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Defari (born Duane A. Johnson Jr.) is a Los Angeles native who first started
diggin' in the crates back in 1982. In 1988, while a freshman at UC Berkeley,
Defari met Beni B, who was then doing a late-night hip-hop show on UC's
KALX radio. Beni invited Defari down one evening and the rest, shall we say, is
history. Their musical relationship carried over into academia as well, as Beni in
effect became Defari's 'Big Bro' from that point on. In addition to his bachelor's
degree from UC Berkeley, Defari also holds a Master's in Education from
Columbia University. Currently, Defari teaches at Inglewood High School in Los
Angeles where he also serves as the school's Athletic Director. Defari first appeared on wax in 1995 with "Big Up", a song produced by E-Swift and featured on Immortal's Next Chapter Compilation. At the time, Defari's track was recognized as one of the few standout tracks by the likes of DJ Premiere, Rap Pages, Source Magazine and others. Because of its masterful production and Defati's lyrical prowess, 'Big Up' eventually received acclaim on both coasts, from LA to NYC, and oversees in countries such as the UK, Germany, France and Japan. Since '95, there has always been talk of a deal for Defari Herut (Hay Roo) in some manner. Much to the industry's ignorance (and Defari's benefit, no doubt), folks slept on this kid. Until now... |
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In March 1997, Defari linked with Beni B to release D's first single "Bionic b/w
Change & Switch" on Beni's ABB Records. "Bionic" and "Change & Switch"
were produced by Evidence from LA's Dilated Peoples'. This underground classic has currently move 10,000 units on its own
merit, without the aid of radio promotion, and on vinyl!!! At Fat Beats Records in Los Angeles, "Bionic" has quickly become
the store's best selling single. As such, "Bionic" has rapidly grown to be one of hip-hop's finest underground releases for 1997.
Both "Bionic" and "Change & Switch" have received heavy airplay on non-commercial mix shows from Coast to Coast and
high-profile specialty shows such as The Wake Up Show (92.3 The Beat-syndicated), Baka Boys & The Ruffnex
(Power106) in Los Angeles, KMEL (Club106) and The Dangerzone(KYLD) San Francisco, and Future Flavas and
Boogie the Barber (Hot 97) in New York City. Internationally the single has been featured on radio programs airing in
France, Germany, Japan, Denmark, Norway, the UK, South Africa, Sydney and Croatia. Reviews and feature articles on
Defari have appeared in The Source, URB, CMJ, Hip-hop Connection, Touch, Trace, Rapsheet, Muzik and HITS Magazine.
There may be MC's with a greater fan base, and more experience and such, but few with as much charisma and personality as the one Defari Herut. This brother possesses an incredible thirst and drive for M.C. Excellence. Hence, his music and lyrics are truly heart-felt; his artistic potential unlimited, and his message is the music. |
