PANCHO VIA
No one person can be more synonymous with the wild side of Mexico than Pancho Villa - the rebel general of the Mexican Revolution who invaded US territory in the early 1900's and led American soldiers on a wild goose chase all over the harsh Mexican countryside for years.
Enter Pancho Via (Latino Artist) ready to invade not only the latin market but the urban industry as a whole. The ever-growing hip hop scene in Toronto has produced a large number of talented artists and producers that have put the "T-Dot" on the map. This brings to mind a question that comes up almost instantaneously: Where are the latino MC's at?
Having already made a name for himself in Mississauga, battling at local open mics and parties Pancho began his assault on the music industry. Teaming up with Flaco of Flaco Beads, Pancho was welcomed as the host of Flaco Beats Radio on 101.3FM and 1540AM. Here he learned about the business aspect of the game and connected with the underground hip hop heads in the city. This experience gave him the know how and the contacts to put out his first project.
Armed with a two song EP entitled "Have a Ball", featuring the self titled single(produced by ShySti 2003) and a freestyle assault over DJ Premire/Gangstarr's "All for the Cash", Pancho released the EP with a party, giving copies to those in attendance. One of the copies made its way into the hands of Parkland Records, eventually securing his position with the label.
He felt Parkland had already established a name in the streets and after meeting with Demus (CEO of Parkland) Pancho realized they both shared the same vision of a Latino hip hop movement. The first and most well known artist to be signed to Parkland Records, was Regent Park's lyrical assassin, Marz Apocalypse. This young MC was already in the ears and minds of listeners who tuned into Toronto college radio station, CKLN for the legendary "Powermove" show featuring DJ X, and became a Hall of famer on the freestyle segment "Eat The Beat".
In 2006, Pancho Via is determined to get his craft perfected and gain recognition. Toronto is the first stepping stone to his global takeover. With a refined flow and lyrics Pancho captivates the mind of the listener. Able to blend punchlines, metaphors and storytelling he is the complete MC. With the added bonus of being bilingual he is able to kick a "Spanglish" flow. Pancho's abilities allow him to maintain street credibilty and at the same time, appeal to a mainstream audience, as he delivers something for everyone including the ladies. "Ma the next time you come to my crib its on, I'ma make you memorize every word to this song/And ,I'ma send you home to him like you was with your girls, but ,you was with me and i was rockin your world".
Pancho Via has definetly given the city something to talk about. His first offical release off Parkland Records, "On The Clock" a mixtape with 44 tracks, including dubs, unreleased tracks and new material ,is creating a buzz in the streets. This is his introduction to the scene, a taste of what he's got in store. With no offical radio single yet released he has gained much respect amongst his peers on the strength of the mixtape.
With musical influences such as the late great Big Punisher, Wu-Tang Clan, Tony Touch and Nas, Pancho has crafted his own style and swagger. Also, having grown up listening to salsa greats such as Frankie Ruiz, Oscar De leon, Ruben Blades and many more, Pacho has a well rounded musical background and is ready to cater to the masses.
With much respect for artists who have paved the way, Pancho is ready to make his mark and secure his position in the game. Be sure to keep your ear to the streets and listen for any of his projects.
"On The Clock" in stores now.
www.parklandrecords.net
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