User:Parkeredison

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Parker and the Numberman
Friends for over a decade, rappers Parker Edison and 1019 have been recording music since the days of Butterfly clips and the Clinton administration. But even though the two began honing their skills and working on their chops in the late 90’s, for the most part, it was as solo artists both roughing through the music industry following completely separate paths. It wasn’t until 2007, after a couple of Corona’s, sensing two heads were better than one that the drinking buddies decided to link up and collaborate. Following many nights spent out on the town and numerous days locked inside recording booths the team, now christened Parker & The Numberman, released their first official project. A shoot from the hip pull no punches, but do it with a smile, EP titled ‘The Talented Tenth’. The name, a play on words, was taken from an old 1900’s social theory based on the writings of educator and race man W.E.B. Du Bois. Known for his keen insight he proclaimed college graduates would contribute to Negro advancement by grabbing the bull by the horns and leading the uneducated masses to the Promised Land. Du Bois dubbed the future leaders the “Talented Tenth”. Despite its heaviness the partners decided to adopt the moniker after creating a handful of socially relevant tracks aimed squarely at the average Joe. Clocking in at 12 minutes and 13 seconds the five song extended player articulates a wide range of emotion. From the sober minor key narrative of ‘Track Four’ to the lighthearted cross cultural bounce of Miss Ann. Short and to the point only ‘Track Four’ exceeds the 3 minute mark, if only by a hair, ticking in at a whopping 3 minutes and 12 seconds. “That wasn’t by design” explains The Numberman, “It just happened that way. Once you’ve said what’s on your mind that’s it. You’re done.” While the two admit a title like the ‘Talented Tenth’ might come off a bit heady or square they swear the music never will. “We aren’t fun crushing guys”, assures Parker. “We can party with the best of ‘em. And when we perform live it’s not on some Farrakhan shit. I’m standing on stage and I’m grabbing my n-ts. I mean, we’re all about having a good time. We’re two live guys with glasses ya’ dig.” On average the duo plays two shows a month “Kickin’ up dust ‘til our legs get tired”, says The Numberman “We think you gotta do it the tried and true way. One show one fan at a time. Plus performing live is just fun. A room full of people grooving with you… can’t beat that!” -Mr. Mead