Aybee (US)

Artist
Since man’s earliest moments he has shared his space with rhythm, and dance. It is this pursuit along with a deeper understanding of the divine nature of rhythm that serves as the modus operandi for Label Owner/Producer/and DJ Aybee. Emerging in 2001, Aybee has spent more than a decade gathering respect from all corners of the Electronic music spectrum. Armed with a distinct sound that some say meshes the drum of urban intensity with the ethereal sentiments of a Zen Temple, AYBEE has carved a niche for all things soul, and electronic. Releasing music under a wide range of monikers (Orion 70, Afrobatik, o1o, Lamaj, Bla Kula, Prof Delacroix) AYBEE’s versatility is genre defiant. Seamlessly weaving through Soul, Techno, House, and Hip-Hop. A product of Oakland, CA, AYBEE comes from a steep family tradition of Soul, Innovation, and Exploration. Born in a time of heightened social awareness he developed a strong affinity for music’s link to social movement. Experiencing first hand the power of music’s ability to help people transcend the often-unforgiving streets of Oakland. The seed was also planted by his New Orleans based grandfather who ran a small jazz label, and uncle who ran a short lived disco imprint “Armour” in the late 70’s. It was the uplifting power of music, and dance that ultimately pushed AYBEE to embark on the exploration of himself as an artist. In 2001 AYBEE launched Deepblak Recordings as a creative outlet for his music. Upon releasing a slew of underground remixes along with original material, Deepblak’s Future Soul sound began to gather a following along with turning some heads within industry mainstays. Ultimately catching the attention of Legendary DJ/Producer Ron Trent. After joining the Prescription family AYBEE and Trent would come together to co-found Prescription sub-label Future Vision, and create music as the “Indigenous Space People”, and later as the “Blak Punk Soundsystem”. Since such time AYBEE has gone on to establish himself as one the most innovative and enigmatic producers on the West Coast with a decade worth of impressive records, which included his ground breaking “East Oakland Space Program LP” on his Deepblak imprint. While forging forward in developing Deepblak as a home for avant-garde soul, AYBEE has also branched out to work with other prominent labels such as; Underground Quality, Further Records, Tokyo Dawn, Deeply Rooted House, You Are Hear, and Atjazz Record Co. While running a true DIY Label (responsibilities including A&R, Art, Web, & Video) AYBEE has also squeezed Film into his list of accomplishments with musical production for the 2007 short “Kujo My Love”. With an impressive body of work behind him, and a consistently high level of output, AYBEE has become an interestingly seldom seen, but highly respected creative undercurrent. Armed with an insatiable need to grow coupled with a passion for creation he seems always at the beginning of something. Keep your minds, and ears open as the best has surely yet to come.
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Previous editions –
    2012