BALENS KLEREDE

BALENS KLEREDE

 

Elevator Pitch



BALENS KLEREDE(pronounced balance clarity), formerly known as STRAINJ, emerges from the heart of south central LA, bringing an authentic and evolved voice to the world of Hip-Hop. With roots in fierce battle rap during the 80s and 90s, collaborating with icons like Kurupt, and touring with Afroman, BALENS KLEREDE's journey is as diverse as his rhymes.



Biography



Through the dynamic evolution of MC SLAYER to STRAINJ to BALENS KLEREDE, this seasoned emcee brings forth an unparalleled blend of truth, insight, and enlightenment to modern Hip-Hop. In the late 80s  under the moniker "MC Slayer," he dominated battle rap scenes, even aligning with Kurupt. His journey led him to collaborate with Afroman,in the early 2000’s touring over 40 states and crafting explicit, comedic tracks. However, BALENS KLEREDE is more than a rapper; he's a poet, self-publishing 'Listen With Your Eyes, the poet tree of Strainj,' and engaging audiences in spoken word poetry events.



Beyond music, he has taken the stage at events such as the distinguished Juneteenth Heritage Festival. At 53 this well-seasoned veteran emcee still embraces his inner child like spirit following his passion and pushing boundaries, teaming up with producer Ol’ Man Science for the August 18, 2023, release of "The Science of Klerede,"EP challenging the status quo of rap music.



In the early 2000s, residing in Compton,before going on tour with Afroman BALENS KLEREDE's path crossed with BIG CHUBB’S president of Laneway records and Black Tone CEO of Laneway records, leading to unreleased sessions with new friend/artist Sugafree. His unique style, explicit yet comedic, found a niche in the industry, featuring in Sugafree’s ‘Just Add Water’ album, Afroman's Christmas album and the Hungry Hustler compilation, and his unpromoted solo album ‘the Nasty Fat Nasty’.



At 53 upgrades of light, as he calls it, BALENS KLEREDE's artistic expression reaches new heights. A multifaceted artist, he delves into diverse genres, infusing funk, rock,blues, soul and -spoken word poetry into his rap. His collaboration with producer Ol’ Man Science, "The Science of Klerede," released in 2023, pioneers a transformative era in rap music. The convergence of Ol’ Man Science's intricate beats and BALENS KLEREDE's conscious lyricism challenges conventional rap norms, pushing boundaries and sparking introspection.



BALENS KLEREDE stands as a unique voice, inspired by the authenticity of Curtis Mayfield, power and straight forwardness of Public Enemy, and KRS ONE, artistic fearlessness of Prince and the universally timeless music of Earth, Wind, and Fire. His music, often politically charged, addresses racism, classism, and political corruption, spiritual growth emphasizing a commitment to social change. Beyond immediate plans to promote his new album ‘Shadows verses Silhouettes ’releasing on December 22, 2023  and build a grassroots fanbase, BALENS KLEREDE's long-term goal is to solidify himself as a '-catalyst for mental and spiritual evolution’, using his art to bring inspiration and positive messages to a world often overshadowed by negativity.