Anybody Killa
Encyclopedia
James Lowery, also known as Anybody Killa, or ABK, is a Native American
rapper
from Detroit, Michigan
whose stage persona is that of a Native American warrior. He is signed to Psychopathic Records
.
. His parents were from Pembroke, North Carolina
and were of the Lumbee
tribe. Lowery's father was a preacher. His aunt and mother taught him about his Native American heritage, telling him Cherokee
and Lumbee legends and teaching him about dreamcatcher
s. Lowery started making music at a young age, using anything he could find as instruments, and began writing his own songs at the age of 13. By the age of 15, local kids would pay to watch him perform in his garage. In 1995, he formed the group Krazy Klan with childhood friend Lavel, performing as Jaymo and J-ho, respectively. During this period, Lowery's middle finger was cut off at a side plant that produced parts for Chrysler
. After releasing two albums independently and performing at local clubs and parties, Krazy Klan broke up.
Seeking a solo career under the stage name "Native Funk," Lowery released his first solo album, Rain from the Sun
. After being introduced to rapper Chris Rouleau
, known professionally as "Blaze Ya Dead Homie," Lowery adopted the stage name "Anybody Killa," and the two toured as the opening act for Insane Clown Posse
and Twiztid
. Lowery signed to Psychopathic Records
, and recorded his second album, Hatchet Warrior
, released on April 8, 2003. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard
Top Independent Albums chart, #42 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #98 on the Billboard 200
. Allmusic reviewer Johnny Loftus wrote that "Mostly, Hatchet Warrior is a rehash of [Psychopathic Records] mystique. References to Faygo
abound and shout-outs to Detroit and the Juggalo
s are frequent, while much of ABK et al.'s raps are workmanlike run-throughs of familiar themes".
On July 27, 2004, Lowery released his third album, Dirty History
. It peaked at #7 on the Top Heatseekers
chart, #10 on the Top Independent Albums, #53 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and #152 on the Billboard 200. Lowery also joined the groups Dark Lotus
and Psychopathic Rydas
, performing in the latter as "Sawed Off." Lowery and Rouleau also formed the group Drive-By. The EP Road Fools
, released on March 22, 2005, peaked at #23 on the Top Independent Albums chart. In 2006, Lowery left Psychopathic, continuing to release albums and merchandise from his Native World label. In 2007, Lowery performed Main Stage at the Gathering of the Juggalos, and returned to Psychopathic Records the following year. Since his return to the label, he has released 2 additional full-length albums, Mudface
and Medicine Bag
and horror
themes and humor derived from Juggalo and cannabis
culture. Lowery has a lisp
, which gives him a distinctive delivery. According to Lowery, "A lot of fans will say, 'Oh, he's just doing that to make it up.' Why would I want to make up a lisp while I'm rappin? I wish it was gone sometimes but a lot of people love it."
After being interviewed in a 2008 documentary called: Shockumentary-Behind the hatchet, Lowery admitted he would be staying with Psychopathic Records once and for all.
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
rapper
Rapping
Rapping refers to "spoken or chanted rhyming lyrics". The art form can be broken down into different components, as in the book How to Rap where it is separated into “content”, “flow” , and “delivery”...
from Detroit, Michigan
Michigan
Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake"....
whose stage persona is that of a Native American warrior. He is signed to Psychopathic Records
Psychopathic Records
Psychopathic Records, also known as "The Hatchet", is an American independent record label based in Farmington Hills, Michigan that specializes in hip hop music. The label was founded in 1991 by Alex Abbiss and hip hop group Insane Clown Posse....
.
Biography
Lowery was raised on the east side of DetroitDetroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
. His parents were from Pembroke, North Carolina
Pembroke, North Carolina
Pembroke is a town in Robeson County, North Carolina, United States. The population was 2,399, at the 2000 census, 89% of which is Native American...
and were of the Lumbee
Lumbee
The Lumbee belong to a state recognized Native American tribe in North Carolina. The Lumbee are concentrated in Robeson County and named for the primary waterway traversing the county...
tribe. Lowery's father was a preacher. His aunt and mother taught him about his Native American heritage, telling him Cherokee
Cherokee
The Cherokee are a Native American people historically settled in the Southeastern United States . Linguistically, they are part of the Iroquoian language family...
and Lumbee legends and teaching him about dreamcatcher
Dreamcatcher
Dreamcatcher is a Native American cultural object.Dreamcatcher may also refer to:-Entertainment:* Dreamcatcher , a 2001 novel by Stephen King** Dreamcatcher , based on the Stephen King novel...
s. Lowery started making music at a young age, using anything he could find as instruments, and began writing his own songs at the age of 13. By the age of 15, local kids would pay to watch him perform in his garage. In 1995, he formed the group Krazy Klan with childhood friend Lavel, performing as Jaymo and J-ho, respectively. During this period, Lowery's middle finger was cut off at a side plant that produced parts for Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
. After releasing two albums independently and performing at local clubs and parties, Krazy Klan broke up.
