Knowledge Learned Under Birmingham. Joshua, a rapper and part of the hip-hop trio K.L.U.B. Monsta, harnesses the sound and philosophies of a Birmingham, Alabama native. He constantly cultivates a more established world view and shines light on the political landscape in his lyrics. A dedicated MC, he reflects the reality of Birmingham through the music. "I run around the city, Southside and Crestwood," he says. "I get my sense of perseverance from Birmingham." In this letter, written by Joshua, he speaks on the pitfalls of the nine to five and the creative process behind When Gawd Ready.

Knowledge Learned Under Birmingham. Kel. Ricks, a rapper and part of the hip-hop trio K.L.U.B. Monsta, embodies this acronym and the city of Birmingham. He never forgets the civil rights history of the city and stays conscious of the struggle. "I walk down the same streets our leaders have walked, pass churches that have been bombed," he says. "We mold our music around the history of the city." In this letter, written by Kel. Ricks, he dives into the balance of creating art in Birmingham and the power of creative momentum. 

Knowledge Learned Under Birmingham. J. Dotta, a rapper and part of the hip-hop trio K.L.U.B. Monsta, personifies this acronym. Everything about the city of Birmingham, Alabama, both the beautiful and the ugly, has contributed to the artistic process of J. Dotta. He finds inspiration in general conversation and world happenings, weaving his reality into the lyrics. "We're intelligent. We're smart. We know how to rap," he says. "From Birmingham, the world doesn't always expect that." In this letter, written by J. Dotta, he dives into the process behind the album, When Gawd Ready, and the struggles of creating art with an everyday job.