Sharpwordzmen

Nothing keeps a sword sharper than another sword - “steel sharpens steel.”

Comparing their precise rhyming abilities to verbal weaponry, Sharpwordzmen are one of hottest up & coming Hip-Hop artists.

The duo is comprised of Fa’Sho The DurdyBanga and Ill-umi-naiti. Sharpwordzmen are not your typical act. Their sound is unique because Fa’Sho is originally from Kansas City, Kansas and Ill-umi-naiti hails from Brooklyn, New York.

They both held their own as solo MCs on the underground scene since in the mid-1990’s. In 1996, a destined collaboration lead to the creation of their first masterpiece, “Dope Inc.”

Fa’Sho (formerly known as “Subterrainean Asian”) released the blazing single “Have U Not Heard” in June 2002 as a solo MC. The song received heavy rotation in clubs and local radio stations. It also received write ups in various local publications. The science behind the name change was simple: Fa’Sho is southern slang which means “For Sure.” It is guaranteed that his “durdy ‘ass’ ‘n' triflin' style” will bang anywhere. His main musical influences growing up were: Rakim, Scarface, Big Daddy Kane, Run DMC, and NWA, Wu Tang Clan, Ludacris, Outkast and Goodie Mob.

>Ill-umi-natti ‘s name means “enlightened one.” As we all know, the Illuminatti is a secret society. He decided to take the name back in its proper context, and creatively flip it in a positive way- “ILL because I’m ‘ill’ with my words and skills; UMI, means father, and I strive to be that in every way through my music; and NATTI, for my dreadlock hairstyle that reflects my divine culture.” Ill-umi-natti was influenced by: Brand Nubian, Rakim, Run DMC, L. L. COOL J, and EPMD.

In the fall of 2001, the two friends decided to join forces. Ill-Umi-Natti was the perfect compliment to Fa’Sho because of their strong chemistry and respect for one another. They always keep each other on point.

As Fa’Sho states, “We share similar experiences. He and I both like that 70's soul music, we both embraced the Nation of Gods And Earths (a.k.a. Five Percenters) and it just seemed like a natural fit.”

Their distinctive style, strong personalities and lyrical skills create dynamic songs which pushes each other to the next level. Together, they create a diverse, universal flavor that appeals to all Hip-Hop listeners.

In the fall of 2002, SWM opened up for Capital recording artist Slum Village at the 6th Annual Toronto Urban Music Festival. TUMF is Canada's largest outdoor urban music festival.

Sharpwordzmen has been hard at work in the lab cooking up future flavas. In December 2002, their song “S.W.A.T.” was released as the lead single from the Below The Radar compilation album by CHRY 105.5. SWM also received rotation for “Supa Sperm” and “Heavyweights” on local radio.

Their latest independent single “Sho Nuff Bangin” is currently heating up the airwaves. The Sharpwordzmen debut album is being produced by: D.J. Octave, D.J. Wise, Five Shot and King Tutch.

This is just the beginning of many great things to come. Sharpwordzmen’s mission is to spread their message to the people through music. They have traveled many miles to reach their goal of being among Hip-Hop’s elite. It is only a matter of time before Sharpwordzmen pierces into the hearts of Hip-Hop fans internationally.

Quoted from the Black 7 Magazine on TruBorn.com