Remember the days when Hip-Hop was fun? Remember when it was about being the voice of the street? When acts like RUN-DMC, EPMD, and Public Enemy dropped thought-provoking, lyrical jewels over rough melodic beats? … Those missing elements finally are making their way back into the music business!  Welcome…Da Hyytaz.

The hip hop duo is comprised of Dakota Black, 22, and S.O.V., 21, both born and raised in Philly.  They chose the name Da Hyytaz (pronounced Da Heataz) because of their shared history; in the time they spent as roommates, not one but two of their apartments burned down.  Perhaps it was from their smokin’ sound?  The friends chose the unique spelling to set themselves apart from any connotations of gangbanging that might come from the word heater—while their music sets them apart from much of the music on the market today.  

“We don’t write about ice, money, all that, because that’s not what we have.  We write music that anyone can relate to, because we’ve experienced the struggle of trying to get by, do right, and do well,” says Dakota.  Adds S.O.V., “We want to send a message out there with our music: if you out there hustling, you might want to chill. It’s hard to go another way but it can be done.”  Still, the two are quick to point out that they are hardly soft: “We have our nasty side. After all, S.O.V. stands for So Outrageously Vicious,” laughs Dakota.  “Around here, you have to be prepared for whatever.”

The friends know first hand how tough it can be to go “the other way.”  In 1998, while still in high school, the two found themselves battling against each other.  By the next day they were in the studio together.  A chance meeting with former Jive Records Sr. Director of Rap Jessiah “Milk” Styles led to Da Hyytaz inking an exclusive recording contract with Styles’ upstart Milk Entertainment, Inc. (M’Ent).  The new label is producing Da Hyytaz’ first single, “Monster Behavior,” as well as their EP, entitled “Reign of Fire,” due out late in the first quarter of 2005.

Da Hyytaz emphasizes the journey in their music, trying to show an average man’s point of view on the ups and downs of life in the inner city.  The beats bring the energy of regional hip-hop from the south, out west, and even New York, and their flow is equally universal—with some local slang thrown in to add the unique flavor of Philadelphia in to the mix.  That city has been their struggle and their motivation, with much of their music inspired by life there.  And their musical philosophy reflects the creativity they’ve used to make their lives a success: “Don’t close the door on anything.  Make songs according to life,” says S.O.V.  

For now, Da Hyytaz are concentrating on just that, spending most of their time with paper and pen or behind a microphone.  In between recording sessions the group has performed across the country and developed a strong independent following.
FOR EPK PLEASE CLICK: www.sonicbids.com/dahyytaz
www.milkentertainment.com

Click here to check out Da Hyytaz hit - Monster Behavior