MEGA RAN

Since its inception, hip-hop music has on rare occasions delved into topics considered stereotypically “nerdy.” Lyrics about science fiction, comic books, video games, fantasy, computers, and more have found their way into the works of classic rappers like Beastie Boys, Del The Funky Homosapien, MF Doom, and Kool Keith, among others. It only makes sense then, that this style of hip-hop would eventually develop into its own sub-genre; Nerdcore Hip-hop. First termed in 2000, the genre has developed into a massive following and has been championed by rappers like MC Frontalot, MC Chris, YTCracker, and Random, or as he’s better known: Mega Ran.

The music of Mega Ran (Real name Raheem Jarbo) has been defined by an equal amount of appreciation for old school hip-hop and B-Boy iconography, as well as typical Nerdcore fare. Especially video games. Mega Ran first emerged to a mass audience in 2007, with the release of his self-titled album, (Which also paid tribute to the classic video game Mega Man) which was eventually licensed by Capcom, and landed him a performance gig at the video game company’s San Diego Comic-Con booth. His audience would continue to grow with appearances at MAGFest, SXSW Music Festival, Penny Arcade Expo, and Nerdapalooza, as well as tours alongside nerdcore & underground rappers alike, including MC Frontalot, MC Chris, Homeboy Sandman, Open Mike Eagle, and more.

Now in 2015, Mega Ran has connected with an old colleague and fellow Philadelphia native, the hip-hop producer Storyville, who has left his production mark on albums and songs by a slew of acclaimed artists; from Arrested Development to George Clinton to Ronnie Spector. After years apart from their previous collaboration (2009’s “Splash Woman”, Mega Ran’s most popular track) the two present “Soul Veggies”, (On the acclaimed Boston-based hip-hop label Brick Records) an album of rap tunes both traditional and Nerdcore, containing a plethora of different tracks. From B-Boy styled park jams, to humorous contemporary rap commentary, to carefully constructed introspective tales, and of course, tracks about video games. “Soul Veggies” also features guest appearances from constant Mega Ran collaborator Samik, Wise Intelligent, D.O.E. Boy, PT Starks, and many more.

Now shipping on compact disc from Traffic Entertainment Group!