West Shore

Biography

Because West Shore is an interracial trio that combines rock and rap, some people might try to lump the group in with Limp Bizkit, Korn, (hed) p.e., Methods of Mayhem, and other popular rap-rock and rap-metal acts of the '90s and '00s. But unlike those artists, West Shore isn't an alternative rock band that incorporates a lot of rapping; rather, West Shore is a full-time rap group that happens to crave rock guitar. While Limp Bizkit, Korn, (hed) p.e. and Methods of Mayhem bring hip-hop elements to a rock foundation, West Shore brings rock guitar to a rap foundation. Frank Ramirez, the Los Angeles-based trio's vocalist, isn't a singer who raps on the side -- he's a full-time rapper. West Shore was formed in Los Angeles in the early '00s, when Ramirez joined forces with guitarist Jeremy Sykes and DJ Mike T. The latter is best known for his work with the L.A.-based gangsta rap group Compton's Most Wanted, but West Shore isn't really gangsta rap (although there are hints of Cypress Hill in West Shore's tunes). Ramirez and Sykes wear more than one hat in West Shore; in addition to rapping for the group, Ramirez plays drums and keyboards. Sykes (who has cited Eddie Van Halen as his favorite guitarist) also helps with keyboards, although he is a guitar player first and foremost. B-Side Radio, West Shore's debut album, was released on the independent Light Eyes label in 2002. ~ Alex Henderson, All Music Guide