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Doomtree

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This article is about the hip hop collective. For the rock band, see Steve Zing. For the doum palm tree, see Hyphaene thebaica.
Doomtree
Doomtree performing at First Avenue in 2010 (left to right: Cecil Otter, P.O.S, Mike Mictlan, Dessa, and Sims)
Doomtree performing at First Avenue in 2010 (left to right: Cecil Otter, P.O.S, Mike Mictlan, Dessa, and Sims)
Background information
OriginMinneapolis, Minnesota, U.S.
GenresHip hop
Years active2001–present
LabelsDoomtree Records
Members
Past members
  • MK Larada
  • Turbo Nemesis
  • Tom Servo
  • Beautiful Bobby Gorgeous
Websitewww.doomtree.net

Doomtree is an American hip hop collective and record label based in Minneapolis, Minnesota.[1] The collective has seven members: Dessa, Cecil Otter, P.O.S, Sims, Mike Mictlan, Paper Tiger, and Lazerbeak.[2] The collective is known for incorporating a wide range of musical influences into their work with lyrical complexity and wordplay, and their annual "Doomtree Blowout" events held in Minneapolis venues to showcase their group performances and the Twin Cities music scene.[3]

Early years

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The name "Doomtree" is a made-up word that doesn't have a meaning, according to P.O.S, who says that it has come to represent "my people and my life's work so far."[4] When Dessa was asked about the name, she said "Initially it was a proposed name for a Cecil and P.O.S. record. The name followed us when we all lived together in a big rundown house a few years ago. Whether it was the fault of architecture or some sort of cosmic wormhole, dead pigeons always showed up on our doorstep."[5] The group was originally named "False Hopes" when it was just P.O.S and Cecil Otter, but after consideration, it was traded off to be the name of a series of releases (there are 15 total) by Doomtree members (such as Cecil Otter's or Doomtree's debut).[6]

Doomtree's "Wings and Teeth" logo

Members of Doomtree have described the group's formation as a gradual process.[7] The initial lineup saw P.O.S and MK Larada, friends from high school, making songs with other local artists such as Cecil Otter and Beautiful Bobby Gorgeous. The beginning of the name began when P.O.S and Cecil Otter first envisioned Doomtree to be an in house production team.[8] Soon enough Sims and Lazerbeak, fellow Hopkins High School alumni, followed. Mike Mictlan, having also attended high school with P.O.S, became an official member when he moved back to Minneapolis from Los Angeles.[9] Dessa joined after having a chance encounter with P.O.S, who was living down the street from her at the time along with Sims, Turbo Nemesis and MK Larada.[10] Sims and Dessa were said to be the last to join the collective.[8] After its final formation, members MK Larada, Turbo Nemesis, Tom Servo, and Bobby Gorgeous gradually drifted away from the group.[11] MK Larada is responsible for Doomtree's famous "Wings and Teeth" logo.[12]

Musical career

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Doomtree's first official album, Doomtree, was released on July 29, 2008.[13]

Their second official album, No Kings, was released to critical acclaim on November 22, 2011.[14][15]

In 2012, Time included Doomtree in the "11 Great Bands You Don't Know (But Should)" list.[16] December 12, 2012 was proclaimed by Mayor R. T. Rybak as "Doomtree Day in the city of Minneapolis" in conjunction with the opening night of the Doomtree Blowout 8 show at First Avenue.[17]

Doomtree's documentary film, Team the Best Team, was also released as a DVD in 2012,[18] and also as a digital stream and download in 2013.[19]

In December 2014, Doomtree had the final installment of the annual Blowout concert series,[20] which the crew hosted for 10 years.[21]

On January 27, 2015, Doomtree released their third group album, All Hands.[22] In October 2015, Doomtree curated the first Doomtree Zoo festival at the CHS Field.[23]

Distribution

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While P.O.S and Cecil Otter have released solo albums on other record labels (Rhymesayers Entertainment and Strange Famous Records, respectively), each of the group albums and the majority of the collective's solo work are released on their own label, Doomtree Records.[24]

Doomtree has also formed a publisher, Doomtree Press. In 2009, it put out Spiral Bound, Dessa's first book of poetry and fiction.[25]

Officially, the CEO of the label is Dessa,[26] but the label is run by the entire group, with outside help from friends such as Ander Other, Doomtree's "Intern/Merchant/Graphic Designer/Webmaster/Video Editor/Social Media Agent/Librarian."[27]

Style

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As a group, Doomtree's sound reflects being a collective of many members with unique individual musical influences. Officially classified as hip-hop, the influences of jazz, punk rock, blues, rock, and soul can be detected throughout their music.[3] Doomtree is known for having "tangled, multihued and pointedly intellectualized lyrics"[28] with "cerebral rhymes and moody beats."[29]

