Latin gangster rappers DarkRoom Familia hail from Hayward, CA (a town close to Oakland), and were originally formed in 1988. Like other burgeoning gangster rappers of the era, major labels weren't quick to sign such bands, so the bandmembers had to sell their tapes by taking them personally to record stores in the area as word of mouth quickly began to spread. DarkRoom Familia became one of rap's most prolific bands, issuing albums (whether it be by the band or solo releases by its members) at an extremely brisk rate. Eight albums were issued between 1999 and 2001 alone, including such titles as Traficantes, Veteranos, Felony Consequences, From the Barrio With Love, Gang Stories: The Darkroom Uncensored, Homicide Kings, Smile Now Cry Later, and Men of Honor, as well as the compilation Barrio Classics: 1988-1998. ~ Greg Prato