Magnum K.I. -Rob Crooks, Ismaila & DJ Kutdown

Almost a decade after joining forces as members of Canada’s legendary FREK SHO crew, Thunder Bay-born Michael Arnone (aka DJ KUTDOWN) and Winnipeg native ISMAILA ALFA are set to release their sophmore effort as MAGNUM K.I. In 1998, Ismaila, along with Frek Sho, got their first taste of national success, after they released the first music video by Manitoban hip-hop artists to be in regular rotation on Much Music (Frek Sho, “Patience”). Two years later, in 2000, Arnone joined Frek Sho as the seminal rap group’s main audio engineer, producer and DJ. Since then, the duo have released over 10 CDs and two vinyl EPs between them.

In 2005, Magnum K.I. toured North America with the Vans Warped Tour. As performers on the Code the Cutz stage, they played nine cities alongside members of both the Definitive Jux and Rhymesayers rosters. With over one hundred shows as Magnum K.I. under their belt, the duo has shared the stage with Ill Bill, RA Tha Rugged Man, the Alkaholiks, Kardinal Offishall, DJ A-Trak and Brother Ali, just to name a few.

With so much experience to draw from, Ismaila and Arnone displayed their musical maturity on their debut EP Gun Shy, released in 2008. With such infectious songs such as the dance-hall inspired title track, the almost overwhelmingly raw “Speaker” and the hauntingly beautiful “Sleep,” the Gun Shy EP has remained on the college-radio charts since it’s release.

Today, when they are not recording or touring, Ismaila works on-air at CBC Radio, while Michael works with Winnipeg’s famed Grafitti Gallery, teaching hip-hop production and turntablism at drop-in centres and schools throughout the city. Each of them have found the opportunities awarded to them through their day jobs both rewarding and inspirational.

With such a sturdy foundation under them, Magnum K.I.’s ready to embark on their sophmore release as a duo. The genre bending new album is sure to be noticed in and outside the country, by industry insiders and music fans alike. Due out in late 2009/early 2010, you can be sure that this will only be one more step further on the path to a new sound that only Ismaila and DJ Kutdown can offer.

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