Honors and awards

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Doomtree's star on the outside mural of Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue

The group has been honored with a star on the outside mural of the Minneapolis nightclub First Avenue,[30] recognizing performers that have played sold-out shows or have otherwise demonstrated a major contribution to the culture at the iconic venue.[31] P.O.S also has a star for his solo work. Receiving a star "might be the most prestigious public honor an artist can receive in Minneapolis," according to journalist Steve Marsh.[32]

Members

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Current

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Former

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  • MK Larada: producer
  • Turbo Nemesis: producer/DJ
  • Tom Servo: producer/DJ
  • Beautiful Bobby Gorgeous: producer

Discography

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Studio albums

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Title Release date Formats
Doomtree July 29, 2008 CD, vinyl, digital download
No Kings November 22, 2011 CD, vinyl, digital download
All Hands January 27, 2015 CD, vinyl, digital download

EPs and mixtapes

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Title Release date Formats Notes
False Hopes December 16, 2007 CD, digital download 12th False Hopes record and the first to feature all members of Doomtree (14 tracks)
False Hopes 13 December 9, 2008 CD Accompanied by Doomtree Blowout DVD
FH:XV (False Hopes 15) December 6, 2009 CD, digital download
Affiliyated March 4, 2011 Digital download Remix of Gayngs' Relayted

Singles

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Title Release date Formats
"Bangarang" May 28, 2012 Digital download
".38 Airweight" July 29, 2014 Digital download
"Spill Me Up" June 13, 2016 Digital download
"Five Alive" February 24, 2020 Digital download

Other

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Title Release date Formats Notes
Doomtree Blowout December 9, 2008 DVD Accompanied by False Hopes 13
Team the Best Team December 11, 2012 DVD, digital download Documentary film
Doomtree: Every Single Day August 21, 2014 Book

Doomtree Blowout

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Doomtree performing at First Avenue in 2012.

Between 2005-2014, Doomtree performed in annual group shows ("Blowouts") at local Minneapolis, Minnesota venues.

Blowout Date Venue Notes
Blowout 1[33] December 10, 2005 Varsity Theater
Blowout 2[34] December 2, 2006 First Avenue
Blowout 2 Jr. December 16, 2006 Triple Rock Social Club "Under 21" show
Blowout 3[35] December 14, 2007 First Avenue
Blowout 4[36] December 6, 2008 First Avenue
Blowout 5[37] December 5, 2009 First Avenue
Blowout 6[38] December 10, 2010 First Avenue
Blowout 6 December 11, 2010 First Avenue
Blowout 7[39] December 4, 2011 First Avenue Curated by Sims
Blowout 7 December 5, 2011 First Avenue Curated by Mike Mictlan
Blowout 7 December 6, 2011 First Avenue Curated by Dessa
Blowout 7 December 7, 2011 First Avenue Curated by P.O.S
Blowout 7 December 8, 2011 First Avenue Curated by Cecil Otter
Blowout 7 December 9, 2011 First Avenue
Blowout 7 December 10, 2011 First Avenue
Blowout 8[40] December 14, 2012 First Avenue
Blowout 8 December 15, 2012 First Avenue
Blowout 8 December 16, 2012 First Avenue
Blowout 9 December 12, 2013 Triple Rock Social Club All Ages
Blowout 9 December 13, 2013 First Avenue 21+
Blowout 9 December 14, 2013 First Avenue 18+
Blowout 9 December 15, 2013 First Avenue 18+
Blowout 10[41] December 6, 2014 Turf Club 21+
Blowout 10 December 7, 2014 Surly Doomtree Day All Ages
Blowout 10 December 8, 2014 Icehouse 21+
Blowout 10 December 9, 2014 Triple Rock Social Club All Ages
Blowout 10 December 10, 2014 Varsity Theater 18+
Blowout 10 December 11, 2014 First Avenue 18+
Blowout 10 December 12, 2014 First Avenue 18+
Blowout 10 December 13, 2014 First Avenue 21+

