Jamal "The Last Emperor" Gray

Love, Truth, Freedom, Peace, and Justice

Just across the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, in a room atop the stairs, adjacent to the linen closet of his West Philadelphia home, the scribe, Jamal Gray, as known to family and friends bends and straightens words into metaphors and similes. This of course is done to trigger the forgotten emotions of his many listeners. And when asked to describe his style, he responds with a smirk, "imagination is the fabric of life."

So who is Jamal Gray? Socio-political thinker? Alumnus of the first historically black university, Lincoln University? Possessor of a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science/International Relation? An emcee, renown for his quick wit, lyrical skill and warrior like delivery that hails from the west side of Philadelphia? Who is he they ask? He is all of those things for mentioned, however, each affirmative response is not the totality of his being. Firmly rooted in Philly's Hip-Hop foundation, he graduated from Overbrook High School, the alma mater of some of Philly's Hip-Hop most celebrated figures-Fresh Prince (Will Smith), Cool-C & Steady B. "I think that I have been fortunate to have witnessed a lot of the stepping stones in Philly's progression toward national exposure," the deep-voiced rhyme slinger says. As well, The Last Emperor too has laid down his own block of cement in the path of stones leading to the enhancement of Hip-Hop.

After graduating from Lincoln, he boarded an Amtrak train for New York to begin his journey as a recording artist. He entered various "open mics" to showcase his skills; one of his appearances was the popular Lyrist Lounge. Under the stage name, The Last Emperor, he became known mainly for his eminent stage presence and hypnotizing live shows. This quickly landed him alongside "Mr. Hip-Hop" himself KRS 1 and Zack De La Roche, (former lead vocalist for 2 time Grammy Award winning rock group, Rage Against the Machines). They recorded the song 'CIA' (Criminals in Action) for the 'Lyricist Lounge Volume 1' mixtape. A modest Last Emp states, "That recording was kinda overwhelming, because it was a really important milestone considering the two people I appeared on the track with."

Surprisingly, two short years after graduating from Lincoln, he obtained a major recording contract from Aftermath Entertainment. (then a fledgling label without the talent of Eminem) The young introvert Jamal, who once created stories inside his bedroom to escape the harsh realities of city life, amazingly became a protégé of Dr. Dre. (Yes, the legendary producer of Snoop Dogg, Tupac, as well as the co-founder of Death Row Records).

Despite the treats by label executives (A&R) working on his projects, to be released or shelved, he endured and continued to compose his type of music---a testament of his commitment to his dream. For the next several years, he would hear all types of non-supportive suggestions like, "Dumb down your lyrics!" "Use profanity…..be street!" "You have to compromise….you know projects get shelved?"

The name Jamal is Arabic, meaning Handsome and Gray is his surname, a constant reminder of his aboriginal links to this-the North American landscape. He chose the title "The Last Emperor" because he is the last of a dying breed of emcee. Mosi Reeves, a writer for URB Magazine said about The Last Emperor, "Like Pu Yi, the rapping Last Emperor is a classicist, less reminiscent of rap stars today tan hip-hop legends of old….in the film, he (The Last Emperor), there was a question of whether one should gold onto traditions or embrace new things. The Last Emperor wants to do both."

If there are any comparisons to be made with respect to his work and potential, compare him to the likes of individuals such as: Spike Lee, Jeffrey Katzenberg, George Lucas, Steven Spielberg, or Gordon Parks. What each of these men have done respectively for cinema; Jamal will undoubtedly do for Hip-Hop culture music in general. His lyrics are the screenplay---a life divided into chapters.

He has opened for such acts as the former Hit Squad (Redman, EPMD, Das EFX, and K-Solo), Common, The Roots, Talib Kweli, and KRS-1. He has performed at the well-respected Lyricist Lounge (the showcase notable for discovering such artist as Notorious B.I.G., Mos Def, as well as Foxy Brown & Dead Prez) on several occasions. He travels extensively, most notably, Demark (Roskile Festival), London (Jam in the Park), and Norway (Quart Festival). This expose was great, but the largest an longest came during 2002. The Last Emp was given an opportunity to tour and perform throughout North America (US, Canada, & Mexico) with the multi-platinum group, the Gorillaz.

The Last Emperor is a much-needed element in Hip-Hop. His consciousness and love for the culture can only better what appears to be an industry plagued by mediocrity and normalcy. The Last Emperor is indeed the "Last" and come 2003, the wait is over -'The Last Emperor….Man, Music, Myth.'

-One love