by Jessica Del Curto
Daily Lobo
In a time where money, parties and fame seem to dominate the lyrics of mainstream hip-hop, it is refreshing to hear that the Albuquerque-based hip-hop group Dirtheadz isn't concerned with getting paid.
Their underlying goal is to produce authentic lyrics and gain the support of Albuquerque listeners, all while kicking a little dirt in the eye of the local hip-hop scene.
The group maintains that Albuquerque is not just a stop on their way to fame, as it has been for many local artists in the past.
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"Our goal is to get the town on our side - in the end that is what it is really all about," said Eddie Madrid, or DJ Noble, who also produces the group.
This respect for their hometown is one of the many elements that make Dirtheadz, who have been making music collectively for three years, so appealing.
The six-member group's diversity also stands out and this multicultured collective has members that come from many different walks of life. Some are married, some have children and some are on their way to a college degree.
What makes Dirtheadz work is that "at the end of the day, we all have the same goal," said Gary Allsion, or Vengence, who is a resident adviser at UNM.
Ranging in age from 20 to 29, these young men each bring variety to the table. There's Rick Artiaga, or Physics, whose rapid delivery and ability to take on the persona of different characters from verse to verse adds wit and sarcasm to the lyrics.
There's Allison and Matt Pruet, or Profit, who deliver in-your face-vocals and expose the darker side of life in their verses. Steve Rodriguez, or Dreeg, 23, has fluidity to his voice that "rides the beats."
In the same way that a good hook can polish a song, Kevinlee Todman, or Kevlee, brings that crucial element to the sound of Dirtheadz. The 29-year-old from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands with his sultry West Indian accent creates a distinctive sound within the group.
"It's not too often in Albuquerque that you hear someone with his flavor; it's completely different," Allison said.
Dirtheadz works out of a studio in Rio Rancho consisting of state-of-the-art equipment and a sound booth inside a storage shed. Plans to relocate to a larger office are in the works, but for now the makeshift studio keeps the group focused.
"Because we all live in different places around the city, this is a centralized place where we can get together and work," Allison said. "It's our headquarters."
The group has performed all over Albuquerque and Santa Fe in the past couple of months and plans to have their self-titled album out this summer. A cable access show that will document local hip-hop culture is also in the works.
Dirtheadz's next show will be at Smooch's at 2004 Central Ave., where they will be opening for Mr. Lif, on April 29 at 8 p.m.
Although they eventually want to expand their music beyond the state lines, they will never stop representing Albuquerque.
"People from our city try and relate to places far away, rather than identifying with what they know, which is Albuquerque," Allsion said. "That's not what we're about."
"Dirtheadz represents Albuquerque to the fullest," added Madrid, referring to the name of their group. "Out here you are surrounded by dirt. Albuquerque is a dirty town."
But these desert dwellers aren't complaining. With their distinctive sound and unique local perspective, this small-town group has no doubt that they will go places. And when they do, they plan to take Albuquerque with them.