Seeking a solo career under the stage name "Native Funk," Lowery released his first solo album, Rain from the Sun
Rain From The Sun
Rain from the Sun is the debut album of James Lowery, at the time known as "Native Funk". Lowery later adopted the name "Anybody Killa" and signed to Psychopathic Records, releasing his second album, Hatchet Warrior in 2003...
. After being introduced to rapper Chris Rouleau
Blaze Ya Dead Homie
Chris Rouleau, also known as Blaze Ya Dead Homie, is an American rapper from Romeo, Michigan. His stage persona is that of a reincarnated gang member killed in the late 1980s, and his music is a fusion of gangsta rap and horrorcore.-Biography:...
, known professionally as "Blaze Ya Dead Homie," Lowery adopted the stage name "Anybody Killa," and the two toured as the opening act for Insane Clown Posse
Insane Clown Posse
Insane Clown Posse is an American hip hop duo from Detroit, Michigan. The group is composed of Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler, who perform under the respective personas of the "wicked clowns" Violent J and Shaggy 2 Dope. Insane Clown Posse performs a style of hardcore hip hop known as horrorcore...
and Twiztid
Twiztid
Twiztid is an American hip hop duo from Warren, Michigan. The group is composed of Jamie Spaniolo and Paul Methric, who perform under the respective personas of Jamie Madrox and Monoxide Child...
. Lowery signed to Psychopathic Records
Psychopathic Records
Psychopathic Records, also known as "The Hatchet", is an American independent record label based in Farmington Hills, Michigan that specializes in hip hop music. The label was founded in 1991 by Alex Abbiss and hip hop group Insane Clown Posse....
, and recorded his second album, Hatchet Warrior
Hatchet Warrior
Hatchet Warrior is the debut studio album by Anybody Killa. Released in 2003, it is the rapper's first release on Psychopathic Records. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart, #42 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #98 on the Billboard 200...
, released on April 8, 2003. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard
Billboard (magazine)
Billboard is a weekly American magazine devoted to the music industry, and is one of the oldest trade magazines in the world. It maintains several internationally recognized music charts that track the most popular songs and albums in various categories on a weekly basis...
Top Independent Albums chart, #42 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #98 on the Billboard 200
Billboard 200
The Billboard 200 is a ranking of the 200 highest-selling music albums and EPs in the United States, published weekly by Billboard magazine. It is frequently used to convey the popularity of an artist or groups of artists...
. Allmusic reviewer Johnny Loftus wrote that "Mostly, Hatchet Warrior is a rehash of [Psychopathic Records] mystique. References to Faygo
Faygo
Faygo or Faygo Pop is a soft drink brand headquartered in Detroit, Michigan. It is distributed in the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Central Southern regions of the United States...
abound and shout-outs to Detroit and the Juggalo
Juggalo
Juggalo or Juggalette is a name given to fans of Insane Clown Posse or any other Psychopathic Records hip hop group. Juggalos have developed their own idioms, slang, and characteristics.-History:...
s are frequent, while much of ABK et al.'s raps are workmanlike run-throughs of familiar themes".
On July 27, 2004, Lowery released his third album, Dirty History
Dirty History
Dirty History is the second studio album by Anybody Killa. Released in 2004, the album peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart, No.10 on the Top Independent Albums, No. 53 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and No...
. It peaked at #7 on the Top Heatseekers
Top Heatseekers
Top Heatseekers refers to either of two separate "Breaking and Entering" music charts issued weekly by Billboard Magazine: the Heatseekers Albums chart or the Heatseekers Songs chart. They were introduced by Billboard in 1993 with the purpose of highlighting the sales by new and developing musical...
chart, #10 on the Top Independent Albums, #53 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and #152 on the Billboard 200. Lowery also joined the groups Dark Lotus
Dark Lotus
Dark Lotus is an American hip hop supergroup based in Detroit, Michigan. Formed in 1998, the group consists of Psychopathic Records-associated rappers Joseph Bruce and Joseph Utsler of Insane Clown Posse, Jamie Spaniolo and Paul Methric of Twiztid, and Chris Rouleau.-History:Dark Lotus made its...
and Psychopathic Rydas
Psychopathic Rydas
Psychopathic Rydas is an American hip hop group based in Detroit, Michigan. Formed in 1999, the group consists of Psychopathic Records-associated rappers performing under alternate stage names in the style of mainstream gangsta rap...
