Guilty Simpson

In contrast to his imposing presence and hard thug posture comparable to rappers like Bumpy Knuckles or Big Shug, Detroit rhyme-slayer Guilty Simpson first achieved exposure on records by eccentric left-field producers like Madlib, Dabrye, Four Tet, and one of his biggest admirers, Detroit's own J Dilla. In late 2006 he officially joined the roster of L.A.-based Stones Throw Records, one of the label homes of the late Jay Dee. After appearing on the label's Chrome Children compilation and tour, Simpson steadily worked on his 2008 solo debut, Ode to the Ghetto, which featured beats from Madlib, Mr. Porter, and Black Milk, among others. ~ Cyril Cordor