(ad-lib'): In an improvisatory manner
Hailing from Allentown is Adlib, a 26-year-old man with a passion for Hip Hop, and an addiction to entertaining. Adlib began his musical journey in the early 90's. The wordplay & freestyles of Hip Hop fascinated him to the point where he didn't want to be just a spectator. Adlib sums up the first time he heard legends Slick Rick, Special Ed, and Jazzy Jeff, "I was blown away." It was in high school that he got his first taste of performing on stage in a battle of the band competition. Around the time Cypress Hill and Redman were surfacing, Adlib's urge for music began to increase. He started to write rhymes more frequently, and realized he had a God given talent. He spent many nights at open mics and cyphers, which helped him make his dent into the Allentown Hip Hop scene. After working the circuit for a bit, Adlib decided to take a break. In 1995, he attended a show at which he met collaborative partner, Aeyone. "I liked his style and wanted to work with him." After hooking up with Aeyone for production, Adlib came out with his first album, Absolute Lunacy in 1998. Album number 2 was released in 2000 called Talk Card, followed by album 3, The Nod in 2001. His fourth official project will be released in the near future, which he has named Green Mile. Adlib describes Green Mile, "It is my best album yet. The production and technique are much better than the previous three." Let me back up a second. Aeyone and Adlib co-founded the group that call themselves

O-D-D. O-D-D consists of Adlib, Aeyone, GQ and Kasper. Adlib's love for O-D-D runs deep and is obvious. He used the word WE more than I. Between the four of them, they have opened up for a number of Hip Hop notables including Masta Ace, The Sugarhill Gang, The Clipse, Rob Base & DJ EZ Rock, Doug E. Fresh and KRS-ONE. Not only do they have their own individual projects on deck, they are working on their group projects. Adlib elaborates, "We have a DVD in the works that includes the Never Enough video, outtakes, cartoons, animation, and some live footage from various shows." In addition to that, they have a bangin new website, are gearing up to shoot another video, and are performing at the Headnodders Ball on December 12th. "We are trying to push boundaries not only as emcees, but as entertainers. Our perception of keeping it real is on paper."

(ad-lib'): Spontaneous
One thing that has to recognized as well as respected about Adlib and O-D-D is their constant energy and interaction with the audience at performances. Not only do they dive into the crowd, their lyrical skill and hype show spill over to the witnessing masses. Adlib gets high off of performing. "If for no other reason, I do this for the live shows. Many Hip Hop artists just spit and stand there. I could just go turn on their CD and get the same effect." Adlib insists that emcees and entertainers aren't the same thing, and he makes sure that he, as well as his camp don't disappoint at a show. He doesn't want anyone to waste their money on gas or toll for a lazy performance. Adlib loves what he does. When he's on stage, it's obvious, and if you don't see that, put your glasses on. Besides the lack of enthusiasm and the abundance of poor promotion, Adlib feels as if many Hip Hop artists don't focus on originality. "There is no need to turn on the radio. It's watered down and people are fixated on the same 10 songs." According to Adlib, it isn't just Hip Hop, it's an issue within the music industry in general. "Everything recycles itself and original stuff will come back out." The only thing that Adlib loves more rockin the mic is being a dad to his son, Tyree Anthony. "I'm a good, responsible father. I take that seriously." Being a father and a Hip Hop entertainer can be challenging, but Adlib is making it all work, on his own time, and in his own way.

(ad-lib'): To deliver extemporaneously
When it's his time to depart from the music forefront, Adlib will bow out graciously. "I say every album is the last, but then every project is better than the previous." He hopes to one day sit in his house on the hillside and reminisce about what he used to do. "I know it's done when I feel like I'm not making progress." Like his influences Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, John Lennon, Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan and The Sex Pistols, Adlib stays consistent and thorough with his songwriting. What makes Adlib different is his adaptation to any crowd and ability to just be true to what he does. It isn't about arguing; it's about rhyming. It isn't about money; it's about fun. It isn't about listening to him; it's about feeling, hearing and digesting what he's saying. It isn't about hating; it's about building a foundation strong enough to stand on. Though he admits his weakness is procrastination, when it's time to do business, he gets the job done. Adlib is always going to represent for his fans, his camp, and himself. "I've dedicated my whole existence to Hip Hop."

itsallday.com

December, 2002