Born, Santonio Hughbanks, S.U.N. (Scientific Universal Noncommercial) is and has always been a lyrical expressionist in every sense of the term. Rapping since the youthful age of 16, he later went on to co-found the group UBU. With partner Brother Browne, the group explored spirituality and culture to the tune of lyrical abstractions and blazing hot hip hop beats. The duo enjoyed success with two independent releases, "Deep Space" and "Radical Spiritual Aggression". 　　 　　The itch to put out a solo album became overwhelming as some of his music and lyrics were only relevant for a solo release. Sun's always made his music for himself first, so in late '97 Sun began recording his tour-de-force, "Shining Underground" and brought his whole vision to life. 　　 　　With the release of this album, Sun has not only received the love and respect of his hip-hop community, but has received high praise from some in the music press. MTV on-line writer, Christina Branson, had this to say of his performance at U of M, Michigan: "Hip Hop phenomenon S.U.N. aka Santonio Hughbanks lit up Club Heidleberg with sweet beats and lyrical finesse. The promising rapper dropped verses from his debut album "Shining Underground" (Black Soul On Vinyl) causing the crowd to bob their heads and chant: S.U.N." Underground Soundz Magazine confirms "distinct styles and hard edged lyrical delivery... advanced poetical stylings... definitely some of the most exciting hip hop to come from Michigan." His music has been used as sound track for an independent film. His current album continues to sell heavily in the midwest and across the nation. 　　 　　"T.H.U.G. (True Heart Under Ground)" is the first single from the album. Sun views himself and many in his community as "underground", not just in music, but in life... struggling underground, away from the system. He redefines the term thug- taking away from its original meaning. "Shining Underground" is another highlight from the album giving enlightening insight into the mind of a free thinker. On "Just For a Minute" his ingenious sampling of Q-Tip's very recognizable line from "Got Til It's Gone" by Janet Jackson makes a pleasing backdrop for his lyricism. The album features several other rappers including Invincible, Paradime, Mr. Sinns, Browne & Bizarre. 　　 　　Production was handled by relative newcomer Tink Thomas for Produk Productions. His hip hop tracks are structured and clean. Thomas is a unique new talent in his own right. 　　 　　Off stage, S.U.N. is relaxed and contemplative. His live shows are spontaneous; "it's the point when God manifests." With that said, you can be sure freestyle will be a present element. One of his personal quotes is "Underground music should be felt not heard." 　　 　　S.U.N. is looking to sign to a major or well poised independent who knows how to break a hip hop artist nationally with DJs, media and retail. Silent Records is quickly becoming well known for its high standards in hip hop's purist style. The label is positioning itself to be picked up by a heavyweight distributor or label.