Illegal Beats

The Illegal Beats When asked to describe our music in one phrase, we would call it Hip-Hop Reggae Jam- Rock; a sound that is blended between hip-hop, rock, and the sweet island sounds that we love so much. As far back as we can remember, we have always been a band. In 1990, identical twin brothers Wyatt and Bo Ramsey met with brothers Kurt and Brad Kraft, beginning a friendship that would spawn years of jamming in clubs, festivals, and bars throughout the southeast. We formed a few groups until one name finally stuck in 1994: Menace. As Menace, we wrote a lot of songs and played many shows, yet there was still something missing. So in 1996 we recruited longtime friends Jeremy Williams and Robbie Hansen to round out the group. Jeremy Williams lyrics brought a political edge to the group, while Rob Hanson helped add to the band’s pulsating percussion. Finally, in 1998 we came to be known as The Illegal Beats. After recording our first album in 2000 we knew we had something truly original. With a playlist of 43 original songs and over 200 cover songs, the band toured throughout the southeast. From Daytona Beach Spring Break to Athens and Atlanta and back down to Gainesville, Orlando and the Florida Everglades...we bring our smooth vibe to the people. From start to finish, our shows take you through a broad range of music encompassing everything by blending the feel of Bob Marley, The Beatles, The Doors, Pink Floyd, Sublime, The Roots, and A Tribe Called Quest with the sounds of our own lyrics and harmonies. We break the show up by mixing up the vibes and it never hurts to throw all the flavors in. We accomplish this by comprising our songs into a series of medleys that mix the three part harmonies of Bo Brad and Kurt over a phat dub beat and then cut the rug with Jeremy Williams' high-stepping Dance-Hall Reggae chanting. Then blend in the orchestration behind the band with the electrifying rhythm and you have a sound that truly gets people out of their chairs...you cannot help but move to the music. In 2007 the band had the unique opportunity to open up for Mikey Dread, Sizzla Kalonji, and Kymani Marley. With our new album set to come out soon, the band is looking forward to an aggressive touring schedule. The Illegal Beats When asked to describe our music in one phrase, we would call it Hip-Hop Reggae Jam- Rock; a sound that is blended between hip hop, rock, and the sweet island sounds that most of us love!!!!