One of the most promising talents to emerge in the Midwest in recent years, Brandon (aka Socrates) has won much critical praise and underground success for his eloquent wordplay and vocal abilities. Socrates' emergence presaged a rush of Midwest underground MCs and returned the spotlight to the true lyrical hip-hop rhyme styles after it had been commandeered by South & West Coast-influenced rap. With the current climate of degrading and violent imagery, Socrates stands for something different, which makes his albums that much more intriguing.

So how did he get his name? Of course one of the greatest philosophers of all time, SOCRATES, had a position, and a very logical one, on almost any subject thinkable - often challenging the norm. This is exactly the reason this name is fitting to the style portrayed in his lyrics. Emcees like SOCRATES are hard to find. Too many emcees are satisfied with what is commercial, and don't challenge the listener. With astounding vocab and philosophic style, SOCRATES is ready for any obstacle that stands between he & his objectives. Born & raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, Brandon always dreamed of bringing his sound and message to others. Having involved himself with music since age 7, and even more formally since age 12, he applies that knowledge straight to his music - and in the summer of 1999, Philosophic Productions was born. Along with his "lyricist characteristic," SOCRATES adds a mix of Old & New Skool production that separates himself from others. His classical influence can definitely be noticed in his notable musical arrangements through his production.