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Hip-Hop Duo Wiked Wood to Bring The House Down On Friday Night at Black Cat Burrito

By Troy Brooks

Rap and hip hop duo Wiked Wood has teamed up with Infinite Empire Entertainment to bring the house down at the Black Cat Burrito on Friday. The show is open to people 18 and over and anybody 21 and over is encouraged to bring their ID in order to enjoy a drink with the show. Admission is only $5. Be sure to come in your best costume as a contest will be held with prizes for various categories.

Photo provided by Wiked Wood.
Photo provided by Wiked Wood.

With an actress for a mother and a musician for a father, Zac Graves, more popularly known by his band nickname Cray-Z, was born into a life surrounded by music and theatrics. Inspired by his parents’ careers, he formed the group Wiked Wood at the age of 12 alongside his friend, known as “Jagged J,” where they experienced early success before parting ways in 2007 due to career interests. Despite this change, Cray-Z continued to pursue his passion for music, releasing his first album “Lost” in early 2008 when he was 16. He teamed up with friend Robert Sawyer, also known as “Creep,” and since then the hip hop duo has spent more than a decade making music and performing shows along the east coast.

The past year has been big for Wiked Wood. Their new album, “Dubs Up,” is set for release on Saturday on major online retailers and will be a follow-up of their April 2013 release, “Red Carpet Status.”

“This album is big because we’re taking it to the next level this. It’s been a ride these last few months,” said Graves. “We’ve been investing more into the music aspect and stepping up our equipment. Along with the new album we have some major stuff coming up. We’re working with Robert Rebeck & Hopsin and we have been getting a lot of opportunities working with both national and independent artists.”

Wiked Wood’s style of music helps them stand out from other artists.

“We’re a little to the left. Right down to our name which we misspelled intentionally. It comes from Shakespeare play ‘The Tragedy of Macbeth,’ and the sacred Birnam Wood,” said Graves. “Our style is focused on speed and clarity so people can still understand what we are saying. We like to go fast but stay understood.”

Graves has definitely had his hands full over the past year. Despite recording, traveling and playing husband for his wife and two kids, Graves is always ready to put on a show. Sawyer will be travelling from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to make it to the event.

“It’s definitely a challenge to juggle everything at times but we love the aspect of performing,” said Graves. “We keep the crowd hyped. We get them dancing. We get them jumping. It’s a very competitive industry. You’ve got to stand out amongst the crowd to be noticed.”

Although the duo has performed in Ashe County in the past, this is the first time Wiked Wood will bring a show to Boone.

“We’re surprised that Black Cat took us in since we have never played there before,” said Graves. “We’re hyped for the performance in Boone and rocking out with the kids at App State. We have a pretty big fan base out that way so just experiencing them will be a thrill. It’ll be a great time to come out here and celebrate the holiday.”

To learn more and order tickets for the event, please visit blackcatburrito.com or you may call 828-263-9511.

To learn more about Wiked Wood, visit www.wikedwood.com.