Patterning his persona and logo after the Marvel Comics supervillain Dr. Doom, the man behind MF (Metal Face) DOOM's iron mask is actually Daniel Dumile, aka Zev Love X, a member of former Big Apple hip-hoppers KMD.

MF DOOM's approach to music is what defines such phrases as, "the fine line between insanity and genius". Unconventional. Abstract. Unorthodox. These words merely scrape the surface of the layer of grain he goes against musically, conceptually and let us not forget rhythmically. As if to mock the standards of musical timing his vocal patterns take shape and words land upon the drums in the same manner that a rock is skipped great distances across a lake; skillfully, constant yet erratic, and without a hint of when it will come to an end.

The pure truth of the matter is that MF DOOM best personifies the origins of hiphop... even better than those who may focus on attempting to make music that sounds like how it did "back in the day" or the "old school". This is simply proven by the fact that Hip Hop culture was built on rebellion. The act of doing that which was generally considered to be taboo and that friends..is the essence of MF DOOM !

www.mfdoomsite.com

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 some of the most intricate and intelligent raps recorded.

He's now ready to reintroduce himself to a rap world crying out for genuine artists. At a time when a rapper's image and financial status appear to capture the attention of fans more than lyrical content and creative production, PHAROAHE has refused to dumb down his new projects choosing instead to the rules and principles he learnt growing up in hip hop's "golden age" - be original, be true to yourself and be as skillful as possible on the mic.

It's that DESIRE to keep pushing the limits of his craft that proves why PHAROAHE MONCH's name will be mentioned as one of the greatest emcees of the all time.

www.pharoahe-monch.com

Born in New Orleans, raised on the isle of Bermuda with intermittent stays in urban Toronto, Colin Harper is not an easy youth to pin down geographically. His musical alter ego COLLIE BUDDZ, however, is one of the most firmly grounded voices you may ever encounter. Incorporating influences from hip-hop to soca, Collie's music nevertheless has a rock-solid foundation in reggae - and its power to connect ghetto reality with the highest heights of human aspiration - that is a rarity even in Jamaica.

www.colliebuddz.com

TERIYAKI BOYZ® is NIGO® (The founder of popular streetwear brand A BATHING APE®)'s hip hop outfit, consisting of four MCs: VERBAL (from m-flo), ILMARI and RYO-Z (from Rip Slyme),WISE (from (B)APE SOUNDS®) and DJ NIGO®.

Their first album, "BEEF or CHICKEN", released by Def Jam Recordings and (B)APE SOUNDS®, was produced by a who's who of rap and electronica, including Ad Rock of Beastie Boys, Cornelius, Cut Chemist, Daft Punk, Dan the Automator, DJ Premier, DJ Shadow, Just Blaze, Mark Ronson, and The Neptunes.

Two tracks by TERIYAKI BOYZ® were featured on the "The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift" film's soundtrack. Their first single, "I still love H.E.R .", was produced by and featured Kanye West. Kanye also appears in the promotional video for the song.

TERIYAKI BOYZ® won MTV Asia Awards 2006's Breakthrough Collaboration.

www.teriyakiboyz.com

Born in Tokyo 1981, DJ UPPERCUT encountered HIP HOP through skating at an early stage of his life. His experience, as well his natural ability to produce fresh, innovative tracks, has given his music a unique sense of hybridness – unbound by any borders or genre.

It’s fair to say that UPPERCUT’s distinctive musical flair and ability to transform turntable into synthesizer has only but laid the groundwork for hip-hop innovators to come. He brings forth a creative balance between the underground scene and commercial expectations, hence attracting a wide range of listeners, from those who appreciate the true meaning of artistic innovation to those who may only be familiar with music for the masses.

Throughout his career, he has produced and programmed music for J-Dilla, Towa Tei, Rosco P. Coldchain, O.C, HIFANA, DOUBLE, & Lupe Fiasco, and has provided music for Nike campaigns worldwide.

www.myspace.com/ucakadjuppercut

ROSCO P. COLDCHAIN is more than just an upstart artist under the Neptune's Star Trak label, he's their franchise player.

Not wanting to follow the sounds of the Neptunes too closely, COLDCHAIN'S album "HAZARDOUS LIFE" consists of more than their infectious beats. He brought on mega-producers DJ Premiere (GangStarr), Kanye West, Mr.Porter (Denaun Porter) FAT!N, Alchemist and JellyRoll among others to create his own resonance on his work in progress. Being the franchise player he cannot rest his fame on the shoulders of his label. COLDCHAIN prides himself on being his own man, and it shows in his rhymes.

Most recently he was featured on BET's RAP CITY. And even though it's still in the making, the hype surrounding his album is increasingly immense.

www.myspace.com/pcoldchain

Welcome to the world of THE HUMAN ORCHESTRA a.k.a. KENNY MUHAMAD! This wizard of sound possesses an astounding ingenuity that enables him to construct an unlimited array of musical composition all without the use of what the average listener would consider to be instruments.

KENNY (THE HUMAN ORCHESTRA) has put an entirely new twist on the art that some of us would immediately call the human beat box. He defines the human body as the first instrument. Through an awesome manipulation of his own body, Kenny summons Afro Cuban, Jazz, Rock, Reggae, Salsa, House, Techno, Jungle, Drum & Bass, Trance, and Hip Hop rhythms from the depths of his soul to create amazing music.

THE HUMAN ORCHESTRA has performed across Africa, Japan, Europe, and throughout the United States. He has developed a worldwide fan base, captivating thousands as he shared the stage with Public Enemy, Mindless Self Indulgence, Matisyahu, Squarepusher, The X-ecutioners, Regina Bell, The Gap Band, Maxwell, Angie Stone and Stevie Wonder to name a few.

When you get the opportunity, take a melodious ride of sight, sound, and imagination with KENNY MUHAMAD, THE HUMAN ORCHESTRA.

DJ RED ALERT is recognized and respected worldwide as one of the founding fathers of Hip-Hop music and culture! He has received numerous awards and accolades including a special award at the first annual Rap Hall of Fame Awards show. The prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from IMPACT music trade publication for 1998 and the 1997 Mix Show DJ of the year award from GAVIN. In addition DJ Red Alert was named one of the 50 most influential people in music by ROLLING STONE magazine. Red Alert was recently inducted into the ROCK AND ROLL HALL of FAME in Cleveland, Ohio with his own exhibit.

The only DJ of this era so honored! KOOL DJ RED ALERT was named an honorary ambassador to the United Nations in recognition of his contributions in the field of music. In June 2003 Red Alert was inducted to the Bronx Walk of Fame where past honoree's have included such luminaries as General Colin Powell. DJ RED ALERT has appeared in over 50 music videos.