Tanya Morgan is a rap group. So the title of their 2008 mixtape told us. Since then, if you have had the occasion to witness the Brooklyn/Cincinatti hybrid trio do their thing, you would have found out that they are a very talented rap group, and you probably would have mentioned them, or remembered them or sought out their music and videos.
If you were me, you may have seen them perform in a small spot, and been so impressed that, in part, you were inspired to re-launch BirthplaceMag.com, because they helped you realize that there are too many talented hip hop artists and events in the New York area that were going undocumented.
With a mix of energy, humor, talent and confidence, Tanya Morgan is a well-honed group, and any time I have seen one, two or three of the group’s members Von Pea, Ilyas or Don Will, it’s been a worthy hip hop experience. They are out supporting Brooklynati, the group’s critically acclaimed sophomore album.
Joining them at Mercury Lounge, are Ohio transplants The Kickdrums, a production duo whose credits include Slaughterhouse and 50 Cent. However, when not orchestrating hip hop hits, Alex Fitts and Matt Penttila have carved out a niche for themselves as alt-rock performers themselves, with Fitts vocalizing over melodic hybrid rock/hip hop tracks.
Seeing Tanya Morgan perform once and hearing The Kickdrums “Just A Game,” I personally recommended both to others. Seeing them together, after all the accolades each group has received in the last couple of years, will undoubtedly impress us all once again.
Buy tickets to see Tanya Morgan and The Kickdrums at Mercury Lounge, Saturday, July 24