Aceyalone: biography

This article will explore the career of Aceyalone, a Californian rapper who was a key member of the group Freestyle Fellowship. It will detail his albums, his impact on both the statewide and nationwide scene, his unusual collaborations and his achievements in his career.

Beginnings

Aceyalone was born Edward Hayes in Los Angeles. He got his start in hip-hop earlier on as a solo artist specializing in complex rhyme schemes, backed up by his distinctive voice. He was a founding member of two groups pivotal to the underground California rap scene: Haiku D'Etat and Freestyle Fellowship. Freestyle Fellowship was formed in 1991, and although it was only sporadically active throughout the decade it put out some important work. He would also play a crucial part in the Project Blowed collective of artists, which released an album in 1994. Haiku D'Etat, formed in 1999 from the ashes of this group, would characterize much of Aceyalone's later career.

Career

1991 - Releases group album To Whom It May Concern... with Freestyle Fellowship, beginning his career
1993 - Freestyle Fellowship splits
1994 - Releases Project Blowed compilation
1995 - Releases solo album All Balls Don't Bounce to widespread critical acclaim.
1999 - Haiku D'Etat founded
2001 - Freestyle Fellowship reunites, releases album.
2006 - Landmark release Magnificent City, which Aceyalone did alongside producer and associate RJD2

Achievements

The Freestyle Fellowship (which was active from 1991-1993, and again from 1998-2001) is still considered a landmark group in the California rap scene, and as the de facto frontman, Aceyalone has benefited from its success. In addition, his Project Blowed collective (formed in 1994) managed to spark the solo careers of several of its members. At least one of his solo albums (Magnificent City with RJD2, released in 2006) is generally regarded as a classic. A song from the album, Fire, remains a fan favourite. Aceyalone's career shows that it is entirely possible to balance numerous group projects and still have an extremely successful solo career. The rapper's often eclectic production tastes and complex verses have seen him ensure criticism over the years, and release projects that have been both critical and commercial failures.