More than just a collection of phonetic sounds in succession, words not only communicate our needs but express our feelings, convey philosophies, and bind mankind. Hip hop has always had an intimate relationship with words, playing with their cadence and flow, experimenting with pronunciation, arranging alliterations and rhymes, and most importantly, conveying a message.
Hailing from Eugene, Oregon, but spending most of his time in Oakland and Los Angeles, singer/rapper/producer Lafa Taylor has a heart full of soul and a brain full of music. Though at first listen, his music sounds predominantly like conscious hip hop, he is always tight rope walking between genres, wiggling back and forth between several styles. In addition to hip hop, Taylor's tunes have dabbled in electronic, RnB, bass music, indie, 808 and more, collaborating on tracks with artists such as Russ Liquid, The Polish Ambassador, Bassnectar, and Amp Live, just to name a few. He even found success in Japan when he went on a 26 city tour in 2005 with Def Tech.
After recently being added to Madison House Booking Agency, Taylor saw a meteoric rise in success. Headlining his first tour named after his newest LP that was released in 2014, Not One Thing, he has carefully curated a cosmic crew who are not only performers but vibe creators. Taylor will have live horns as well as backup singers and dancers adorning the stage with him. Though Not One Thing is Taylor's first headlining tour, he has previously toured as direct support for Beats Antique, Emancipator and Shpongle in 2014. He is also deeply immersed within the festival community having already performed at Coachella, Shambhala, Electric Forest (twice), Serenity Gathering, Envision, Lightning in a Bottle, Northern Nights, and Euphoria.
Lafa Taylor and The Polish Ambassador at Lightning in a Bottle
Most of Taylor's tour dates will be on the West Coast but more cities are yet to be announced. One of the most unique events he will be performing and hosting is the Santa Cruz Music Festival on October 10th which features over a 100 artists and more than 10 venues throughout downtown Santa Cruz. The album's namesake track, "Not One Thing," has already been gaining traction with an upcoming music video release on August 17th. The single's video was co-directed, art directed, costume designed and conceptualized by Taylor. With bold color palettes, resourceful set design, and various characters all played by Taylor, the video is as eye-catching as it is toe-tapping. Some of the themes from the video will actually be a part of his live performances, a surprise that fans will have to see for themselves.
What makes Lafa Taylor an artist and not just an entertainer is vision. Though his performances promise to be highly entertaining, it is how he performs that makes him an artist. It is the care he puts into his work, the passion behind his lyrics, and the love of life that he exudes. His music is a reflection of his multifaceted spirit. By blending the already smudged lines between genres, Taylor is uniting minds that are as similar as they are different.
Taylor's charisma and success have in no way affected his humility. Remaining grounded and grateful, he will drive his one-of-a-kind tour bus, which also serves as his home, to and from each show on the Not One Thing Tour. This spacious, traveling home is 100% bio-diesel fueled and comes equipped with solar energy, comfortable living, plenty of character, and of course, a music studio. Movement is life and Taylor is most definitely living it.