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Swiatecki, Chad (March 20, 2012). "Doomtree Build Collective Hip-Hop Force". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 5, 2017.
  2. ^ Ali, Reyan (March 4, 2015). "Doomtree". Salt Lake City Weekly. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  3. ^ a b Parker, Chris (March 15, 2012). "Boise Gathers Around the Doomtree". Boise Weekly. Archived from the original on September 5, 2017. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
  4. ^ Ali, Reyan (November 4, 2010). "The Gang's All Here: Minneapolis' slept-upon hip-hop crew head out on their first full tour". Salt Lake City Weekly.
  5. ^ "Music: Merchants of Doom". Star Tribune. Retrieved 2017-02-04.
  6. ^ "Wings And Teeth - An Interview With Doomtree | RESPECT". respect-mag.com. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  7. ^ Abjekt (August 30, 2006). "Doomtree Interview". Caught in the Crossfire.
  8. ^ a b "P.O.S. of Doomtree". URBAN BEAN COFFEE. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  9. ^ Bernard, Adam (August 12, 2008). "RapReview Feature for August 12, 2008 - Doomtree Interview". Rap Reviews.
  10. ^ Scholtes, Peter S. (March 3, 2004). "Doomsday!". City Pages. Archived from the original on June 6, 2011.
  11. ^ "DOOMTREE on Twitter". Twitter. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  12. ^ "Doomtree Talks No Kings And Their Famous Wings And Teeth Logo « Listen Up Denver!". Listen Up Denver!. Retrieved 2017-02-05.
  13. ^ Inveigh (April 2, 2010). "Doomtree - Doomtree". Sputnikmusic.
  14. ^ Koski, Genevieve (November 22, 2011). "Doomtree: No Kings". The A.V. Club.
  15. ^ No Kings by Doomtree, retrieved 2017-02-05
  16. ^ Locker, Melissa (August 7, 2012). "11 Great Bands You Don't Know (But Should)". Time. Archived from the original on August 11, 2012. Retrieved October 28, 2019.
  17. ^ Fischer, Reed (December 13, 2012). "Doomtree Day in Minneapolis is Friday, proclaims Mayor Rybak". City Pages. Archived from the original on December 19, 2012.
  18. ^ Fischer, Reed (November 7, 2012). "Doomtree to release documentary, Team the Best Team DVD". City Pages. Archived from the original on July 14, 2014.
  19. ^ Tardio, Andres (December 8, 2013). "Doomtree Releases "Team The Best Team" Documentary". HipHopDX.
  20. ^ Fagerberg, Jerard (December 15, 2014). "What Does the "Last Blowout Ever" Mean for Doomtree?". City Pages. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  21. ^ Thompson, Erik (December 12, 2014). "The Best Twin Cities Concerts This Weekend: 12/12-14". City Pages. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  22. ^ "All Hands, by Doomtree". Doomtree. Retrieved 2017-02-06.
  23. ^ Warner, Ryan (October 5, 2015). "Our likes and dislikes of Doomtree Zoo 1.0". City Pages. Retrieved November 24, 2015.
  24. ^ Parker, Chris (March 15, 2012). "Steady As She Grows". Colorado Springs Independent. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
  25. ^ Behm, Jon (January 13, 2009). "Dessa 'Spiral Bound' Review". Culture Bully. Archived from the original on June 6, 2010. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
  26. ^ "Dessa the CEO". Minnesota Business Magazine. Retrieved 2017-02-04.
  27. ^ "ANDER OTHER (Doomtree) | First Avenue". first-avenue.com. Retrieved 2017-02-04.
  28. ^ Ali, Reyan (February 14, 2012). "Hip-Hop Collective Doomtree Lands In Philly This Week". Philadelphia Weekly. Archived from the original on July 14, 2013. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
  29. ^ Brickner, Sarah (February 11, 2010). "Doomtree's Brain Fruit". Eugene Weekly. Retrieved July 13, 2013.
  30. ^ "The Stars". First Avenue & 7th Street Entry. Archived from the original on 2020-04-18. Retrieved 2020-05-10.
  31. ^ Bream, Jon (2019-05-03). "10 things you'll learn about First Avenue in new Minnesota History Center show". Star Tribune. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Retrieved 2020-05-10.
  32. ^ Marsh, Steve (2019-05-13). "First Avenue's Star Wall". Mpls.St.Paul Magazine. Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota. Retrieved 2020-05-10.
  33. ^ "Doomtree Blowout". Doomtree. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  34. ^ "Doomtree Wrapup". Doomtree. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  35. ^ "Blowout 3". Doomtree. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  36. ^ "89.3 The Current and Vita.mn present DOOMTREE BLOWOUT IV". First Avenue. Archived from the original on May 29, 2012. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  37. ^ "Doomtree Blowout V". First Avenue. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  38. ^ "Doomtree Announces Blowout 2010". Reviler. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  39. ^ "Doomtree Blowout Week at First Avenue". First Avenue. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  40. ^ "Doomtree Blowout 8". First Avenue. Retrieved July 12, 2013.
  41. ^ "Doomtree Blowout 10". Doomtree. Retrieved December 12, 2014.
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