Brand Nubian

FORMED: 1989, New Rochelle, NY

Picking up on the so-called "daisy age" sound of De La Soul, Brand Nubian's cool, funky rap serves as a platform for the group's declarations of Islamic faith and for the teachings of the Five Percent Nation. The group's original lineup was composed of lead rapper Maxwell "Grand Puba" Dixon (formerly of the Masters of Ceremony), Lorenzo "Lord Jamar" Dechelaus, Derrick "Sadat X" Murphy, and his cousin DJ Alamo. Following the group's acclaimed 1990 debut, One for All, Grand Puba departed for a solo career, taking DJ Alamo with him. The remaining members added DJ Sincere and have continued to record albums detailing their religious beliefs and promoting self-reliance and peace. After 1994's Everything Is Everything, the group was largely silent until returning four years later with Foundation.

~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide