The Foreign Exchange

Generations from now, the story of how a producer living in Utrecht, The Netherlands (Nicolay Rook) and a rapper/ singer/ songwriter in Raleigh, N.C., (Phonte Coleman) formed a musical relationship with each other through sharing files via e-mail and instant messenger should be told as folklore. In the meantime, the two who first met in 2000 via the popular hip-hop message board at Okayplayer.com are living out an ongoing story, one ceremonious chapter at a time. They have released three wonderful albums as The Foreign Exchange, and the book doesn’t seem to be closing soon.

The official beginning of this relationship came in 2002, when Rook found himself collaborating with Coleman’s now-on-hiatus hip-hop duo Little Brother, producing the B-side “Light It Up”. A couple years later, the two, still not having met, released their first full-length LP, Connected. Produced entirely by Rook, Coleman shared much of the vocal and rapping responsibilities with a wide range of guests like Yahzarah and Darien Brockington, along with emcees Von Pea, Median, Kenn Starr and others. Connected served as the springboard for Rook’s versatility as a soulful beatmaker and producer, plus as a platform for Coleman’s sharp-witted, life-affirming lyrics.

Rook eventually relocated to Wilmington, N.C. Soon thereafter, he and Coleman finished their second The Foreign Exchange project, Leave It All Behind, with a completely different approach. LIAB was a departure from much of the up-beat, hip-hop driven sound on Connected. In its place, Rook and Coleman curated an intricate, warmer exhibition of their talents, influences and musicianship—to the dismay, but later warm acceptance, of their fans. It was a decision that eventually led to LIAB’s lead single, “Daykeeper,” earning a 2010 Grammy nomination in the Best Urban/ Alternative Performance category.

Propelled by the attention earned with Leave It All Behind, it took only several months for FE to release its third LP, Authenticity. With new musical guests in tow (Jesse Boykins III, ZO!, Chantae Cann), The Foreign Exchange sound took a less-is-more approach, with stripped-down, ethereal production and doleful themes. They even dipped their toes into country music. To date, The Foreign Exchange continues to tour worldwide and build their The Foreign Exchange Music brand, with projects like a solo album from Phonte, a sophomore album from collaborator Median, and another project from sideman ZO! Expect the whole crew to offer its signature at Hopscotch. —Eric Tullis