The Urban Sophisticates

Not long after The Roots placed their stamp on live hip-hop, a new band is quietly building buzz along the eastern seaboard. Welcome to live hip-hop courtesy of <The Urban Sophisticates ( http://urbansophisticates.com/ ). Formed in Greensboro, North Carolina in 2002, The Urban Sophisticates are founded on faith and family. Consisting of brothers Benton and Aaron James (MC and vocals), Jeremy Denman(trumpet) and Sal Mascali(trombone) The Urban Sophisticates have burst onto the live music scene.

Surviving on talent and desire, this band is out to make more than a little noise. Mixing live drums, guitar, bass, trombone, trumpet, and a witty, self-deprecating lead rap vocal reminiscent of the Philly sound, The Urban Sophisticates have created a unique blend of live Hip Hop music. It is by no accident that this group has achieved a great deal in a relatively short amount of time.

Drawing from the diverse musical backgrounds of its members, The Urban Sophisticates continue to blur the line between a traditional Hip Hop group and a live band. The Urban Sophisticates are poetic, spiritual, and catchy. Songs like London Trench Coat and Just Not Urban Enough, deliver the bands sarcastic, social commentary, while at the same time showing that the band doesnt mind poking fun at themselves. Snappy lyrics accompanied by horns all blended with the elements of hip-hop have made listeners from Chicago to Charlotte take notice. Being chosen out of 400 possible acts for the new band showcase at the national Cornerstone Festival has also been instrumental in the early success of the band.

They were the best new band at Cornerstone this year. The music is fun with hooks you cannot get out of your head. "Just Not Urban Enough" and "It's Gotta Be The Hardest Thing" make you bob your head and sing along and laugh all at once. They're definitely doing something different...