User:NorthRock360

NorthRock (U-N-I and OutBreak)

The story of U-N-I (pronounced You-En-Eye) began years ago in the historical Chicago neighborhood known as Humboldt Park. U-N-I, (born Jorge M. Soto) began entertaining when he was a small child, singing jingles in front of the T.V. for family and friends. A shy, short child rose within the hardships of the inner city. He had both my parents, but it wasn’t easy… His father, Cesar Sr., worked nights, while his mother, Maria, chose to be a stay at home mom, to keep a closer eye on the family. His parents worked extremely hard to keep the family financially afloat and still playing a major role in his up bringing.

Growing up U-N-I was blessed with the influence of one of Chicago’s Hip House Pioneers. Known back in the 80’s as the first Puerto Rican Hip House entertainer from Chicago, U-N-I was raised under the tutelage of his older brother and mentor Cesar Jr., formerly known as “M.C. Rapski,” The Speakin Puerto Rican. Under his guidance, U-N-I was introduced to heavy, lyrically based, hip hop pioneers like Public Enemy, K.R.S. 1, LL Cool J, N.W.A. and hometown legend Common. This is where the development began. As an early child, music would already play an intricate part in his upbringing.

By high school, he knew that he wanted to set himself apart from the rest of his childhood companions. Instead of going to his local High School, Roberto Clemente Academy, U-N-I chose to take his pen and pad elsewhere. Attending Albert G. Lane Technical High School, (now known as Lane Tech College Prep), It was here where he met some of Chicago’s future rising stars and where he was subjected to a great majority of his molding.

After high school, U-N-I continued his endeavors. He packed his bags and moved 300 miles southwest to attend Western Illinois University. He quickly took initiative, rapidly immersing himself into every musical outlet. He went from flipping burgers in the local cafeteria, to Urban Program Director and On-Air Talent for WIUS 88.3 FM, “The Dogg”. During his tenure he earned the opportunity to perform at local coffee houses and eventually opening for Hip Hop Legend and now mentor, D.J. Rasta Root and Phife Dawg of A Tribe Called Quest. On his journey he also was lucky enough to be introduced to many local artists, managers and up and coming promoters.

Through networking, U-N-I learned the Chicago Underground Music Scene and began earning his stripes in the Hip Hop Community. U-N-I was then introduced to J.U.ICE, Chicago’s true battle legend. Placed in a potentially beneficial situation, doors began to open for him. The pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. Now at the young age of 26, this young man is taking the National Latin Hip Hop Community by storm.

U-N-I has achieved numerous accolades within his tenure in the Midwest Latin Hip Hop community. First and most importantly, receiving his Bachelor’s Degree in Communication (Radio/TV Broadcasting) Secondly, earning the attention of various record executives while competing and winning Cuervo’s Regional Latin Talent Search in 2006. The title was derived from a National Talent Search put together by Latin Hip Hop Icons including: Ray Roc & Ed Rosa (Wu-Latino), Tony Touch (Touch Entertainment), Machete Music (Universal Music Group), Jose Cuervo and Bridgez Magazine. The search was to find the best unsigned, live urban entertainer. This being stated, U-N-I is considered by many industry spearheads as the best solo Latin entertainer in the Midwest and top 2 nationally. He then successfully defended his title in 2007. The title has taken him from local notoriety, to respect on a national scale. He successfully defended his title in 2007. With that being stated, U-N-I was thus able to take part in a history making event in New York, where for the first time, Reggaeton and Hip Hop en Espanol took center stage at the Nokia Theatre in Times Square.

The following year would take numerous twists and turns, landing U-N-I back across the Midwest and on various tours. His musical endeavors continue, performing with artists such as Toby Love, Alex Y Fido, Kat DeLuna, Zion and Daddy Yankee. After several moves, U-N-I has found himself in the center of a budding Latin Chicago Industry. Sharing the stage with global giants, U-N-I will soon be granted his chance on the national airways.

It’s just a matter of time till U-N-I is in your area...

U-N-I: Spanglish Worldwide

OutBreak One of the Midwest's most profound up and coming voices, OutBreak, whose real name is Daniel Martinez, steps into the Hip Hop Circuit with a fire unmatched. Growing up, he was known more so for being a pretty boy than a hardcore rap artist. He had his first taste of developing wordplay during the 6th grade, where he started writing poetry. It was more so an attempt to impress that which was nearest to his heart, the girls. While trying to impress the young ladies around the neighborhood and at school, he started to realize that he had an uncanny ability to rhyme and think of clever, extraordinary things to say. From that moment on, he was hooked on rhyming. The son of two hardworking Puerto Rican parents, Outbreak gained a strong work ethic and focus, different from other teens growing up around him. Being as which he was originally born in Caguas, Puerto Rico listening to the language and rhythms of the island, it was only natural for him to grow up loving Spanish music and all the culture had to offer. His parents then moved him to Chicago,the city that helped mold him into the artist he is today. It wasn't till the 7th grade where he really started to gain an appreciation for music, particularly rap. He grew a fond attachment to an artist and group, that helped mold his rhyme scheme into what it is today. His two largest influences are, Big Pun and the group B.O.N.E. Thugs and Harmony. With each pen stroke he constantly challenges himself, asking if it would be up to their standards. OutBreak knew he had an ease of writing with a pen and pad. He found it easier to speak his thoughts and feelings through ink and loose leaf. This was the best way for him to express what was really going on in his mind. Everyday, weather before, during or after school, he and his friends would write and recite all of their newest rhymes at lunchtime. This was a ritual to him. It continued throughout high school, leading to his launch into the music industry. In 1998, he set forth to leave a mark on the world music scene. Starting at his base in Chicago, he started to meet and move through groups and followers of the hip hop culture. From artists to promoters, to fans: OutBreak was building his rep trying to get to center stage where he so anxiously wanted to be. After years of paying his dues, performing at venues with nonexistent stages, moving gradually to larger and more visible venues, OutBreak had finally began to get his shot at the big stages he so greatly admired. As of present day, Outbreak has been able to share the stage with some of the Latin and Urban music scene's most admired and decorated artists. Opening for and sharing the stage with artists such as (in no particular order): Twista, Kool G Rap, Nas, Common, Kanye West, Toby Love, Monchy Y Alejandra, Zion, Voltio, Kat DeLuna, etc. The list goes on and on. Each performance different from the last, yet feeling like the very first ever, his onstage energy is unmatched. The claps, screams and cheers from the fans are pure inspiration and a constant reminder that he has the power and ability to be the voice of the people. He prides himself on being a diverse artist. By surrounding himself with other artists and industry peers with the morals and values that he carries, he has flat out, been able to put together some of the most memorable, high impact shows any fan could ever ask for. Constantly at work, which is constantly his play, OutBreak will soon be a household name. NorthRock 360/Pop's Dream