1st Dagree - Bringing The Heat Nationwide on MTV

Let me start by saying (in case you don't know) we have a very large and diverse underground hip-hop scene within Michigan. I am always stumbling across more good music and discovering new groups that have been putting it down for several years, and 1st Dagree is a group that I've heard about on many occasions, but only had the pleasure to hear them bless it on different mix tapes.

This time is a little different.  The mix tape is 1st Dagree's mix tape.  It is all their talent plus some nice features scattered throughout their 22-track line-up.

When I rolled through a couple tracks for people who had yet to actually hear 1st Dagree, the response was always the same - "These guys are local?"

Our underground scene has some real talent in it, and 1st Dagree is of the crme de la crop.  Alas, underground they will be calling their home no more, especially with their nationwide debut projected to release in the spring of next year.

Robert Askew aka D Snipes, Diandre Nash aka J Stone, and Marquis Smith aka Big Mark make up 1st Dagree. Though Stone spent some years in Tennessee, he and Snipes grew up as childhood friends in Saginaw. They met Big Mark in middle school and immediately become an inseparable trio who knew they had more in common than coming from single family homes and their love of music.

They started their entrepreneur journey at a young age releasing tapes throughout their school and in local mom and pop record stores back in 1995. Since then, they have put out quite a few releases, put on many shows, and put down many artists.

The crew has had some artists' come and go (At one point, there was actually 5 members), but is finalized back to three core artists as 1st Dagree. They still have their camp too. They expect to soon be focusing on releases for other artists who include: Shorty V, Matt Dillon, Young Z, Comfort, and Game Spittaz.

It is definitely a rare occurrence, at least for me, to come across a group where you can't decide who your favorite artist within that group is. The mesh of styles and vocal sounds of each rapper is so widely diverse, that comparing them is like comparing apples to oranges, since each are respectively on top of their game lyrically and flow-wise.

 From the rusty, deep, smooth playalistic southern style voice of J Stone, to the solid and precise lyricism of Big Mark, to the intense yet simple "real" and diverse style of D Snipes brings you the vocal soundscape and lyricism known as 1st Dagree.

If you have not yet heard 1st Dagree, allow me to direct you to some listening pleasure. This group has been putting it down in Saginaw for more than a decade now, and have relentlessly worked to earn the stripes that have now have stepped to the big time.

This mix tape "Ride Wit Us Or Get Ran Ova" marks their 5th release as a group and once again, they are raising the bar. The Mix Tape comes complete with 22 tracks and a DVD of a hot new video for "Don't Quit" they shot in Fresno, CA. Oh yea, did I mention they've been getting spins of this video on MTV Jams, as well as an impressive and increasing repertoire of radio play on a nationwide scale?

 Add this to the fact they've been touring throughout the nation, opening for artists like Ludacris, D12, And Bone Thugs N Harmony, B.G., Scarface, Obie Trice, Petey Pablo, Young Geezy, and more!  You better believe 1st Dagree is getting the damn thing done and reppin Saginaw to the Fullest!  This mix tape is a must have for any head whether you like ridin, deep, commercial, gangsta, whatever. Guest artists include Infamouz, Shorty V, QD Tha 3rd, Laid, Face, Roc, and Twan all from Saginaw, as well as Royce Da 5'9

, and a few other notable artists from Detroit and beyond, adding diversity and depth to the project. The production quality is top-notch, with beats that range from gritty street anthems to more melodic, radio-friendly tracks. The group's lyrical content continues to evolve, showcasing their versatility and commitment to authentic storytelling. Fans and new listeners alike are encouraged to check out the full release to experience the full scope of their talent and the vibrant Saginaw hip-hop scene they represent.