Ashkon

Born to Iranian immigrants in Northern California’s diverse East Bay, Ashkon is truly a multi-dimensional artist. A rapper, singer/songwriter and actor, his talent and appeal extend beyond those of your traditional performer. In 2006 Ashkon jumped onto the Bay Area hip-hop scene with his epic debut record The Final Breakthrough. Assembled almost entirely by the Bay Area production team Pailboy, the album is as eclectic musically as it is lyrically. The album’s first single, “Hey Keezy,” features Ashkon’s former students, the children of Howard Elementary School (Oakland, CA). The album also includes his first regional hit, the “510 (remix),” a collaboration with Oakland heavyweights Mistah FAB and Boots Riley (of The Coup). Ashkon relocated to Los Angeles in January of 2007. In a matter of months he compiled the Speaks Louder Than Words mixtape, which was hosted by one of LA's most respected DJs, DJ Strong. Speaks Louder Than Words showcases Ashkon’s versatility as well as his undeniable MC skills. In 2008 Ashkon generated a great deal of buzz with his hilarious, yet helplessly infectious track, "Hot Tubbin’ (On the Late Night)." The video for the song became a viral sensation on YouTube, receiving more than 500,000 plays to date, thrusting Ashkon onto the cusp of the mainstream music world. Ashkon kept busy over the past couple years, performing his campy crowd pleaser along with his already dynamic stage show at a number of notable California Venues (Ruby Sky, The Independent, The Roxy, The Viper Room, and The Key Club, to name a few). Known for his honest, eccentric stage presence, Ashkon uses a blend of strait forward hip-hop lyricism, with soulful singing, and live musicianship, giving him widespread cross genre appeal. Ashkon just completed a new mixtape called In The Booth, set for release October 2010, and has most recently become the voice of the Official San Francisco Giants 2010 Playoff Anthem. The video is currently taking the internet by storm.