LUMP SUM The Grudge Album Joe Bacca and Ivory Mike Skilz won’t be ignored. As Lump Sum (Livin’ Under Massive Pressure Still Upliftin’ Mine), they’ve got their minds set on a sophomore album produced by hip-hop heavyweights Hi Tek and Dr. Dre. For now, the duo’s paying dues with tight interplay on the mike and samples that collectively fall just short of inventive. Standout tracks represent Lump Sum’s confessional style with grin-and-bear-it rhymes that expose their deepest flaws and regrets (see: tearjerker slow jam “A.S.S.A.T.A”). Lump Sum take their lumps and look ahead—good chemistry, positive vibes and drive will pay off in the end. This is only the beginning. Jamie Gadette SLC Weekly LUMP SUM (Livin' Under Massive Pressure Still Upliftin' Mine) is a hip hop duo consisting of Joe Bacca and Ivory Mike Skilz of Salt Lake City, Ut. LUMP SUM has just finished recording an unbelieveable full length LP. Equipped with a brilliant business plan, and voracious ambition (something which music mogul Sean "P Diddy" Combs values more than talent) this team is more than a wise investment. With only one objective in mind; hooking up with a handful of producers, i.e. DJ Quik, Dr. Dre, Hi Tek etc. for a sophomore jewel, the future is certainly bright when it comes to this Mexican American duo. Both artists are equally seasoned and that fact is evident when any track off of the recent cd entitled The G.R.U.D.G.E. Album is played. Joe Bacca has performed consistently since 1995 from opening up for various Wu-Tang shows in Salt Lake City to blowing up political shows at the park to performing in front of internationally diverse crowds at Olympic venues during the 2002 Winter Olympics. Mike Skilz has been a student of the game his entire life. The San Bernardino Ca native was exposed to the harsh realities of life in the barrio at a young age. Having been influenced by the streets, Mike made some bad decisions eventually leading to his incarceration in 1995. It was during this six year prison stretch that hip hop became a survival tool for Mike allowing him to free his mind and polish his skills in preparation for his 2001 release. Mike was even awarded a first place prize for winning a large talent contest due to a standing ovation from a very tough audience. Paroled to Salt Lake he then crossed paths with one of the most notable emcees in the city and created LUMP SUM. Most noteworthy though is the business plan that accompanies LUMP SUM. Their objective is to break into the virtually untapped but up and coming market of the Latino community while maintaining and impressing the current rap audience. This unique marketing strategy has been well planned demographically and is just waiting to be executed. The G.R.U.D.G.E Album is a greatly anticipated cd from fans in Salt Lake City, not only by Latinos, but by all. A special blend of poetry, street knowledge, charisma and depth, accompanied with production from beatsmiths like Apollo Molotov, Handsome Hands, Scarecrow, Steezy Wonder, Hi-Fly & Ansane just to name a few, it proves to be well worth the wait. Together these two men have a volcanic stage presence and are a definite crowd pleaser. Antoine Carr "The Big Dawg" has two NBA Western Conference Championships under his belt and is also responsible for getting MC Hammer his start in the music business. The Big Dawg recently told LUMP SUM, "Success is definitely in ya'll future, just keep doin' it how you doin' it and the world got no choice but to make you a platinum group." LUMP SUM has graced the stage with artists like OG Frost, Deux Process, LA Symphony, Concise Kilgore, Adverse and more with shows upcoming this SUMmer with Paul Wall & Naughty by Nature...Definitely bringing back meaning to the term "MC", as these cats don't just come out & rap, then leave. They control the crowd & leave ya feelin' good, as hip hop was always meant to do since it's inception.