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In the anxious weeks leading up to the release of their group's debut LP Dream Expedited, Chawle Dawk da Superstar and Maximillion are finally thinking about the future, instead of the past.
"Right now, on Oct. 25, when the album goes live, I complete it," says Chawle, one fourth of rap group Langston Hughes III. "It doesn't matter what happens after that. I set out, I got the goal, I got this project done."
Formed in 2014, after years of staying quiet, Langston Hughes III is an attempt to reignite the dreams of yesterday — taking them back by force, if necessary.
As somewhat clandestine luminaries in the Lowcountry hip-hop scene, Chawle and Maximillion toured the U.S. in support of Charleston's first nationally recognized rap album in the '90s, guided the scene through the 2000s, and were instrumental in laying the groundwork for Holy City hip-hop.
But, for differing reasons, their end-goal of a career in rap music remained elusive.
Dream Expedited may be the group's triumph, but this victory comes at the end of an almost 30-year struggle to turn a dream into a reality.
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ALBUM NOW AVAILABLE: DREAM EXPEDITED
Charleston, SC- Langston Hughes III has done it. They have released the quintessential hip hop album. One solid listen to this album will confirm their music transcends hip hop in its simplest form- even by their own description, LH3 will let all know they create “Adult Contemporary Head Nod Music”-- a most accurate account.
There is a double entendre which becomes apparent as the album progresses. Adult Contemporary Head Nod Music definitely means you can rock with it, it means the beat will entice rhythmic spurts of movement. Looking deeper will reveal how the group pays homage to so many who came before them: from Langston Hughes himself to Harriet Tubman to Lorraine Hansberry, and even to Falco and Suzanne Vega. Head nods beckon "head nods."
With “Dream Expedited” the Charleston natives - Chawle Dawk The Superstar, Choc Da Bully, Maximillion The Unique QS and The Moja DJ Cory B. -deliver raw telling of a history that is theirs, but a journey which belongs to everyone- the ultimate realization of dreams and aspirations after circumstances intercepted and otherwise put them on hold. The cover depicts a lion with a huge brass knocker- yes, his name is Langston Lion and he protects and guards the group's most cherished possession: their deep yearning to bring the audience the truest sound with the dopest story.
As the symbolism begins to shape the narrative, they play a reading of acclaimed poet Langston Hughes’ “Harlem”- "whatever happens to a dream deferred"... and each track brings the listener closer and closer to how this dynamic group turned that all around: with time and patience, growth and knowledge. LH3 characterized these traits from the first track “Dream Expedited” right up until “Black Nights.” The cathartic ending brings the album full circle; having a dream and never losing it, no matter how long it took them to get there.
“As subjective as Hip Hop is some music is just undeniable. Langston Hughes III is one of those undeniable talents" -globalmoneyworld.com
Joining LH3 are production talents B73 music, Choyce, and Tone Jonez. Special cameo appearances from two hip hop legends: Sadat X from Brand Nubians and hip hop forefather Kool DJ Red Alert complete this hip hop opera.
LH3 has had their respective heads in the hip hop game for two decades now. Life is lived and experiences change outlooks, but nothing changes their love for real music and their drive to share it with their audience. This isn't a comeback, this is a dream realized. Now that's Langston.-Shana Swain