First Words represent the essence of true school hip-hop. In the same vibe as A Tribe Called Quest, Jurassic 5 and Prince Paul, First Words deliver fresh rhymes and solid beats with sample-based production. As multi-skilled musicians with a feel for hip hop, they can switch off roles from beat making to DJing to writing to rapping… and can still rock a show.

After much anticipation, First Word’s self-titled debut album has dropped. First Words got their new material out to the college crowd through radio and held on for 5 weeks on the national charts peaking at #5 on Chart Attack’s hip hop charts. Their debut has held ground on chart attacks naionaltop 10 charts for 4 weeks. Their appeal also won them a spot on the Dig Your Roots Hip-Hop compilation (2003), a nation-wide initiative of the National Campus Radio Association representing the best in recent Canadian Hip Hop. They also appeared on Joruns way (2005) and the Jorun/Sean One 7” vinyl (2005) which were both promoted by deadbeats entertainment and charted well on both national hip hop charts. They have most recently appeared on The Keepitclassic.com/rawkus Records underground hip hop compilation with Kidz in the Hallz, Pancea, The Procussions, and Busta Rhymes.

First Words’ sound is traveling fast.. Many hip-hop fans have been roused solely by their live performance, and First Words are no strangers to the stage. They’ve shared the spotlight with Classified, The Goods, Kamau, Josh Martinez, Grand Theft Bus, The New Deal, Styles of Beyond, Hip Hop Wieners, Universal Soul, Johnny Hardcore, J-Live, as well as various Low Pressure artists.

The MCs of the group, long-time friends Sean One and Above, developed their flows rapping with Saint John’s Vet Cru back in 1997. MC Sean One went solo and released two albums; and in the meantime, they caught the interest of legendary
Halifax producer/pioneer, Jorun.

Over the years, Jorun has proved instrumental in the creation of a vibrant hip-hop scene on the East Coast of Canada. This First Words DJ, producer and occasional emcee (under stage name Francisco Bombay), is also known for his work with MuchMusic Video Award nominees Universal Soul (which dates as far back as1986), and his more recent production collaborations with Sixtoo (Ninja Tune), Classified (Urbnet) and Buck 65 (Warner Music).

Fredericton’s DJ STV, another hip-hop lifer, has fine-tuned skills on the ones and twos and can still rip a mic. STV started out break dancing in 1984 and shortly after took up writing rhymes and rapping. Then he turned to the turntables, where he’s been holding down his radio show “Strictly Hip-Hop” on CHSR FM for over a decade.

One full-length album and many guests spots hasn’t tired these Hip-Hoppers…they’re already promoting for their next release a 45” vinyl to be released soon, and they’ve got a number of solo projects on the go, as well. Sean One is set to release his third album, which will include guest appearances by Bonshah, DJ Moves, and Microphone Jones. DJ STV will soon be finished his first mix tape featuring Phakt, Bonshah, and the Ill Logic Crew. Above is working on a solo EP that should be out in the New Year and Jorun is always involved in projects across the maritimes.

As a dedicated, conscious and solid group, First Words can’t help but be heard.