Both Aarophat and Illastrate decided to merge as a group to generate a remedy for the lack of quality in Hip-Hop music today. After listening to the album, it's hard to imagine that they actually met 14 hours before recording a single note. Aaro bonds his intense, intricate rhymes to Illa's nostalgic, boom-bap soulscape. The album consists of rugged instrumentals, along with aggressive percussion and heavy bass that allows Aaro to strategically map out his lyrical takeover while pulling listeners in. Using his insightful lyrics and an effortless flow, Aarophat gracefully walks the tightropes while Illastrate's production is gritty, yet friendly and inviting. The chemistry between the two is undeniable and the world will soon agree.

Hailing from Youngstown Ohio, lead vocalist Aarophat has been making his presence felt on the Underground Hip-Hop scene for over a decade, gaining the respect as one of the most elite wordsmiths in the industry. Aaro's breakthrough to the world arena came when Pockets Linted CEO and artist Rasco (of Cali Agents) noticed the emcee's star quality in his hunger-laced confidence and highly potent delivery. He immediately signed him to a deal after having his first listen. Aarophat soon sided with Pockets Linted Entertainment/Fat Beats Records and later with Rawkus Records, after being hand selected by A&R representative Slopfunkdust as one of the "Certified, fifty most prolific emcees in the Underground Hip-Hop circuit today" under their Rawkus 50 campaign in 2007.

Over the past six years Illastrate's reputation for phenomenal production has soared to new heights as well, with his knack for creating top-notch beats, exuding a quality and style all his own. Illa's name now reverberates in the industry like his trademarked "dirty drums", which can be heard on Akir's Legacy LP, the Broady Champs' "Breakfast of Champions" and on the Dynas BBE release "The Apartment." His beats are also behind the vocals of such artists as Tiye Phoenix, Senor Kaos, J-Live, Kam Move, Boog Brown, Clan Destined, The Invizzibl Men, (Mark Spekt and Karniege) and Lords of the Underground.

The Black Noise LP sound has already been savored as favorite among the masses. Both separately and jointly these two hip-hop giants have definitely proven themselves worthy of their rightful place at the table. With their new self-titled LP, the stakes are finally as high as the echelon they have built for themselves. The guard in the rap game is on the break of changing and sides are being chosen. The people want better for themselves. They want a better world and they want better music. The people's yearn for better hip-hop shows to be no different. Aarophat and Illastrate have upped their ante yet again. It is because of this, things will never be the same. Read more on Last.fm. User-contributed text is available under the Creative Commons By-SA License; additional terms may apply.