Dezert Eez
Dezert Eez is a 4 man crew of mcs that bring a political edge to the realm of hiphop. Dezert Eez is the rebirth of true hiphop. This group not only brings a lyrical level unmatched in todays game but also drops food for thought. The Eez blend a series of street tales with the most vivid creative flows heard in some time.
Tell me about your history? How did you get where you are now?
Dezert Eez formed at Western Michigan University, located in Kalamazoo, Mi. All three members had known each other since 2003, but O’nill (Jerron Mosley) and 5-Star (Mike Williams) were the only 2 members of the group at the time. They performed on a local hip-hop circuit for a year before adding Mike’s cousin Nivek (Kevin Williams) to the team in 2004. The trio worked together, during a watered down rap era, with a common goal of the resurgence of underground hip hop.
Over the next few months, they developed enough of a repertoire to start performing live outside the area, and quickly earned a following. When the group made its music available for download on the Internet, a substantial buzz built outside of Michigan, and it eventually earned them a opening slot for Wu Tangs Capadonna tour in 2004.
In early 2005, Dezert Eez released its first mixtape, The Realness, which won widespread critical praise that focused especially on the group’s lyrics. The buzz helped them earn a raft of high-profile outside gigs, including shows with KRS-1, Dead Prez, Slum Village and a mini tour with Wu Tang Clan’s Inspectah Deck.
Dezert Eez leapt to a bigger stage in 2008 when 5-Star teamed up with C-Rayz Walz, Killah Priest (Wu Tang), and Bronze Nazareth (also Wu Tang) on Indie heavyweight Babygrande Records to form The Almighty. The album also featured hip hop legends Canibus, Keith Murray, and Planet Asia. In late 2009, as Dezert Eez was finishing up their next release, Ghettobox, they joined up.
Have you performed live in front of an audience? Any special memories?
Club Soda, Kalamazoo, MI., Blind Pig, Ann Arbor, MI., Streeters Ent. Center, Traverse City, MI. just to name a few. Performed at the Grafitti Hall of Fame in New York City. Performed with Wu-Tang Clan affiliates Cappadonna, Killah Priest, La the Darkman, and Remedy on the Struggle Tour in Michigan and Indiana. Opened for KRS-One at Buddha Lounge in Chicago. Opened for GZA, Killah Priest at The Metro in Chicago.
Your musical influences
Gangstarr, Wu-Tang Clan, Black Star, The Roots, Nas, Little Brother, The Liks, EPMD, KRS-ONE, Ice Cube.
