If there’s a common message in the music of Active I, it can probably be best explained by the group’s inherently enigmatic, yet equally simplistic motto and recurring catchphrase, “against the brain – what do you not understand?” The Seattle-based duo consisting of J.Lee Mezus and Paradame, has forged its own unique musical sensibility, and it’s one that’s in full bloom. Their often convoluted blend of nihilism, misanthropy, love, and idealism, has subtly pervaded through the minds of their fans, by way of melodic hip-hop-based fusion, and J.lee’s catchy, bass-heavy beats. Both members (who are now husband and wife) share equal parts singing and rapping.

Since its inception, Active I has gone through several incarnations. The brainchild of J.Lee, Active I released its first LP Be Smart Don’t Think in 2006, featuring J alongside emcee/singer Rubedog. A mix of hip hop, industrial electronic, and reggae, featuring mostly live instrumentation, the album was acclaimed by several critics and gained the group a cult following, with tracks that can still be heard on independent radio across the globe. Tracks have also been featured on multiple U.S. based network TV shows. While their following remained modest, it no doubt remained devoted.

Active I released its second album The M Thesis in 2009, featuring a larger, diverse line up of rappers and singers; most predominantly J.Lee, Auraswon, and Paradame. Typical of Active I, it is not an album that is easily categorized. It employs their love of paradox; of what J calls, “complex simplicity.” Encapsulating that sensibility over hypnotic beats, The M Thesis is driven by discerning messages acknowledging of the ills of society, while simultaneously delivering a feeling of senseless tomfoolery. Among the album’s accomplishments was an Independent Music Award for “Our Way”, which won best in hip hop lyrics for 2010. Indie music luminary Derek Sivers spoke highly of the album, stating simply, “very, very, very cool.”

Over the next couple years Active I performed a myriad of shows featuring a rotating lineup of artists. In 2012, the group took a brief hiatus from performing under the pseudonym Active I, to join with a larger set of artists which became known as the A.D. Crew, sharing the stage with dozens of renowned acts. Then in 2014 they reassembled as Active I, with J.Lee and Paradame as the new official lineup.

More refined than ever before, they’ve just released their third LP, Earth is Dead, but we’re Alive (2015). Yet again they’ve created a one-of-a-kind project, spanning 40 minutes, serving as the kick off for a new epoch. Far from usual fare for hip hop, Active I continues to create unforgettable music, fitting for artists who long ago quit trying to be anyone but themselves.

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