Myka 9 (born Michael Troy) is a rapper from Los Angeles.
Originally known as Microphone Mike, in the 80s he was a member of the MC Aces with Aceyalone and Spoon Iodine. As one of the founding members of Freestyle Fellowship, Myka 9 was instrumental in the scene at the Good Life Cafe in the early 90s. (Timetable contains some of his live recordings from the Good Life Cafe open-mic.) As one of the most stylistically advanced rappers at the Good Life, Myka 9 has had a profound influence on L.A. underground hip hop and freestyle rapping in general. Discussing the influence of Myka 9's song "7th Seal," released in 1991 on Freestyle Fellowship's To Whom It May Concern, Ellay Khule said, " '7th Seal' blew everybody's mind for at least 2 years straight. People studied that shit backwards and forwards -- even we don't know all those words. That made everybody say like 'I gotta get a tape out' or 'I can't rap like so-and-so no more. I can't be in 80s, now we movin' to the 90s.' That totally transferred our musical thought." Drummer and producer JMD said, "Mike was like the Charlie Parker of all these motherfuckers."
He is known for rapid-fire, jazz-influenced, melodic rapping, often incorporating singing and occasionally scatting into his songs. Myka has said of his style, “My rhymes take the direction of a jazz trumpet or sax solo, like Miles or Trane, if I was to rhyme in the same meter as those notes . . . that’s my concept.”
VORTEX Repertory Company and UpRise! Productions proudly present the world premiere of the newest hip-hop theater performance piece written and directed by award-winning playwright, Zell Miller III.
arrhythmia examines love, in all of its ugliness and splendor. This urban odyssey utilizes elements of hip-hop, contemporary movement, and lyrical slam-style poetry in this challenging, musical, political, breathtaking experience for all audiences.
Featuring performances from Ebony Stewart, Sean Tate, Aaron Sanders, and introducing Toni Ringgold, as four spirits on a journey: Love, Forgiveness, Remorse, and Elation. Original music by DJ S.T.A.T.I.K. and guitarist Buddy Cannon. Choreography from Ananda Mayi Moss. PR Photo by Bonnie Cullum.
Zell Miller III is an interdisciplinary theater/performance poet. His play, Radio Silence, premiered at The VORTEX last season and won the B. Iden Payne Award for Best Original Script. His one-man show my child, my child, my alien child, won the Award for Best Original Script from the Austin Critics’ Table in 2007. Zell is also the creator and co-producer of the Hip-Hop Theater Explosion which features poets, MC’s, DJ’s, dancers, and musicians in a theatrical variety show. He also hosts “Speaking the Spoken: The Art of Verse” a monthly open mic series at The VORTEX. He has been a featured poet at SxSW Fest and has opened for legendary artists such as Nikki Giovianni and The Last Poets. As one of the premiere hip-hop theater artists in the country, Zell is proud to bring this art form to his home city, Austin.
arrhythmia is a great way to honor Black History Month (February). Ask about Valentine’s Day Specials with Cake and Wine.
Tickets: $30-$10 Available on-line www.vortexrep.org or at 512-478-LAVA (5282)
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From the tough questions department... Myka 9 @ Flamingo Cantina tomorrow night, Feb 8th! Early show!
