3 The Hardway

Bio

For any structure, the foundation upon which it is built is of the upmost importance. 3 The Hardway recently released their debut LP Set In Stone, but by no means is this their base, it is merely one of the many building blocks the group has set upon their solid foundation of DJ Cysko Rokwel, Producer/Engineer Es Nine and MC A.V.I.U.S.

Cysko Rokwel was the last piece of the puzzle attained when putting together 3 The Hardway. A battle hardened DJ; Cysko holds multiple titles which include:

2007 DMC USA 2nd Place winner
2007 Boulder DMC Champ
2007 Guitar Center Battle Champ-San Francisco

Obviously no slouch on the cut, Rokwel has also kept up with steady appearances on Boulder’s Radio 1190 Basementalism Hip Hop show. He became the final “piece of the puzzle” after making a guest appearance on House of Waxx’s first release, A.V.I.U.S.’s solo album, Patience.

Producer/Engineer Es Nine has been one of Colorado’s best kept secrets. This Mexico born, California raised, Hip Hop lover found his way to Colorado after receiving his degree from the Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences in Arizona. He made the journey due to the creation of his former label Fan Bass. Fan Bass would help Es Nine pad his resume, allowing him to produce/record/engineer records for KRS-One, Dilated Peoples, Killah Priest, Encore, Rudy Love of Sly and the Family Stone and more. Creative differences would eventually cause Es Nine to part ways with the label, but his love for the music kept him persevering. This break would eventually present him bigger and better opportunities, leading him to A.V.I.U.S. The pair put their heads together to create House of Waxx Recordings and subsequently their first piece as a collective, “Patience.” In 2009, Es Nine was named Colorado’s producer of the year in Westword magazine.

A.V.I.U.S. plays the roles of front man, business man and manager for the trio. Working hard at perfecting his craft on the mic, A.V.I.U.S. found his niche and voice for both recording and performing over the last two years. Having opened shows for a slew of recognized and respected names such as the GZA , Sweatshop Union, Pharcyde, Dilated Peoples and many more, this MC gets overwhelming praise from the crowds that he moves. This acclaim commonly elevates him to the same level as the “main” acts he precedes. His deep, grizzly voice commands attention once heard, and once told, listeners connect with the stories that seamlessly emerge from this MC’s heart and mind.

The foundation has proven to be solid with all three men involved playing their respective roles to the T. Though only released in February 2009 3 The Hardway’s Set In Stone has received countless accolades including being named Hip Hop Album of The Year in Colorado’s own Westword magazine, a highly prestigious honor. Set In Stone, which features Rakaa Iriscience, Defari, Braille, Doujah Raze and both Mane Rok and InkLine of ManeLine is merely the first production by the trio that will prove that they will live up to any title they earn.

Last updated 11 days ago by

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News

Over the weekend: Put Yo Money Where Ya Mouth Is Finals
...Is battle Finals Saturday, February 20, 2010 The Walnut Room A.V.I.U.S. from 3 the Hardway and some other cats getting their cipher on on the back patio before the ... Co... (Backbeat Online)

The Mile High Makeout: An End Has a Start
3 the Hardway -- part of what made Colorado music great in 2009. I've never been fond of writ... (Denver Post Reverb)

Steal This Track: Mane Rok
...ip-hoppers who collaborate and support one another -- Mane has also worked with 3 the Hardway, Jewell Tyme, King F.O.E., the Pirate Signal and many more. While 2008's ManeLi... (Denver Post Reverb)

Denver/Boulder: Shows this week | 10.12.2009 - 10.18.2009
...@ Fox Theatre Katie Herzig w/ Jessica Sonner @ b. side lounge Pseudo Slang w/ 3 the Hardway @ Walnut Room Wednesday October 14 Project 86 w/ Showbread @ Marquis Theater... (Merry Swankster)

Last night: Fresh Breath Committee CD release at the Fox Theatre
The Pirate Signal, 3 the Hardway, The ReMINDers, Fresh Breath Committee, Masta Ace. Fox Theater Thursday October 8... (Backbeat Online)

3 the Hard Way premiere full video for "Truth"
Those who made their way to Tooey's this past Friday got a first look at 3 the Hardway's new video featuring Rakaa Iriscience of Dilated Peoples. Along with the video t... (Backbeat Online)

Denver/Boulder: Shows this week | 8.24.2009 - 8.30.2009
...r Club @ Cervantes Jackson Browne @ Red Rocks Amphitheater Sweatshop Union w/ 3 the Hardway @ Marquis Theater Pat Benatar w/ Neil Giraldo @ Gothic Theatre Silverstein w/ O... (Merry Swankster)

A sneak peek 3 the Hardway's new video
Hoo boy! The 3 the Hardway crew just blessed us with a sneak peek of their new video for "Truth," which was... (Backbeat Online)

Es-Nine offers instrumental album for free download
Es-Nine of 3 the Hardway is one of most talented hip-hop producers in the state -- just listen to the Set... (Backbeat Online)

Snobcast: For Fans Of Westword Music Showcase 2009
...asters Revolectrocution "Lost Limbs" Lion Sized EP "Set In Stone" 3 The Hardway Set In Stone "Hey 52″ The Hollyfelds Black Heart Blue (The Donnybrook Writing Academy)

Ticket Giveaway + Special Edition Snobcast: 15th Annual Westword Music Showcase
...asters Revolectrocution "Lost Limbs" Lion Sized EP "Set In Stone" 3 The Hardway Set In Stone "Hey 52″ The Hollyfelds Black Heart Blue * Obviously a m... (The Donnybrook Writing Academy)

MP3 Freeloader, Showcase Edition: 3 the Hardway
3 THE HARDWAYNOMINATED IN HIP-HOP - GROUP6:00-6:45 P.M., VINYL ROOFTOPPersonnel: DJ Cysko Rokwe... (Backbeat Online)

Sneak peek the Ideal Fathers' debut EP tomorrow
(Backbeat Online)

3 the Hardway tapped for homeless benefit concert
...Colorado artists. The show, which is slated to take pla... Continue reading "3 the Hardway tapped for homeless benefit concert" > (Backbeat Online)

The Colorado Rap Report offers free hip-hop comp download
(Backbeat Online)

Over the weekend: 3 the Hardway at the Marquis Theater
3 the HardwayFebruary 28, 2009The Marquis TheatreBetter than: The Talib Kweli show the night be... (Backbeat Online)

Denver/Boulder: Shows this week | 2.23.2009 - 3.1.2009
...oom Storyhill @ Swallow Hill Super-Seed @ Gothic Theatre Saturday, February 28 3 The Hardway @ Marquis Theater Annuals @ Hi-Dive Autumn Boukadakis @ Walnut Room Charlie Hunte... (Merry Swankster)

Denver/Boulder: Shows this week | 2.9.2009 - 2.15.2009
...Only Thunder @ Larimer Lounge P-Nuckle @ Marquis Theater Saturday, February 14 3 The Hardway @ Walnut Room American Relay @ Larimer Lounge Bela Karoli @ Hi-Dive The Disco Bis... (Merry Swankster)

'Mainstage' ft. Defari - 3 The Hardway
Rapper/DJ/producer crew 3 The Hardway are on the verge of releasing their new album 'Set in Stone'. The lead single of... (Certified Banger)

The Friday Rap-Up: The BoomBox, Lil Wayne, Young Buck, 50 Cent and Queen Latifah
...t due to our involvement in the scene at large." The inaugural show featured 3 The Hardway, F.O.E., Extra Kool and the Diamond Boiz crew, while the second show, just last w... (Backbeat Online)