Culture Shock Original signed local rap/hip-hop artists to its label over two years ago with one goal in mind – to make an album with a deserving musician – what they got were local deserving talents.
Co-owner and CEO of Culture Shock Original, Ruben Roman along with engineer John Bologna began work with Antonio “Tones” Herrera, D’miti “Drezzy” Reynolds and D’shon “Tre” Lloyd, individually at first and realized to combine them they could be a bigger group, thus The Council was born.
Reynolds and Herrera currently comprise The Council and have now added the Best Rap Hip Hop Recording to their list of recent accomplishments for their album ‘One Tribe One Nation,’ awarded to them on Sunday, Nov. 16 at the 15th Annual Native American Music Awards at the Seneca Allegany Casino in Salamanca, NY.
In 2012, Culture Shock Original awarded The Council a $25,000 recording contract after reviewing over 170 artists who submitted work during the contest.
“It was getting kind of depressing, after weeks of listening to all the submissions and feeling like we were unable to find any local artists who were deserving of the award,” Roman stated.
In the music industry, Roman added, “talent can be taught, but character is raised and although these boys were green, we felt we could polish them.”
Fast-forward to 2014, Reynolds representing The Council and Culture Shock Original artists, Jot Scripts and Redskin Thunda Cat made the journey from Ignacio, Colo. to Salamaca, NY to the annual awards event.
“It was different being in the studio,” Reynolds said. “I’ve always wanted to be in music, to be on stage, but to be in the same building with all these other musicians it was amazing.”
Reynolds got his first taste on stage during a school music show, he free-styled and found he liked the recognition and his talent being seen as something he wanted to pursue.
“You have to put in work,” Roman said. “There’s three things you need to succeed in music; a solid plan, hard work and perseverance. Take away any of these and you’re setting yourself up to fail. The Council were eager to work, and it’s paid off, they won the award – they are the best in the world.”
The Council and Culture Shock Original gave thanks to the Southern Ute Indian Tribe for their support, the fans, family – Velma and Dezi, The Southern Ute Drum, REZ-olution Radio Hour and KSUT Tribal Radio.
“The Council are from the community,” Roman said. “The community won this award too.”
The Council’s next release will be ‘American Made’ set for a Dec. 30 release. The album will feature Akon and T-Pain. Reynolds and Herrera will also be releasing solo projects in 2015, they are also slated for a tour featuring The Council and Riah the 2014 WC American Indian Music Awards winner for Best R&B Album of the Year.
The 15th Annual Native American Music Awards Ceremony will be streamed on FNX.com Thursday, Nov. 27. You can find additional info on the Culture Shock Original’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CultureShockOriginal .