BluRum13


BluRum13, born James Sobers, is an American underground rapper, emcee, actor and producer who also uses the pseudonym Killa Platypus. Originally from New York City, he spent most of his formative years in Washington, D.C. and is the great nephew of knighted cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers.

Career

Solo Projects

BluRum13’s first album The Previouslee Unreleased Recordings of BluRum13 was the catalyst for subsequent collaborations with London-based DJ Vadim, who included the song It’s Obvious on his 2002 release U.S.S.R. Life From the Other Side. BluRum toured as the live emcee for Vadim’s group The Russian Percussion, which was created to promote the album. BluRum’s second album Vaguely Familiar was released on DJ Vadim’s label Jazz Fudge, along with singles Sleep Speechless and Figure it Out.
In 2007, BluRum self-released the EP Tether with UK beat boxer Koobs.
In 2013, after multiple collaborations with various artists and bands, BluRum released an online full-length album entitled Inverted.
In 2017, BluRum released Rainbows, Butterflies & Gangstas produced by Australian DJ/Producer and BBE label mate Inkswel.
In December 2018, BluRum13 released the inaugural track for digital series with the single "Trying to Live" featuring the production of Lyon-based producer RXX/R33.

Bands & Collectives

BluRum13 is well known for his work with various bands, producers and collectives in North America, Europe, and Australia. He was part of Montreal-based funk band Bullfrog from 1994 to 2004. In 2005 Vadim and BluRum formed the hip hop group One Self with MC Yarah Bravo, releasing the album Children of Possibility on Ninja Tune, and collaborating with Fat Freddy’s Drop, and Reggie Watts. The group were described by The Times as "best newcomers of 2005" and won Channel 4's Slashmusic Showcase. BluRum was a member of London-based collective True Ingredients and Maryland-based collective .
BluRum has also collaborated with a number of producers including Luke Vibert with whom he released two albums. The first entitled Smell the Urgency was self-released online in 2004 then re-released on vinyl by France's Besides Records in 2017, while their second full-length album as Bluke entitled "Sense the Urgency" was released in 2019 on double-vinyl by Ropeadope Records.
BluRum has been a featured emcee and live front-man for a number of other groups, including US3, Reverse Engineering, Resin Dogs, Aquasky, and many more.
In 2012, BluRum13 released a joint project with Manchester artist Matt Brewer, a.k.a. Frameworks, entitled That same year, BluRum13 began a live show collaboration with acclaimed Spanish jazz drummer Mark Ayza, and also founded the dub-hop/electro step group with DJ Toner. Indigenous Invaders appeared live at the world’s first YouTube music festival in Madrid on September 28, 2012. The band released a single titled "As long as I C" on Jarring Effects label, and in 2014 they released a digital EP titled "Above and Below" on SoundCloud. Indigenous Invaders performed at numerous festivals sharing stage with artists such as :nl:Dope_D.O.D.|Dope D.O.D. and DJ Woody.
In 2017, BluRum13 reunited with former Russian Percussion tour mate DJ Woody and his close collaborator DJ Boca as "BocaWoody," appearing on five songs on their debut Carousel LP and accompanying 7" vinyl.

Film

In 2016, James Sobers played a supporting role as cowboy outlaw “Randy” in the cast of western feature film ‘’’The Price of Death’’’ by Chip Baker, shot in Almeria, Spain.

Discography

BluRum13 Releases

Audiopharm 2005
Ninja Tune 2002