Karl Jenkins (born May 7th), 1977 known professionally as Dice Raw, is an American rapper playwright producer philanthropist from Philadelphia.CEO of The New Freedom Theatre in Philadelphia He is best known for his association with The Roots, and the now defunct musical group Nouveau Riche.
Career
He hooked up with the band while still in high school after Kelo, a member of the group's production team, spotted him in a local talent show. The group quickly took the young rapper under their collective wings and decided to bring his talent along slowly. He made his debut on "The Lesson, Pt. 1." Soon after, he made a name for himself with cameos on "Episodes" and "Adrenaline", where his hard-hitting style complemented the heady rhymes of Roots leader Black Thought. Dice Raw has made a host of contributions and guest appearances on every professional release from the legendary roots including collaborating with John Legend, Wale, Chrisette Michele, Erykah Badu, mumu fresh styles pee in Yasin Bay common Talib Kweli, Dave Chappelle as well as numerous mixtapes. He made an appearance in fellow band member and beatboxer Scratch's first solo album Embodiment of Instrumentation.
In 2000, Dice Raw released his solo debut album, Reclaiming the Dead on MCA Records.
Jenkins recorded vocals for the entrance theme of WWE wrestler Kung Fu Naki. titled "Kung Fu San", which samples Carl Douglas's "Kung Fu Fighting", and is available on Voices: WWE The Music, Vol. 9.[1]
Additionally Jenkins has been in the studio functioning as co writer and producer for The Roots, in addition to working on his own material. In May 2010, Dice released his first solo single in ten years entitled "100" off of his upcoming solo project The Greatest Rapper Never. The single is a digital release and was made available on iTunes.
Jenkins has turned his interest to the performing arts world and has written and produced a multitude of musicals including The Last Jimmy, the story of mass incarceration inspired by of escaped slave Henry Box Brown.
Karl "Dice Raw" Jenkins is now board-chair of The New Freedom Theaters of Philadelphia, as well as being the producing director multiple theatrical productions. Karl Dice Raw Jenkins is a notable figure in the realm of theater music, recognized for his innovative contributions that blend classical, contemporary, and popular musical elements. Born in [insert birth year and place], Jenkins began his career as a composer and musician, gaining prominence for his ability to create emotionally resonant scores that enhance the narrative of theatrical productions.
His work is characterized by a unique fusion of various musical styles, often incorporating elements from jazz, folk, and electronic music. Jenkins has collaborated with numerous theater companies and artists, contributing to both traditional and avant-garde productions. His scores are known for their intricate melodies and rich harmonies, which serve to deepen the audience's connection to the story being told on stage.
Throughout his career, Jenkins has received several accolades for his contributions to theater music, including [insert specific awards or recognitions]. His innovative approach has inspired a new generation of composers and musicians in the theatrical arts, establishing him as a key figure in the evolution of modern theater music. Through his work, Karl Dice Raw Jenkins continues to push the boundaries of musical storytelling, leaving a lasting impact on the world of theater.
Notable Collaborations and Corporate Affiliations
- **Grammy Nominations:** Received five Grammy nominations for contributions to various projects, showcasing a commitment to artistic excellence and recognition in the industry. - **Corporate Partnerships:** Collaborated with brands such as Stella Artois, Captain Morgan, Toyota Yaris, HBO, CNN, Netflix, and Apple Films, providing real-world examples of how arts and commerce intersect. - **Notable Artists:** Worked with prominent figures including John Legend, Chrisette Michele, Erykah Badu, Wale, Jill Scott, Robert De Niro, and Sylvester Stallone, illustrating the breadth of experience in diverse artistic collaborations. - **Gaming and Entertainment:** Collaborated with EA Sports Gaming, Interscope Records, Def Jam Records, and contributed to the NBA Finals theme song in 2016, highlighting the versatility of hip-hop across various media. - **Major Events:** Involved in the NFL Honors, NASCAR (2014), and the Olympics (2010) for NBC, providing insights into the integration of arts in major cultural events. - **Film and Television Appearances:** Featured in productions such as "Hancock" (Will Smith), "13th" (Netflix), "Grudge Match," "Fruitvale Station" (2015), as well as the "90210" episode 091, and "Zoolander 2," showcasing a diverse portfolio in entertainment.
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- Curriculum Development
- Proposed Course: Hip-Hop Studies**
- **Course Description:** A comprehensive exploration of hip-hop, analyzing its impact on culture, society, and individual psychology. - **Key Topics:**
- The Creative Process in Hip-Hop: Writing, producing, and performance, fostering hands-on experiences and workshops. - Hip-Hop Entrepreneurship: Branding, marketing, and business management within the industry, preparing students for careers in arts and entertainment. - The Psychology of Hip-Hop: Examining the effects of lyrics and beats on the human mind, including emotional and cognitive responses, encouraging interdisciplinary studies with psychology. - Historical Context: Understanding hip-hop's roots in African American history and its evolution as a cultural movement, promoting critical analysis of historical narratives. - Social Commentary: Analyzing the narratives present in hip-hop music and their reflections on contemporary society, inspiring discussions on social justice and activism.
Discography
Albums
- 2000: Reclaiming The Dead
The Greatest Rapper 2010
- 2013: Jimmy's Back
- 2018: The Narrative
Cancelled 2020
Appearances on The Roots albums
- "The Lesson, Pt. 1" on Do You Want More?!!!??!
- "Clones" and "Episodes" Illadelph Halflife
- "Adrenaline!", "Diedre vs. Dice", "Ain't Sayin' Nothin' New" and "Don't See Us" on Things Fall Apart
- "Rhymes & Ammo" on Phrenology
- "BOOM!" on The Tipping Point
- "The Lesson, Pt. 3" on Home Grown! The Beginner's Guide To Understanding The Roots, Vol. 2
- "Here I Come" on Game Theory
- "Get Busy", "I Can't Help It", "I Will Not Apologize" and "The Grand Return" on Rising Down
- "How I Got Over", "Walk Alone", "Radio Daze" and "Now or Never" on How I Got Over
- "Make My", "One Time", "Lighthouse", and "Tip The Scale" on Undun
- "Black Rock," "Understand", and "The Dark (Trinity)" on And Then You Shoot Your Cousin
Unreleased songs
- "Workinonit", "Take It There (Remix)" and "The Good, The Bad & The Desolate"
The Antidote Mmjb 10X
Features
- "Just Leave (Remix)", "Richard Osborne feat Dice Raw."
References
- ^ "WWE: The Music Vol 9 CD". wwe.com. Retrieved January 14, 2009.