in hip hop, they do make a conscious choice to avoid some of the other stereotypes. You won't find a lot of violence or degradation of women in the rhymes they produce. Musically they draw from the entire history of hip hop and push the boundaries forward. Rather than simply duplicate and replicate they create original sounds.


Both men are veteran hip hop artists. E-Thin has been honing his craft for years now. Working in the confines of his own studio, he perfected his rap to an art form. While it might remind you of other rappers, in reality the flow and lyrics are unique and creative. This man is a leader, not a follower. His work has earned him respect and some serious kudos. In fact, he recently won "Vs. With Verses" a quarter annually held MC battle at Mary's Place.


Sangre chose to fine tune his work in the limelight. In 1998, at the age of 16, one of his songs (with Acyd Reign) was included on an independent nationwide compilation called Together Like Voltron. At the turn of the new millenium he formed the group Horns and Halos along with Saint Sazo. Together they release an EP and an album - not to mention numerous live performances (and three RAMI nominations).


The two began working together, more for fun than anything else, in 2003. By 2006, though, they decided it was time to get serious and Problem Addict was born. It should be mentioned that they, too had a RAMI nomination for 2007. Their CD was released in September and has been pleasing fans and critics alike. Don't take my word for it, though, check out their myspace site and see for yourself. Problem Addict is a great hip hop act - and a crucial part of a thriving Rockford hip hop scene.

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