Vahid Ellis and Hayden Knight each traveled separate journeys taking them far from home to Brasília, the capital city of Brazil. While working long days teaching English, they forged a friendship and began to explore their shared love of music, and the Baha’i Faith. When the neighbors complained about their late-night jam sessions, Ellis & Knight discovered the magical acoustics of 24 hour ATM rooms and their musical partnership found a home.

After almost a year in Brazil, Ellis & Knight headed home to find a place to record. Shiny Dirt Studios in Parkdale, Oregon and producer Mike Andrews found them first. After countless hours in the studio, Ellis & Knight just released their debut album, Groundwork.
A new fusion of hip-hop and Urban R&B with a hint of their early Latin influences, Groundwork showcases the acoustic guitar and thoughtful lyrics Ellis & Knight have honed since their nights in Brazil. From the relaxed acoustic opening of “Roots run deep” to the soulful piano and compelling lyrics of “Jekyll & Hyde”, Ellis & Knight deliver an accessible, fresh take on contemporary hip-hop.

“So if I had to describe my pursuit of happiness in one line
I’d say it’s been a constant struggle and a battle against time
to coherently put my life story in a rhyme
it’s like a steep climb up an Everest mind…”

With comparisons to The Roots, and K-Os , Ellis & Knight have already been discovered at Reverbnation.com.

“Your music is beautifully complex and thoughtful. The most refreshing collection of songs that I’ve heard in quite some time.”

“A fresh, new take on urban R&B – music with soul and lyrics with an amazing punch!”
-  Jarome Matthew, Pro Soul Alliance

Ellis&Knight are available for interviews through ProSoul Alliance.