Mr. Lif (born Jeffrey Haynes) is a Boston rapper who is currently signed to New York independent label Definitive Jux. Besides his solo career, Lif is also a member of the hip hop group The Perceptionists with long-time friends and collaborators Akrobatik and DJ Fakts One. Mr. Lif grew up in the neighbourhood of Brighton in Boston, MA. For two years he attended Colgate University, dropping out after becoming enamored with the hip hop music being produced at the time.

Dephonic is a hip-hop infused band with indie rock, soul and electronic music tendencies. This Philadelphia-based project has recently shared the stage with major recording artists Asher Roth, Wale, Young Chris (of the Young Gunz), Colin Munroe and The Plain White T’s. Dephonic recently debuted their freshman release ‘Dephonition’ at the SXSW ’09 music festival in Austin, Texas. They are currently touring the Northeast part of the United States. Dephonic derives musical inspiration fr... (more)om artists like Jay-Z, the Gorillaz, Justice, Al Green, Black Star, The Roots, Fugees, Maroon 5, Mark Ronson, Outkast, MGMT, the Kings of Leon, Atmosphere, Genesis and Hall & Oates…and many more.

Hailing from a city that is known for it's grit and grime, Philadelphia-based band Writtenhouse is an alternative to the generic rap message of guns and drugs that is so prevalent on commercial radio, and their upbeat songs reflect the energy of the organic nature of their genesis. Forming in March of 2008, the band burst onto the scene by getting out, touring, paying their dues, and polishing their live show, which is a collaboration of an MC (Charlie K) and two producers (Chris Conway & Kush ... (more)Shalimar) who create the beats live, un-sequenced, in real-time on stage. The band has often been referred to as "the Grateful Dead of Hip Hop" in that every show is a different sonic wall of fresh, original material that resonates well with audiences. Crowds are moved as the chemistry of the live instrumentation coupled with the energy of a dynamic master of ceremony draws participants into the creative process.