Gen.Erik is the quintessential jack of all trades. Over the past few years, Gen.Erik (born Erik Abel) has established himself as a talented and notable Producer, MC, and DJ. In addition, Gen.Erik is a successful entrepreneur, President of Focused Noise Records, Artist Manager, and even a part owner of a semi-professional basketball team (The Yamhill High Flyers of the International Basketball League).
Gen.Erik is best known as a leading member of Animal Farm, whose album The Unknown, was...
Gen.Erik is the quintessential jack of all trades. Over the past few years, Gen.Erik (born Erik Abel) has established himself as a talented and notable Producer, MC, and DJ. In addition, Gen.Erik is a successful entrepreneur, President of Focused Noise Records, Artist Manager, and even a part owner of a semi-professional basketball team (The Yamhill High Flyers of the International Basketball League).
Gen.Erik is best known as a leading member of Animal Farm, whose album The Unknown, was primarily produced by Gen.Erik, and included the well-received single “Peace” featuring the legendary KRS-One. The Unknown peaked at #3 on the CMJ College Radio Hip-Hop Charts, where the album remained in the Top 10 for seven straight weeks. Animal Farm was also praised in Urb Magazine’s Next 1000 column, which claimed “The animated Animal Farm achieves a classically feel-good tone.”
According to The Portland Mercury, "Gen.Erik, known in the Oregon hiphop community primarily for his punchline-laced rap verses, makes a name for himself here as one of the best producers from our state." XLR8R Magazine also praised Gen.Erik’s production on The Unknown, claiming “Portland shines yet again with Gen.Erik on soulful, retro-sounding production and a crew of MCs, including a guest spot from KRS-One. Lovely!” In addition to working with KRS-One, Gen.Erik has lent his production to Talib Kweli, Kool G. Rap, and Abstract Rude. Gen.Erik's production has also appeared on NBC’s coverage of The Dew Tour and MTV's Reality Show, The Buried Life.
As a performer, Gen.Erik has shared stages with The Roots, Mos Def, Pete Rock, Reflection Eternal, DJ Rob Swift, and many other legendary hip-hop acts. Gen.Erik and his group Animal Farm have quickly developed a large regional following after performing live throughout the United States with the likes of Common, Method Man and Redman, GZA, RZA from Wu-Tang Clan, N.E.R.D., KRS-One, The Cool Kids, Dead Prez, Brand Nubian, The Game, Ghostface Killah, Del the Funky Homosapien, Tha Alkaholiks, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, and at festivals such as CMJ Music Marathon, SXSW, and MusicFest NW.
"Not only is Abel (who goes by Gen.Erik on stage and in the liner notes) a talented musician, but his hustle is unquestionable." -Casey Jarman, Willamette Week
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