Social Deviantz are a Canadian rap trio from Vancouver, British Columbia, currently on indefinite hiatus. The group consists of lyricists; A-Train, Fatbone, and DJ/producer Junya." Social Deviantz". AllMusic Biography by Mike DaRonco They are noted for their unique downtempo style of hip hop music, and for being one of the pioneers of the Vancouver rap scene. They are specifically praised for their musical and cultural contributions.
History Social Deviantz were formed in early 1992 as part of the Sugarshack roster of artists. Their most notable release continues to be their debut full-length album, Essential Mental Nutrients, first distributed in 1996."Essential Mental Nutrients CD Cover Social Deviantz Sugarshack". Dropd Magazine, issue 16, Review by Cereita Goulbourne July 25, 1996
As well as two full-length albums, Social Deviantz have released a handful of EPs (including the 2001 vinyl release, Space + Time, issued only in the United States). Two of their singles, "Minimal" and "Lucky 5", received global airplay, including locally on Vancouver's The Beat 94.5 radio station."Rising In the West Vancouver Hip-hop's Renaissance". Exclaim!, By Martin Turenne Published Dec 20, 2007.
Social Deviantz have also appeared on Muchmusic and YTV for interviews."Social Deviantz Spread". Exclaim!, By Omar Mouallem Feb 17, 2009
In 2006, the band released a long-shelved album Bleaky Deky, and in 2009 Spread (a compilation of previously released tracks) was distributed. A video release for "Red Tape", resulted in play on multiple networks including Fuse, MTV, and a spin on Halloween night 2008 on Rage (ABC1 Australia).
In 2019, a vinyl reissue of Essential Mental Nutrients was released by Diggers With Gratitude.
Members A-Train - emcee Fatbone - emcee Junya - DJ/producer
Discography Release date Title Label Format 1996 Essential Mental Nutrients Sugarshack CD, cassette full-length 1996 Sol's Favrit Beat Sugarshack 12" split w/CIA Kru 1997 ICU - The Death Of Hip Hop Ill Crew Universal compilation, includes 'Self-Defeater' 1998 ICU - The Revival Ill Crew Universal compilation, includes 'Mstr Bstrd' 1999 Mad Love Integrity/Sugarshack compilation, includes 'Minimal' 2000 Minimal Sugarshack CD EP 2001 Urbnet.com/Hiphopmix V1 Shoreline compilation, includes 'Lucky 5' 2001 Space + Time Sugarshack 12" 2006 Bleaky Deky Dease CD full-length 2008 Spread Dease CD EP 2008 Red Tape Dease CD EP (promotional)
References
External links Epitonic MySpace