Inglewood, CA’s very own Thurzday and YO! of U-N-I have well-established themselves in the hip-hop scene of Los Angeles. However, don’t be fooled…they’re music isn’t “gangster rap,” “hipster rap,” or any other “____ rap” category you can fit them into. Read more on U-N-I, as they talk with URB about their past, present, and future…
URB: What does U-N-I stand for and how did you come up with the name?
YO!: The name “U-N-I” came from [The Roots'] Illadelph Halflife album. We use it as a first person statement, “You” as in Thurz & “I” as in myself.
Thurz: The song is “UNIverse at War” featuring Common. We also see our name as an ideology of being boundless and not boxed into one sound.
How and when did you guys become a duo?
YO!: We met at St.Bernard High back in ‘99. Aww man, St.Bernard had the finest ladies in the woorrrrrld!!! Sorry to get off track, but it was during lunchtime where we recognized each other’s skills in the ciphers and on the b-ball courts. Us being on the same b-ball team, we already had the chemistry to work with each other so we decided to do the highschool talent show…We actually started in a four-man group, but when ‘06 came, we branched out as an official duo and started “U-N-I”.
Who are some artists that inspired you to become an MC?
YO!: Marco….Polo….Marco….Polo…LOL!!! Naw, it was KRS-One that made me write my first rhyme. I was locked in the house as a kid in the sixth grade for doing something bad. I remember seeing this Boogie Down Production live album and as soon as I put the CD in my radio, you hear this crowd just screaming at the top of their lungs. That shit gave me chills immediately and I just sat there listening the whole way through. Next thing you know, I go grab me a pen and some paper and started writing down a bunch of words with no format. As I got older I got into Mos Def and bought his album, Black On Both Sides, with my lunch money. Ialways tried to be Michael Jackson as a kid, love N*E*R*D*, Wu-Tang, Redman, Sa-Ra, Dilla, Kenna, Little Brother and I’m feeling Santogold. Tell Kid Cudi to get in contact with us, dope sound!
Thurz: De La Soul, Tribe, Slum Village, Fugees, Redman, GZA, Nas, Jay, OutKast, Black Star, etc.
Your first street album, Fried Chicken & Watermelon, was a big success with singles like “K.R.E.A.M.” and “Beautiful Day” (which is on heavy rotation on MTV!). Was there a format or concept you two were looking to portray?
Thurz: We just wanted to break the boundaries and borders of West Coast music on dope beats.
YO!: There was no format at all. Just wanted to put out some dope ass music that represented us and our lifestyle.
You just won an MTV award as “LA’s Best Breakout Artist,” so congratulations on winning! How does it feel to be an MTV award winner and what doors has it opened for you?
Thurz: Thanks, we are honored to be the Best Breakout LA Artist. It shows that our work is being noticed and that good music still has a place in the world and that they are listeners that support what we do.
YO!: Thank you. I literally jumped out of my shoes when I found out we won. The feeling is wonderful, it definitely gave us a lot more exposure. It gained attention from a few labels out there. Got me some free Taco Bell because of that ahaaa!!!
Your next project, A Love Supreme, when does it drop and what can your fans expect of this album that is different from Fried Chicken & Watermelon?
Thurz: A Love Supreme supports the idea of being boundless. As far as drop date…hmmmm…soon?
YO!: A Love Supreme will change a lot of peoples lives and shock everyone. Produced all by Ro Blvd.
Can you give URB an exclusive inside track to any new and upcoming projects U-N-I is working on?
Thurz: Stakes is High?
YO!: We just finished the video for our third single off Fried Chicken & Watermelon, “Soul Hop.” So look out for the video to premier soon!!!! Oh, and look out for a “Beautiful Day” remix
For more on U-N-I check out their MySpace
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