Jamaican-born and Brooklyn-bred, Chubb Rock decided to forego his studies at Brown to dedicate himself to music. After his debut in 1987, he released a self-titled LP alongside DJ Hitman Howie Tee the following year. With his distinct baritone flow, intelligent social criticism, and intimidating physical proportions, he won over hip-hop listeners with four impressive albums between 1988 and 1992. In 1995, Chubb participated in the Crooklyn Dodgers formation, alongside O.C. and Jeru the Damaja, for the Clockers soundtrack. His career has since slowed down, though he has made memorable cameos on albums by Prince Paul, Mr. Len, and Zimbabwe Legit, and participated in the 2008 Crooklyn Dodgers reunion. 12 years after 1997's The Mind, Rock released Bridging the Gap in 2009. ~ Matt Rinaldi