Evolution of a Man is the 1999 underground hip-hop release from Los Angeles-based emcee and producer Imperator of Rhyme. Released independently on By Any Means Music (B.A.M.M.), the album captures the raw creativity of the late-90s LA underground scene.
Blending West Coast lyricism, jazz-influenced production, East Coast sharpness, and Southern grit, the album features 14 songs, 2 remixes, and 11 radio interview segments. The project showcases Imperator’s versatility — from hardcore street narratives to abstract flows, braggadocio, motivational themes, and pure love for hip-hop culture.
Imperator, born in New York and raised across multiple major U.S. cities before settling in Los Angeles, began rapping in 1979. Known in the underground circuit as “Imp,” he has performed at the legendary Apollo Theater and iconic Los Angeles venues including Project Blowed and Good Life Cafe.
Featured artists include:
Peace of Freestyle Fellowship
Shahid of Cipher 7
Rhyming Riddlore
Volume 10 (“Pistol Grip Pump”)
Drauma (co-writer of No Diggity)
Phish from 2001
Rifleman (Good Life / Project Blowed)
Madd Norm (Microphone Madness)
DJ Tomcat (Soul City Productions)
Tarriq (affiliate of Jurassic 5)
DJ Lune and DJ Marlton (scratching & cuts)
Imperator of Rhyme emerged from the Los Angeles underground hip-hop circuit with a reputation for lyrical precision and stylistic range. Influenced by both old-school and new-school rap traditions, he built his foundation through live performances at venues such as The Whiskey, The Roxy, RadioTron, KDAY, Project Blowed, and The Good Life.
His independent approach through By Any Means Music reflects a commitment to artistic control and underground authenticity.
Stream and download Evolution of a Man by Imperator, a 1999 Los Angeles underground hip-hop album released on By Any Means Music. Available in full-length format featuring classic West Coast independent rap energy. - www.ImperatorOfRhyme.com
