It's June 15, 2024, 10:58:53 PM
Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, rappers Lingo and Kolorado alongside DJ Rocco won plaudits for their furious mix of hip-hop, dancehall reggae and jazz styles, only occasionally lapsing into the cool groove of geographical neighbours like Arrested Development. Their background as jingle writers partially explained this eclecticism. Having met at high school in Virginia, the trio decided to make a career in music, after several abortive attempts at rapping, by forming their own production company in 1988. When they launched Shadz Of Lingo they hit on an effective old school style, inviting producers of note such as Erick Sermon (EPMD), Diamond D. and Solid Productions in to help them. Live, the band are noted for their freestyle approach, with Kolorado claiming never to write lyrics down, tailoring them instead for each individual occason.