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Substantial



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about the artist


BUY SUBSTANTIAL GEAR NOW!

 

When Substantial was recording his debut album, …To This Union a Sun Was Born, he was driven by adversity. The Maryland native was struggling to balance school with a budding music career, was homeless at times and still reeling from having buried more than ten friends and family members.

The resulting album—produced by Nujabes and Monorisick of Hyde Out Productions and released in October, 2001—earned Substantial international critical acclaim and a particularly devoted following in Japan, where it was recorded and distributed. …To This Union was a top ten seller for two months at Virgin Megastores in Tokyo, Japan, and outsold artists such as Ja Rule, Jermaine Dupri, Faith Evans and Angie Stone in November. The album was dedicated to his late father and niece.

In the years that followed, Substantial—real name Stan B. Robinson—released a slew of singles and featured appearances, choosing to remain an independent artist to maintain creative freedom. In March of 2007, however, he officially joined the like-minded roster of independent hip-hop record label QN5 Music, whose artists are both close friends and frequent collaborators of his.

“I met Substantial through PackFM and Mecca during the final throes of the NYC underground scene’s heyday,” says QN5 founder and artist Tonedeff. “They were all in a group together called Dominion and I had seen them. Immediately, I was blown away by his wordplay and delivery.” Tonedeff, Substantial, PackFM and Session would go on to form the group Extended Famm and release the critically acclaimed 2002 album Happy F*ck You Songs.

On January 8, 2007, the man The Source Magazine called “a lyrical problem” will release Sacrifice, the long-anticipated follow-up to—and first official American offering since—…To This Union A Sun Was Born.

Despite being bred from much the same place as …To This Union, Sacrifice is decidedly more optimistic. Comprising sixteen tracks of smart lyricism and breezy beats, the disc evokes the dwindling sense of fun that once permeated the culture and plays seamlessly as a collective nod to the genuine feel-good hip-hop of yesteryear. Perhaps best characterizing this is “Resurrection of the House Party,” the album’s energetic first single, released in September 2007 with an accompanying video, or “My Favorite Things,” an ode to hip-hop culture which Substantial calls one of his favorite songs on the album. Sacrifice features production by Kno (CunninLynguists), Tonedeff, Algorythm & Burns and a guest appearance by QN5 labelmates Extended Famm.

“The album is made of everything that makes me me: Six years of writing, mixing, soul-searching, love, hate, strife, life and death,” says Substantial. “I found myself while making this album, which surprised me, considering how much I lost.”

The cover art—photographed by fellow Maryland native Eddie Tombs IV—is a tribute to martial arts, which Substantial has practiced for years.

“We thought that mimicking a samurai performing Seppuku with a microphone would be a powerful statement,” says Substantial. “I honestly couldn’t think of any better way to illustrate Sacrifice than with this image. As artists, we often push ourselves to the edge and beyond in pursuit of our dreams, often sacrificing for our family, friends and fans. It’s a difficult journey.”

announcements

October 21, 2010

[RELEASE] "Substantial & Marcus D are Bop Alloy" available now!

Peace World.  We know it felt like a lifetime but it’s finally here! We, Marcus D & I, proudly present Substantial & Marcus D are Bop Alloy (Deluxe Edition). Entirely produced by Marcus D with me handling lead vocals, this album features appearances Steph the Sapphic Songstress, Mr. SOS (QN5 Music), Cise Star (CYNE), EA Floe, Tunji, Niles, & Mello-D. The Deluxe Edition, which is only available at www.Bopalloy.Bandcamp.com and also includes the instrumentals.

This is a must have for lovers of Jazzy Hip-Hop or for those of you who just love “good music”. But don’t take my word for it, check out TheWordisBond.com who just gave us a 4.5 out of 5 and said “…this is one of the best albums I have heard in years, with so many standout songs the only problem is that its gonna take one hell of a follow up album to top this!”: http://www.thewordisbond.com/archives/10598

The digital album is only $10 but you have the option to pay more if you’d like to help fund our future endeavors and help us get more exposure. ANDDDD… because we love you guys so much we even through in a free release, entitled “prePAIRED” which includes all of our previous collaborations along with the instrumentals. Download it here: http://bopalloy.bandcamp.com/album/prepaired

Lastly, for those of you who wish to have the one of kind CD*, you can order the import version released through elevation (http://www.elvt.jp/) from: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/substantialmarcusd

*When it is back in stock. :)

That’s all that’s it family. Please do your part in helping us spread word.

Stay in Peace
Substantial

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August 31, 2010

[AUDIO] Substantial & Marcus D (Bop Alloy) - "Jazzmatic" ft. Steph

Click cover to listen.
Click cover to listen.  Photo by: Sawyer Purman

Peace World.  It's Tuesday, and we're officially one week away from the release of Substantial & Marcus D are Bop Alloy (Deluxe Edition). So, just in case you are one of many who has not discovered the elusive Japan Import Version of SMDABA, we present the album opener, Jazzmatic (ft. Steph the Sapphic Songstress). Just like the rest of the album, it is produced by none another than, Seattle based producer, Marcus D. Jazzmatic, is an upbeat, melodic, feel good song that is sure to have you singing along while two stepping in your seat.  It also breaks down the mission of Bop Alloy.


"This is the soundtrack for the everyday fellow / Hella laid back, super smooth, way mellow... Ain't come here lookin' for comp to outdo / Just want fans to know, we can't do it without you / Ain't s**t without y'all, we give it our all / With a soundscape cooler than the middle of Fall!" - Substantial

This is the album that you've been waiting for if you've been a fan of songs like, "Day in the Life", I'm Here, Enjoy Yourself & "U Were There (Marcus D Remix)".  In fact, MD & I plan to release the SMDABA instrumentals, along with an EP, prePAIRED, of our past collaborations, which also includes the instrumentals. After giving y'all all of that great music, all that is really left for us to say is... "You're welcome!"

