“Oh Em Gee! It smells like a mixture of weed and gym class in there!” I’m talking to my group of friends as we spill out of the packed Viper room and onto the sidewalk for some fresh air. The crammed venue is a good sign for this evening’s headliner, nationally known and locally respected Hip-Hop duo U-N-I- but unfortunate for our nostrils. Even posted up against the parking meters outside, the congregating LAliens are continuing to show up to show their support for the performers tonight. My feet hurt and I am tired. I don’t want to go back inside and deal with crowd but really have to go to the restroom. A writer in distress. I am looking forward to seeing U-N-I perform. Aside from having an awesome amount of buzz in the last year, the duo recently played in Miami and opened up for Busta Rhymes at a few shows.

The duo is celebrating the release of their latest album A Love Supreme which they made available free for download to any and everyone. As the group gets ready to come on stage, a voice booms over the mic, ” DJ, play me something dope. Something to make me go crazy.” The audience cheers in agreement to the request and the DJ drops a record. The familiar tune of the Cha-Cha slide comes belting out the speakers onto dormant ears. U-N-I comes strutting on stage, oblivious to the crowds distaste to the DJ selection. “Alright everybody, to the left….take it back now ya’ll….one hop this time!” The early millennium tune is not making the finest impression, but Thurzday and Y-O don’t seem to give a damn. “April Fools guys…April Fools.” The prank kicks off the set on a great note, a perfect compliment to the group’s night as they showcase their material to newcomers and old pals.

“You guy’s don’t realize it but I still have a nine to five” says front man Y-O, “You see me in the videos partying and living the life but I still have a day job!”

Even with blue collar obligations the group has managed to achieve a rapid rise within the underground scene in Los Angeles and across the US. Tonight at the Viper Room, there is barely any room to move (or breath) as friends, family, and fans have come to show their love and support as the group takes their musical endeavors to the next level. Even if you are new to U-N-I, it won’t take long to attach your self to the group’s energy and charisma. Their chemistry is natural and entertaining, drawing in Hip-Hop heads, lyricists, and music lovers alike.

Their music flexes their lyrical abilities, and the two have a magnetic energy between one another like that of Run-DMC. Exchanging rhymes back and forth, while maintaining an individual flow, their style translates well to the audience- and their content ranges from rapping about the flyest kicks to the fattest chicks to shopping on Melrose in JoyRich. Having already been endorsed by local legend Evidence (who joined them on stage) along with up and coming MC’s H.O.P.E., beatboxer Fahz, and New York homeboy Curtains- the night was full of special guests and creative cameos. By nights end, U-N-I was literally in the middle of the crowd hyping the audience up before thanking and shouting out their friends and family.

On the drive home, I though about how it’s inspirational to see young people balance their artistic endeavors and still maintain that nine to five. Keep on grinding and remember to work together. It’s U-N-I till the day we die!

A. Landon
www.loudvine.com