One Block Radius

{{short description|American hip hop group}} {{More citations needed|date=November 2008}} {{Use mdy dates|date=April 2025}}

__NOTOC__ {{Infobox musical artist | name = One Block Radius | image =  | caption = From left to right: Z-Man, MDA, and Marty James | image_size = | background = group_or_band | origin = San Francisco, California, USA | genre = Alternative hip hop, soul | years_active = late 2003–present | label = Avatar, Low Post, Property, Mercury, Def Jam | associated_acts = Scapegoat Wax | current_members = Marty James<br/>MDA<br/>Z-Man | past_members = }}

'''One Block Radius''' is an alternative hip hop group made up of Marty James (vocals, raps, production), MDA (vocals, turntables), and emcee Z-Man (a Hieroglyphics associated rapper). Both Marty James and MDA were part of the group Scapegoat Wax. One Block Radius was formed in late 2003. They have toured and done shows with Hieroglyphics, Maroon 5, Living Legends, Matisyahu, De La Soul, Trick Daddy, Pigeon John, Aceyalone and more. And Marty James also featured in the song called Fantasy Girl with Baby Bash in 2010.

In 2005, One Block Radius released their debut album ''Long Story Short''. It featured a diverse selection of songs ranging from pure pop to straight-up hip-hop. The following year they released a follow-up in the form of a mixtape CD called ''Cut Some Static''. ''Cut Some Static'' was an album-length compilation of previously unreleased tracks, but was not released as a proper album. It was not sold at retail, came packaged with home-computer printed labels, and featured members of the band introducing tracks, to keep the underground mixtape feel. Musically, it also featured a grittier, more rap-oriented sound, and more explicit lyrics.

Marty James was featured on the hook of The Federation's 2006 west coast club anthem "I Wear My Stunna Glasses at Night". Since that time he has also become an accomplished writer and producer having worked with JR Rotem, E-40, Far East Movement Sean Kingston, Baby Bash, Paula DeAnda, Diane Warren, Rick Rock, Lil Jon, The Grouch, DJ Felli Fel, Jessi Malay, MoZella, Laze & Royal, The Stooie Brothers and more. In 2007, he co-wrote "What Is It" by Baby Bash ft. Sean Kingston.

In May 2008 One Block Radius released the single "You Got Me" on Property Music Group (Marty James own label). James also produced the song. Their major label debut, ''One Block Radius'' spent one week on the ''Billboard'' Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart, at number 86.<ref>[http://www.billboard.com/charts/2008-10-04/r-b-hip-hop-albums ''One Block Radius'' (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart)], ''Billboard'', October 4, 2008.</ref>{{failed verification|date=July 2013}}

== Discography ==

=== Albums === * ''Long Story Short'' 2005 * ''One Block Radius'' 2008

=== Mixtapes === * ''Cut Some Static'' (2006, Low Post Records)

=== Singles === * ''You Got Me'': U.S. Pop 100 peak #53 (2008, Property)

== References == {{reflist}}

Category:Alternative hip-hop groups Category:Hip-hop groups from California Category:Musical trios from California