Afu-Ra

Aaron Phillip (born January 31, 1974), better known by his stage name Afu-Ra, is an American underground rapper. Afu-Ra is a member of the Gang Starr Foundation, and has worked closely with its members, Gang Starr, Jeru the Damaja, Big Shug, Group Home, and others.[1]

Afu-Ra
Afu-Ra after a concert in Hanover (Germany), on May 4th 2012
Background information
Birth nameAaron Phillip
Born (1974-01-31) January 31, 1974
OriginNew York City, New York,
United States
GenresHip hop
Years active1994–present
LabelsGee Street/V2/BMG, Koch, Reggae Lounge, Decon Inc.
Associated actsJeru the Damaja, Gang Starr Foundation, M.O.P, Da Beatminerz, Ayatollah, Smif-N-Wessun, Masta Killa
Websitehttps://www.facebook.com/realafura
Afu-Ra in 2013

Career

Afu-Ra grew up in Brooklyn, with frequent collaborator Jeru the Damaja.[2][3]

Afu-Ra's first studio appearance was on Jeru's 1994 album The Sun Rises in the East, on the song "Mental Stamina". He made another appearance on Jeru's second album Wrath of the Math, on the track "Physical Stamina", in 1996. Afu's debut single, "Whirlwind Thru Cities", was released in 1998, reaching the top 20 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart. In 1999, he released his second single, "Defeat" b/w "Mortal Kombat". His debut album, Body of the Life Force, was released in October 2000.[4] The album featured production from DJ Premier, DJ Muggs, True Master and Da Beatminerz. Guests included Wu-Tang Clan's GZA and Masta Killa, M.O.P., Ky-Mani Marley, and the Cocoa Brovaz.[5] The album peaked at 183 on the Billboard 200,[6] 13 on the independent chart,[7] and 42 on hip hop.[8]

Afu released his second effort Life Force Radio in May 2002 on Koch Records, featuring production from DJ Premier, True Master, Easy Mo Bee, Domingo and Ayatollah. Guests included Guru, Big Daddy Kane, RZA, and Teena Marie.[9] The album was slightly less successful, peaking at 184 on the Billboard 200,[6] 17 on the independent album chart,[7] though 29 on hip hop.[8]

In 2004, he released a compilation album titled Afu-Ra presents Perverted Monks, followed by a studio album in 2005, titled State of the Arts on Decon Records.[2] The latter featured production by DJ Premier and Bronze Nazareth and guest vocals from Masta Killa, Royce da 5'9", and Gentleman. In 2012, he independently released Body Of The Life Force 2, which was poorly received.

Discography
Album information
Body of the Life Force
  • Released: October 24, 2000
  • Billboard 200 chart position: 183
  • R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: 42
  • Singles: "Whirlwind Thru Cities", "Defeat"/"Mortal Kombat", "Equality"/"Bring it Right", "Big Acts, Little Acts", "D&D Soundclash"
Life Force Radio
  • Released: May 21, 2002
  • Billboard 200 chart position: 184
  • R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: 29
  • Singles: "Crossfire"/"Lyrical Monster", "Scat Man"/"Stick Up"
Perverted Monks
  • Released: 2004
State of the Arts
  • Released: June 14, 2005
  • Billboard 200 chart position: -
  • R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: -
  • Singles: "Poisonous Taoist"/"Sucka Free", "God of Rap"/"Pusha", "Why Cry" (feat. Gentleman)
Body Of The Life Force 2
  • Released: November 26, 2012
  • Billboard 200 chart position: -
  • R&B/Hip-Hop chart position: -

References
  1. allmusic ((( Afu-Ra > Biography )))
  2. https://hiphopdx.com, HipHopDX- (May 24, 2013). "Jeru The Damaja Names His 5 Favorite Hip Hop Albums". HipHopDX.
  3. McCaffrey, Conor. "Jeru the Damaja Interview: 'I thought I could save the world'". Buzz.ie.
  4. https://hiphopdx.com, HipHopDX- (February 18, 2001). "Afu-Ra - The Body of the Life Force". HipHopDX.
  5. "Afu-Ra: 'Body Of The Life Force' | NME". September 12, 2005.
  6. "Afu-Ra". Billboard.
  7. "Afu-Ra". Billboard.
  8. "Afu-Ra". Billboard.
  9. https://hiphopdx.com, HipHopDX- (June 18, 2002). "Afu-Ra - Life Force Radio". HipHopDX.
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