MET LIFE THROUGH MUSIC, SAID GOODBYE IN A SONG Written by Jasmine Clemente “Every artist wants that Grammy award, but what’s the odds of you making it out of everyone else?” stated U-Niqe from the rap duo Eyez Low. Therefore, her and Boggie (AKA Boogz) decided that their image should stand out amongst other rappers. Together, U-Niqe and Boogz attracted attention from A&R’s due to their originality by being the new “Bonnie & Clyde” or the new “Groove Theory” of this hip-hop industry, except that the female, U-Niqe, is a lyricist, not a singer. Currently, they are an up and coming, unsigned group who came a long way since their first encounter at their previous job Metropolitan Life Insurance Company (Met Life) New Jersey, and impressed each other on a personal level. Boogz says, “When I was a kid, I was tired of seeing my friends and parents doing the same old things when I came home from school. Day in and day out, they went to work and came home at the same time. It was like a pattern or a routine. I knew there was more to life and that my lifestyle would be different.” It’s as if fate brought U-Niqe, (Christina Castellanos) and Boogz (Jarrett Johnson-Free) together by ironically meeting at a company named “Met Life”, because that’s when they decided to collaborate as a group instead of pursuing solo careers. Although they are separate individuals, they’ve both shared similar struggles since childhood. U-Niqe being from the Bronx, and Boogz being from Brooklyn, both grew up in rough neighborhoods and experienced poverty. Now in their recent track entitled, “Hateful Times,” they express their opinions about the war in Iraq as well as the war inside of our minds. It’s because of their talent, that they founded an independent label called, “Committee Entertainment.” As a proud father of two, Boogz says, “You know how certain people inherit money like Paris Hilton? Well, I want my kids to inherit ‘Committee’ money.” While earning a talented reputation in their field, their first track to be released for a single is called “Wildin’” and the two agree, it’s what “Creep” was for TLC. Then their second track called “Summer Time” is what “Waterfalls” was for TLC when it brought their album to the next level. Both tracks are fueled with passion in their vocal delivery, in their speed, and in their lyrics. “Wildin’ ” is a club banger and “Summer Time” is a smooth joint. Seems like their headed in the right direction. Even the name Eyez Low has a great marketing strategy behind it. Boogz says, “When you see our eyes low, it’s because we smoke nuthin’ but da finest. Blow dat greenery all day kid.” U-Niqe intervened by including, “It also means that we stay on the humble.” Yet still, at this point the conversation only grew. “It’s important to stay on the humble. A lot of celebrities make it to the top and then donate thousands of dollars to big charities, but they forget to start by giving back to their very own community where they came from. I personally refuse to allow God to reward me, and then look down on others and forget that I wasn’t once there myself,” quoted U-Niqe. Sounds refreshing to hear from a Leo’s mouth, and Boogz being a Capricorn is true to his disciplined character. The two now perform in several venues throughout New York City and New Jersey, rock’n da crowd with raw, cutting edge lyrical skillz. “Everything happens for a reason. And I’ll be glad with whatever God brings my way.” stated U-Niqe as we finished our interview. Out of the millions of artists roaming around the streets of New York on that particular night, those two were sincerely humble and real about their mission. For more information on Eyez Low, check out their web page at www.EyezLow.com.