Lunar Heights. Consisting of a trinity of brothers, Jern Eye (“Small Axe”, MC), Sizwe (“Spear Of The Nation”, MC) & Khai (“C-Lo Cigarillo”, MC/DJ) use the artistic mediums of word, sight, and sound to empower, captivate, and educate audiences. Through the light and inspiration provided to them by Jah Rastafari, the “Heightsmen” create a platform to inspire, cultivate, and elevate the listener. Utilizing the simplicity of the “cold crush” style by incorporating three mics and two turntables, the bridge between traditional hip-hop and spirituality are met. On stage their electrifying energy transforms the crowd to what older contemporaries would consider that “88” feel, a throwback to the “Golden Age” and that youthful vibrancy of the “here & now.”

Sizwe and Jern met in 1995 at Murrieta Valley High School in Southern California. Some of their earlier recordings include 4 track demos with then classmate Reverb Spark producing. Their first official show came in 1996 opening for Medusa at Luna Sol in Los Angeles. Shortly afterwards Sizwe headed east to attend Howard University while at the same time Jern was pursuing an education in music business studies at Pasadena City College. Upon his return to California in 1999, Sizwe reunited with Jern and decided to move to Oakland and manifest dreams into reality.

Other than just location, the whole face of the group took a big change with the addition of the third emcee and live show D.J. Khai hailing from Connecticut but touching down in the Bay as a student at San Francisco State University. Prior to meeting Sizwe & Jern, Khai had previous experience emceeing drum n’ bass parties and spinning roots, dancehall & culture music. Though the group had multiple live performance D.J.’s before meeting Khai, they no longer lacked the synchronicity to move on to the next level. With a third member added to the fold, it was time to move forward.

Lunar Heights formed their own distinct identity. Yet maintaining affiliations with the likes of the B-Sides Crew, The Solution, and The Pharcyde (Sizwe is featured on the song “Blaze” from their “Plain Rap” LP as well as their upcoming album) can attest to the level of sincerity these cats have been known to exude. Performing locally and abroad and sharing the bill on shows or playing on tours with their B-Side family members Crown City Rockers (formerly known as Mission), in addition to sharing the stage with KRS-One, dead prez, Tha’ Liks, Living Legends, Blackalicious, Dilated Peoples, & Supernatural and many more can also vouch for the level of professionalism one can expect from Lunar Heights. In 2003 LH released their limited edition E.P. “Tasting” selling out of the only 500 that were pressed. The San Francisco Bay Guardian described their lyrics as “...beyond tired rhymes and philistine shout-outs to the hood”. The Zion I newsletter comments that their sound is “…blessed with acrobatic wit and enthusiasm remixing known beats with fresh verses.” With positive rhythms and superior production, it’s been a steady stream of perseverance and progress while they work on their debut offering “The Crescent Moon Project” which features behind the board work from Joey Chavez (Dilated Peoples, Beastie Boys, Aceyalone) & Headnodic (Mission:/Crown City Rockers, Mr. Lif, Gift Of Gab), and cameos from Amad Jamal (S.O.L.A.R. Panel / the Solution), DJ Icewater (Mixtape Gods), DJ Platurn (Oakland Faders / B-Sides Crew) & MC Raashan Ahmad (Crown City Rockers / B-Sides Crew).

In addition to creating music with a conscious vibe, these brotha’s give back to their community by reaching out and teaching the youth. LH is involved with everything from mentorship and athletic programs to self-development workshops, such as Brother’s Keeper, for teenagers and at risk youth.

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