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A Tribe Called Quest
Profile:
Q-Tip, Phife Dawg (aka Mutty Ranks), Jarobi and Ali Shaheed Muhammad. Legendary hip-hop group, every album they made is a classic. Part of the Nativue Tongues collective. They split in 1998, since then rumours of a possible reunion are buzzin.
Disco:
People's Instinctive Travels and the Paths of Rhythm (1990) - The Low End Theory (1991) - Midnight Marauders (1993) - Beats, Rhymes & Life (1996) - The Love Movement (1998)
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A.D.O.R.
Profile:
Eddie Castellanos. Washington Heights, NY. Aka Another Dimension Of Rhythms, A Dialect Of Realism, A Declaration Of Revolution, A Direction Of Responsibility and many more. Went to school with Puff Daddy, Pete Rock, Heavy D, and Al B Sure. Pete Rock produced some of his music, like his first 1992 released single 'Let It All Hang Out'. His album from 1994 'The Concrete' is mad rare because it was never released officially.
Disco:
The Concrete (1994) - Shock Frequency (1998) - Animal 2000 (2000) - Classic Bangerz vol 1 (2003) - Signature Of The Ill (2005)
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A.G.
Profile:
Aka Andre Barnes aka Andre the Giant. Before becoming a DITC member, somewhere in 1990, he was known as MC Infinite. During the recording sessions of Finesse's first album he teamed up with Showbiz. They dropped the two classics 'Runaway Slave' (1992) and 'Goodfellas' (1995) + the also classic EP’s 'Soul Clap/Party Groove' (1992) and 'Full Scale' (1997). 'Full Scale' was later released on cd (2001, Fat Beats) in an album version. Introduced us to his Get Dirty 74 -crew mates the Ghetto Dwellas.
Disco:
The Dirty Version (1999) - Get Dirty Radio (2006)
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A.T.E.E.M., the
Profile:
All-around Totally Extraterrestrial Entertaining Muthafuckers. Chubb Rock’s protégés Rob Swinga, Hot Dog and FM. Their one and only album issued on Select. It is produced by the Trackmasterz.
Disco:
A Hero Ain’t Nuthin But A Sandwich (1992)
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Abdominal & DJ Faze
Profile:
Straight from Toronto, Canada. Abdominal worked with DJ Format, he appeared on the latter's "Music for the Mature B-Boy LP".
Disco:
Flowtation Device (2002)
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Above The Law
Profile:
Cold 187um, aka Big Hutch, KMG the Illustrator, Go Mack and DJ Total K-Oss. California gangsta rap group signed to Ruthless Records. Their first album was co-produced by Dr Dre. Some of their post-1994 albums were released on Tommy Boy.
Disco:
Livin Like Hustlers (1990) - Black Mafia Life (1993) - Uncle Sam's Curse (1994)
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Abstract Mindstate
Profile:
Chicago duo comprimised of female MC Ebony Poetess The Hellcat aka The White Lotis and Ice Gre aka The Gud Dr. Stewpot Stowawayz crew. Also called the Wonder Twins of The Windy City. Worked with Kanye West.
Disco:
We Paid Let Us In! (2001)
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Abstract Rude
Profile:
West Coast underground vet. Together with Mikah 9 and Aceyalone he founded the group Haiku d'Etat, Abstract & Aceyalone are also known as The A-Team and with Fat Jack he forms Abstract Tribe Unique. His latest albums issued on Battle Axe.
Disco:
Makin Tracks (2002) - P.A.I.N.T. w/ Tribe Unique (2001) - Code Name Scorpion w/ Moka Only & Prevail (2001) - Showtyme (2003)
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Abstract Tribe Unique
Profile:
Abstract Rude on the mic and Fat Jack behind the boards. Quality abstract underground!
Disco:
Mood Pieces (2000) - South Central Thynk Thank (2000)
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Access Immortal
Profile:
Brooklyn representative. Access appeared on the Def Jux 3 compilation, worked with Insight and self-released a mix CD, "Limited Edition" in 2004 which featured Wordsworth, Substantial, Karniege, Poison Pen and Oktober. His official debut album "Shades of Reality" issued on EarlySpotter Rec and is produced by J-Zone, 7-L, Insight and Green Steez.
