Social Deviantz

Social Deviantz
Background information
OriginVancouver, British Columbia, Canada
GenresHip-hop, downtempo, lo-fi, breakbeat
Years active1992-present
LabelsSugarshack, Dease
MembersA-Train
Fatbone
Junya
Websitehttps://www.instagram.com/socialdeviantz/?hl=en

Social Deviantz are a Canadian rap trio from Vancouver, British Columbia, currently on indefinite hiatus. The group consists of lyricists; A-Train, Fatbone, and DJ/producer Junya.[1] They are noted for their unique downtempo style of hip hop music, and for being one of the pioneers of the Vancouver rap scene.[2] They are specifically praised for their musical and cultural contributions.[1]

History

Social Deviantz were formed in early 1992 as part of the Sugarshack roster of artists.[3] Their most notable release continues to be their debut full-length album, Essential Mental Nutrients, first distributed in 1996.[4][3]

As well as two full-length albums, Social Deviantz have released a handful of EPs (including the 2001 vinyl release, Space + Time, issued only in the United States). Two of their singles, "Minimal" and "Lucky 5", received global airplay, including locally on Vancouver's The Beat 94.5 radio station.[5]

Social Deviantz have also appeared on Muchmusic and YTV for interviews.[2]

In 2006 the band released a long-shelved album Bleaky Deky, and in 2009 Spread (a compilation of previously released tracks) was distributed.[2] A video release for "Red Tape", resulted in play on multiple networks including Fuse, MTV, and a spin on Halloween night 2008 on Rage (ABC1 Australia).[6][7]

In 2019, a vinyl reissue of Essential Mental Nutrients was released by Diggers With Gratitude.[8]

Members

  • A-Train - emcee
  • Fatbone - emcee
  • Junya - DJ/producer

Discography

Release date Title Label Format
1996 Essential Mental Nutrients Sugarshack CD, cassette full-length
1996 Sol's Favrit Beat Sugarshack 12" split w/CIA Kru
1997 ICU - The Death Of Hip Hop Ill Crew Universal compilation, includes 'Self-Defeater'
1998 ICU - The Revival Ill Crew Universal compilation, includes 'Mstr Bstrd'
1999 Mad Love Integrity/Sugarshack compilation, includes 'Minimal'
2000 Minimal Sugarshack CD EP
2001 Urbnet.com/Hiphopmix V1 Shoreline compilation, includes 'Lucky 5'
2001 Space + Time Sugarshack 12"
2006 Bleaky Deky Dease CD full-length
2008 Spread Dease CD EP
2008 Red Tape Dease CD EP (promotional)

References

  1. ^ a b " Social Deviantz". AllMusic Biography by Mike DaRonco
  2. ^ a b c "Social Deviantz Spread". Exclaim!, By Omar Mouallem Feb 17, 2009
  3. ^ a b Tony Mitchell (2001). Global Noise: Rap and Hip Hop Outside the USA. Wesleyan University Press. pp. 314–. ISBN 978-0-8195-6502-0.
  4. ^ "Essential Mental Nutrients CD Cover Social Deviantz Sugarshack". Dropd Magazine, issue 16, Review by Cereita Goulbourne July 25, 1996
  5. ^ "Rising In the West Vancouver Hip-hop's Renaissance". Exclaim!, By Martin Turenne Published Dec 20, 2007.
  6. ^ "31st October 2008 on". rage. 2008-10-31. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  7. ^ "Social Deviantz "Red Tape"". HIP Video Promo. 7 March 2012. Retrieved 2020-05-27.
  8. ^ Unikone (2019-04-29). "HipHop-TheGoldenEra: Social Deviantz - Essential Mental Nutrients LP - 2019". HipHop-TheGoldenEra. Retrieved 2020-05-27.