US hip hop group rocks Riyadh

It was a cold night in Riyadh but hip hop group LEL Brothas warmed it up considerably with a scorching performance at the US ambassador’s residence.
There were Saudis, Filipinos, Indians, Syrians, Jordanians, Lebanese, Pakistanis, Indians and Bangladeshi nationals present at the event last week, who gamely danced to a number of tunes from the talented artists.
This is the second time that LEL Brothas has performed in Saudi Arabia as part of the cultural exchange program between the United States and the Kingdom. The group first performed in Riyadh during its Middle East tour in 2011.
The group was invited by US Ambassador James B. Smith and his wife Dr. Janet Breslin-Smith. “In mid-2011, LEL Brothas made history by performing in the Kingdom and many other countries in the Middle East,” said Smith.
The group is known for the song “Hatas” released on Dec. 21, 2011 off their album “The Epidemic.”
In 2012, LEL Brothas toured the United States and were again asked to return to the Middle East for a follow-up tour in 2013.
The LEL Brothas are working on their new album “The Pandemic” slated for release in 2013.
The group also performed separately for the Filipino Athletes and Performers Society (FAPS) headed by its president, Charlotte Villones, in cooperation with TFC’s Balitang Middle East (BME). FAPS, an accredited community organization in Riyadh, was the official production partner of the group in Saudi Arabia.
LEL Brothas also performed at a venue in Exit 9 with FAPS talents Christelle Marie Aliasas, Rhyan Jay Carpio, Teo Maglonzo, Rose Ann Ladra, Jean Gladys Vicente and Gene Juanich. The Filipinos caught the attention of DJ Unknown, known for discovering talent in the United States.
The group also performed at the American International School and the US Embassy.
LEL Brothas was formed in early 2006 in Prescott Valley, Arizona. The vision of DJ Clone, the group also includes member LBC AKA Nytmare. Although the group officially has two members, DJ Clone and LBC, it often performs with hype man CB5. A hype man is a backup rapper or singer who supports the primary rappers.
All three rappers are originally from California, but met each other and started LEL Brothas in Arizona.
While recording their debut album “Fresh out the Root” LEL Brothas were signed by producer Wade Martin to JWM Records. They topped the Internet and Southwest radio charts with the album. In 2010, LEL Brothas released their second album “The Epidemic,” which catapulted them on a world tour and gained them multiple events with top A-list celebrities.
The group has sought to bridge cultural differences between the two countries with their music. Their songs are a mixture of hip hop and rock.
The meaning of the acronym “LEL” has not been disclosed by the group. On the 2011 album “The Epidemic,” LBC references LEL by saying: “Quit asking what LEL means, it drives me insane/if I told you the secret, it would blow out your brain.” Although the meaning has not been released, DJ Clone often teases the media and fans by stating: “Come to a show and find out.”