Hailing from the east side of Detroit and listening to artists like Rakim and Nas, cousins Kavary Capsico (Magnif) and Alfred Austin (Griot) knew at an early age that they both wanted to make music. They started performing together, with Magnif as DJ and producer and Griot as MC, releasing "Mic Check" in 2003, a song that got them enough local attention to have their next single, "The Shining," produced by J Dilla (with Phat Cat taking the honors on the B-side, "Represent"). Madlib worked on their 2005 single, "High," which led to a signing with Babygrande Records and the release of their debut full-length, Soundvision: In Stereo, later that year. ~ Marisa Brown