What happens when a band is on the cusp of global dominance—only to have it all taken away? As part of the Jacksonville-based hip-hop group Asamov, Willie Evans Jr. helped create a sound that was both distinctly Duval and poised to reshape the Southern rap landscape. 

But it never happened. 

In this episode, Willie Evans Jr. (Niam Jones) explains how a cease and desist letter derailed the band—also composed of DJ Therapy (Paten Locke), Ja-One-Da (Joe Cox) and Basic (Buddy Vladimir Decastro)—and the profound impact of losing bandmates Locke and DeCastro.

He also reflects on the staying power of the band’s first, last and only album, “And Now.”

But as his recent video-based project “Brown Wonder” and his new album, “Pine Box Parables” make clear, nothing can stop Evans from continuing to set the creative agenda on the First Coast.  

Kingpins & Catalysts was executive produced by Letisha Bereola and Anne Schindler. It was directed by Brady Corum and produced by Stacey Bennett, who also composed the music. Graphic design by Bonnie Zerr.

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