Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Features

Courtesy Photo from Righteous Movement. Taken by Amanda Lopez. [Click to enlarge]

Media Credit: Song courtesy: Righteous Movement "What's A Man" by Righteous Movement

Media Credit: Song courtesy: Righteous Movement "Uprock" by Righteous Movement

View video coverage of this performance here.

Righteous Movement, winner of Sacramento State's first Battle of the Bands, will perform a free show on campus today at noon in Serna Plaza.

Natives of Sacramento, the band said it hopes to bring a whole spectrum of hip-hop to the current state of hip-hop culture. Influenced by artists such as Nas, Rakim, De-La-Soul and 2Pac, the group said it feels its versatility enables the members to conquer a variety of styles found in both old-school and modern-day hip-hop culture.

Righteous Movement MC and Sac State journalism major Tais said that for more than four years in the music business, the group has been spreading its message of progression toward bettering yourself.

The name Righteous Movement might make the groups music appear to religious hip-hop, but the progression covers more than that. It's progression in all facets of life, Tais said.

The movement all started when Tais met vocalist S.O.L. in an American River College audio class. Theek, also a vocalist for the group, was added to the equation when he met Tais at work.

Tofu, known for his DJ and production skills was always hanging around with the artists, so officially adding him to the group just made sense. Plus, the addition of Skurge, who has networked with numerous local artists including Turf Talk and Mistah FAB, gave the group a hood presence of "grimy b-boy battle rap."

Fresh off the "Vans Warped Tour," shows have been keeping the group busy lately as it prepares for its performance at Sac State.

Sac State accounting major Brent David said "the battle of the bands showing had lots of energy and their confidence made you believe in their music."

"The college tours helped us reach that audience looking for that new type of music," Tais said.

In addition, performing with respected artists KRS-One and Little Brother at Harlow's in Sacramento was a milestone for the group, Tais said.

Collaborating with local artists is nothing new to the group; they have worked with local artists Zion I, Doey Rock, Bueno and Bucho, to name a few.

Derek Taylor, a music major from San Francisco State said, "The Righteous Movement brings a raw and organic presentation to hip-hop with its party rockin', politically talkin' and up rockin'."

"The city respects us," S.O.L. said.

Having the right blend of not too back pack and not too thug brought the group this far, Tais said. The group likes the energy and party music vibe attached to the recent Hyphy Movement and said good music is good music no matter the genre attached to it.

Nominated for Best Local Hip-Hop Artist in the 16th annual SAMMIES awards was an accomplishment even though they didn't come home with the win.

"It was a learning experience and a step in the right direction," S.O.L. said.

Righteous Movement's current release, "While You Wait," features the hit single "Uprock," which is the surefire joint to get any party jumping. With production by in-house producer Tofu along with local up-and-comers J-Synth, Veterano and DJ Epic, the beats behind the tracks are definitely on point.

In the process of finishing its next release, "CP Time," the group said the upcoming single "Bumper to Bumper" will be sure to turn some heads.

Martin Wood can be reached at mwood@statehornet.com.

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