With many people claiming Hip Hop to be dead and not at the state it was once in, Virginia Beach's own Champain Era finds this as the perfect time to celebrate the culture and the new movement he is bringing to it. " We will never be able to relive the past but I feel that there are a lot of things that need to be restored. There used to be balance in Hip Hop. People were making good music and were lyrically in tact, but now you either have one or the other," says Era. To level the see-saw like structure of the game, Era mends the combination of conceptual ryhmes, just plain good music with a touch of charismatic word play. A product of the late 80s/early 90s movement, Era was greatly influenced by Common, Nas, Biggie, Jay Z, Boot Camp Click and the whole Wu Tang Clan. These pioneers inspired Era to be more than just a Hip Hop critic. After taking a "hiatus" from his football career at Morehouse College, Era quickly renewed his vows to Hip Hop, this time not only as an active listener, but as an artist ready compete in the game. Watching his peers Pharrell, The Clipse and Famlay's rise in the game helped Era in structuring his game plan. " Being in the studio with them cats while they were recording ..1 singles and critically acclaimed albums has helped me with my grind. I've learned so much from being in the studio with them and watching them grow." Era delved directly into the rap game taking trips up north to the Big Apple where the hungry MC muscled his way into open mics and showcases. Only Era didn't get serious until he found himself showcasing his ability in front of one of Hip Hops forefathers, LL Cool J. This ignited a relentless drive to succeed in the music industry. Out of this persistent drive, Era has further developed his skills and has received acclaim from coast to coast. In 2004 Champain released his single "Top of the South" which influenced by his movement bearing the same name and helped give definition to the upper portion of the south which most of the time is referred to as the east coast. "Top of the South isn't a certain sound or new dance, explains Era. From the Carolinas to Baltimore to D.C. to the Virginias is the Top Of The South." We not the East Coast and we not the Dirty South, it's the Top Of The South." The song recieved heavy rotation within the region and made its way onto mixtapes from from DJ Big Mike to DJ Devestator. Now it's time for the celebration. The Champain Era lifestyle is about celebrating the Hip Hop culture. Through his passion in music and culture, Era celebrates real Hip-Hop, while trying to resurrect it back from its graveyard. "Everybody associates Champaign with a celebration, when you have a baby you drink Champaign. When you get married you drink Champaign, " explains Era when describing where his name derived from. Champain Era is set to change this commercialized entity back to its true art form. With all of the right motives and determination that Era has, it is a guarantee that he will bring the basics back in to Hip Hop. Era's debut New Years, which he is releasing off his own label, Diamond District Music Group boasts production from Buckwild, DJ Toomp and Virginia's own DJ Devestator. Staying tightlipped about the project, Era promises Cotton Candy is a first of its kind! "Cotton Candy is a hip hop musical that is going to be like nothing that is out now. I'm telling a very deep urban mob/love story track after track that will be better then watching reality TV." Now, Era is pushing his new single "Boom Box" which has be all over the internet and has made its way to Satelite Radio. Era started Diamond District Music Group back in 2004 with co- CEO's Corey "Tidewata Cee" Edness and OZ. And if that isn't enough, Era is readying his team The District Legion comprised of Top of the South representatives Grunge and Nicolas Couture. With a strong team behing him and the right motives and determination, Era truly has a reason to celebrate this new era in Hip Hop. The Champain Era!