Grammy-winning Philadelphia DJ, producer, and turntablist Jeff Townes is known as half of DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince alongside Will Smith. He pioneered the Transformer scratch, executive-produced Jill Scott's multi-platinum debut, and released solo albums including The Magnificent.
Method Man is a rapper and actor born in Hempstead, Long Island. He became the first solo breakout star from the Wu-Tang Clan, releasing his platinum debut album Tical in 1994. He won a Grammy for his duet with Mary J. Blige and formed a hit duo with Redman.
MC Lyte is a pioneering hip-hop rapper, DJ, and actress with a 30-year career. She is the first female rapper nominated for a Grammy, the first female artist to earn a gold single, and the first rap artist to perform at Carnegie Hall. She has received numerous honors, including the RIAA Pioneers of Hip-Hop Honor and the BET Her Hip Hop Legend Award, and serves on the Kennedy Center's Hip Hop Culture Council.
Formed in Philadelphia by rapper Black Thought and drummer Questlove, the Roots are a progressive hip-hop band known for live instrumentation and acclaimed albums like Things Fall Apart. They earned a Grammy for You Got Me and became a prominent late-night television house band.
Born in Newark, rapper and producer Redman is known for his gritty style and enduring hip-hop career with multiple gold and platinum albums. He debuted in 1992 with Whut? Thee Album and formed notable duos with Method Man.
Common is a Grammy-winning artist, actor, and activist with a three-decade career. He won an Academy Award and an Emmy for the song Glory, co-written and performed with John Legend for the film Selma. His releases include the two-part album A Beautiful Revolution.
Born in Queens, New York, rapper and actor LL Cool J emerged in the 1980s with hits like Radio and Bigger and Deffer. Known for multi-platinum albums including Mama Said Knock You Out, he earned Grammy Awards, a Kennedy Center Honor, and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Method Man (Staten Island, Wu-Tang Clan) and Redman (Newark, Def Squad) are an iconic East Coast hip-hop duo known for their energetic style and clever lyrics. Their acclaimed collaborations include "How High" and "Da Rockwilder", featured on albums like "Blackout!". Method Man earned a Grammy, and Redman was named "Rap Artist of the Year". They are also recognized for their cult classic film "How High".
Yonkers, New York native Jadakiss, born Jason Phillips, is an East Coast hip-hop icon known for his distinctive raspy voice and sharp, hardcore rhymes. A key member of The Lox, his solo career includes hit albums like "Kiss of Death" and "Ignatius" (2020), and the Grammy-nominated track "Why?". He frequently collaborates with artists such as Styles P and Mariah Carey.
Z-Trip is an award-winning DJ/producer, dubbed a pioneer of the Mashup Movement. Hip-hop rooted but genre-blending, he’s collaborated with Linkin Park and Public Enemy, toured over a decade with LL Cool J, and released Shifting Gears (4-star Rolling Stone).