Tommy Evans
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Tommy Evans is based in London but was born and grew up in Leeds. Tommy was introduced to Hip Hop in 1984 through Run DMC's "Walk This Way" and Roland Rat's "Rat Rappin’." After flirting with breaking and (graffiti) writing in his youth, Tommy started rapping seriously in 1995 and linked with various crews on the Leeds scene. In 1996 he formed the duo of Junkyard Tactics; their career highlight supporting De La Soul in 1997. Tommy went solo in 1998 linking with the then Huddersfield based YNR Productions crew, making his recording debut in 1999 on the Evil Ed produced "Deadly Combination" from Jehst’s "Premonitions" EP.
Tommy’s solo debut came in 2000 with the release of the “Timecapsule” EP on YNR swiftly followed by a succession of further releases on the label; The “4 Elements” EP featuring Task Force, Usmaan and production from original Low Life co-founder/fellow Leeds native BTI, “4 Horsemen” b/w “Not Nice” 12” featuring Yungun, Devise, Ricochet from Universal Soldiers and beats by Harry Love and Lewis Parker, and the classic “Me/You” b/w “Silent Moebius” 12” featuring Yungun, produced by Evil Ed and Harry Love respectively. Tommy then compiled his work for “The Turbulent Times Of…” CD in 2003 along with new tracks “Who Am I? (Turbulent Times)” “Insomniac” and “Mourning Skies” (feat. Asaviour).
In 2004 he released his debut LP, the monumental “New Years Revolutions” (YNR) which featured production from the likes of Jehst, Beyond There, Evil Ed, LG and Cee-Why. The album included the singles “Revolutions”, “Remain Forever” (feat. Neneh Cherry) and the Top 40 collaboration with beat magician Mark B “Move Now!”
Forever keeping busy with collaborations and cameos, Tommy had the opportunity to work with a some of the best producers, MCs and singers in the country, including Stereo MCs, Mr Wiz (Krispy), Nightmares On Wax, Martina Topley-Bird (Tricky), Foreign Beggars, Cameron McVee (Massive Attack, SugaBabes) and Poisonous Poets. Tommy has also worked with a number of artists from outside the UK such as The Are from K-otix (USA), Nookie (Sweden), Equicez (Norway) and Fat Daddy (Switzerland).
Known for ripping up shows from Penzance to Edinburgh alongside a number of DJ’s, including DMC Team Champ Blakey, Tommy is no stranger to the stage whether headlining venues, or supporting international acts such as Junior Reid, Non Fiction, El Da Sensei, Peanut Butter Wolf, The Arsonists and DJ Noize.
In addition music lovers worldwide have been getting accustomed to Tommy's unique lyricism with performances in Europe and the USA, including Philidelphia’s legendary Black Lilly night! Tommy even made history alongside Jehst and Cee-Why by being the first rap act to perform in the Channel Islands!
In early 2005 Tommy made the decision to give up music. On his departure from the music scene Tommy Evans leaves behind him a great legacy of ground-breaking material. His final recordings appear on a collaboration album with the legendary DJ Mr Thing entitled “The Odessey”. Although originally scheduled for release on YNR in 2006, the album was shelved due to Tommy’s refusal to partake in any live performances, interviews and promotion, although a video has already been shot for one of the stand out tracks.
