Kung Fu Vampire
| Kung Fu Vampire | |
|---|---|
| Origin | San Jose, California |
| Genres | Hip hop, hardcore hip-hop, gangsta rap, horrorcore, rap rock, gothic hip-hop |
| Occupation(s) |
Producer Rapper |
| Years active | 1991—present |
| Labels | Mad Insanity Records |
| Associated acts |
Mars Brother J |
| Website | www.KungFuVampire.com |
Kung Fu Vampire is an American rapper from San Jose, California and the vocalist of the musical group of the same name. He has toured or performed with Twiztid, 2 Live Crew, Tech N9ne, Hopsin, Insane Clown Posse, Brotha Lynch Hung, Tha Alkaholiks, Digital Underground, Kool Keith, KRS-One, Papa Roach and The Pharcyde, in addition to collaborating with musicians such as Eddie Gale and Spice 1.
History
Kung Fu Vampire began breakdancing at the age of six, and taught himself how to rap and sing while playing Drums as a hobby.[1] At the age of twelve, his aunt began taking him to see concert performances, and introduced him to a Gothic style of dress.[1] in 1991 He and 3 friends from his neighborhood formed a group infusing Classic Hip Hop with Funk and Electronica which at that time was very innovative and hard for the mainstream to grasp.[1][2] In 2000, he adopted the name "Kung Fu Vampire" during a conversation with his friends in which he discussed the idea of a martial arts film featuring vampires.[1][3] Kung Fu Vampire formed a new band based on the "kung fu vampire" concept.[1][2] Concepts from an unpublished novel he wrote also formed the basis for the group's stage act.[2]
In 2006, the group was voted as the "Best Local Band" by Metro Silicon Valley readers.[4] Director Darren Lynn Bousman was impressed by Kung Fu Vampire's performance style, and pushed for the rapper to perform at the release party for Saw III as well as opting to do a Music Video. Kung Fu Vampire has also performed at The Playboy Mansion.[5][6] Bousman's association with Kung Fu Vampire continued with performances at the release party for Repo! The Genetic Opera, and Bousman included Kung Fu Vampire's song "Dead Girls Don't Say No" in the film Mother's Day.[6] In 2009, the Juggalo fan website Faygoluvers.net featured Kung Fu Vampire's music video "iCount" on the site, attracting the attention of Twiztid, who invited Kung Fu Vampire to perform as the duo's opening act during their 2010 tour.[6] Since 2010, KFV has done over 7 Nation Wide Tours including 3 appearances at the Gathering of the Juggalos in Cave-In-Rock, IL. Kung Fu Vampire is 100% Independent and represents Mad Insanity Records along with Horrorcore icon Mars.[6] In 2012, Kung Fu Vampire appeared in the music video for E-40's song "Zombie" featuring Brotha Lynch Hung and Tech N9ne.[6] In 2013, Kung Fu Vampire makes an appearance on the Reality Show "Oddities: San Francisco" on the History and Science Channel.
Style and influences
Kung Fu Vampire performs a style of Classic Hip Hop fusing goth, funk and electro.[2][5] Kung Fu Vampire referred to this style as "gothic hip hop" and "goth hop" to describe the true sound and separate himself from generic genre labeling, but later learned that it was also similar to the preexisting style horrorcore but has made it publicly clear that he considers his music to be traditional Hip Hop with the exception of a Live Band.[3]
Kung Fu Vampire avoids overly rapping about graphic violence, and makes little or no reference to campy horror films or smoking cannabis.[6] His lyrics have spoken out against drug use in particular Meth and Alcohol, and advocated for healthy living.[6]
Kung Fu Vampire was initially known for making appearances with a shaved head and pale face paint.[6] Since 2011, Kung Fu Vampire grew his hair out and has stopped using face paint in his performances stating that he would rather spend that time connecting with fans at concert as opposed to preparation.[6] Kung Fu Vampire has collaborated with Jazz Trumpeter and Blue Note Recording Artist Eddie Gale, Brother J of X Clan, Cougnut, Potluck, Twisted Insane, Twiztid, R.A. The Rugged Man, Da Mafia 6ix, Chris Webby, Whitney Peyton and Spice 1.[2]
Band members
- Current
- Kung Fu Vampire — vocals
- Jeremy Pollett — bass
- Chris Paxton - drums
Discography
- Spacebar (1999)[7]
- Womb Til Tomb (2002)[8]
- Blood Bath Beyond (2003)[9]
- Dead Sexy (2009)
- Love Bites (2012)
- Re-Animated (2014)
- Look Alive (2015)
Features
On the Bloodstepp track "Rave In My Grave" featuring Koshir and Kung Fu Vampire from the album Grand Theft Ufo: Floppy Disk Edition (2014)
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 Wheeler, Garrett (October 29, 2006). "Creature of The Night". Metro Silicon Valley. Retrieved 22 November 2008.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 Rudy, Stewart. "Interview with a (Rapping) Vampire". The Wave Magazine. Retrieved 22 November 2008.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Dark Jedi Hillz (December 6, 2009). "Exclusive Interview - Kung Fu Vampire". JuggaloNews. Retrieved 8 December 2009.
- ↑ "Best of Silicon Valley 2006". Metro Silicon Valley. September 20–26, 2006. Retrieved 22 November 2008.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 Osterbeck, Ryan (October 18–24, 2006). "Interview With the Vampire". Metro Silicon Valley. Retrieved 22 November 2008.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 6.5 6.6 6.7 6.8 http://activate.metroactive.com/2012/12/kung-fu-vampire-hip-hop/
- ↑ "Overview for Spacebar". Allmusic. Retrieved 22 November 2008.
- ↑ "Overview for Womb Til Tomb". Allmusic. Retrieved 22 November 2008.
- ↑ "Overview for Blood Bath Beyond". Allmusic. Retrieved 22 November 2008.