“enchanting songs cropping up one after another, all penned by a group that’s reaching for a higher level of self-reliance” -Creative Loafing

“Scented with soul and frozen in funk, [Freezing World] stands as the best rap album in 10 years.” –Atlanta Music Guide

In a genre oversaturated with thugs, goons and auto-tune, Collective Efforts continues to stay true to their musical roots. Over the past five years, the CE Crew has made its mark on the Atlanta music scene and beyond by delivering timeless classics to listeners desperate to find a silver lining on the dark cloud of commercial rap. Originally, the group consisted of three vocalists/ producers and a DJ, but recently it expanded to include a backing band of truly talented musicians. Influenced by a wide array of musical styles, including golden-era hip hop, jazz, 70’s soul, reggae, drum and bass, funk and rock, each member of Collective Efforts brings something special to the table, helping to set themselves apart from the average rap group. Undaunted by industry obstacles, Collective Efforts has independently released three full length albums – “Visions of Things To Come” (2003), “Trail Mix” (2005) and “Medicine” (2006) – along with a limited-edition 12-inch single titled “Another Soulful Song”(2004). Additionally, a self-titled, full-length album was also released in Japan in 2004 on Handcuts Records, consisting of selected songs from “Trail Mix” and “Medicine.” In 2008, CE dropped an EP called “Time For Hope,” which consisted of four songs, one of which being part of the new album. Another full-length album, entitled “Time for Medicine,” which included cuts from “Medicine” and “Time for Hope,” was released in Japan in 2009 by GoonTrax. CE toured briefly with electronica giants and good friends Sound Tribe Sector 9, and the group has been honored to open for world-renowned acts like Goodie Mob, Digable Planets, Arrested Development and Little Brother, among many others. They have had the opportunity to perform at huge festivals like Bonaroo, Re-Generation and the Echo Project with artists such as Lyrics Born, Jurassic 5, RJD2 and The Roots, and of course they continue to pack the local venues in their home base of Atlanta.

On their most recent effort, dubbed “Freezing World,” CE gives us a glimpse into the ways we all struggle to survive and be happy. The general vibe of the album is hopeful yet melancholy, filled with lyrical and sonic overtones that paint a dark picture of the group struggling to do their best to stay afloat in a world full of fading dreams, broken promises and musical disillusionment. The CE crew provides the majority of the production, but the album includes one soon-to-be-classic track produced by Diamond D, the rap veteran best known for his part in the Diggin’ in the Crates Crew. The song, “I Get Down,” complements the overall mood of the album perfectly. “It’s an honor working with Diamond D,” offers J-Mil. “He is, in my mind, a true living legend.” With sprinkles of live instrumentation and soulful melodies offset by hard-driving rhythms, each MC who blesses the project brings their own unique insight and character to the unfolding story that is their life’s work to date. “All we can do is just keep on making the music,” says Ben Hameen. “It can be a cold world out there, but there is something burning inside of us, and when we make that connection and put it all together something magical happens, and I’m proud to be a part of it.” Collective Efforts brought Medicine to many hip hop heads in need, and with their latest offering they’re sure to heat up this Freezing World.

Here’s what critics are saying about Freezing World:

"enchanting songs cropping up one after another, all penned by a group that’s reaching for a higher level of self-reliance" -Creative Loafing
To read more ~ CLICK HERE

“Scented with soul and frozen in funk, [Freezing World] stands as the best rap album in 10 years.” –Atlanta Music Guide
To read more ~ CLICK HERE