M-Eighty is in Toledo to promote city's rap scene
11/15/2012Matthew Markoff lives in Indianapolis, working in the music industry as a rapper, producer, and promotions professional but he swears someday he's going to return to his native Toledo and run for mayor.
First things first, though. Markoff will be in the city Saturday for a show at Mickey Finn's Pub, 602 Lagrange St. promoting "Home Grown Internationally Known," a compilation of songs from Toledo rappers, emcees, and hip-hop artists.
Markoff raps under the moniker M-Eighty and he and fellow Toledo native Nino Graye will do a 20-city tour as Glass City to promote the album, which will be released Tuesday. It will be available at all Allied Record Exchanges, glasscity419.com, iTunes, and Amazon.
He said he produced the disc because he wanted to boost Toledo's rap scene.
"Toledo has as much talent as anywhere else I've been, but has no leader, has no direction, and kind of has a down-and-out mentality," Markoff said in a phone interview. "I think this project could be that catalyst that uplifts the artists and gives them a sense that, 'Hey we can do this.' "
Among the local artists on the disc are Mike Flamez, Mugsy Mahonney, Proficey, Philipe, DJ Zik, and several others.
Markoff, 31, grew up in Toledo and moved to Indianapolis when he was 13. He said he still has family here and loves the city. He's worked for years in the music industry and at one time was the Guinness Book of World Records record holder for the longest uninterrupted free-style rap.
"I love Toledo, Ohio. In the thank yous of the album, I say I'm going to come back and run for mayor," he said.
Doors open at 9 p.m. Saturday at Mickey Finn's, 602 Lagrange St. In addition to M-Eighty and Nino Graye, also playing are Proficey, Philipe, C-Roze, Josh Davies, and WADE Tickets are $7 in advance from the Headliners box office, Shaking Street Records, Culture Clash Records, and Ramalama Records, and $10 at the door.
Contact Rod Lockwood at rlockwood@theblade.com or 419-724-6159.