DescriptionComing out as one of the leading artists from the burgeoning Santa Cruz, CA hip-hop scene, Lost & Found Generation member Coley Cole is primed take the next step. His solo debut album entitled Goldplated Straitjackets will establish him as one of the most innovative, unique and intriguing voices in contemporary underground hip-hop. Blending the elusive wordplay of Aesop Rock, the psychotic creativity of Kool Keith, with a powerful production style deeply rooted in the West Coast, Goldplated Straitjackets has the potential to act as the spark for the next generation of artists poised to define the new West Coast hip-hop aesthetic. A native of Visalia, California, Coley cut his teeth in local battles, culminating in his being crowned champion of the prestigious Streetrock battle in 2001. 2001 was the same year that Coley joined the Santa Cruz based collective, Lost & Found Generation. The crew released their debut album the following year to critical praise, but label problems left it under-funded and under-promoted. Nevertheless, the crew was able to use that album as a foot-in-the-door, performing with the likes of Mos Def, Talib Kweli, KRS-One, Dead Prez, De La Soul, and Twista. Coley Cole and other group members also began collaborating with some of the most respected underground artists on the West Coast. LFG has toured with both Josh Martinez and members of Oldominion. Recently Coley produced 8 tracks on Grayskul?s limited-edition tour CD, Creature.