Block McCloud

Block Mccloud (born Ismael Diaz Jr.) is an underground rapper and singer, who was born and raised in Park Slope, Brooklyn. He is the son of famous Salsa singer Ismael Diaz, who grew up with and sang alongside Salsa legend Tito Rojas. His father’s legacy inspired Block McCloud, who was an adolescent at the time, and then began performing for the public in Red Hook and Columbia Street festivals by the age of eight. It was at this age when Block heard the song “Rapper’s Delight” by Sugar Hill Gang and became an avid follower of Hip Hop culture.
He is also the founder of Disturbia Music Group. Block McCloud is known for his constant collaborations with Vinnie Paz and is a member of hip hop supergroup Army of the Pharaohs.
Biography
Beginnings (1996 - 2000)
Block first made his name with a group called Zooty Zoo in the mid 90’s, appearing on the Ecko Unlimited Mixtapes that accompanied their line of T-shirts. He then went on to appear on the seminal independent compilation Lyricst Lounge, Vol. 1 released on Rawkus Records alongside acts such as Q-Tip, Mos Def, Talib Kweli & Pharaohe Monch among others. Shortly after, Block formed the group Brooklyn Academy with Pumpkinhead and Mr. Metaphor releasing several independent singles and albums while remaining active as the engineer of choice for other indie artists like Jean Grae and Immortal Technique.
I Was Drunk When I Made This (2001-2004)
In 2004, Block McCloud released his first album. It was distributed by Brooklyn Academy Records Inc and his own Distrubia Music. It included guest appearances from Vinnie Paz, Jean Grae, Pumpkinhead and Immortal Technique.
Spitting Image (2005-2007)
In 2006, Block released his first solo-LP, Spittin Image leading to his inclusion in the aforementioned Army of the Pharoahes projects. It was during this time Vinnie Paz, member of Jedi Mind Tricks, decided that Block should join hip hop supergroup; Army of the Pharaohs. McCloud joined after the recording of Ritual of Battle, therefore he wasn't on the album.
Crazy Man EP & Four Walls (2008-2012)
In 2010, Block appeared on Army of the Pharaohs third studio album; The Unholy Terror. However, he was only featured on the track "Burn You Alive." Crazy Man EP was released on November 2, 2011 as a precursor to his full-length album; Four Walls, which was released early 2012. The EP featured three versions of the song “Crazy Man”, including a remix featuring Celph Titled & R.A. the Rugged Man with the original version with production from DJ Waxwork (formerly of the German production team, The Snowgoons) and additional production provided by Anno Domini and Dj Luciano of The Beatills
2008* The upstart of a Indy Hip Hop label founded by Block McCloud Disturbia Music Group has since released 3 group projects (Suicide Squad , DNA Vol 1 and 2) and a slew of solo projects from Block McCloud Though the label is still active little to no success was seen, this was rumored to be the break up of Brooklyn Academy and fingers pointed to label CEO Fresh Jones (Blocks Baby Mother). A roster of up and coming artist have since signed to the label have yet to release and projects Some have lashed out in a recent interview on (ViceGrip.Net Audio) "having to be disgruntled working with a dysfunctional "Label" put on a shelf and play positions while the label frontman gets to shine. And seems to be Block and Fresh Jones rocky relationship and bad habits is somewhat of a roadblock in the path of his artist. " Quoted by DMG artist in recent interview
The Book of Ishmael & In Death Reborn (2013-present)
The Book of Ishmael is due to be released mid-2014. Army of the Pharaohs frontman Vinnie Paz let fans know that they are working on 2 new AOTP albums which are set to be released in 2014. Block McCloud was confirmed to be on the both albums.
Inspiration
Block also quotes Krizz Kalico (Strange Music) as a huge influence. And what has seem like a recent drunken out reach on
Twitter from the crazy man himself tweeting @KrizzKalico and @Block Mccloud collab soon? Numerous times. We all hope and cross fingers for this. And if not we can always count on hearing Block on just one song for Aotp albums. Dmg Artist touched on that stating. "Can't blame Paz he needs people to bring Their A-Game. " (ViceGrip.NetAudio)
Block McCloud was inspired from acts such as LL Cool J, Run DMC and EPMD. This enticed him as a performer to use his vocals. Block states, “I became a fiend, staying up all night listening to DJ Red Alert and Chuck Chillout, but it wasn’t until Brooklyn rappers started killing it that I started spitting.” Big Daddy Kane and Rakim were his primary inspiration, “They’re the guys that made me want to rhyme, so I did!”
Business ventures
Block McCloud forges partnership with Well Done Entertainment via his own record label Disturbia Music Group which he founded in 2004.
Discography
Solo Albums
* I Was Drunk When I Made This (2004)
* Spittin Image (2006)
* Four Walls (2012)
* The Book of Ishmael (2014)
Extended Plays
* Crazy Man (2010)
Collaboration Albums
* The Unholy Terror (with Army of The Pharaohs) (2010)
* In Death Reborn (with Army of The Pharaohs) (2014)
* (TBA) (with Army of The Pharaohs) (2014)
TBA- DmG projects. 2080 estimated release.

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See Also

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