GaKnew Roxwel - Emcee / Producer
GaKnew Roxwel is more than a clever lyricist or innovative producer. He is “what hiphop’s been missing”. GaKnew is a visionary on the path to change and a bridge between contrasting worlds. The first decade of his life was mold by the Eastside of Los Angeles where brawn is praised over brains. However, at the dawn of adolescence fate introduced him to the cultural diversity of West L.A. He paints a vivid picture of his journey in the heartfelt song “Impossible”, written as an apology to his single mother for his lack of understanding. Staggered by the lighter heart of Westside civilians, Roxwel quickly learned that not every disagreement warrants a fistfight. He gained a clear understanding of where he’s from as well as the possibilities of where he could go. Grasping the importance for others to taste the variety, he sought to become the connection.
Gaknew dedicated his early twenties to sharing his experiences with incarcerated youth and foster children. In his song “Grammy” he describes the social opportunities that financial success will provide. Knowing first hand how art can save "At Risk Youth", he served as the director of after school programs for Assemblies In Motion, the nonprofit organization founded by Leila Steinberg and Tupac Shakur. The state of the inner city weighs heavy on GaKnew, and constantly leaks into his music. Unable to find a producer traveling on the same path, he took his bare raps to the poetry stage.
In 2001 GaKnew began competing in poetry slams and battled his way to the title of Grand Slam Champion. He headed the Hollywood Slam Team as they competed against over 70 teams across the United States. The rarity of rappers in the poetry scene presented a challenge, but GaKnew proved that holding the crown was no fluke. Bridging the gap between hiphop and poetry, he proceeded in 2004 to take the title for a second time and joined his team for a final round victory in the PSI National Poetry Slam. Roxwel ended his slam career as the only poet to hold the title of Grand Slam Champion twice in Los Angeles. He has performed on HBO's Def Poetry, appeared in the Los Angeles Times, and featured in several poetry documentaries. Poetry served as his creative outlet until he gathered the equipment and knowledge needed to produce music.
In the Fall of 2005, GaKnew launched his career as a producer and founded the Hiphop band, FRESH CITY. The band quickly pushed to the forefront as a local favorite. FRESH CITY held the position of top band on the West Coast throughout the first two rounds of the Emergenza International Battle of The Bands. With a knack for winning over hardcore Rock fans, Roxwel had crossed boarders once again. Unfortunately, after renting a house with the other three emcees and DJ, personal issues tore the band apart. A year after the bands separation, GaKnew returned with a new and improved band to released his debut album, Mannequin People. Mannequin People ties the world of witty punch-lines and breakbeat production to the universe of live drums, bass, guitar, and heart wrenching lyrics, rendering the potential to cross all boundaries. Joined on the mic by his wife and once FRESH CITY emcee, Thea Monyee’, GaKnew Roxwel is the balance that hiphop has been missing. "He is the truth".
