P.O.S.— No Sign of Slowing Down

What’s there to say about P.O.S.? The guy has his own record label, is signed by one of the biggest independent hip hop labels, has three full-length albums along with various crew albums, is in a hardcore punk band and is getting bigger daily. The guy shows no signs of slowing down. When you really look at it though, there is no reason why things would be any different. He is always on tour and always working.

P.O.S. has been called Product of Society, Promise of Skill, Pissed off Stef, or Piece of Shit, respectively… you take your pick, but is also known simply as Stef Alexander. Alexander grew up in Minneapolis where his music career started at an early age somewhat in a different direction than where he is now. P.O.S was greatly influenced by the punk rock scene. Growing up he was a part of many punk bands playing whichever spot was available. However, at the same time all the punk was happening, P.O.S. was also getting into the hip hop scene. Rhyming with friends in the mean hallways of Hopkins High School ignited the flame that is Doomtree Records.

Often known for his politically charged rhymes and raw rhyming talent, P.O.S. has something to say. It’s obvious he is a talented musician that can hold his own with anyone; it was just a matter of time before everyone would start to take notice. And once they did, they wondered why they hadn’t heard about him earlier.

After making various False Hopes mix tapes with Doomtree Records, in 2003 P.O.S. released his first full-length album, “Ipecac Neat.” The album busted the scene with raw gloriousness. Minneapolis-based hip hop label Rhymesayers Entertainment quickly noticed and signed P.O.S. His album was then widely distributed. From there everything was getting built fast, and more kids started to notice.

His next album, “Audition,” featured heavy hitters like Slug from Atmosphere and Craig Finn of The Hold Steady—thus, only building his fan base. Kids would eat up his music faster than fast food.

P.O.S. is a guy who works in the front of everyone, and also behind the scenes. He produces many of his own beats and plays all sorts of instruments. What you hear is strictly a musician at work.

Besides those albums, he has been busy with releasing Doomtree’s first crew album and recording and playing shows with his punk band, Building Better Bombs. The guy is hard to miss.

His newest album, “Never Better,” was released early 2009. You can call it a hybrid sound of punk and rap, but most just call it P.O.S. The album received national press. Pitchfork media called the album, “his tightest album yet.” The album oozes confidence, talent and a “try me” attitude.

One of the most anticipated hip hop concerts of the year, P.O.S. joins Rhymesayers’ Eyedea and Abilities for a double feature concert this Sunday at the Aquarium. All ages show at 6:30, and 21 plus at 10 p.m.

Sims of Doomtree, Big Zach from Kanser, Plain Ole Bill, and Kipp G. will also be performing. It is a big night for hip hop.

P.O.S. made a long journey to where he is now. He has what almost any artist would want for a career but for some reason, P.O.S. doesn’t seem satisfied. Still trying to prove what he already has, it is hard to figure out what is P.O.S.’s definition of “Never Better.”

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INFO:
Who: P.O.S., Eyedea & Abilities, Sims, Big Zach, Plain Ole Bill and Kipp G
When: Sun, Oct 25, 6:30pm all ages, 10pm 21+
Where: The Aquarium
Cost: $10