BIOGRAPHY -
One Block Radius is an alternative hip hop group made up of Marty James (vocals, raps, production), MDA (vocals, turntables), and emcee Z-Man (a Hieroglyphics associated rapper). Both Marty James and MDA were part of the group Scapegoat Wax, and One Block Radius was formed in 2003 in part as a reaction to Marty James' dissatisfaction with the Scapegoat Wax project. OBR was an effort to get back on an independent label, regain creative control, and emphasize a group effort as opposed to just a single front-man. One Block Radius represents a unique musical direction similar to Scapegoat Wax, with music blending pop and hip-hop sensibilities, with strong melodies and pop refrains mixed with rapping and hip-hop production. Their lyrics tend to focus on partying and everyday life, avoiding the aggressive themes of gangsta rap or the more socially conscious themes of other alternative rappers.

www.myspace.com/oneblockradius

related artists: Sublime, Black Eyed Peas, Pharcyde, Outkast, Aceyalone, De La Soul, Heiroglyphics