Biography of Pharoahe Monch

While a member of the New York City duo Organized Konfusion, Pharoahe Monch developed a reputation as one of underground hip-hop's pre-eminent lyricists, crafting intricate and intelligent raps with partner Prince Poetry. After recording three albums together from 1991-1997, the two split up amicably, and Monch pursued a more aggressive solo style with the terrific independent label Rawkus. He made guest appearances on other artists' records and contributed tracks to the Rawkus compilation Soundbombing II, which raised expectations for his solo debut. The single/video "Simon Says" was released in the summer of 1999 and became a massive hit among rap and club audiences, setting the stage for a surprising debut -- just short of the Top 40 -- for the full-length Internal Affairs upon its release several months later. While he didn't release a second album -- Desire -- until 2007, he was active throughout the intervening years, with fiery singles like "The Life" (with Styles) and "Agent Orange," along with featured spots on tracks by Ras Kass, J Dilla, Pete Rock, and Sa-Ra. ~ Steve Huey

Biography of Kool G Rap

A key figure in the rise of the East Coast rap sound, Kool G Rap was born Nathaniel Wilson in Queens, New York on July 20, 1968; he turned to hip hop while in high school, and soon began collaborating with one DJ Polo (whom he met through mutual friend Eric Barrier, better known as one half of the legendary duo Eric B. and Rakim). Teaming with producer Marley Marl, Kool G Rap (short for "Kool Genius of Rap") and DJ Polo recorded their debut 12-inch "It's a Demo," an underground favorite which led to the release of their 1989 LP Road to Riches. After two more joint efforts, 1990's Wanted: Dead or Alive and 1992's Live and Let Die, the duo went their separate ways and Kool G Rap made his solo bow in 1995 with 4, 5, 6; he returned in 1998 with Roots of Evil, and that same year also contributed to UNKLE's all-star Psyence Fiction. ~ Jason Ankeny

Biography of Method Man

Born Clifford Smith on Staten Island, Method Man and his mush-mouthed rapping style electrified the 1993 debut album by the hip-hop collective Wu-Tang Clan. The incredibly dark, raw sound of Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers) influenced many rappers, and the album eventually reached gold status. As part of the Wu-Tang Clan's contract, each member had the authority to sign separate solo contracts, so Method Man moved to Def Jam for his solo debut Tical. The single "Bring the Pain" just missed the Top 40 in 1994, but the following year "I'll Be There for You/You're All I Need to Get By" (his duet with Mary J. Blige) reached number three in the charts. His second duet, "How High" featuring Redman, hit the Top 15 in August 1995. A single with Wu-Tang mates Raekwon and Ghost Face Killer breached the Top 40 later that year. Tical 2: Judgment Day followed in 1998, and a year later Method Man resurfaced with Blackout!, his long-awaited collaboration with Redman. ~ John Bush

Biography of Jonell

No biography available