Disco:
Limited Edition (2004) - Shades of Reality (2005) - New York Yankee (2006)
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Ace Lover
Profile:
N.Y. underground, affiliated with the Stronghold crew, 'Ya Girls Favourite LP' is a collection of earlier released singles and freestyles with appearances by Pumpkinhead, Vast Aire, Lil Sci (Scienz of Life) and C Rayz Walz. Teamed up with Oktober to form the super group '2 for 5', they released 'Broke Minds Think Alike' in 2004.
Disco:
Ya Girls Favorite LP (2001) - Broke Minds Think Alike (w/ Oktober as 2 for 5) (2004)
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Aceyalone
Profile:
Former member of West Coast's Freestyle Fellowship. In 1994, he stepped out the group. Worked with producers Joey Chavez, Evidence (on "Accepted Eclectic"), RJD2, El-P (on "Love & Hate") and Fat Jack. He's also the founder of the Project Blowed label.
Disco:
All Balls don’t bounce (1995) - A book of human language (1998) - Accepted Ecclectic (2001) - Hiphop and the World We Live In (2003) - Love & Hate (2003) - Magnificent City (w/ RJD2) (2006)
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Acts29
Profile:
Braille, Ohmega Watts and Soul Plasma. Pre-Lightheaded group with a strong religious content.
Disco:
Under Exposed (2002)
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Adagio!
Profile:
Down with the Juggaknots, appears on their full re-issue LP 'Clear Blue Skies'. Most of his singles are rare and cost a lot of money. Cousin of producer Ovious Wonder.
Disco:
New York to Philly: the EP (1997)
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Aesop
Profile:
Living Legends crew.
Disco:
Tha Supahuman (1996) - Demonstration (1996) - Area 51 Top Secret 51 (1997) - As Good As It Gets (1998) - A Glimpse Of The Future (1999) - I Made This Vol 1 (2000) -Black Libra (2001) - Seeds Of Hiphop (2004)
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Aesop Rock
Profile:
Def Jux family, has a typical low, melancholic style, he's the Nick Cave of rap music! Worked with Atoms Family, Vast Aire, MURS, C Rayz Walz, Prefuse 73, El-P
Disco:
Music for earthworms (1998) - Appleseed EP (1999) - Float(2000) - Labor Days (2001) - Daylight EP (2002) - Bazooka Tooth (2003) - Fast Cars, Danger Fire and Knives (2005) - None Shall Pass (2007)
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Afro's, the
Profile:
Their album was released on JMJ Records, Jam Master Jay's record label, on which Smooth Ice's album was released too. Besides JMJ's beats, production is done by DJ Hurricane(Beastie Boys).
Disco:
Kickin Afrolistics (1990)
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Afu-ra
Profile:
Came on the scene through Jeru the Damaja with his featuring on the "Wrath of the Math" album. DJ Premier produced a lot of his songs. His debut album issued on KOCH Records. Crew: Perverted Monks.
Disco:
Body Of The Life Force (2000) - Life Force Radio (2002) - Presents: Perverted Monks (2004) - State Of The Arts (2005)
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Ahmad
Profile:
South Central, LA. Ahmad debuted with his self-titled 1994 banger when only 18 years old. He returned in 2001 with the group 4th Avenue Jones.
Disco:
Ahmad (1994)
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Akbar
Profile:
Representin Chi-Town. His album is an underground classic, it issued on Ill Boogie Records.
Disco:
Big Bang Boogie (2001)
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Akinyele
Profile:
Akinyele Adams. Formerly known as Akafella. Queens rapper, affiliated with Large Professor, whom he went to school with. He featured on the infamous 'Live at the BBQ' track on Main Source's 'Breaking Atoms'. His debut album is produced by Large Pro and contains Rob Swift scratches. In 1999, Ak returned with porn style on 'Aktapuss' and 'Anakonda'. Also legendary are the singles 'Butt naked and fuck' and 'Three XXX'.
