In the hallowed brew-school tradition of cup-in-hand rhyming at backyard house parties, the Los Angeles-based Aesthetics crew is here to put the fun back in the funk. Following in the footsteps of legends like the Get Fresh Crew, Native Tongues or 3rd Bass, Indi, Aidge and DJ Props fuse candid rhymes with melodic beats to create a refreshing sound in the midst of a stagnant hip-hop scene. Somewhere in between “too jiggy for my diamond studded toothbrush” and “so underground it hurts to take off my backpack,” they are simply committed to saying whatever is on their minds. Using loops, drums, and random sounds unearthed from the forgotten contents of abandoned vinyl plates, Aesthetics breathe a new life into the unsung genius of generations past. From Jazz champions to Hungarian comedians, they have mastered the art of flipping old samples to deliver an entirely unique and personal feeling in their music. The heavyweight combination of Indi’s MPC 3000, DJ Props’ SP1200, and a warehouse full of records is truly a force to be reckoned with.

Firm believers that an MC’s delivery should rock like Donald Byrd’s horns over his rhythm section, Aidge & Indi’s vocals are distinct and powerful. Unlike many artists who separate their lyrics from the instrumental side of the art, the Aesthetics Crew considers their vocals to be part of the music, much like a single instrument amongst the rest of the band. Utilizing negative space and the lost art of subtlety, their lyrics will make you think, laugh, and more than likely, crack a brew.

Complemented by DJ Props’ nimble fingers, the Aesthetics Crew is the complete package. No gimmicks -- just raw rhymes, neck-snapping beats, and a live show that brings down the house every time. The Aesthetics Crew is exactly what their name implies; they represent everything beautiful about this art form, and won’t stop until their names are synonymous with the forefathers they grew up listening to. Let Aesthetics into your eardrum once, and they’ll be in your brain for a lifetime.

The Aesthetics Crew formed in late 1999, when Aidge and Indy were attending the same college. They met while fishing for the same duck, and a few months later, spontaneously recorded the EP Hey Man, You Gonna Eat That? Shortly thereafter, DJ Props met Indy at a backyard barbecue/superjamfest, and he soon began working with the duo. As the new trio’s first collaboration, Aesthetic Appeal was released as a 12” single in early 2002. Backed with Love and City Silhouettes, the project sparked the interest of b-boys worldwide. And in a city where acceptance doesn’t come easy, the Aesthetics sound rocked the Los Angeles scene from the jump. Performing everywhere from large college shows to hole-in-the-wall record shops for the next couple of years, immense fan response encouraged the group to work on a full-length album. With the album slated for late 2005, the first single off the album is soon to be released. Entitled Funk Bros., and backed with La Opinion and Soullessons, the single epitomizes the Aesthetics sound, and is the world’s first look into their best work to date.

Be on the look out for the mighty Aesthetics Crew, whether at a show near you, in the local record store, or on a sticker in your neighborhood. If they haven’t already made an impact on you, better believe they will soon!