Spens
Encyclopedia
Spens is a Bulgarian hip hop
artist. He was born in Pleven
on October 13, 1975.
As a high school student he recorded amateur songs using nothing but a synthesizer
and tape deck. After graduation in 1994, he moved to the capital city of Sofia
to pursue studies in computer information technologies. He also actively pursued his interest in music and managed to meet a number of like-minded people.
Together with DJ Stancho, Slim
and O.C.G. he formed Sniper Records
- the first Bulgarian label specialised in rap and hip-hop music. Soon several projects were created such as the movie "Hip-Hop Gorilla", its soundtrack in three parts and numerous hip-hop events in Bulgaria
.
was expanding its footprint, along with gaining tremendous interest and support from the sheer number of people who began to acknowledge and embrace it. This was key, as it had annn undeniably positive effect on Spens' and other hip hop artists' career. This series of events is also known among the Bulgarian hip-hop fans as The Second Wave (2000-2006).
Spens released his second album entitled Prekaleno Lichno II (Very Personal part II) in 2003. Throughout the tracks, he adhered to his patented sound and lyrics, while meeting and exceeding the expectations set by fans and local media. In the album he was able to address a plethora of issues, ranging from the basics in day-to-day existence to political events and personas, nationals interests, and complex emotional relationships - a bit changed style in comparison with the first album. After that, Spens made several tracks featuring known and unknown artists, the most prominent being with Macedonian rappers Skopje Via Sofia and Puka Kosmetika, and the Austrian hip-hop artists Herbe Mischung. In 2007 he appeared on the album of Polish MC Sokol
"Teraz Pieniadz W Cenie" on the most known Slavic joint ever "Nie lekceważ nas" ("Don't underestimate us") featuring rappers from every Slavic country. After the end of The Second Wave, Spens became inactive as an MC and focused on his work in the media (radio nJoy and Bulgarian Television (bTV)).
Spens has had the opportunity to work with many other talented artists, including the neo-metal band Skre4, Bulgarian pop icon Grafa, and R&B singer Santra. He is also currently the host of the Bulgarian Top 100 countdown.
Bulgarian hip hop
The Bulgarian hip hop culture development and influence is divided into two main periods. "The First Wave" ran from the mid '80s to mid '90s of the 20th century. This period is known with its underground rap and quite unfamiliar breakdancing crews, few graffiti artist and almost no DJs...
artist. He was born in Pleven
Pleven
Pleven is the seventh most populous city in Bulgaria. Located in the northern part of the country, it is the administrative centre of Pleven Province, as well as of the subordinate Pleven municipality...
on October 13, 1975.
As a high school student he recorded amateur songs using nothing but a synthesizer
Synthesizer
A synthesizer is an electronic instrument capable of producing sounds by generating electrical signals of different frequencies. These electrical signals are played through a loudspeaker or set of headphones...
and tape deck. After graduation in 1994, he moved to the capital city of Sofia
Sofia
Sofia is the capital and largest city of Bulgaria and the 12th largest city in the European Union with a population of 1.27 million people. It is located in western Bulgaria, at the foot of Mount Vitosha and approximately at the centre of the Balkan Peninsula.Prehistoric settlements were excavated...
to pursue studies in computer information technologies. He also actively pursued his interest in music and managed to meet a number of like-minded people.
Together with DJ Stancho, Slim
Slim
Slim may refer to:* Field Marshal William Slim, 1st Viscount Slim , a British military commander and 13th Governor-General of Australia* Slim , Band member from the group 112...
and O.C.G. he formed Sniper Records
Sniper Records
Sniper Records is the first Bulgarian hip-hop record label. It has helped many unknown artists to gain popularity and respect among the fans. The label was started by DJ Stancho together with Spens, Rado Stefanov AKA ChuP, Slim and Ivaylo Tsvetkov in 2000. Soon many new artists joined Sniper...
- the first Bulgarian label specialised in rap and hip-hop music. Soon several projects were created such as the movie "Hip-Hop Gorilla", its soundtrack in three parts and numerous hip-hop events in Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
.
Albums
With the release of his first solo album in 2000 entitled Prekaleno Lichno I (Too Personal, Part I), Spens managed to establish himself as one of the biggest names on the Bulgarian hip-hop scene overnight. Two of the biggest hits on that album were "Napravi Me" (Make Me) and the street anthem "Pisna Mi" (I'm Sick of It). Various collaborations with other Bulgarian MCs who were then unknown were found on the Very Personal Part I album such as Slim, Vyara, OCG, etc. The album was released at a time when the hip-hop scene in BulgariaBulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
was expanding its footprint, along with gaining tremendous interest and support from the sheer number of people who began to acknowledge and embrace it. This was key, as it had annn undeniably positive effect on Spens' and other hip hop artists' career. This series of events is also known among the Bulgarian hip-hop fans as The Second Wave (2000-2006).
Spens released his second album entitled Prekaleno Lichno II (Very Personal part II) in 2003. Throughout the tracks, he adhered to his patented sound and lyrics, while meeting and exceeding the expectations set by fans and local media. In the album he was able to address a plethora of issues, ranging from the basics in day-to-day existence to political events and personas, nationals interests, and complex emotional relationships - a bit changed style in comparison with the first album. After that, Spens made several tracks featuring known and unknown artists, the most prominent being with Macedonian rappers Skopje Via Sofia and Puka Kosmetika, and the Austrian hip-hop artists Herbe Mischung. In 2007 he appeared on the album of Polish MC Sokol
Sokól (rapper)
Sokół , real name Wojciech Sosnowski is an MC born in Warsaw, Poland 11 March 1977. Founder of ZIP Skład and WWO , together with DJ Deszczu Strugi, and Jędker. He recorded four albums with WWO , three albums with Pono as Sokol feat...
"Teraz Pieniadz W Cenie" on the most known Slavic joint ever "Nie lekceważ nas" ("Don't underestimate us") featuring rappers from every Slavic country. After the end of The Second Wave, Spens became inactive as an MC and focused on his work in the media (radio nJoy and Bulgarian Television (bTV)).
Spens has had the opportunity to work with many other talented artists, including the neo-metal band Skre4, Bulgarian pop icon Grafa, and R&B singer Santra. He is also currently the host of the Bulgarian Top 100 countdown.
See also
- More Bulgarian Rap artists.