Published: Wednesday - May 7, 2008
Words by Ronnie Gamble & Jay Casteel
Bake Up Boyz Photo: Fharm Music Group
Coming up out of Michigan isn't the easiest task for an aspiring rapper or group for that matter. But, the Bake Up Boyz -- consisting of Dirt, Bub, Loot 75 and Young Jino -- are not your average rap act.
Building a label and fanbase within the Detroit area has helped them outlast many of their local rap peers. But over the years, the four man group -- all of which hail from different cities around the Detroit area -- soaked up game from Motor City, helping mold and form the style they showcase today. However, they admit it was a struggle, and still is.
"It's kinda hard down here, but it's kinda easy too 'cause you can think your way outta here too," said Loot 75. "It ain't hard to leave something that's messed up. We're the third dangerous place in the world to live, the economy is bad... we just some kids from the ghetto trying to move on up."
Adding to it is the dwindling job market that plagues Michigan, so the members felt there was no other choice but to set their own goals and strive to reach them. "I seen all the struggles. It's hard to get a job, so it leaves us no choice but to become entrepreneurs. We gotta do what we gotta do for ourselves," explained Young Jino.
"Everybody from around here gets everything from the streets. They work they 9 to 5s in the plants and did they thing. We knew growing up, that wasn't for us. There wasn't a job at all when we came out of school. We knew what we had to do from giddy up -- get it how we live, stick to the streets, stick to our family that we made in the streets, and come up," Bub further explains.
The Bake Up Boyz -- who came up with their name because they call the studio "the kitchen" ("We chefs, coming out the kitchen with music ready to serve it," said Loot) -- have only been working as a group for just two years, but the individuals members have known each other for most of their lives. As they worked diligently on their solo projects, a plan to creative music together came about, and now they are going full-force, with their "hearts into it," as they explained.
"I was doing my solo record at first, and Jino and Loot were already signed to my label Fharmacy Records," explained Bub. "I hadn't done anything with them in two years, and basically I didn't want to leave them out just to do my solo, so I formed a group. I brought us all together and came up with the group -- it's been Bake Up Boyz ever since.
"I was doing an album myself, and they was funding it ..." added Loot 75. "I didn't wanna get out here, having these boys spend all this money on me and this album don't do too well, then where we gonna get money to do it again? So, I just wanted to bring them in, get their heart involved, and we can't fail (laughs). It's a team thing and we really care about it."
Aside from their obvious Detroit influence, another major influence for the Bake Up Boyz is legendary Flint, Michigan rapper MC Breed, who is also signed to their label. Breed hooked up with the label founders, Bub and Dirt, some time ago, and the veteran has helped guide them ever since. All of the members are grateful to the MC and soak up game from him as much as they can.
"It really helped out [working with MC Breed]. It helped out all of us, especially me," admits Bub. "You actually learn what to do and what not to do and better yourself, as far as the writing aspect of it. It's like having a professional athlete as a parent. It's a win-win situation."
"When your parents tell you they're proud of you, it's like that," added Jino, refering to what it's like getting approval from Breed. "Working with him... for him to actually tell me, 'Man, I love that song. I love this verse...' You are grateful. You respect someone more who's shown and proved throughout his career than just an everyday face."
While Detroit has been good to them, music-wise, they are ready to break out of the city bubble, and feel confident about doing that with their debut album, Fresh Out The Kitchen, which boasts features from the likes of MC Breed and Rick Ross. Already, their first single, "Now I Can Do That" featuring Jim Jones, has gained attention and rotation from TV outlets such as MTV and BET, and radio as well.
"Now I Can Do That" music video
Although it's a bouncy, club single, they are adamant at explaining that they are more than that. They put emphasis on telling us that the album is much deeper than the one track people have heard, and if they are given a chance, they can prove it.
"Just expect good street, reality music. We gonna keep it street 'cause that's where we from, but it's straight reality," says Bub. "Everything we talk about, there's nothing fake about it. We talk about the ups and downs, everything. It's just good music."
"It's that street point of view, from some guys from the streets who's got some intelligence. We ain't just knuckleheads from the ghetto, we very intelligent. That's why we watch what we say in the music. We use street code, so if you ain't from there, you might not get it, but you'll take something from it and use it in your everyday life," explained Loot. "The album is diverse. Don't expect just what you hear from the single, we have a lot of different music to bring," added Bub.
Scouting Report
With chemistry gained from years of friendship, time spent on trial and error over the years, and guidance from a proven vet in MC Breed, the Bake Up Boyz just ooze potential.
They've already enjoy moderate success with their Jim Jones assisted single, but it might take quite a bit of legwork before they can breakout nationally. However, as they said, "9 to 5s aren't their thing," so they have time on their hands to perfect their formula for success.
Whether or not their debut, Fresh Out Da Kitchen, is their ticket to the Billboard charts, we foresee good things in the future for the Bake Up Boyz, and their indie label, Fharm Music Group. So, be on the look out.
Music
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"Ain't No Sense In Ya'll Hatin'" - Bake Up Boyz (press play to hear the track)
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