, performing in the latter as "Sawed Off." Lowery and Rouleau also formed the group Drive-By. The EP Road Fools
Road Fools
Road Fools is the first extended play by Anybody Killa. Released in 2005, it peaked at number 23 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart.- Track listing :#"Intro" - 2:45#"Feel This Way" - 4:19#"Way We Roll" - 3:37#"Up My Sleeve" 2:40...
, released on March 22, 2005, peaked at #23 on the Top Independent Albums chart. In 2006, Lowery left Psychopathic, continuing to release albums and merchandise from his Native World label. In 2007, Lowery performed Main Stage at the Gathering of the Juggalos, and returned to Psychopathic Records the following year. Since his return to the label, he has released 2 additional full-length albums, Mudface
Mudface
Mudface is the third studio album by Anybody Killa. Released on November 25, 2008, the album features appearances by Insane Clown Posse, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Boondox and Strict 9. This like most other albums was recorded at the Lotus Pod, a studio owned by Psychopathic Records.-Track listing:...
and Medicine Bag
Medicine Bag
Medicine Bag is the fourth studio album by Anybody Killa. It was released in three different versions on October 19, 2010, each featuring two different bonus tracks...
Lyrical and performance style
Lowery's lyrical content draws heavily from his Native American heritage. Lowery refers to his style as being "like a spiritual rap". He states that "I get a vibe from dreams, more or less. That's where a lot of my writing comes from. That and a lot of my fans' personal experiences. [...] It's their music, my fans' music. I'm just putting it to words behind lyrics for them." In his review of Hatchet Warrior, Allmusic's Johnny Loftus describes the album as crossing Native American culture with gangsta rapGangsta rap
Gangsta Rap is a subgenre of hip hop music that evolved from hardcore hip hop and purports to reflect urban crime and the violent lifestyles of inner-city youths. Lyrics in gangsta rap have varied from accurate reflections to fictionalized accounts. Gangsta is a non-rhotic pronunciation of the word...
and horror
Horror fiction
Horror fiction also Horror fantasy is a philosophy of literature, which is intended to, or has the capacity to frighten its readers, inducing feelings of horror and terror. It creates an eerie atmosphere. Horror can be either supernatural or non-supernatural...
themes and humor derived from Juggalo and cannabis
Cannabis (drug)
Cannabis, also known as marijuana among many other names, refers to any number of preparations of the Cannabis plant intended for use as a psychoactive drug or for medicinal purposes. The English term marijuana comes from the Mexican Spanish word marihuana...
culture. Lowery has a lisp
Lisp
A lisp is a speech impediment, historically also known as sigmatism. Stereotypically, people with a lisp are unable to pronounce sibilants , and replace them with interdentals , though there are actually several kinds of lisp...
, which gives him a distinctive delivery. According to Lowery, "A lot of fans will say, 'Oh, he's just doing that to make it up.' Why would I want to make up a lisp while I'm rappin? I wish it was gone sometimes but a lot of people love it."
After being interviewed in a 2008 documentary called: Shockumentary-Behind the hatchet, Lowery admitted he would be staying with Psychopathic Records once and for all.
Discography
- Rain from the SunRain From The SunRain from the Sun is the debut album of James Lowery, at the time known as "Native Funk". Lowery later adopted the name "Anybody Killa" and signed to Psychopathic Records, releasing his second album, Hatchet Warrior in 2003...
(2000) - Hatchet WarriorHatchet WarriorHatchet Warrior is the debut studio album by Anybody Killa. Released in 2003, it is the rapper's first release on Psychopathic Records. It peaked at #4 on the Billboard Top Independent Albums chart, #42 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, and #98 on the Billboard 200...
(2003) - Dirty HistoryDirty HistoryDirty History is the second studio album by Anybody Killa. Released in 2004, the album peaked at No. 7 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers chart, No.10 on the Top Independent Albums, No. 53 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums, and No...
(2004) - MudfaceMudfaceMudface is the third studio album by Anybody Killa. Released on November 25, 2008, the album features appearances by Insane Clown Posse, Blaze Ya Dead Homie, Boondox and Strict 9. This like most other albums was recorded at the Lotus Pod, a studio owned by Psychopathic Records.-Track listing:...
(2008) - Medicine BagMedicine BagMedicine Bag is the fourth studio album by Anybody Killa. It was released in three different versions on October 19, 2010, each featuring two different bonus tracks...
(2010)