It's been a while since a new hip-hop artist has made his way in the music industry the old-fashioned / grass roots way by paying his dues with seedy small venue / club gigs and self-promotion. This is one rising hip hop star that hasn't bought his way into the game, been born into a famous family, won a reality TV show, or emerged from a teen cable TV sitcom. He did it the way you are supposed to. He booked and played gigs any and everywhere he could while continuing to self-promote and build a fan base as well as good business relationships. He goes by the name Timothy Rhyme. Born to a schizophrenic mother and an unknown father, Timothy Rhyme has had to conquer obstacles since birth that, statistically, many would never be able to overcome. Constantly clawing his way through life, Timothy Rhyme faced imprisonment, fought addictions, and stared death in the face. Needless to say, these trials and tribulations did not prevent him from starting his own business, graduating from college and excelling in his musical endeavors. Although his story reads like a movie script, he remains humble and driven. Timothy Rhyme has been nominated California's "Outstanding Emcee” twice, placed on URB's Next 1000, featured on the cover of Submerge Magazine, sponsored by various companies, and been on tour. Not only has he gained the respect from his peers, Timothy Rhyme has been honored to have shared the stage with legends in this field like Immortal Technique, Chino XL, Dead Prez, The Jacka, Andre Nickatina, Blu, The Living Legends, Canibus, Heiorglyphics and more. Timothy Rhyme is real, edgy, versatile, sharp and creative. He encompasses what the next generation of hip hop should have the privilege of witnessing.

Born in Southern CA on April 1, 1989, Joey Atilano, better known as 60 East, was introduced to music and the business at a young age. Older brother, DJ Metric, gave him a taste of the life and 60 East was more than happy to learn. Under the guidance of Metric, 60 East got a glimpse at what it really takes to gain notoriety and recognition in such a competitive and hard business. As time progressed and 60 East started taking what he learned and applied it to his own music, he began to take steps that would help define the rest of his journey through music. After releasing his mixtape "The 60 East Mixtape Vol.1" in December of 2009 he caught the attention of First Dirt based out of Sacramento, CA. Shortly after, 60 East went on the Trojan Horse Promo Tour with Timothy Rhyme which made stops up and down California and ended at both of the Rock The Bells festivals, where he was given backstage access and met legends in hip hop. 60 East has excelled at a rate that’s rare in this industry. He recently won the Hottest Up and Coming Artist in the Coast award for 2011, earned an internship under Jay Warsinski (Owner of Indie Power and Activate Ent.), has attended several music conferences (The Western Conference / New Music Seminar / ASCAP I Am Music Expo), booked 60 shows in 50 different cities, headlined at the Sacramento State Fair and The Music Summit Tour in Las Vegas, opened Immortal Technique, Chino XL, Da Circle, Dead Prez, 2Mex, Canibus, Audio Push, Locksmith and many more, and has went on tour with The Game (Red Tour / Interscope), The Empire Strikes Back Tour and his own The Introduction Tour, and is an active emcee in the Daily Duels Battle League in LA.

Phil Coyle aka “Phil The Pain” has made huge strides as a producer in this industry. Rising from the streets of Brockton, Massachusetts, Phil has been producing professionally for 5 years and is currently an in-house producer for both Viciouz Society Entertainment (Massachusetts) and First Dirt (California). His credentials alone speak volumes on his talent and drive to succeed. Phil has had the honor of working at Sirius XM Radio and Headqcourterz Recording Studios with Charles The Mixologist, DJ Premier and Showbiz. He was a regular member of the DJ Ready Cee show hosted by legendary New York artists DJ Ready Cee and DJ Mixx. Phil The Pain has an extensive library of features that range from working with Timothy Rhyme (First Dirt), Slaughterhouse, Joe Budden, Royce Da 5'9, M.O.P., Chaundon, Edgar Allen Floe, Blu, VestaVest, Jugga Rock, Cash TF, Mega Trife, and many more. This soulful producer is grabbing the eyes and ears across the country.

Nay The Producer also known as N.T.P. is a Female Producer/Song-writer/Artist from the Bay Area. Nay started making music at the age of 3, playing the bell in her Mother's West African dance group. She took interest in all types of music at a young age. She fell in love with jazz & classical playing the trumpet from elementary through high school. Nay started producing music at the age of 19. She has a inexplicable vision, her style of music is very diverse from R&B, Hip Hop and Rock to Pop she is very unique. She has worked with underground, local and signed artists. Prince Sole who has a hit single featuring Ray J, a new up & coming artist named SaafirJ, Universal artist Oktane of Audio Push, Nump of 454 Ent., Barnone & CB of Family Bidness, Timothy Rhyme, The Kid Rated R, also artist out of Texas, L.A, & the U.K just to name a few. Nay’s freshman mixtape titled “Long Way From Home” was released 12/1/11! Nay has recently joined forces with First Dirt Republic and is now a producer at the label. “I am very blessed to have the talent that I have and the team of people supporting me. I just want my music to be heard!"

Rymo also known as Rymeezee comes from the rough streets of San Francisco, CA. He has been MCing and making beats since 1995. Formerly a part of various groups such as S.I.K. (Strictly In Kontrol), Broken Dialek, Da Tremorz, M.I.A. (MusiKali Inclined Affiliates), he started off doing local talents showcases and festivals. Since then has appeared/performed in Mexico, Chicago, New Orleans, Hawaii, and locally. He collaborated with various talented artists/producers in the local region and across the nation with artists such as Timothy Rhyme (CA / First Dirt) and June Jissle (Connecticut). Aside from the music work, Rymo currently works in the school district as Youth Counselor helping youth make healthy lifestyle choices and find better outlets to express themselves so they don’t make the same mistakes he did. Rymeezee is a humble individual and is well known for his phenomenal wordplay. Having shared the stage and opened up shows for veterans such as Prodigy (Mobb Deep), The Alchemist, Planet Asia, Timothy Rhyme, Bored Stiff, Zion-I, San Quinn, Hugh E MC, Kiwi, Bambu, DJ Rick Lee, Family Bidness and more, Rymeezee has and will continue to make an everlasting impact on those he crosses paths with.

Leksbeat is one of those that can actually say that “hip hop saved [his] life.” Growing up as a troubled teen roaming the streets with the wrong crowd, thinking he was a grown man and on top of the world, he had been locked up for car theft several times and burglary. It wasn’t until one day in the early years of 2000 when he and a group of close friends randomly decided to get back into Bboying. With some mentoring from some members of Devious Crew and some practice sessions with Bay Area superstar Rock Force Crew, Cyclone Force was a name that started to spread within and outer region of Sacramento, CA. Eventually Leksbeat got into turntablism and started making beats using Cakewalk Sonar and a MIDI keyboard. It wasn’t until 2005, when Leksbeat had moved to New England in search of a better life, when his style of music had evolved due to the purchase of an Akai MPC 2000 classic. Sampling became his main ingredient to making his music. Having to move back to the West Coast, Leksbeat entered a beat battle hosted by Timothy Rhyme just to make a name for himself and to finally spread his music that no one has heard of, and Leksbeat came out victorious. He had caught the attention of Timothy Rhyme and history is now being made.