Da King & I

This jazz and dancehall-influenced Brooklyn duo consisting of Izzy, the MC, and Majesty, the DJ made some rumblings in 1993 with their one and only LP, Contemporary Jeep Music, primarily on the strength of two singles, "Flip Da Script" and "Tears." Conceived and produced by Atlanta hip-hop mogul, Dallas Austin, the duo's sound is jazzy East Coast hip-hop with a slight southern twang. Although slightly reminiscent of Pete Rock & CL Smooth, their sound is relatively distinct. Izzy's voice and lyrical ability are quite superb and the album still sounds smooth and fairly fresh today. Unfortunately, the duo was unable to carve out their own niche in the early '90s between the hardcore pillars of Onyx and Naughty By Nature, and nary a peep has been heard from them since. ~ Michael Di Bella