Mark your calendars folks, Substantial & Marcus D are Bop Alloy (Deluxe Edition) available September 7, 2010 exclusively at www.BopAlloy.Bandcamp.com

Stay in Peace
Sub/Stan

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August 25, 2010

[VIDEO] Substantial in Japan 2010 Pt. 3 (Bop Alloy & Friends)

 

Peace World,

Here's the latest installment of "Substantial in Japan 2010"

Enjoy.

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May 20, 2010

Substantial on Bandcamp.com



Check out new music and past  releases.  More music being added daily for the next few weeks.  Listen, download, purchase.  Enjoy and spread the word.  Thanks.

Stay in Peace
Substantial
 

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March 12, 2010

[VOTE] Substantial Enters Vans Warped Tour ?Battle of the Bands?

blg_battleofthebands_contest.jpg
CALL TO ARMS: The time has come once again Blue Schoolers. | [VOTE NOW]

Substantial’s face has graced many magazines, TV screens, web monitors and ipods. But one place we’d like to see Substantial is on the 2010 Vans Warped Tour. And you can help us to make that a reality! In similar fashion to Tonedeff’s epic Lollapalooza win (sans the prize fiasco), Substantial is currently competing for the opportunity to hop on the Warped Tour and all we need to do is get past this initial ‘weeding-out-the-garbage” voting round – that’s where you come in. Hey, we’re as fond of these voting things as as you are, but QN5 is as DIY as it gets and we rely on you for your support to help power the engine that drives us. Time and time again, you’ve proven you’re truly the best fans in the world – let’s keep that perfect record going.

CONTEST INFO

The top 100 bands receiving the most votes in each venue will advance to the next round of competition. The top 100 bands will be reviewed by a panel of industry professionals composed of our partners, Warped Tour organizers, and Ernie Ball Inc. Four bands will be chosen to perform live on the Ernie Ball Stage for each date of the 2010 Vans Warped Tour.
The winning artists earn the opportunity to perform on the Ernie Ball Stage at the Summer’s largest music festival, The 2010 Vans Warped Tour.

One band will be eligible to win the ULTIMATE GRAND PRIZE: – $15,000 Guitar Center Shopping Spree – All Expenses Paid Trip to Hollywood to play live at the Vans Warped Tour After-Party – 2 Week Slot on the 2011 Vans Warped Tour – Record a 3 song EP with Multi-Platinum Producer Matt Squire – 1 Year of paid Tunecore Service – digital distribution on ITunes, Yahoo, Rhapsody, Amazon – Full Ernie Ball Music Man Endorsement

HOW TO VOTE:

1. Go to http://www.battleofthebands.com/
2. Click on the box that says “Click here to sign up”
3. Select “This is a FAN ACCOUNT”.
4. Fill out the required information and click “Register” at the bottom.
5. Go to you Inbox and open the email that reads “Ernie Ball Battle of the Bands Fan Registration”
6. Click the link to activate your account.
7. Go to http://www.battleofthebands.com/substantial
8. Click on the box that says “Vote for Band” (You can also become a fan as well)
9. Continue to vote everyday until the contest ends!

QN5 thanks you for your continued dedication and support.

Go Team Go!!!

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jacobzaaki
jacobzaaki

Male, 29, Malta

Posted August 23, 2009


Thus good?



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jacobzaaki
jacobzaaki

Male, 29, Malta

Posted August 23, 2009


Thus good?



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Nadaa1
Nadaa1

Female, Age Private, Poughkeepsie, NY

Posted August 22, 2009


l loved your music page. I am not that thrilled w/hip hop but you made me a believer. Now I must look for your music. Keep doing what you're doing. Much sucess and blessings to you & your family. Loved it loved it!!



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Chanel_Latrice
Chanel_Latrice

Female, Age Private, Charlotte, NC

Posted August 17, 2009


Loving The Sound. Loving The Style. Loving You.



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ACCOUNT CLOSED
CLOSED

Female, 39, Danville, IL

Posted August 16, 2009


Checked out your music page. Loved the way it flowed. God has truly blessed you with talent. Keep on doing what you are doing . By the way you have a beautiful baby.



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AlpineQueen
AlpineQueen

Female, 43, Baltimore, MD

Posted August 14, 2009


Keep up the good work...



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JimHall031
JimHall031

Male, Age Private, Magnolia, TX

Posted December 13, 2008


To all of our friends and a special message to our fabulous artist friends from all of us here at ERD, we value your friendship and continued support of ERD at www.entertainersrd.com, here at BlackPlanet and at myspace.com/jimentertainersrd.

Jim



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CLOSED

Female, 27, Minneapolis, MN

Posted December 07, 2008


Happy Holidays.. to you and yours.. Bless
Keep in touch

I m so loving ya vibe... would love to collab.

www.myspace.com/margeauxessenc eofsoul

Keep it Funky Fresh

Margeaux "The Essence of Soul"



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GQTYRONE
GQTYRONE

Male, 31, Brooklyn, NY

Posted November 13, 2008


ITS YOU (I THINK) I LOVE THE SONG AND ITS THE FIRST TIME I'M HEARING IT! IT STATING HOW I FEEL AT THE MOMENT! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK SUBSTANTIAL!
RESPECT!



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Yoshe_76
Yoshe_76

Female, 36, Waldorf, MD

Posted May 13, 2008


im more than sure you hear this alot but u remind me of common. I LOVE POSITIVE HIP-HOP. new school with a touch of old school I LOVE IT!!!!! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK.


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