Amphibians

The Amphibians were a Washington DC based artistic collective who met through the Freestyle Union, a DC-based MC workshop which focused on elevating the art of freestyling, the practice of improvisational rhyming. Eventually, the Amphibians began to seek other venues to express their art. Finding none, they decided to create their own: the Lifeline, a weekly open mic/artist showcase where local MCs could perform, get exposure, and perfect their craft. That was in summer of 97. The Lifeline lasted six months. Following the Lifeline, the Amphibians began rocking spots outside of DC. After blowing up underground spots from VA to NY, the Amphibians took it to the next level, by self-releasing their debut single Lettuce (Entertain You) b/w Journey, which received airplay from mix shows coast to coast. This record was released through Spread Love Entertainment, the company which the Amphibians own and run as a collective. Spread Love Entertainment also produces a hip-hop video show (named, appropriately enough, Spread Love) and currently promotes a weekly open mic/showcase in New York City. Part of the proceeds from previous Amphibians-sponsored events have benefitted numerous charitable organizations, ranging from Funds for the Community's Future to the Center for Sickle Cell Anemia. A portion of the proceeds from sales of the single was also donated to the Center, all part of the Amphibians' goal to put their positive words into positive action. Determined to pioneer new sounds, the Amphibians aimed to be the future of music. For more information about the Amphibians, feel free to e-mail AlanPage@aol.com. Washington DC hip hop "The late 1990s, when the scene was flourishing at spots like State of the Union, Nyala and the legendary b-boy gathering Soul Camp. DJ Orbit 122 (Malik El Hage) was right in the middle of it, spinning Thursdays at Nyala with a freestyle crew called the Amphibians. "It was one of the most authentic spaces for D.C. hip-hop," he recalls. "It was one of those down-home venues where there was no pressure except to be dope." via Washington Post - Mom-and-Pop Hip-Hop By Fritz Hahn December 12, 2003