Before United Grind there was Play Havoc
Before United Grind a lesser known trio aptly known as Play Havoc was making noise in the local Cleveland rap scene. The trio consisted of emcee’s HiJinks, Vice Souletric (ill Advice) and DJ Sleepyhead. Hailing west of Cleveland in the small offset of Lorain, Ohio, a lower-middle class blue collar town. Vice and Jinks began planting roots in the big sister city with full intent of gaining notoriety and respect from their peers. For nearly six years Play Havoc played locally and abroad, releasing a firestorm of underground demos and making appearances on the then, famed Mick (Boogie’s) legendary mixtapes. In 2007 Play Havoc released their only official studio album entitled “All Things Due” which won them Cleveland’s Call-And-Post artist of the year before shortly disbanding a year later.
In the meantime, ill Advice adopted the moniker Vice “Souletric” while continuing to hone his production skills extending the signature Play Havoc sound to various artist such as; KRS-One, CL Smooth, Reek Da Villain and more. Vice’s production eventually got the attention of Youngstown Ohio rapper G. Huff. Meanwhile Jinks, who had relocated to start his creative media business began lending creative services to the new duo; creating art, marketing campaigns and producing videos. Jinks involvement eventually led him back into the studio, sporadically making guest appearances for the rapper/producer duo.
Eventually, United Grind was founded by Jinks in 2013, prior to Vice’s first solo release entitled “Vice For President” in 2015 under the United Grind imprint. Initially, created as a vehicle to help promote the efforts of artist Vice and G. Huff. United Grind has now scaled into record distribution, production, digital entertainment and promotions. The Play Havoc entity which is undoubtedly the foundation of United Grind is finally being revealed and pushed forward in preparation of new music being released by the original founding members Vice and Jinks.
The Play Havoc principle sound can be described as a rich blend of true-school soul and appropriately, rock (as their Cleveland roots would suggest). Vice, who has produced nearly 80% of the Play Havoc catalog inspirationally created his “Souletric” moniker on the basis of this sound. On the other hand, their lead single “Similar” outsources the task of production to the New Jersey production squad “The Regeem”. The soulful vocal sample lands a reminiscent feel, which inspired the tracks title. The hard hitting 808’s and rich instrumentation provides a current, finely aged grown-vibe as a testament to the evolution of the veteran Emcees. “Similar” is now available for streaming on all digital platforms. Check the link below.
