A modern rap music genius, Slick Rick’s legend precedes him like no others. Originally known as Doug E. Fresh’s vocal partner in the Get Fresh Crew, MC Ricky D (as he was then known) brought a new kind of hip-hop hero to light. Suave, debonair and capable of both great poignancy and bawdy humor, Rick’s remarkable talent for wit-filled narratives resulted like some lyrical crossbreed of Bob Dylan and Richard Pryor. And his influence on a generation of rappers-from Snoop Dogg to the late Notorious B.I.G.- continues to be felt through contemporary times.

As the undisputed Godfather of Bay Area hip-hop, Too Short has earned the hip-hop community’s undying respect and admiration. Too Short’s legendary status is backed up by an incredible track record that spans over twenty years and sixteen albums, ten of which earned gold and/or platinum status. Very few artists approach his longevity; fewer have done so without compromising their style. After more than twenty years in the game and over ten albums (seven platinum), Too Short is still the Mack.

After releasing Fantastic Volume One independently, Slum Village became one of hip-hop's hottest groups. While working on Fantastic, vol. 2, they were joined in the studio by such luminaries as D'Angelo, Busta Rhymes, Kurupt, Pete Rock and A Tribe Called Quest's Q-Tip, among others. The resulting album became an underground classic and Slum Village was seen as the second coming of the Native Tongues (A Tribe Called Quest, Jungle Brothers, De La Soul) by member Q-Tip, as well as fans and journalists alike. Rising from the rugged streets and rich musical tapestry of Detroit, Slum Village is poised to carry on the old-school, funk, and soul-filled torch of hip-hop.

Planet Asia is the torchbearer for the rebirth of the Golden Era. The veteran Fresno, California rapper has been fresh since he emerged in the late 1990s as one of California’s most promising rhymers.  He released a string of acclaimed solo albums, including The Last Stand and The Grand Opening, and also teamed with Rasco to form the supergroup Cali Agents.  Throughout each of these releases, Planet Asia’s confident delivery, booming voice, and diverse subject matter made him an in-demand rhymer who has collaborated with artists such as Ghostface Killah, Linkin Park, Will.I.Am, and the Dub Pistols.  Planet Asia also earned a Grammy nomination in 2002, thanks to his collaboration with Mystic on the song “W.”

The Oakland duo of Amp Live and MC Zion, aka Zion I, have provided fans with their organic, conscious rhymes and original, layered grooves for nearly a decade. exploded onto the national hip-hop scene in 2000 with their debut LP Mind Over Matter. The record melded hip-hop with drum & bass and jazz elements and is now viewed by many as an indie classic. They have been long heralded by critics as one of the finest home-grown products to emerge from the Bay Area's burgeoning and legendary underground hip-hop world.

With a resume that includes DJ & Production work for Grammy Winners Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill, The Roots, Alicia Keys, Joss tone, The Isley Brothers, Kanye West, and more, it’s little wonder why J. Period is making big moves these days. Since 2005, his remix work has been commissioned by Def Jam Records, Capitol/EMI, Sony, Interscope, and Geffen Records; featured in Billboard Magazine, MTV News, SPIN, Vibe, XXL, and The Source; and is currently featured in the TV trailers for the Universal Pictures’ blockbuster American Gangster.