Disco:
Vagina Diner (1993) - Put It in your Mouth EP (1996) - Aktapuss (1999) - Anakonda: Bennie Ill (2001) - Live at the Barbecue (Music Killz): Unreleased Classics (2004)
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Akir
Profile:
Member of The Reavers, down with Immortal Technique.
Disco:
Legacy (2006)
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Akrobatik
Profile:
Boston native. One of today's rawest lyricists. Homie of Mr Lif, with whom he forms the group the Perceptionists. His first LP was released on Coup d’ Etat Records and features productions by Diamond D, Fakts One and D-Tension.
Disco:
EP (2000) - Balance (2003) - Lost Adats (2004) - Absolute Value (2008)
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Al Tariq
Profile:
Aka Fashion. Former member of The Beatnuts, formed the group Missin Linx two years after his solo effort. Rumours say he'll rejoin The Beatnuts, soon...?
Disco:
God Connections (1996)
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Ali Dee
Profile:
Queens, NY, white rapper. Started as a break dancer, formed the group The Next School with Zone-TDK. They dropped the LP "Settin An Example" in 1990 on Chrysalis, Ali's solo album equals rough lyrics and jazz beats, it also features Kool G Rap on the title track. Dee ressurected in a group called Mister Jones in 1998, still makin music.
Disco:
Bring It On (1993)
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Alkaholiks, tha
Profile:
E-Swift, J-Ro and Tash. Formerly known as ESP (Everyday Street Poets) before they got signed to Loud. Founders of the Likwit Crew which includes King Tee, Defari, Xzibit, Barbershop MC’s, Phil the Agony, Lootpack. Changed the group name into Tha Liks.
Disco:
21 & Over (1993) - Coast II Coast (1995) - Likwidation (1997) - XO Experience (2001) - Firewater (2006)
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All City
Profile:
NYC residents J Mega and Greg Valentine. The group became famous with the killer 12" "All City" produced by DJ Premier. Affiliated with Onyx. Unfortunately, they made a rather mediocre album.
Disco:
Metropolis Gold (1998)
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All Natural
Profile:
Capital D and Tone B. Nimble straight from the Windy City Chicago. Top class underground vets. “No Additives, No Preservatives” is an underground classic with top notch jazzy beats. It has production by the Molemen on it. It’s released on their own self-titled label, which has become a haven for underground talents such as Iomos Marad, The Pacifics, Greenweedz, Family Tree and many more.
Disco:
No additives, no preservatives (1998) - Second Nature (2001) - Vintage (2005) - Elements (Fire) (2008)
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Alliance
Profile:
Brooklyn, NY. King Of Chill, K-Swift and DJ Skill. The group was signed to First Priority. They're also known as The Alliance of Emcees and/or Brooklyn Alliance. Their first release issued in 1985 as 'The King Of Chill & The Alliance of Emcees', with the single 'The Beast Within'. Their debut album ''We Could get used to this' is nothing but a classic, produced by King of Chill (Barsha, Audio Two, MC Lyte, Kings of Swing, MC Peaches).
Disco:
We Could Get Used to This (1988)
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Almighty RSO, the
Profile:
Boston group. Consisting of Deff Jeff, E-Devious, Tony Rhome and Ray Dog. In the late 90s, they changed their name into Made Men. Ray Dog is also known as Benzino, editor of The Source.
Disco:
Revenge of da Badd Boyz: the EP (1993) - Doomsday: RSO Forever (1996)
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Aloe Blacc
Profile:
Nathaniel Dawkins. California. One half of Emanon. Featured on Kazi's "The Plague", Oh No's "The Disrupt" and many more. Released "Want Me/Arrive" on Stones Throw.
Disco:
The Aloe Blacc EP: Personal Bussiness (2002) - The Aloe Blacc EP 2: Me & My Music (2004)
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Amad-Jamal
Profile:
LA City. Long-time friend of Defari. First album released on ABB Records.
Disco:
Barely Hangin On: The Chronicles Of A Brotha Like Rodney King (2010)
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Ambidex
Profile:
Born and raised in Boston. Also a member of the Split Personalities crew. Dropped his first solo effort on EarlySpotter Recordings.
