Description
Apollo Brown, the renowned American record producer from Detroit, Michigan, resonates with a formidable reputation. Born as Erik Vincent Stephens on June 20, 1980, he etched his name working with hip hop group Ugly Heroes, and numerous collaborations with notable artists like Guilty Simpson, O.C., Ras Kass, Skyzoo, and Planet Asia. Relocating to Detroit, post graduating from Michigan State University, the roots of his musical career stretch back to the mid-1990s. His big break came with the Skilled Trade beat collection in 2007 which catapulted his name in the industry.
Apollo Brown’s music style exudes a perfect blend of old and new. Irrespective of the evolution of music and technology, the artist remained committed to his roots, as demonstrated through his preference for a desktop PC running Windows XP and Cool Edit 2000. Such commitment bears testimony to his belief that real music knows no age.
CRIMEAPPLE, the partner in musical crime, adds a layer of enigmatic charisma to the tandem’s music. Exhibiting the duality of a poet and a philosopher, CRIMEAPPLE manifests a unique storytelling capability. He weaves bilingual manteca rhymes akin to a chef mastering the art of culinary finesse. Much like stirring up street grime and serving it garnished with acute wit.
Apollo Brown & CRIMEAPPLE’s 2024 album “This, Is Not That” is a testament to their expertise. Devoid of boom-bap nostalgia, the album narrates tales of smoke-stained bars, regaling listeners with a rebirth of raw, gritty, and timeless moments. The chemistry between Apollo’s dusty, soulful beats and CRIMEAPPLE’s thought-provoking wordplay gave life to an upcycled sonic narrative. The music resonates like the ripples in a quiet pond, a series of conversations with the sidewalk cracks, consoling the solitude of long nights and longer thoughts.
In the realm of collaborations, Apollo Brown emphasizes working in the same room as the other artists. The act nonchalantly belies his understated efforts in preserving the essence and authenticity of music. His craftsmanship houses an ancient architecture, a labyrinth of forgotten stories adding heft to his beats.
The music landscape of Apollo Brown & CRIMEAPPLE is a tapestry of gritty reality and sublime beauty. It’s contemporary, yet eternal, resonating with listeners across generations. It’s peppered with references to other musical artists, adding textures and hues to the mélange, reminiscent of the aura of Ugly Heroes, Ras Kass, or Planet Asia. And, just like a sonic novel, their vivid story-telling reverberates, marking the saga of “This, Is Not That.”
