Afu-Ra

Afu-Ra, born Aaron Phillip on January 31, 1974, in Brooklyn, New York, emerged in the mid-1990s as a formidable voice in East Coast hip-hop, closely aligned with the Gang Starr Foundation and mentored by Jeru the Damaja. His first notable appearance was on Jeru's 1994 debut, The Sun Rises in the East, contributing to the track "Mental Stamina," followed by "Physical Stamina" on Jeru's 1996 album Wrath of the Math. In 1998, Afu-Ra released his debut single "Whirlwind Thru Cities," which reached the Top 20 on Billboard's Hot Rap Singles chart. His 2000 debut album, Body of the Life Force, featured production from DJ Premier, DJ Muggs, True Master, and Da Beatminerz, and included collaborations with GZA, Masta Killa, M.O.P., Ky-Mani Marley, and Cocoa Brovaz. The album peaked at 183 on the Billboard 200 and 42 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart. His sophomore effort, Life Force Radio (2002), included contributions from Guru, Big Daddy Kane, RZA, and Teena Marie, and reached 184 on the Billboard 200. Subsequent releases include Perverted Monks (2004), State of the Arts (2005), and Body of the Life Force Part 2 (2012). In 2020, Afu-Ra released Urban Chemistry, a globally collaborative album featuring artists like Big Shug, Sizzla, and Keny Arkana, showcasing his continued evolution and commitment to blending hip-hop with diverse musical influences.

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