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Bio
Rather than allowing their music to mutate into an airbrushed model of the latest trends, Proton waits patiently. Striving for establishment at a time when radio airplay has turned commercial music into a repetitive nightmare of fulfilling stereotypes and regionally based slang, they choose to focus their energy on mastering their own unconventional sound. Applying particular strategies to individual songs, encoding each with their signature positive messaging, Proton has theorized how to achieve mass appeal without compromising their artistic formula for making good music.
There may be two members and several affiliates, but to symbolize a collective oneness the group name remains in singular form. Presently based in Atlanta, the consciously labeled duo of Ebo and Fire-1 balance their serious exterior with a unique sense of humor. "We've all been through so much," jokes Fire-1, "I feel like we could have our own VH-1 special." Having been temporarily traumatized by the unannounced departures of former band-mates has only made their bond stronger, and the two eagerly look forward to the fall release of their second full-length album. Consistently distinguishing themselves from the plethora of angry MCs saturating an independent market, the two dread-locked front men are determined to reinvent the popular connotations of "positive music".
Appearances being deceptive, their musical influences are no less Sizzla and Peter Tosh than they are Black Sheep, Bjork, and Tricky. "We really don't listen to a lot of rap and R&B like most artists in our field," says Ebo, "so of course our vibe is going to be different." Locally, their non-conformist sound has been dubbed everything from alternative hip-hop, to experimental jungle/drum and bass fusion, thus broadening their prospective audience. Hoping to first secure their own independent label status, Proton will then seek distribution through other entities, eventually achieving a major label deal.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Proton is their ability to successfully adapt to situations out of their control. This is quite evident, considering the number of transitions they have experienced. After Poncho Grady bartered his trademark gold teeth for an ASR-10 sampler, he enlisted in the lyrical talents of high-school companions Ebo and Impact, birthing the group Cho-Few (Chozen Few). Fire-1 moved to Atlanta from Chicago in late '95, bringing an additional dynamic to the group that would mature over time. As a quartet, Cho-Few achieved a small amount of success, persuading their various management teams to finance a brief stint on the road. However, 1997 found members parting ways as Impact left the group to form "Superb" with long-time associate SuperTy. The following year, Poncho extended an invitation to the guitar playing Blackbeard, whose lyrics and live instrumentation became featured on several projects with Cho-Few. An entirely new formula had been discovered, and an even newer group began to develop.
Officially formed in 1998, the original "Proton" existed as three lyricists and one producer. Less than a year after the independent release of their self-titled debut album in late '99, Blackbeard and Poncho Grady decided to pursue "personal endeavors", leaving the remainder to reinvent themselves mentally, as well as audibly. Fire-1 soon assumed all production responsibilities, and Ebo began to handle socially motivated business dealings with a relentless sense of urgency. Now, having regained their confidence and rebuilt their reputation, a new Proton prepares for the release of their second full-length project in as many years.
Locally, Proton has opened for established artists such as Kool Keith, Digital Underground, Del and Casual of Hieroglyphics, The GZA, and Backbone. They pride themselves on delivering high-energy performances that have found the likes of everyone from Outkast's Andre 3000 to Lenny Kravitz, and Dallas Austin in attendance. Not hesitant to donate their talents toward a worthy cause, Proton has also performed at non-profit concerts that benefited HIV research or protested police brutality. From fashion shows to private engagements, underground to mainstream, Proton somehow manages to retain their individuality in a world full of clones.
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