Afu-Ra

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Afu-Ra
Background information
Birth name	Aaron Phillip
Origin	New York City, New York
Genre(s)	Hip hop
Years active	1994–present
Label(s)	Koch Records Reggae Lounge Decon Inc.

Afu-Ra is a Hip hop artist from New York City. Afu, born Aaron Phillip, is a devout student of the Martial arts, as well as Chess. He is most well known through his affiliation with the Gang Starr Foundation, and Jeru the Damaja.

[edit] Biography

Afu entered the Hip Hop scene as a member of the Gang Starr Foundation, alongside rappers like Jeru the Damaja, Big Shug and Group Home. His first appearance was on Jeru's classic 1994 album The Sun Rises in the East, on the song "Mental Stamina". He made another appearance on Jeru's sophomore album Wrath of the Math, on the track "Physical Stamina", in 1996. Afu's debut single, '"Whirlwind Thru Cities", was released in 1998, reaching the top 20 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart. In 1999, he released his second single, "Defeat" b/w "Mortal Kombat". His anticipated debut album, Body of the Life Force, was released in October 2000. The album featured production from a number of prominent Hip Hop beatmakers, including DJ Premier, DJ Muggs, True Master and Da Beatminerz. Guests included Wu-Tang Clan's GZA and Masta Killa, M.O.P., Ky-Mani Marley and the Cocoa Brovaz. "Whirlwind Thru Cities", "Defeat" and "Mortal Kombat" were included here, as well as the singles "Equality", "Big Acts, Little Acts" and "D&D Soundclash". Afu released his sophomore effort Life Force Radio in May 2002, featuring production from DJ Premier, Curt Cazal, True Master, Easy Mo Bee, Needlez, Domingo and Ayatollah. Guests included Hip Hop legends Guru, Big Daddy Kane, RZA as well as R&B star Teena Marie. In 2004, he released a compilation album titled Afu-Ra presents Perverted Monks. He returned with another album in 2005, State of the Arts. DJ Premier returned once again to produce the single "Sucka Free". Wu-Tang's Masta Killa appeared on the song "Livin' Like Dat", and underground favorite Royce Da 5'9" appeared on "Pusha". Afu is currently working on another album, prepped for a 2006-2007 release.

[edit] Discography

Album cover	Album information
	Body of the Life Force Released: October 10, 2000 Billboard 200 chart position: #183 R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #42 Singles: "Whirlwind Thru Cities", "Defeat"/"Mortal Kombat", "Equality"/"Bring it Right", "Big Acts, Little Acts", "D&D Soundclash"
	Life Force Radio Released: May 21, 2002 Billboard 200 chart position: #184 R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: #29 Singles: "Crossfire"/"Lyrical Monster", "Scat Man"/"Stick Up"
	Perverted Monks Released: February 24, 2004 Billboard 200 chart position: - R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: - Singles: "Backtadacrib"/"Naked"
	State of the Arts Released: June 14, 2005 Billboard 200 chart position: - R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: - Singles: "Poisonous Taoist"/"Sucka Free", "God of Rap"/"Pusha", "Why Cry"