Eldo

Eldo is the stage name of Polish rapper and radio journalist Leszek Kaźmierczak, co-founder of successful Polish hip-hop group Grammatik. Noted for his poetic lyrics and ambitious, genre-traversing productions, Eldo has also been the subject of controversy, due to his harsh criticism of the Polish hip-hop scene as well as his conservative political views. Eldo initially became interested in hip-hop through breakdancing and graffiti, but decided to start rapping in 1997, forming Grammatik with fellow MC Jotuze. The group's self-released debut EP was released in 1998, and was expanded into a full-length on Blend Records the following year. Follow-up Światła Miasta, released by T1-Teraz in 2000, was a massive success, hitting number five on the Polish album charts. The group ceased activity, and Eldo began his solo career, releasing debut full-length Opowieść O Tym, Co Tu Dzieje Się Naprawdę, also on T1-Teraz, in 2001. He became notorious for his blunt opinions on Polish hip-hop, and competed in several freestyle battle rap competitions. Second album Eternia appeared on Blend Records in 2003, and was a Top Ten hit on the Polish album charts. Grammatik reunited in 2004, releasing the EP Reaktywacja that year on Embargo Nagrania, followed by full-length 3 in 2005. In 2006, Eldo collaborated with Bitnix for Człowiek, Który Chciał Ukraść Alfabet, an eclectic album influenced by jazz, drum'n'bass, and soul. Eldo signed to My Music in 2007 and released the solo full-length 27, which became another Top Ten success. During the same year, Grammatik released their final album, Podróże. Following the group's 2008 split, Eldo released Nie Pytaj O Nią, which became his first gold-selling solo album. The 2010 follow-up Zapiski z 1001 Nocy was even more successful, hitting number one on the chart and eventually selling nearly 30,000 copies. Following concert album/DVD Live in Warsaw 2012, studio album Chi was released in 2014, and was another gold-selling number one hit. ~ Paul Simpson, Rovi