The Procussions are an American hip hop group based in Los Angeles, California, consisting of rapper Mr. J. Medeiros and rapper-producer Stro Elliot (Stro the 89th Key) and rapper Resonant. Known for their eclectic production, socially conscious lyricism, and dynamic live show, the group recorded two albums – one with the reborn Rawkus Records – and an EP before disbanding in 2008 to pursue solo efforts. The group reformed in 2012, funding a new recording via Indiegogo. The resulting self-titled album was released on September 24, 2013.
Career
1998–2002
The Procussions were formed in Colorado Springs, Colorado in 1998 when two competing b-boy crews – SOL and TSF – decided to combine forces. The group began with five members: Mr. J. Medeiros, Stro (the 89th Key) Elliot, Rez (originally Resonant), Vise Versa and Qq (pronounced 'Q'). The group became a quartet two years later when Qq stepped down after his collapse on stage at their first Denver show led to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. The group continued to perform throughout Colorado, opening for acts such as Run DMC, The Pharcyde, and Common, and released two 12-inch singles,""All That It Takes" and "Leave Her Alone", which gained distribution through ABB Records. "All That It Takes" reached No. 9 on the College Music Journal hip hop charts, and cracked the top 10 and 20 charts with Urban Networks and Insomniac, while "Leave Her Alone" reached No. 4 on the Rap Attack DJ charts.
Based on this momentum, Mr J convinced the group to relocate from Colorado Springs to Los Angeles in an attempt to make their music a full-time career. Shortly after, Vise Versa left The Procussions to form the group Deux Process.
2003–2007
As Iron Sharpens Iron
Once in Los Angeles, The Procussions independently released their first album, As Iron Sharpens Iron, through Bassmentalism Records on October 28, 2003. The album rose to #5 on the CMJ Hip-Hop charts.
Up All Night
In early 2004, The Procussions entered the studio with producer-engineer Jason Skills of The Sound Providers, recording an 8-hour overnight jam session that featured Stro on drums and Rhodes piano, and spoken word and freestyle rhymes from Rez and Mr J. The session formed the basis of their jazz-flavoured EP, Up All Night, which saw exclusive release in Japan on September 20, 2004.
5 Sparrows For 2 Cents
In 2006, the group recorded their second full-length, 5 Sparrows For 2 Cents, featuring production from Stro and art direction by Rez. After discussions with several record labels, they became the first band to sign with the newly resurrected Rawkus Records. 5 Sparrows served as Rawkus' first post-reboot release, hitting stores on May 30, 2006, and reaching #8 on the Billboard Heatseekers chart. The release coincided with the launch of their first national, co-headlining tour.
Touring
As their albums gained attention, The Procussions worked to expand their fan base and reputation with constant touring throughout the US, Canada, Japan, Australia, and Europe. They became known for high-energy shows which incorporated live drums and DJ Vajra on turntables. Over the course of their three releases, they opened for and toured with several high-profile acts including The Roots, Sound Tribe Sector 9, and Talib Kweli. Following the release of 5 Sparrows For Two Cents, The Procussions embarked on The Storm Tour with Aceyalone, Ugly Duckling, ¡Mayday! and Wrekonize, playing 40 cities in six months. They also returned to Europe for a series of festival dates. After one US show, they were approached by Ali Shaheed Muhammad of A Tribe Called Quest, who had been following their career and wanted to have them join Tribe on 2K Sports' 2006 Bounce Tour. The Procussions were subsequently added to the bill, playing 15 cities with Tribe & Rhymefest.
While touring France in 2004, The Procussions connected with French hip hop group Hocus Pocus, beginning a longstanding relationship which has seen continued collaboration between the two groups. The Procussions have featured on two tracks with Hocus Pocus, "Hip Hop?" (from their 2005 release, 73 Touches), and "Vocab!" (from their gold-selling 2007 album, Place 54). Mr J. and Stro also featured on their 2010 release, 16 Pièces, contributing to the tracks "Signes de Temps" and "I Wanna Know." 20Syl from Hocus Pocus has featured on and remixed a track for Mr J's solo work, and guests on the track "Phantasm" from The Procussions' 2013 eponymous release.