The Procussions

The Procussions was an American alternative hip-hop act from Colorado Springs, Colorado, that consisted of three members: Mr. J. Medeiros, Rez, and Stro The 89th Key. Originally, there was a fourth member, Qq (pronounced "Q"), but became inactive after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis in 2000.

Career

2003 - 2006

The Procussions released three albums: As Iron Sharpens Iron (2003), Up All Night (2004, an all night session from 10:00 pm to 6:00 am engineered by Jason Skills of The Sound Providers) and 5 Sparrows for 2 Cents on Rawkus Records in 2006, their first and final release on the re-launched Rawkus imprint.

In 2006, the group went through their "Storm Tour" to promote 5 Sparrows for 2 Cents, and also became the opening act for A Tribe Called Quest during their 2K Sports Bounce Tour.^[1]

2007

On January 24, Mr. J. Medeiros released his debut Solo album, Of Gods and Girls, in Japan. It was released on July 24 in the United States, and on August 20 in Europe.

The Procussions also did an interview with ItsHipHop.tv on a show called The Breakdown where they discussed their feelings on Hip-hop as well as their journey in the music industry.

Humanitarian Work

On July 19, 2007, Mr. J. Medeiros announced the start of his international human rights movement called the "Constance Campaign", inspired by a true story about a Filipino girl victimized by human trafficking and child pornography.^[2]

Breakup

In February 2007 Rez left the group to pursue his artwork, but Mr. J. Medeiros and Stro continued together as The Procussions up until January 17, 2008, when Medeiros posted two announcements on the group's MySpace music profile officially declaring The Procussions' breakup due to Internet piracy^[3][4]:

With everything we could say about the industry, the point is, piracy will destroy an independent's career.

We want to thank everyone who actually invested in this group and helped it [to] its last breath! We owe you so much! That's why Stro and I will do our best to carry on our solo careers and work together when possible.

But.

The Procussions have been inevitably shipwrecked, blows taken in the lower deck from the most fierce of all pirates.

Love you guys and gals!

—Mr. J Medeiros

Can't do it anymore y'all. The Procussions have officially been destroyed by the system, the industry, and those kids who just don't understand you "can't burn independent albums. You will kill their career".

—Mr. J Medeiros

Discography

Studio Albums

As Iron Sharpens Iron

• • Released: October 28, 2003
  • Singles: "Celebration" "Leave Her Alone" "All That It Takes"

Up All Night and day EP

• • Released: September 27, 2004

5 Sparrows For 2 Cents

• • Released: May 30, 2006
  • Singles: "The Storm" "Miss January"

References