Music by HAFRICAN
“Get It, Got It, Good”
Photo credit: Ronnie Sang
Story by Tim Campbell
As an observer of musical trends, I take pride in my ability to view musical acts based on the merit of the product; regardless
if a band is playing for sold-out crowds at arenas or innocent bystanders at an all-night laundromat. Over the years, the line
between the mainstream and underground have blurred beyond recognition. Despite this, one genre of music has managed
to escape my full understanding. I have always lived by the impression that Hip Hop is a genre that is highly regarded in the
mainstream, but struggled to get a full grasp of the underground scene. I have researched this locally and still can’t find the
launching pad that allows local Hip Hop artists to develop a fan base. After meeting Columbus, Ohio, Rapper HAFRICAN, I
think I’m starting to figure it out.
Hafrican is the party monster alter ego of BRIAN EARLEY. His beats blend hypnotic music with well-executed
samples/scratching to create the perfect canvas for his quirky lyrics. His flow is an organized chaos that makes you want to
rewind the track--but you’re having too much fun to hit stop. As polished as his music sounds, it’s no surprise that his musical
roots began at an early age. According to Harfican, a whole life of musical pursuits combined to form a style that is both classic
and refreshing: “I started playing drums when I was three, and was in bands all through school. I would have to say that playing the
drums is a big part of how I Rap. I like to fill in all the rhythms.” His musical career didn’t begin behind the mic, but behind the drum
kit. As a member of Funk/Fusion band AMORPHIA, he wrote and played drums on the group’s set of all original material.
Containing no covers, he attributes the group’s dedication to original material with his “dare to be different” approach. He
still performs sporadically with a full band, as a contributing Rapper for Columbus Blues/Rock powerhouse ZOO TRIPPIN’, but
his main focus is playing shows as a solo act.
Earley adopted the moniker “Hafrican” as part of the group A-LIST in 2006. After various releases with A-List, Hafrican began
releasing self-produced work on his own. In 2012, Hafrican released his solo debut, “Strange Arrangements”, and followed
up with 2013’s “Underground Madness”. Both albums were released through EVERY BODY ELSE’S ENTERTAINMENT. These
largely self-produced efforts feature collaborations with other independent Hip Hop artists, notably COPYWRITE. His first two
releases showed his range as not only a rapper, but also a beat maker. Since “Strange Arrangements’” debut, he has played
shows with the likes of SLICK RICK, AFROMAN and TALIB KWELI. He has also hit many high-profile festival dates, such as
“South by Southwest”, “Gathering of the Juggalos” and the “Ohio University Halloween Block Party” (lovingly described as
“The Mardi Gras of the Midwest”).