Disco:
The Great Potato Famine (2005)
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AMG
Profile:
West Coast gangsta Jason Lewis. He featured on DJ Quik, Domino and 2nd II None albums. Also produced a cut on Boss’s "Born Gangstaz" album. His debut album issued on Select Records.
Disco:
Bitch Betta Have my Money (1991) - Ballin Outta Control (1995) - Bitch Betta Have My Money 2002 (2002)
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Analog Brothers, the
Profile:
Ice T (aka Ice Oscillator), Kool Keith (aka Keith Korg) and Rex Roland. big pimpin yo!
Disco:
Pimp to Eat (2000)
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Anotha Level
Profile:
LA's Ced Twice, Stenge, Stones, Imani and Bambino. The album issued on Priority Records and features Don Jagwarr, Ice Cube and The Pharcyde.
Disco:
On Anotha Level (1994)
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Antoinette
Profile:
Queens, NY. Introduced by producer Hurby 'Luv Bug' Azor on his compil "Hurby's Machine". Her single "I Got an Attitude" (1987, on Next Plateau) was nominated as one of the best singles of that year by the legendary Ego Trip magazine. She appeared on DJ Kool Red Alert's "Let's Make It Happen compil pt3" and she was affiliated with the Nativue Tongues.
Disco:
Who's The Boss? (1989) - Burnin at 20 Below (1990)
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Anttex
Profile:
From Hollis, Queens, had two underground hits with "Understand me Vanessa" and "Hot Summer Days". "Suburban Etiquette" features his crew The Motherfunkin Clik and the first appearance of Havoc (Mobb Deep) on wax. The album issued on Tuff City Records!
Disco:
Suburban Etiquette (1991)
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Apache
Profile:
New Jersey’s Anthony Teak. His album appeared on Tommy Boy: rough raps and funky beats. Down with Queen Latifah (she's also executive producer of Apache's album) and the whole Flava Unit, the LP "Apache ain't shit" features guest rhymes by Nikki D, Milo, Callie Weed, Treach form Naughty by Nature and Cee from Brothers ov da Black Market. Productions by Mark the 45 King, A Tribe Called Quest, Large Professor, Diamond D, Double D and Apache himself. Apache featured on the Flavor Unit crew anthem "Assassination Squad".
Disco:
…ain’t shit (1991)
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Apani B (Fly Emcee)
Profile:
Hollis, Queens, NY. Worked with Mr Complex, L Fudge, DJ Crossphada, DJ Spinna, Talib Kweli and Pharoahe Monch. Formed the Polyrhythm Addicts with Spinna, Shabaam Sahdeeq and Complex. Has her own label Q-Boro.
Disco:
Story 2 Tell (2003)
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Apathy
Profile:
Demigodz baby!
Disco:
It's The Bootleg Mu#ckers vol 1 (2003) - Where's Your Album (2004) - Eastern Philosophy (2006) - Wanna Snuggle? (2009)
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Arcee
Profile:
From Toronto, Canada. He's tight with producer Jake One, featured on some Beat Junkie mixtapes. His first release is a mixed compil with formerly released 12”s.
Disco:
Mixedwell (2003)
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Army of Pharoahs, the
Profile:
Vinnie Paz, 7L & Esoteric, Apathy, Celph Titled, Des Devious, Faez One, Reef The Lost Cauze and Chief Kamachi. Founded by Vinnie Paz of JMT. They dropped a single in 1999 on Superregular Recordings and did a few guest spots. Debut album's coming soon somewhere in 2005 on Babygrande.
Disco:
Rare Shit, Collabos & Freestyles (2003) - Torture Papers (2006) - Ritual of the Battle (2008)
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Arsonists, the
Profile:
NY underground rap group, Q-Unique, D-stroy, Freestyle, Swel Boogie and Jise One. Used to appear under the name Bushwick Bomb Squad before signing to Matador. They released a couple of 12s on Fondle Em. The group departed somewhere in 2002. Q-Unique signed with Uncle Howie Records.
Disco:
As the world burns (1999) - Date of birth (2001)
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Artifacts, the
Profile:
Tame One and El da Sensei comin straight outta New Jersey aka New Jerusalem aka da Bricks. Released two classics with production by Redman (El’s cousin), Lord Finesse, Shawn J Period, T-Ray. Both rappers went solo and their relation is tensed (see Tame One's solo albums).
