"Not since legendary rap groups, such as Gang Starr, DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince, Eric B & Rakim, and even Pete Rock & CL Smooth has there been such an original sounding duo." Hailing from Canada’s birthplace, Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Practical Academics consists of lyricist Billy Dee and producer/DJ Grandmaster Rob. Billy began “writing raps” in early grade school. His many life events eventually lead him to cross paths in 2002 with Grandmaster Rob, who at that point, had significant experience in recording and production. Recognizing this as an opportunity to put much of his material to work, the two joined forces and became collectively known as Funktion Live, before changing their name to Practical Academics in 2003. Although you can’t narrow Practical Academics to one specific genre, by listening, you can notice they are influence by both urban and rural styles of music. Their unique sound can be defined as a soothing blend of static-laced jazz rap, with a touch of folk and rock. “Each track has its own distinct and unique sound and theme, which is something that should be appreciated considering the state of mainstream hip hop today.” This was mumbleshiphop.com’s review of Practical Academics’ first EP “So Many Problems” in 2003 and still applies as an appropriate description of the duo’s musical contributions. Over the years they have shared the stage with many notable local artists, such as Mars Hill, The Trip, Anapilla, Cheers To Beers and Meagan Blanchard; Cape Breton’s finest The Sick Kookies; Fredericton’s DJ Scout and First Words; and Halifax greats Spesh K, DJ IV, Alpha Flight, Ghettosocks, DJ Cosmo and JoRun. The two are also no strangers to the road, completing an extensive tour of the Maritime Provinces in 2005 with Edmonton, Alberta’s Epic and Touch. Other noteworthy events include performing live with Shad from London, Ontario at Evolution Night Club in Fredericton, N.B., as well as participating in Charlottetown’s first Fringe Urban Festival. Practical Academics have also been recognized by the Atlantic Canadian music scene on a number of occasions. In 2006, Practical Academics’ single “Eddie” was recognized with an East Coast Music Award nomination in the “Rap/Hip Hop Single of the Year” category, and was also nominated for a PEI Music (now known as MusicPEI) Award for “Urban Single of the Year”. A year later, came another Practical Academics’ single “When I Say Hip, You Say Hop”, that was recognized with another MusicPEI “Urban Single of the Year” nomination. Recently, Billy Dee’s solo debut was nominated for a 2010 MusicPEI Award in the “Urban Recording of the Year” category.