They're a little bit country. They're a little bit … rap?
If you haven't heard it already, one of the hottest groups on campus these days is a rapping sextet from Bowling Green, Kentucky, called Nappy Roots. That's right, Bowling Green; the un-Detroit.
The group's birthplace isn't the only thing that makes them different. They also operate without a clear leader, and with all six men—Skinny DeVille, Scales, Big V, Ron Clutch, B. Stille and Prophet—on all tracks.
"There's six of us," says Kenneth "Prophet" Anthony, "so it's like six sounds, six different players, six different ideas on what we like, six different influences. And we all mix them together to make a universal sound."
As well, you won't find Nappy rapping about the bling bling, Benz and Benjamins (though you might catch a nod to blunts). Aside from making them a hit with those yet to get their first gold-capped tooth, Prophet says it's the country influence that keeps them real.
"There's a set of values and beliefs that we stay closer to, like staying with family," Prophet explains. "The things that count for us are taking care of each other, having fun, you know, the basics, and not really concerned with the outside influences. That's what the country does. Isolate you in the world so you can really get into yourself.
"If you listen to our raps, we talk about things that are going on in our lives, things that are tangible."
Nappy Roots ("We stick together like nap and the roots are the foundation," says Prophet, by way of explanation) are on tour, promoting their fourth CD, Wooden Leather. They're opening for Obie Trice at the House of Blues on Nov. 13.
The disc is an aurally intriquing mix of rap, group choruses, and yes, harmonicas. Prophet says their influences range from hip-hop to country, R&B to classical.
"We're some educated brothers, so we love good music," he says.
That education has been continuing since their college days as they tour the country, and the world, with a June trip to the Middle East to cheer up the troops. On top of experiencing other cultures, Prophet and company got a little taste of Southern Nevada when they met Wayne Newton, USO Celebrity Circle chairman. Apparently, the Kentucky rappers and Mr. Las Vegas got along quite well.
"Us and Wayne, we're cool, very cool," says Prophet. "We got a lot of respect for Wayne Newton … He's got a lot of respect for us as a group."