Declaime (aka Dudley Perkins) started making music with his native Oxnard, California crew consisting of Madlib, Kankick, Wildchild & DJ Romes, when he was originally known as D-Loc in 1992. After serving a term in the Navy, Dudley Perkins returned to the US and began recording with his longtime friend Madlib, appearing on the Alkaholiks album Coast to Coast as well as The Lootpacks’ debut album Soundpieces. Described as a mix of Public Enemy, the ‘old school’ Ice Cube, Snoop Dogg, and KRS-One, Declaime has been instrumental in helping pioneer much of the underground sound of the West Coast, with albums such as the critically acclaimed Ansoitisaid, Conversations with Dudley, Illmindmuzik, and Astormiscomin. In 2002, after hearing a demo version of the jazzy number “Flowers,” Stones Throw Records founder Peanut Butter Wolf asked Declaime to do a singing album entirely produced by Madlib under the moniker of his government name, Dudley Perkins. Dudley and Madlib would go on to record two critically acclaimed albums ‘Lil’ Light’ and ‘Expressions (2012 A.U.).’ In 2009, Declaime started his own label SomeOthaShip Connect with his partner Georgia Anne Muldrow. Declaime has gone on to collaborate with music heavyweights such as Flying Lotus, Hudson Mohawke, Black Milk, and more. Much of Declaime’s influence can be heard in the works of rap’s underground elite such as Immortal Technique, and today’s superstars like Kendrick Lamar.

Produced by his wife and music partner Georgia Anne Muldrow, and longtime friend and collaborator Madlib, Young Spirit balances Declaime’s unique rapping delivery over psychedelic funk and otherworldly soundscapes. With the help from guest vocalists such as Saul Williams, Aloe Blacc, Blu, and more, the album serves as Declaime’s uplifting message to young oppressed people of color in America, covering topics from police brutality, to black love, and more.