::CENTRAL DIVISION::

Every generation has its movement. The last significant movement in America was the Civil Rights Movement of the 50’s, 60’s, and part of the 70’s.  Some Elders may frown upon this statement but I compare Hip Hop to the Civil Rights Movement.  Out of every movement leaders are born, and as fate would have it a movement within a movement is born.  The movement I’m speaking of is “CENTRAL DIVISION”.    

The “Central” as known by many, is a conglomerate of diverse talents and styles.  The Three Generals of the “Central” are, AFTA DEF, BENNIE FRANK, and Sage, all came up in the city of Chicago during the uncertain 70’s and troubled 80’s.  When one listens to the music one can here the Chicago influences.  Chicago is the home of the Nation of Islam, headed by honorable Louis Farrakhan, Chicago is also the home of two of the notorious street organizations, the Gangster Disciples and the “Legendary” Blackstones.  They self label their music “Street Conscious” and that is basically the message you’re going to get out of it. When you listen to their music you will get a street conscious vibe.  They got something for everybody- the God bodies, wisdom heads, hustlers, thugs, and the ladies. 

As far as musical influences, the “Central” has been influenced by many types of music during their musical quest-Jazz, Blues, Country, Gospel, Rock & Roll, R&B, and of course Hip Hop.  The “Central” had witness Hip Hops’ birth, adolescent years, and its 20 something years.  To put it simple, the “Central” are the truest and purist products of the Hip Hop culture.

Central Division was conceived by Bennie Frank in 2000. The “General” as he is sometimes called, is the one who linked AFTA DEF and SAGE together.    

In 2001 Bennie was doing separate projects with both AFTA DEF and SAGE. Occasionally they would hit up the ATL underground scene and bless the open mic spots.  Their impromptu performance left the crowd in awe.  Shortly after these three MC’s made it official.  

In 2002  “The Central” joined the independent label Heavy Reign Entertainment LLC, which included a dedicated staff to assist the “Central” in exposing their “Street Conscience” style of music.   

 2003 was a year of a constant grind, pushing out their promotional EP CD featuring classics such as “You Weak”, “The Majors”, and “Prop Snatchin’ ’”. They performed in several underground spots in Atlanta and several states throughout the south eastern region, getting airplay in their hometown Chicago, and as far west as Dallas Texas.

In 2004  the “Central” released there first single “Wind City” (b-side “Flyin’ to “Close to the Sun”) from there self titled debut album “Central Division” produced by the “Central”.  “Wind City”  gained much airplay in several states and also appears on Hoodz DVD magazine’s “Street Armageddon” compilation CD.  The “Central” released their album in June of 2004.  Creating noise in ATL, their hometown, and several southern states.

Currently the “Central” is working on their sophomore Album “US”, produced by SAGE and GO-FARTHA (AFTA DEF), while simultaneously pumping out tracks of for other aspiring artist.

CentralD@mail.com


For Bookin’ Contact.

Rollie “Concepts” Gray
Manager 
Heavy Reign Entertainment LLC.
679 464 2969
gray_rollie@tmail.com      
             
SAGE BIO

Sage was born and raised on the grimy streets of Chicago.  Born on the city’s south side by a family whose roots lie deep in the city’s West Side. Later relocated to the famous uptown area of the city’s North Side.  At a young age music was already apparent as one of Sage’s natural abilities.  While growing up he listened to Hip Hop grand masters like Rakim, EPMD, KRS One, etc.

Chicago at the time being predominately House music driven, like most Go-IL artist, Sage started out spinning at local gang infested house parties.  Only being able to spin a few of the Hip Hop classics he loved so much until he united with Yoke/Sort a popular fixture in the underground B-Boy scene.  Yoke/Sort opened him up to receive a big influence of raw uncut Hip Hop.  Buildin’ with graffiti artist, DJ’s, multifaceted MC’s, and producers allowed Sage to flourish as an artist.

Currently Sage is a bona fide MC as well as an innovative producer & song writer.           

BENNIE FRANK BIO

Bennie Frank is the glue of Central Division who came up with the concept.   Being like a triangle, three true emcees-all kings, the name “Central Division” comes from everybody that they were dealing with at the in Atlanta as well as the Midwest. In most sports the central division is usually the toughest division. The “Central” are some tough emcees because of their grind as a group and as solo artists. By being from Chicago they have a lot of street influences. Also being the home of the Nation of Islam, they have a knowledge and wisdom influence.  Bennie states that the “Central” dubs their music “Street Conscious” and that is basically the message you’re going to get out of it. “When you unwrap our music and you listen to the CD, you will get a street conscious vibe from listening to what our music has to offer”. 

Frank is responsible for the conglomerate.  Raised in the Hyde Park area of Chicago, he brings the raw energy and utter gutter sound to the Division.  His unique voice captivates all those within ear shot.  Bennie is known for flipping similes and metaphors while weaving hardcore tales about the life he has become accustomed to while living in both Chicago and Atlanta.  Not only does Bennie Frank posses astute lyrical skills and a powerful voice, he also has an extremely commanding stage presence that leaves the audience in awe.

AFTA DEF BIO

“AFTA DEF”-This acronym stands for Alive Feeling The Agony Devised in Every Fallacy, which is the exact stand point from which rapper/producer speaks and creates his music.

This Chicago native has been amongst the ranks of all Hip Hop purists and lyrical technicians since the inception of the Hip Hop culture.  Growing up on the South Side of Chicago in the early 80’s was not an easy task.  Especially in a super “tugged-out” city like Chicago, where notorious mob boss Al Capone made famous some time ago.  Influenced by many different types of music throughout the 70’s and 80’s such as Jazz and Rhythm & Blues provided a music base.  Once Hip Hop music came into being he was quickly drawn in and became a student of this new found wonder, which he felt a direct connection and could really relate to.

AFTA DEF or AD as he’s called by his comrades has been putting in work for nearly 17 plus years.  Staring with his old school click, the LAC   made their first hit single in the hood like New Sensations, Suzanne and Sharp Shooter of Rap.  Later AD built with Sol Poets, a duo with his boy Steveo from college and pumped out joints like My Rhymes Shine and Relax.  After going solo for the next 3 years, he formed a group of formidable emcees called The Front Lines and began his own record label now known as Heavy Reign Entertainment.  Only to go on with another duo project known as City Hall Infallible (C.H.I.) with fellow emcee Phlustee Jonz.  That project produced instant underground hits like Gamble, Buildin’ and Late Night Session.  His next stop was Atlanta, where he connected with his current crew “Central Division” (CD).  AFTA DEF was able to bring his long list of experience full circle.  The “Central Division” consisting of him and his two partners in rhyme, Bennie Frank and Sage make a considerable amount of noise on Atlanta’s underground scene.  With their self title album, the group quickly made a name for themselves.  Performing in several states throughout the south eastern region, getting airplay in their hometown Chicago, and as far west as Dallas Texas.     

Music Production:
2/3rd of the Central is also hard at work on the musical side of things.  SAGE and GO-FARTHA are responsible for the group’s production and are always banging out hits.  So if you need the heat holla at ya boyz!
CentralD@mail.com
CENTRAL DIVISION
FOR BOOKING INFO CONTACT HEAVY REIGN ENTERTAINMENT :: ROLLIE GRAY, MANAGER
heavyreignllc@hotmail.com :: 678.464.2979- www.HeavyReign.net
Read about Central Division at www.undevco.com
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© Uncommon Development Company (UNDEVCO) 2003-2005 All Rights reserved. Reproduction or copying of images prohibited.