Eastborn

EASTBORN is an Edinburgh born (now Glasgow based) lyricist / Poet / Political Activist / Underground Label runner / Youth Worker / Radio Presenter and all round, self-confessed, Crusader of Hip Hop.

EASTBORN appeared working on solo projects in between working with Glasgow based outfit THOUGHTZ OF MORTALZ. For four years THOUGHTZ OF MORTALZ, worked on all round power. Over this period they released a number of underground limited edition tapes and appeared on DISORDA's UK HUSTLERZ vol 4, as well as appearing on DISORDA's MIND THE GAP tape. This led to the band appearing in the UK's largest Hip Hop magazine HIP HOP CONNECTION, where they were described as being "...title contenders," to the likes of BLAK TWANG and BLADE. THOUGHTZ OF MORTALZ also appeared on local radio as well as having regular slots on the radio on Glasgow's FUSION FM. As well as this, they were interviewed for nearly ever underground magazine in Europe. It was at this time also that VIRGIN funded magazine LODOWN approached the crew, strangely enough, backstage at a FUN LOV'IN CRIMINALS gig, where RIZ was doing work with SONY. Complications and conflicts of interest led to the band breaking up towards the end of 1998, not before THOUGHTZ OF MORTALZ did a tune with their mentors TWO TONE COMMITTEE (DOPE ON PLASTIC RECORDS). This tune was a clear indication to all concerned that the THOUGHTZ OF MORTALZ could hold their own and were seriously making some noise.

In between these times, EASTBORN appeared freestyling at club SCRATCH in London and also with MUD FAMILY in Edinburgh at STUDIO GRAND. EASTBORN was in Essex with DISORDA to freestyle alongside GUNSHOT and the beatboxing talents of SCRATCH PERVERT and colleague KELA, a night to remember for all concerned. He also appeared live on stage, back on his own turf in Glasgow city to drop some lines alongside ROOTS MANUVA and DJ MK (another magazine co-worker), for the launch night of ROOTS MANUVA's new album. EASTBORN has also opened for Mark B and Blade in Glasgow, in front of his home crowd.

Before the release of Word Perfect LP , EASTBORN has recorded for another compilation LP which features HARDNOISE, BROTHERHOOD, DJ SUPREME, COURSE OF PROCEDURE as well as a bunker load of other artists. EASTBORN features on the MAJOR THREAT EP "As the World Turns" EASTBORN is also working with the Glasgow Collective Effort to create the "Glasgow Allstars" with their debut release "One of those 7 Emcees" this track featuring: BOHZE, DAN BUNGLADOORS, DJ ICUE, CHUCK, DEFY, NCE, BIG DIV, KRASH SLAUGHTA and all produced by the amazing talents of CASUAL 7. EASTBORN also appears on the hit Spaghetti Junction alongside SKINNYMAN, DADDY ASH, SKEME, CLASS A & LATE. Around this time Eastborn was also working with Son Records/Ninja Tune.

Recently Eastborn has not only appeared on Radio shows around the globe from Radio shows in Beijing to ABC in Australia, he has also presented shows for BBC 1Xtra. He also carried out alot of work for the BBC Urban Fame Academy. Eastborn proudly ran the longest running online radio show "Kemikal Kaos" which had over 200,000 listeners a show! He is currently in talks with new stations for a new show.

Eastborn, who tours with long time friend and DJ/Producer DJ Switch, as well as 13T of the 13th Tribe have toured as far afield as China and the USA, but they have never broke the UK as much as they would have hoped.

Eastborn is working Canibus, Killah Priest (Wu Tang Clan) and other top American acts at the moment for his new album "Global Warning - 13 Bloodlines".

"I spit slum street slang for people who know what I am saying, from the Towerblocks to the Carry cots, for the Single mothers and the people queuing for that Crisis loan, most people in Scotland don't wanna hear reality, they wanna hear about bling bling and fake lifestyles, I don't live in a fake place, I live in Glasgow and every bit of my life is real to me, cos things just aint funny" - Eastborn