Their no-frills ethos musical technique in combination with their powerful lyrics, artful collaborations and harmonizing choruses are just a few stylistic features that gives Jurassic 5 their edge.Their music makes you want to break out you roller skates or tear up the carpet, situate bright disco lights in your living room, invite 5 of your closest friends over and get down.Jurassic 5 started as a six piece hip hop group in Los Angeles, California in 1994. The 5 man collective consists of rappers Chali 2na, Akil, Zaakir aka Soup, Mark 7even and, turntable maestros DJ Nu-Mark and DJ Cut Chemist.They got their start in the LA scene by constantly opening for as many bands as they could and shameless self promotion. They had an old pal; Bigga B who situated gigs in Los Angeles called Unityù and it is here, where they had the chance to perform a numerous amount. Bigga B allowed Jurassic 5 the opportunity to open for big acts such as Wu-Tang and if you ever hear one of the Jurassic's members mention his name it is said with deep reverence, and then followed with a genuine smile.In 1997, Jurassic released their first record, Jurassic 5 EP on their own short-lived label named Rumble/Pickininny Records. This release cemented their arrival in the 1990s alternative hip hop evolution while maintaining their underground grit. Though the label did not last, it created a platform for the group and aroused attention in the music industry.In 1998, Pan Records repackaged their previous material, added a couple more tracks and released their debut album, Jurassic 5 LP. In 1999, Jurassic 5 signed with Interscope Records, who ushered their second album, Quality Control and their third album, Power In Numbers (2003). Their most recent album was July 25, 2006 which included their inspirational song, Work It Outù which they perform with Dave Matthews.They are non-traditional in many ways, but that is what makes them who they are.Their tracks often reach back to the old school sentiment of New York's Native Tongues Posse, which included De La Soul and the Jungle Brothers, they tour outside of normalù hip-hop circles and are known for their unique tag-team delivery, with four MCs trading off lyrics and usually finishing one another's sentences.The band has grown together through their travels and they have previously discussed how having a near fatal bus accident in 2000, (when their bus driver fell asleep) certainly made them all a bit more conscious of their beliefs and appreciate their journey along the way. Though the accident may have brought them closer at one point, it was recently announced in March, 2007 that Cut Chemical decided to leave the crew. However, there doesn't seem to be any hard feelings. They all agree that sometimes, it's just time to move on.Though they have been around for years and have shared the stage with mainstream bands such as Fiona Apple, Bruce Springstein and Green Day, yet, you hardly hear them on the radio. Maybe it's because Jurassic 5 really doesn't like labels or categories. They simply enjoy the art of creating music. Who likes categories, anyway? Fitting into one category is so boring and Jurassic 5 likes keeping their fan's guessing.Young Hollywood if you're looking for some colorful funk and with a hint of inspiration, Jurassic 5 is right up your alley.

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