About First Degree The D.E.
FIRST DEGREE THE D.E.
First Degree The D.E. is a rap artist, music producer, movie producer and math teacher from Sacramento, California. He was born Michael Colen on October 4th, 1974. He owns independent record label, Fahrenheit Records and has released over 20 projects, including rap and jazz albums and full length movies. Known for his dark sound, deep voice, and creative lyrics, First Degree The D.E. has been a factor in the West Coast rap scene for over 15 years, working and touring with Brotha Lynch Hung, Andre Nickatina, Tech N9ne, and more. First Degree The D.E. has sold over 75,000 units world-wide. His uninique style, music, and authenticity has delveloped First Degree The D.E. and global cult-like following.
Over the years, The D.E. has been active in the South Sacramento community. He has been featured in several Sacramento Bee and Sac News & Review articles, including a spread about his Bloods and Crips gang peace album, First Degree The D.E.s most noted accomplishments include appearances on Brotha Lynch Hung's "Loaded" and most recently Brotha Lynch Hung's "Dinner and a Movie", released by Strange Music Inc. First Degree The D.E. has performed in over 100 shows and had recently authored a book about Sacramento's musical past called The History of Sacramento Rap.
First Degree The D.E. attended Sam Brannon, Kennedy High School, Christian Brothers High School, Hampton University, Sac State University, and National University. Michael Colen has a Master's Degree in Global Teaching Strategies.
First Degree The D.E. in Sacramento News and Review
Check out First Degree The D.E.'s latest article about his new book, The History of Sacramento Rap HERE!
The History of Sacramento Rap Paperback
Sacramento’s greatest commodity isn’t the Kings, trees, the Farm-To-Fork Festival, or being the capitol of California. Around the world, Sacramento is most known for its rap music. Sac’s rich 35-year rap history is admired far beyond our borders. With Mozzy’s success and X-Raided’s prison release, Sac rap is bigger than ever!
The History Of Sacramento Rap, The Rise And Fall (1982-2009) takes an in depth look at the controversial history of our Sacramento rap culture. Did you know Sac's first rap group almost signed with Def Jam? Did you know Dr. Dre scratched on the first released Sac rap song in the 80’s? Do you know why Brotha Lynch left Black Market Records? Do you know what lead to Sac rap’s 2009 fall? Learn yo history!
First Degree The D.E.'s
FU5
First Degree the D.E. and the Fahrenheit Family are in the lab as we speak, working on FU5! This masterpiece in the making sets to change the game, utilizing the skills of MCs from yesterday and today. First Degree The D.E. features E-40, Mozzy, The Jacka, Biukshot and more! Comin not soon enough!
