Honors English

Class is in session…with Honors English. In an era where hip-hop and pop culture are almost one in the same, Honors English takes us back to the true essence of hip-hop as its own art form. With a keen ear for soulful rhythms, Honors English is dedicated to organic and experimental sounds that will get listeners to pay attention to more than the beat. Born and raised in Trenton, NJ, Honors English is a true scholar of hip-hop. His love for rhyming started in the booth with his uncle Divine, who produced for the legendary hip-hop group Poor Righteous Teachers. ‘My first recording with him was at 13…my uncle gave me an appreciation for raw hip-hop,’ recalls English. During those early years, you could always catch Honors walking around with a boom box or battling with his friends. Honors brought his rhyming skills all the way down to the halls of Florida A&M University, where he majored in African-American Studies. He was known around campus for his battle raps and soon met Serius Jones and producer Needlz (Ludacris, Fabolous, 50 Cent). It wasn’t long before they formed a group called First Ave. The collective got so popular with street singles like "Jersey State of Mind" that they were up for a record deal with Atlantic Records in 2001. Unfortunately, the deal fell through and the guys went their separate ways. After the group disbanded, Honors took a break from hip-hop to become a professor of history. During that time, he also embarked on a deeply spiritual journey that transformed his ways of thinking and teaching. ‘My vision changed and forced me to develop as a person,’ says Honors. That development turned into months of writing that inspired his latest solo work entitled State of the Art. Now that Honors English is back in the booth, he is more focused than ever. ‘I write all the time…I am a constant note taker of life.’ Honors has reunited with Needlz to create State of the Art, a collection of sample-based musical compositions and uplifting rhymes. Songs like "Cymbals on the Sidewalk", an unprecedented play of words and music, will have you in awe. Songs like "Flying High"; where H.E. spars uplifting verses with huge Honors English supporter Lupe Fiasco, will raise your spirit. And the lyrics in songs like "The Name Is" will undoubtedly close the deal. Honors prides himself in letting his career take shape organically. ‘There’s no one official single…we’re just doing videos and coming up with concepts based on what feels right.’ Honors English takes his lessons in life very seriously, and desires a long-standing career without compromise of his voice or his sound. ‘I want to make a brand that’s human and natural…I love to make music that has feeling to it.’ And with his origins, it’s no wonder that class is officially in session. Album Features Joining Honors English on the guest tip throughout ST▲TE OF THE ▲RT are Lupe Fiasco, Karina Pasian, TL Cross, Sunni Patterson, Lance Powlis, The Mad Violinist, Freeway Rick Ross, Khari Lemuel and Saunders Sermons II. In addition to beats by Grammy winning producer Needlz, the set features production by Bink!, Willie Donut, TL Cross, Coldfiya and Knock Squared In an era where hip-hop and pop culture are almost one in the same, Honors English takes us back to the true essence of Hip Hop as its own art form.