JERU THE DAMAJA
Hip Hop has been a part of his life for as long as he can remember. First introduced to him at age seven in the local parks of Brooklyn, New York he wrote his first lyrics at age ten.
Jeru the Damaja (born Jeru Davis) aka D. Original Dirty Rotten Scoundrel was born and raised in the East New York section of Brooklyn where the everyday occurrences around him from an early age later became the source from which his rhymes flow. Jeru created and took on the persona of “the Damaja” (because he damages the mic) that is part conscious truth teller and part true to the streets Brooklyn hard rock. Jeru the Damaja hooked up with DJ Premiere and Guru, collectively known as Gangstarr, shortly after they moved to New York on the late 1980’s.
Jeru introduced his unique “hardcore conscious” style to hip-hop audiences on “I’m the Man” a track on Gangstarr’s 1992 Daily Operations album. In 1993 he cemented his place in the hip-hop world by releasing the now classic single “Come Clean” from his legendary album, The Sun Rises in the East. The Wrath of the Math was released two years later which included the hit singles “Ya Playin’ Yaself” and “Me or the Papes” and Jeru the Damaja was proclaimed the savior of hip-hop due to his honest and straight forward critique of the state of hip-hop music. In 2000 Jeru released Heroz 4 Hire completely autonomously, from the production of the album to its release on his independent label KnowSavage Records Jeru’s second independent album Divine Design on his new label Ashenafi Records featuring production by new producers Ed Dantez and Sabor and the new classics singles “WAR” and “Don’t Get it Twisted” featuring Lil’Dap from the Group Home.
Jeru’s third independent release Still Risin’ hit stores mid-2007. Taking his music to a new level by creating a style that is fusion of years of life experience translated to lyrical content set to rugged, real production. Still Risin was arefreshing appeal to intellect from a real life, everyone can relate to point of view.
Jeru has one of the most consistent tour schedules in hip hop and has performed extensively throughout the United States, Europe, South America, Asia and Africa. In between tours Jeru has done joint projects with Grammy nominated UK group Groove Armada, DJ Cut Killa, French actor Doudou Masta , and DJ Honda from Japan. He also worked with platinum Polish group Slums Attack and received a platinum plaque for this collaboration. Jeru has recently added Photographic artist to his resume. Jeru’s had songs on Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, True Crime: New York City and GTA IV video games, as well as collaborating with OG street skater Josh Kalis and DCshoes. Jeru was also named on of the 50 Greatest Emcees in Kool Mo Dee’s book “There Is a God On the Mic” and is looking forward to continuing that legacy in the future.
Through nearly twenty celebrated years in the music business Jeru has established himself as a multitalented, multifaceted artist and businessperson.
Sadat X (born Derek Murphy) is an American rapper, most famed as a member of Alternative hip hop group Brand Nubian. Originally known as Derek X, Sadat takes his name from former Egyptian president Anwar Sadat. The X is taken from the Nation of Islam practice of members changing their surnames simply to X. He is well known for his unique, high-pitched voice, as well as his Pro-Black, and at times controversial, lyrical content.
Sadat X debuted with Brand Nubian in 1989, with the release of their debut single “Brand Nubian” b/w “Feels So Good”. The group’s debut album, One For All, was released in late 1990, featuring the singles “All For One”, “Wake Up” and “Slow Down”. The album was widely acclaimed, inspired by the teachings of the Nation of Islam, similar to many groups of the era, including X-Clan, Public Enemy and Poor Righteous Teachers. One For All is now considered a classic hip hop album, and was awarded a 5 Mic rating from popular magazine The Source. Brand Nubian returned in 1993 with the album In God We Trust, which featured the hit single “Punks Jump Up To Get Beat Down”. Sadat received a bit of controversy following the song’s release, due to alleged homophobic content. Following the mixed reviews from the group’s third album, 1994′s Everything is Everything, Brand Nubian split up to pursue solo endeavors. In 1996, Sadat released his first solo effort, Wild Cowboys. The album featured production from O.Gee Pete Rock, Da Beatminerz, Diamond D, Showbiz and Buckwild, as well as a pair of hit singles, “Hang ‘Em High” and “The Lump Lump”, the former charting on the Billboard Hot 100. Sadat reunited with original Brand Nubian members Grand Puba, Lord Jamar and DJ Alamo for a reunion album, Foundation, released in late 1998. The album was well-received, and featured the crossover hit “Don’t Let it Go to Your Head”. After the album, Brand Nubian broke up once again for solo endeavors. In 1999, Sadat made possibly his most famous guest appearance with Common, dropping a verse on the single “1-9-9-9″, from the Rawkus Records compilation Soundbombing 2. Sadat released an EP in 2000, titled The State of New York vs. Derek Murphy, which featured the single “Ka-Ching”. Brand Nubian reunited once again in 2004, for the release of the album Fire in the Hole. The album was seen as a disappointment, and the group split again for solo albums. Sadat released his second full length album, Experience & Education, in 2005, featuring production from Diamond D, DJ Spinna and Minnesota. On December 22, 2005, Sadat was arrested in Harlem and charged with criminal possession of a weapon, reckless endangerment and resisting arrest. On October 3, 2006, Female Fun Music released Sadat’s third full-length album Black October.
Sadat is involved in teaching children. Has worked as an elementary school teacher in New Rochelle, New York. Qualified as a firefighter in New Rochelle, New York. Coaches children’s basketball for the New York City Basketball League. He also played point guard for the Howard University basketball team.
