Mp3: A-1 – “Doing the Most” (Prod. by Mikos Da Gawd & Left Lane)

The Bay Area Rapper Finds Inspiration In Local Legend Mac Dre On Latest Single, Debuted By The Music Ninja

02.13.2015

Critical Praise For A-1:

“A-1′s style has a similar kind of funny, free-for-all feel as post-Mac Dre rappers like [Roach] Gigz, but has a sly rap style that is distinctly his own.” – The FADER

“Easily one of the illest emcees I’ve heard over the last few years.” – OkayPlayer

“…something that sounds so vital and absolutely hyphy that it pretty much had to come from the Bay.” –Noisey

The Song:

Nothing can stop A-1, the eccentric San Francisco MC who’s keen to make noise in 2015. Prepping for the March 5th drop of his upcoming album, Thurlian, A-1 is keeping the ball rolling with new releases every Thursday. Following the FACT Mag premiere of his video for “Good People,” this week A-1 released his track “Doing the Most,” which premiered via The Music Ninja, who raved “…everything about the track is delightfully Bay, from the lyrics and production to A-1′s vocal inflections and delivery.”

A-1 spits his bars over steel drums and party-ready claps produced by fellow San Francisco natives Left Lane and Soulection‘s Mikos Da Gawd. Rapping about his rise as San Francisco’s finest MC, A-1 carries on the hyphy legacy with his quirky delivery fused with forward-thinking electronic production. The track, which includes a deep, airy outro, is A-1’s message for people to be proud of who they are. “’Doing the Most’ is a phrase we’ve been using in the Bay for a long time, it means being uncontrollable or relentlessly crazy.” Legendary Bay Area rapper Mac Dre served as an inspiration for the track, as A-1 explains, “He was sort of like a teacher to my generation on how to be yourself and do whatever the hell you want to do in the name of fun. Whenever you hear me in a rap song at my silliest, goofiest moments, that’s something I got from the Mac.”

A-1’s music is constructed around vivid stories of growing up in The City while searching for happiness and self-awareness. His upcoming album, Thurlian, remains true to A-1’s personal experiences regardless of whether a song is catered to be the perfect back drop to a night of raging, or a thought provoking opportunity for reflection. “This project was inspired by my experiences while traveling, seeing different parts of the world and realizing that human suffering is a constant struggle everywhere,” says A-1. “As someone with a voice and a following, I feel I have the power to influence those who are willing to listen, and therefore I think I’m somewhat obligated to use that voice for good.” The album features some of music’s most innovative producers, including Mikos Da Gawd, Woostaar, Mr. Carmack, Sango, Kaytanada, XXYYXX, Ryan Hemsworth, Stwo, and BEAR//FACE. The album, Thurlian, is set to drop March 5.

Listen to “Doing the Most”: https://soundcloud.com/adamraps/doingthemost

Check out the Music Ninja premiere: http://www.themusicninja.com/a-1-doing-the-most-prod-mikos-da-gawd-left-lane-tmn-premiere/

Watch the Thurlian promo video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEtoZvLR4Oc

Check out A-1’s newly launched website: http://www.a-1music.com/

Please contact Michelle or Rory if interested in talking with A-1.

A-1 Background:

Born Adam Traore, a first generation US citizen to West African and Italian parents, A-1‘s music is constructed around vivid stories of growing up in The City while searching for happiness and self awareness. After the release of After School Special, a mixtape based on 90s television shows, he gained a fan base through internet buzz while still living on his friend’s couch. Soon after, he released his follow-up The Book Of Adam which was received so well, he quit his day job the day after the listening party. With 2012’s The Thurl Tape, A-1 has been acknowledged by publications such as the FADER and Complex. Equipped with a heart filled with passion, an insatiable desire for creativity, discerning eyes and ears for quality, and a plan to spread his music to as many people as possible, A-1 is poised to be the first name in music lover’s iPods in the very near future. A-1’s Thurlian album will release March 5, 2015.