SEM (Self Expression Music) is the nameof a hip-hop crew. Maybe you’ve alreadyheard of these local emcees, maybe youhaven’t. I will let you know one thing, though,these guys are on the come-up. SEM wasfounded here in Salt Lake City by LAMand JEF DOOGIE in 2001. LAM (Mr. LloydA. McIntosh) is the CEO, owner and alsoone of the producers of the crew’s music.My man Ian G., head of Grass RootsManagement, has been brought in to bea promotional wizard of sorts heading upthe crew’s street team and as their bookingagent. Ian has been working on and off inthe music industry since 1996. Ian is oneof those “been there and done that” typeof guys in the music industry. He is 311’shead merchandising salesperson, vibe techand also a promoter. Ian has also workedwith tons of other acts like KMK, SlightlyStoopid, Mix Mob, DIRTBALL, PhunkJunkies, Kid Rock, Deftones, Limp Bizkit,KoRn and Pepper. Ian also has his rootsplanted deep in the local music scene withtalents such as Honest Engine, Chola,Royal Bliss, Flatline Syndicate and nowSEM. With Ian’s knowledge and experiencein the game it seems to be a perfect fit forthese up and coming talented youth.


Photo: Elliot Fraughton

SEM consists of 14 members: AaronDW, Chatterbox, DJ Aspect, Madman,Curtis DW, Brea, Jabez, George Life, EWilliam, Lam, Jef Doogie, MC Blu andlast but certainly not least, Bloswick. SEMmembers have been opening acts for bignamehip-hop artists since 2000. They haveworked with members of the Wu-Tang Clan,Jedi Mind Tricks, Swollen Members, VansWarped Tour, Rakim, Styles of Beyond,Public Enemy, KRS ONE, The Alkoholiks,Slick Rick, Yin Yang Twins, XZIBIT, Coolioand Dizzy Rascal. Opening shows for actsas big as these has had quite an effect onthe SEM emcees, raising their own talentbar and skill levels. When you work with thebest in the business, it is sure to make youbetter at honing in on your own skills. SEMmembers have also got in some qualitytraveling experiences, performing at showsin California all the way to dirty Jersey. It’sprobably only a matter of time until they getsome overseas opportunities.

If you’re interested in catching a live showwith the SEM crew, it seems that they keepthemselves busy playing at quite a few localvenues. SEM plays regularly at Liquid Joe’s,Monks House of Jazz, Down Town HukaLounge, Mo’s Bar and Grill and they will alsobe a playing a show at the Salt Palace onDec. 13. The crew is also playing severalshows out of town in the near future. If youwould like to check out their show dates, goto selfexpressionmusic.com or contact IanG. at 801-503-1703 for show dates or forbooking information. Please keep your callsclean — no phone sex.

The SEM Crew has also taken over theJackalope Lounge every Wednesday night.There are great PBR and 1800 Tequilaspecials that are sure to make you feelthe vibe. SEM will be playing there withtheir home-boys MadMan, Kaotic, BlackDonnie as well other special guests.If you’re a party pooper, check out thecrew’s music at UPROK Hip-Hop shop,where they have plenty of CDs for sale.Help support your local scene and also beon the lookout for SEM’s next compilationrelease entitled, Major Street.