Macsen and Anderson Ray

Six years ago in the rural town of Bend, Oregon, the group known as the V.E.R.A. Clique (aka: Very Essence of Real Artists) began to form. Current members are Anderson Ray and Mascen Apollo. They met at a Bend pool hall called the “Scratch Shot”. Anderson witnessed Macsen “rocking the mic”. They exchanged numbers and began to meet regularly to freestyle.

Three years later, Macsen moved to the San Francisco Bay area. Anderson moved to Portland staying in contact. Anderson began making a name for himself as “the Answer” on Portland’s battle circuit (placing 4th out of 32) in his first official pro-battle at Hip-Hop Tonight’s M.C. Demolition Competition. His spare time was spent writing rhymes, while at work or by candlelight when the electricity was shut off.

Macsen was writing raps creating beats after long days of building cabinets and hard wood floors. Also in the Bay Area was another friend from Bend, Danny Craig. Mac began to perfect his craft using beats created by Danny who had a natural talent for producing beats. Mac convinced Danny to invest in a small home studio. This investment eventually closed the circle that became V.E.R.A. Clique.

Numerous trips to and from Oregon to California, convinced Anderson that they could accomplish more if he were to relocate to the Bay Area. After three years apart, Anderson and Macsen officially formed the V.E.R.A. Clique and began working on their first demo.

Nights were spent working on material at an open MIC in San Jose, and performed at Café’ Caffecitto where they partook in the weekly contests called “Lyrical Discipline”. They met other artists like Lance, a Bay Area MC who calls himself F.L.O. V.E.R.A.Clique was flourishing artistically from their surroundings.

Performing at High Schools in Vacaville, Winters and Dixon, at clubs in San Francisco, San Jose, Sacramento and Oakland. To date they have done over two hundred shows in California and Oregon.

They met people such as Steve Lazaneo, who taught them about the business, and loopholes in the industry. He introduced them to ASCAP, which taught them about copy writing and royalties. They met Caesar, a writer for Explosive Magazine who also introduced them to additional Bay Area Rappers.

After a year in the Bay, they then found themselves back in Bend. Macsen spent four onths there and opted to return back to the Bay Area. Anderson chose to stay in Bend due to his children.

V.E.R.A. Clique has mastered & professionally pressed up 1000 copies (cd’s & vinyl) of their Album. It was released on their independent label “Veraucracy Ink”. To date they are working on separate Solo projects and the 2nd Vera Clique album as well as trying to build a roster of artists for their Label while shopping for a Distribution Deal.