“On paper and in practice it's exactly what you want in underground hip-hop: political yet wary of no-fun "consciousness," party-tailored but smartly subversive” - Flavorpill

“BBU showcase a raw energy and caliber of originality and skill that hasn’t been seen since Chicago’s own Cool Kids, Lupe Fiasco, and dare-I-say, Kanye West.” – Pretty Much Amazing 

"Chicago outfit BBU turns in one of the year's most criminally overlooked tracks. The group's name (it's short for Bin Laden Blowin' Up) might have something to do with this." – Washington Post 

"More infectious than H1N1" – Time Out Chicago 

"On Thursday at the Studio at Webster Hall, Bin Laden Blowing Up [BBU], from Chicago, stomped through a set of quirky, quasi-political juke-house-influenced hip-hop." - NY TIMES 

“You're now officially grooving to a bona fide summer jam.” – Pitchfork.com 

"A trio of politically minded MCs – Illekt (Michael Milam), Epic (Richard Wallace) and Jasson Perez – are behind one of the best singles released this year." –Chicago Tribune 

"BBU make some of the best dance-floor hip-hop in Chicago" – Chicago Reader 

"BBU’s current Internet smash, “Chi Don’t Dance,” with its Goodie Mob inspired hook, has been pulling attention thanks to its simple two-step snare and whimsical synth." –URB 

“"BB Who?" […] might be even more energetic than its predecessor, driving ahead on militant percussion into its explosive cheerleader chorus.” – Pitchfork.com

BBU, the politically correct abbreviation for Bin Laden Blowin’ Up or Black, Brown and Ugly, are not terrorists, and not your average cool guys looking for the controversial-band-name shock value.  Rather, they are a Juke-infused, B-More-inspired trio of Hip-Hop activists tossing out sounds somewhere between MIA and Dead Prez that come from the heart of Chicago.  They are a product of the 80s, survivors of the inequitable public policies of the reactionary Reagan era, and three conscious laureates that are bubbling up from underground hype to main stage recognition to share what they have coined as “Revolutionary Juke Music”. 
 
MCs Epic, Illekt and Jasson Perez make up the BBU trio, three close friends whose bonds have grown thick since their DIY outset in the Humboldt Park neighborhood of Chicago.  Their music and network has been cultivated in the basements and leftist’s spaces scattered throughout the city which still shapes BBU to this day. In the past year BBU have taken their subversive Hip-Hop lyrics and infectious dance beats from CMJ to the colleges of the Mid-West to Perry’s Stage where Hollywood Holt brought the group out to perform their viral single “Chi Don’t Dance” during his set at Lollapalooza 2009; all the while sharing stages and dance floors with the likes of Diplo, Wale, Buraka Som Sistema, The Cool Kids, Dead Prez, DJ Sega, Jean Grae, Ebony Bones, Das Racist, Million $ Mano and a list of others.  In the midst of their hectic schedule the group still remains active in the community and performs at numerous grassroots events in Chicago to show support and raise money for various international charities and causes. 
 
BBU’s vivacious, Juke-filled and energetic live performances, giving way to Rock and Roll rather than Hip-Hop, have given them a big push past the starting line with increasing speed, gaining admiration from fans and critics alike. Their single “Chi Don’t Dance” recently received an 8.0 out of 10 for best new tracks and proclaimed a “bona fide summer jam” by Pitchfork Media. Not long after Washington Post claimed the same song as being “one of the year’s most criminally overlooked tracks.”  
 
For BBU the upcoming year includes touring in support of their upcoming mixtape and continuing their work in the studio.  While poised for the next steps, the group remains activists steadfast and grounded in the roots and beliefs that brought them together in the first place.  “We’re here to educate and celebrate,” says Epic.  “We all come from harsh backgrounds, but we’ve stepped above that,” exclaims Illekt.  When asked why BBU do what they do, Jasson Perez states that for BBU it is about “making a connection to the culture, to the movement.”

Tour dates:

March 18, 2010: SXSW: Nah Right/The Smoking Section Showcase @  
Rumbler Lounge (Austin)

March 19. 2010: SXSW: Blind I For The Kids Showcase @ Soho Lounge  
(Austin)

March 19, 2010: SXSW:Hosting It's Chicago Showcase @ The Lodge  
(Austin)

March 20, 2010: SXSW: Hustlepalooza @ Lightbar (Austin)

March 20, 2010: SXSW: AEMMP Records/Columbia College Day Party @  
District 301 (Austin)