Home - Music - Videos - Tours - Downloads - Contact - MySpace Biography Rosetta Stoned is the independent hip hop duo of Mental Stamina and Stoney Ashes known for their energetic live sets, creative and innovative recorded material and an amazing connection with fans. Mental Stamina (lyricist) cruised through school with almost failing grades in English which stemmed from a deep hatred of writing. It wasn't until he started reading philosophers like Nietzsche, Voltaire, etc. that he developed an interest in the liberal arts. Stamina crafted his signature whiplash inducing style making music with his old crew the Wooden Idols, freestyling for crowds, and battling through the circuits of DC. Mental Stamina is known for his one of a kind delivery, self-loathing verses filled with morbid imagery, and jagged metaphors. Stoney Ashes (lyricist/producer) began writing rhymes in the mid 1990’s - influenced by The Roots, Dr. Dre, Wu- Tang, Organized Konfusion, Outkast and many other classic hip hop acts. As a college student he began performing locally in Atlanta and recording mix tapes and albums. In 2001 he moved to NYC for graduate school and continued pursuing his interest in creating original, heartfelt, and sincere music – performing at the legendary Apollo Theater, The pyramid, and many of NYC’s finest venues. As a sociologist and medievalist, Stoney floods his music with historical references, social commentary, and his observations of contemporary political economy. With more than 100 live sets under his belt, Stoney took his place as the veteran of the group. His animated performances keep the live shows hype, always trying to top his last stunt. The two have maintained a chemistry and momentum unseen in the DC area in years. Rosetta Stoned formed in 2006 and in that short amount of time they’ve shared the stage with The Beatnuts, Biz Markie, HR of Bad Brains, Subtle, Zion I, The Grouch, Glue, Percee P, Joey Beats, Sol.iLLaquists of Sound, Qwel, Robust, Mestizo, Yo Majesty!, Akir, Asheru, Kev Brown, etc...