Disco:
Between a rock & a hard place (1994) - That’s them (1997)
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Asamov
Profile:
J One-Da (MC/Producer), Therapy (MC/Producer/DJ), Willie Evans Jr. (MC/Producer), Basic (MC/Producer/DJ). Their debut album released on 6Hole and features Mr Lif, Akrobatik and J-Live, a.o. Switched their names to The A.B.'s. after legal issues.
Disco:
And Now... (2005)
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Asheru & Blue Black (Unspoken Heard)
Profile:
Virginia MC's. Signed with 7Heads Ent. Worked with J-Live, Mr Complex, Djinji Brown, J-Rawls, 88 Keys, The Sound Providers.
Disco:
Soon Come (2001) - 48 Months (2003)
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A-Team, the
Profile:
Aceyalone and Abstract Rude.
Disco:
Who framed…? (2000) - Lab Down Under (2003)
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Athletic Mic League
Profile:
Texture, Tre Styles, Grand Cee, Buff, Vital and 14 KT from Detroit.
Disco:
Thrill of victory, agony of defeat (1997) - The thrill is gone (2000) - Sweats & Kicks (2002) - Jungle Gym Jungle (2004) - Isolation EP (2005)
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Atmosphere
Profile:
Minneapolis. The group of mc Slug and producer Ant.
Disco:
Overcast! (1997) - Lucy Ford: the ep’s (2001) - God loves Ugly (2002) - Seven’s Travels (2003) - You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having (2005) - When Life Gives You Lemons (Paint That Shit Gold) (2008)
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Atoms Family, the
Profile:
Da Cryptic One, Jest One, GreyType, Wind N Breeze, Kasm, Vordul, Vast Aire, Alaska, and DJ Cips.
Disco:
The Prequel (2000) - Euphony (2001)
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Audio Two
Profile:
Milk D and Gizmo from Brooklyn. First Priority fam. They're the sons of First Priority CEO Nat Robinson and brothers of MC Lyte. They blew up the spot with the 12" "Top Billin". Their last album "Dead Indian" is one of the rarest albums out there. Milk D returned in 1994 with an album on American Recordings and he did a lot of production work too.
Disco:
What more can I say? (1988) - I don’t care (1990) - The First Dead Indian (1992)
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Awar
Profile:
Admiral and lethal lyricist Awar. 'Glory Days' features production by M-Phazes (Supastition), Chum the Skrilla Guerilla (Demigodz), Styalz, Vanderslice, Decap, and JJ Brown. Guests are Poison Pen, Diabolic, iCON the Mic King, MANiFEST the Mulinyan, Dezin8d, and Shane.
Disco:
Glory Days (2005)
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Away Team, the
Profile:
Justus League's Sean Boog and Khrysis. Boog featured on Foreign Exchange's 'Connected'. They also featured on some Bootcamp Click releases.
Disco:
National Anthem (2005)
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Awesome Dre and the Hardcore Committee
Profile:
Straight outta Detroit. Their first album issued on Priority and it's fiercely influenced by the Scarface legend.
Disco:
You Can’t Hold Me Back (1989)
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AWOL One
Profile:
aka Awolrus. LA. Member of the Shapeshifters.
Disco:
Three Eyed Coweez (1998) - Rebirth (2002) - War Of Art (2006)
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AZ
Profile:
Brooklyn, NY. Affiliated with Nas. Appeared for the first time on Nas' classic "Illmatic" album.
Disco:
Doe or Die (1995) - Pieces of A Man (1998) - SOSA (2000) - 9 Lives (2001) - Aziatic (2002)
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Azie
Profile:
Member of the infamous Mobstyle group. In 2002, Miramax released a movie, 'Paid In Full', based on his life, it was distributed by Roc-A-Fella Movies. His debut album is mad rare but has been re-issued in the meanwhile (www.streetlegendz.biz).
Disco:
Streetwise (1990) - Blood On My Money (2003)
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K-Cloud & MC Valentine
Profile:
& the crew!
Disco:
We're Here To Stay (1989)
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