Doomtree

Over the past 5 years Doomtree has gained momentum as one of the best hip-hop collectives in the Midwest. This can be attributed to the crew’s innovative recordings, engaging live shows, and unstoppable work ethic. It is this proclivity to innovation that has made Doomtree a force to be reckoned with in the world of hip-hop.

The collective’s combination of hip-hop and the DIY ethos of punk coupled with a wide range of artistic and musical influences has won them a diverse audience. Hailing from Minneapolis, Minnesota, the emcees, DJs, and producers that make up Doomtree can barely remember a time they weren’t together. They explain, "Doomtree is a record label. Doomtree is a rap crew. Doomtree is a family." This attitude has garnered them much praise from journalists, one of whom recently described their relationships with one another as a "vice-grip".

Among the Doomtree crew’s nine members, who come from a wide variety of backgrounds and musical interests, are Cecil Otter (Emcee/Producer), Dessa (Emcee/Vocalist), Lazerbeak (Producer), MK Larada (Producer / DJ), Mike Mictlan (Emcee), Paper Tiger (Producer / DJ), P.O.S. (Emcee / Producer), Sims (Emcee), and Turbo Nemisis (DJ). Of these, most of them met in junior high.

It is this narrative that has caught the attention of the press and public. Ever since, they’ve both lived and worked together, helping to create the dynamic and tireless work ethic they have developed as a group. They describe their crew love as "obvious, infectious," and this undoubtedly has an effect on audiences during live shows. This intense connection between the group’s members has lent significantly to their achievements in both past and current ventures, as they are completely committed to each other’s success.

As a record label Doomtree began False Hopes, which were short runs of home-burned EP’s. These early recordings first gained the attention of the press and prompted The City Pages (local) to claim that "combined, [they] would have made one of the best local rap albums, well, ever."

This tradition lives on with the recent releases of Dessa and Cecil Otter’s respective discs. The label’s first official release was Ipecac Neat by rapper P.O.S. The response was insane and The Star Tribune dubbed the record "Best Album of the Year." The album has since brought the Doomtree name into households across the country after being licensed for re-release on Rhymesayers Entertainment. In July 2005 Doomtree released Lights Out Paris from Sims, given 4.5 stars by URB Magazine.

The crew has just released the first ever compilation featuring its entire Doomtree roster. The album, DOOMTREE, is a landmark for the group and a self-proclaimed beast. With 21 tracks, not only does the record build the momentum of the crew, but it highlights their talents as solo artists.

With an already outstanding catalog including fans of punk and indie rock, and rap purists, this release is sure to rally an even bigger audience. As put by Doomtree "the anthems are victorious, the storysongs are full of dream and intrigue, and the bangers reset pacemakers." Oh, and the album is a call for independent thought full of humor and swagger, without being preachy.

Doomtree artists have toured and shared the stage with some of indie hip hop and rock’s biggest artists, including: Sage Francis, Atmosphere, Eyedea & Abilities, Buck 65, the Hold Steady, Kool Keith, Dillinger Four, Oddjobs, Solilloquists of Sound, Gift of Gab, Wyclef Jean, the Soviettes, Mac Lethal, Immortal Technique, Brother Ali, and many, many more.

No profanity, or inaproppriate remarks.