The origins of Massachusetts-based rap troupe the Camp start around 2001 at a University of Massachusetts-Amherst open mike, where DJ Hevan and MC Excetera met for the first time. Rounded out by third and fourth members Eye and Dese, the group was originally called E3. However, when Eye graduated in 2005, he departed the group to pursue a solo career as Skipp Whitman. That same year, the remaining three found tough battle rapper Grime tha MC, and they renamed themselves the Camp. The foursome's first offering was the street-level mixtape Make Room, released independently in 2006. Showing influences of the Beastie Boys as well as Jedi Mind Tricks, their combination of hardcore East Coast beats with college frat rap enjoyed radio play on college campuses in Boston and the surrounding New England area. This led to a collaboration with Connecticut native and Demigodz MC Apathy, who produced the Camp's first single, "Cruise Control," from the crew's in-the-works debut album, The Campaign. The single caught the ears of Massachusetts independent Commonwealth, and the label signed the foursome to an album deal in 2008. Executive produced by Apathy, The Campaign arrived later that April. ~ Cyril Cordor