this is instrumental (ish) beat-driven blasts of hip-hop ecstasy. if madlib met j-dilla and had a baby, it might just be y?arcka. these is tracks you can flow to, grow to, and row to.
File under experimental-groove-driven music that spans the globe but keeps the beat. Mix in a powerful message (via activist and poet john beecher), improvisation, paintstaking programming, melodic sensibility, award-winning poetry… more
Their live show is hailed as legendary (at least here in philly) and the crew boasts the longest running monthly hip-hop event in Philadelphia to back up that sentiment. Now… more
Two guys: Marco Benevento and Joe Russo two instruments: keys and drums. huge sound - a kaleidascopically exploding wall of sound built on jazz, rock, beats and life. their ropeadope… more
About the Artist
Y?Arcka (formerly Young Architect) is a producer raised in New Jersey and currently based out of Philadelphia. Getting a head start at a young age, Y? has worked steadily to build a place for himself in within the world of hip-hop and soul. His first beat tape was made on cassette at age 12. Since then, Y? has continued on the path to becoming an MPC virtuoso. Studying under the techniques of hip-hop heavyweights such as Pete Rock, RZA, the late J Dilla and Madlib, Y? has set out to explore a new sound using the instrument.In 2003, he founded the production company Foundashawn/ 5335-N-Tric Production to house his work. Under 5335-N-Tric Production, Y? has worked with local Philadelphia soul artist Dim, New Jersey artist Ron J Soul, and Dopeness Galore artist Suzi Analogue. Y? stands out as a focused musician: willing to explore standards, unafraid to go against the grain of them, with a deep passion for using music as tool to bring people together, and a skill level for audio that you don't find everyday. He is set to release several projects in 2008, including a series of beat tapes and a project with Ropeadope Digital. Y?'s sound isn't a question, it's a solution.