D.Rose with DJ Cosmo. Courtesy photo.

Iconic hip-hop groups like Run-DMC and Gang Starr grew in popularity not only due to skilled MCs, but the men behind the turntables. Such is true with Houston-native D.Rose’s collaborations with DJ Cozmos heard on tracks in the 2005 album The Talk Show issued by The Foundation.

D.Rose and DJ Cozmos followed up the release with their album, Taster’s Choice, sampling oldies but goodies, with laid-back soulful sounds from Marvin Gaye to cuts from Nas or Slick Rick as the backdrop to Rose’s lyricism.

Now they’re back with, The Pre-Release, featuring a guest roster similar to previous albums including now-veteran rapper from H.I.S.D’s Scottie Spitten, Affion Crockett, John O and Damien of The Legendary K.O. Neo-soul jazz singer Bilal is joined by Renee Neufville, formerly of Zhané, to provide smooth melodic vocals on the track Skylight.

You can catch D.Rose and DJ Cozmos play Friday in The Soulcial Series with six-time Grammy nominated headliner Marsha Ambrosius, formerly of Floetry. Ambrosius will debut songs off her anticipated first solo project, Late Nights & Early Mornings, due in February 2011.

The Soulcial Series
Marsha Ambrosius, with Jesse Boykins III, Paula Campbell, D.Rose and DJ Cozmos, DJ Cruize Control and King MC.
Friday
Doors open at 7:30
Groundhall
1515 Pease Street