Watch City’s lyrical cynicism, overlaying theatrical orchestral production, creates a unique sound contrary to the tedious, commercial formula of modern hip-hop. Man O’ War and Money Mike push the envelope of social and religious norms by constantly questioning societal standards. The Rhyme Monopoly showcases a variety of rhyming talents, from battle rap to story telling or social commentary to humor. "Watch City: Innovatively rugged hip-hop breaking the commercial monotony."
“Real hip-hop is not dead, only forgotten.” - Big Money Mike
Born from an Irish/Italian mother and a Greek father, Man O’ War and Big Money Mike grew up in Waltham, Massachusetts, also known as the “Watch City”. Together they grew to love music of all forms with a special interest in the hip-hop genre.
At the early ages of four and seven, Man O’ War and Money Mike found a love for hip-hop and were immediately engrossed by the way people were able to flow on top of deep percussion beats without the harmony of a singer’s voice. Their passion for rap music grew exponentially over the years with countless and various artists influencing them, most notably: the Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Big Pun, Cormega, Rakim, Kool G Rap, and AZ.
During Money Mike’s junior year of college, at Boston University, he became the radio DJ of “Underground Chaos” at WTBU, a strictly hip-hop radio program that broke all the boundaries of conventional radio. For two years, Money Mike explored Boston’s underground hip-hop scene, at venues such as The Middle East, Bill’s Bar, and The Paradise, and was able to feature much of Boston’s hip-hop talent on his radio show for weekly freestyles and interviews. Money Mike’s guests included Virtuoso, OVM, Reks, Chan, Paw Dukes, Lee Wilson, Jaxn, Ed Rock, and Terminology.
In 2000, Man O’ War began writing rhymes and this hobby quickly turned into a competition between the two brothers. Man O’ War quickly developed his writing skills, reaching an intriguing flow to parallel his provocative lyrical content. Money Mike was able to feed off of Man O’ War’s lyrical expertise to develop his own innovative technique. After two short years they had enough lyrics to record three full length LPs. With similar rhyming influences, Man O’ War and Money Mike were able to rhyme congruently on tracks with seamless fluidity. Together they formed a hip-hop group known as “Watch City”.
Watch City formed an alliance with Matteo Getz, producer and CEO of Get A Life Entertainment, Inc. Matteo Getz introduced Watch City to Golden Child, an exceptional producer at Get A Life Ent., and Watch City quickly began recording their first full length LP “The Rhyme Monopoly”.
The Rhyme Monopoly was released on December 7, 2004 boasting 20 tracks with 74 minutes of hip-hop. Watch City’s lyrical cynicism, overlaying theatrical orchestral production, creates a unique sound contrary to the tedious, commercial formula of modern hip-hop. Man O’ War and Money Mike push the envelope of social and religious norms by constantly questioning societal standards. The Rhyme Monopoly showcases a variety of rhyming talents, from battle rap to story telling or social commentary to humor.
Man O’ War and Money Mike embrace their independence as artists and are currently producing a new full length LP, “The Last Rhyme Slingers”, and a new mix tape containing all new, never released music. Watch City will continue to separate from the rest of the industry by creating music that provokes thought on an intellectual level.
We will begin live performances this summer in the greater Boston area.
We have been heavily influenced by the Wu-Tang Clan, Nas, Big Pun, Cormega, Rakim, Kool G Rap, and AZ. We mainly gear are music toward East coast hardcore hip-hop of the '90's era.
Pro Tools, Yamaha Motif, Technics 1200's
Be sure to check out Watch City's Official web site at www.watchcityhiphop.com!!
Watch City's debut album "The Rhyme Monopoly" is available now!! Price is $10.00 at www.cdbaby.com/watchcity.
Contact Watch City at watchcityhiphop@gmail.com