From supporting act role to popular international world music group ZAP MAMA at the Paradise Rock Club this past summer, to the "La Di Da Di" Grammy nominated Hip-Hop Icon SLICK RICK at Harpers Ferry on Friday, February 27th, the Rock by Funk Tribe is quickly making their name as a refreshing sound emerging in the Boston music scene.
Backed by a tight tribe of solid musicians fronted by both a male and female vocalist, award winning national slam poetess Iyeoka Okoawo and Hip-Hop MC B.Cap of The Press Project, make up the heartbeat of the Rock by Funk Tribe. Clearly capable of crossing genres, one merely needs to consider the magic of blending an Unplugged Lauryn Hill, Jill Scott and Jay-Z vibe to create a magnetic duo interweaving harmonies, lyrics and poetry.
The combination is a hip-hop-funk-
In October of 2008, Slick Rick was honored on the VH1 Hip Hop Honors show for his more than 20-year career contribution to Hip-Hop nation.
Iyeoka explains fondly, "... I still remember my NU college days going through my college party walking phase with my girls and getting down on the dance floor when "La Di Da Di" (we like to party) would come on. Everybody knew the words. I can only imagine at this point what it feels like for a cross-generational audience to get that 'old school' familiar with your hooks and lyrics. I'm honored to share the stage with the legendary Slick on the 27th and shut the month down on this 2009 RBFT February Funky College Tour at the H. Ferry."
In addition to being featured performers at the 2008 Boston Arts Festival and the 29th Annual Oktoberfest in Harvard Square in Cambridge, Iyeoka and the Rock by Funk Tribe are featured monthly to an enthusiastic and diverse crowd at the Alchemist Lounge in Jamaica Plain, MA, consistently filling the house to capacity with a line out the door.
As one of the most sought after poetry slammers in the country and a 2008 National Performance Network/NCCC Artist Residency Award recipient, Iyeoka Okoawo has been embraced for the fresh infusion of poetry and music she offers to the Northeast college circuit. This month, Iyeoka, along with her Rock by Funk Tribe will be embarking on the February Funky College Tour that includes Simmons College, Northeastern University, Massachusetts College of Art, Wellesley College and Wheaton College among other universities to celebrate Black History Month.
For a full and UPDATED tour schedule please visit http://www.Iyeoka.com
Simmons College- Friday, Feb. 13th
Bowery Poetry Club (NYC)- Saturday, Feb 14th
Wheaton College- Thursday, Feb 19th
Alchemist Lounge- Friday, Feb 20th
Northeastern University- Saturday, Feb 21st
Massachusetts College of Art- Monday Feb 23rd
Wellesley College- Wednesday, Feb 25th
Harpers Ferry with Slick Rick- Friday, Feb 27th
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