LET IT BANG OUT

Samuel Keith Thomas was born in Saginaw, Michigan on August 7, 1987. From early on Thomas was exposed to a range of music by his mother and quickly became a self-proclaimed ‘music lover’. From classical to rock, there was no genre Thomas did not enjoy, but he took an early interest in hip-hop. Influenced by Ice Cube, NWA, and Tupac, Thomas knew early on that he wanted to break into the music business. He wrote his first rap while in the seventh grade and later started recording himself on a karaoke machine his grandmother bought him. "I would rap into that machine all day" Thomas recalls, and as his recording technology advanced, so did his talent. His first album was a collaboration with another local artist, recorded in 2010, titled "Bonnie and Clyde". Thomas then went on to write, produce, and release his first solo album, "True Life" in 2011 under his rapping alias, Vada Stacks. "I secluded myself from outside music and influences and focused on my music." ‘True Life’ developed into a very personal and honest album. Thomas has dedicated much of his time to performing, earning recognition, creating more music, and growing artistically. He has performed in many cities locally including, Bay City, Saginaw, Flint and Detroit, Michigan- gaining a fan base with his talent and the honesty of his music. "I would like to go as far as my career takes me, to the moon and back if possible" Thomas says of breaking into the music industry, "But either way I will continue rapping for the love of hip-hop."
Vada Stacks can be followed on Twitter at V_Stacks@twitter.com

Tarick Omari Jeffries was born in Saginaw, MI on March 16, 1977. Living all around the Saginaw area, he was brought up with his brothers who helped introduce him to the newly emerging genre of music, hip-hop. Immediately he felt a connection with the music and became absorbed and influenced by artists such as LL Cool J, Houdini, The Dayton Family, and Tupac. These artists’ performances and creativity helped Jeffries find his passion for hip-hop, and he began rapping and writing rhymes at sixteen. Jeffries was first part of a hip-hop group called WSP- standing for West Side Players- but then decided to begin performing solo, taking on his rapping alias, Big TJ. He recorded his debut album in late 2009, titled "From Tha Mitten", which Jeffries refers to as his ‘learning and developmental album’. His second album, "No Nonsense" is nearly completed and expected to be released later this year. Jeffries describes this album as, "chapters of my life, a very personal album" and he can sense his own growth and development. With both albums, Jeffries has tried to earn recognition and build a fan base, preforming locally in Detroit and Flint Michigan, and making his music as widely available as he can. In the future, Jeffries would like to make his music into his career but will continue to produce music with or without fame. "I do it because I love it" Jeffries admits and that love can be heard throughout his lyrics and seen in his performances.
Big Tj’s album "From Tha Mitten" is available for purchase on Itunes

Big TJ and Vada Stacks met casually at a venue they were both performing at in Detroit, Michigan. While admiring each other’s performances, they finished the show and went separate ways. A chance encounter reintroduced them to each other and they quickly decided to collaborate together on songs from both of their individual albums. Their unique styles combined made tracks original and raw. Big TJ’s old school grit and influence mixed with Vada Stacks’ modern outlook and style makes for an incredible duo. Both artists agree that their music is ‘Reality Music’. Raw, unfiltered, and not watered down. They rap about things they have had and things they have went through- they rap about real life. They are a refreshing take on hip-hop-- going back to when the music was relatable and original. Catchy beats, rhymes, and style make this duo memorable and authentic.