MAGNUM K.I.
MONDAY, JUNE 28 • 8 PM
PANTAGES PLAYHOUSE THEATRE
(OPENING FOR THE ROOTS)
$58 (PLUS AGENCY FEES)
Over a decade in the making, Magnum K.I. is set to release their first full-length self-titled album. Consisting of Michael Arnone (aka DJ Kutdown), Rob Crooks, and Ismaila Alfa, this trio feels as though they have reached a new stage in their musical develoPMent.
Ismaila, the lead vocalist for Magnum K.I., first gained notoriety in the mid-nineties as a member of the pioneering hip hop group Frek Sho. In 1996, Frek Sho released the first music video by any Manitoban hip hop artists to be in regular rotation on MuchMusic. In 1999, Arnone was recruited to join the group as their main audio engineer, producer, and DJ. Since then, Ismaila and Arnone have released over 10 CDs and two vinyl EPs, and have won praise internationally as both a duo and as solo performers.
In 2005, Magnum K.I. was given a great opportunity when they were invited to join Vans Warped Tour. As performers on the Code of the Cuts stage, the duo played 9 U.S. cities alongside acts from both Definitive Jux and Rhymesayers. Now, with over 100 shows as Magnum K.I. under their belt, they have shared stages with Ill Bill, the Alkaholiks, DJ A-Trak, and Black Moon, just to name a few.
In 2008, Ismaila and Arnone released their debut EP as Magnum K.I., entitled Gunshy. The EP, which included such hit-worthy songs as the title track, “Tired”, and “Sleep,” continues to chart on college radio. Last year, Magnum K.I. became even more dynamic when they made song-writer/producer Rob Crooks an official member of the group. With Crooks’ added presence on stage, backing up Ismaila’s vocals, and his precocious song-writing ability, the duo-turned-trio are stronger than ever. Their new self-titled full-length CD was released this past winter and features the radio and video single “No Way.”
