The New Kids On The Block!

By Melissa Kimble

Remember the days when hip-hop was fun? When a certain fresh faced prince from Philly and his DJ brought a lighter sound to a time when gangsta rap was on the rise? Individuality through music and freedom of self expression-without trying to be hard- became important. The group, The Pack, built from North California's independent hip hop scene are armed with a fresh hip hop sound quite different from whats going on now- just like the before mentioned artist. Consisting of MC's Young L, 20, Lil Uno, 18, Stunna Man, 20 and Lil B, 18 the foursome met while attending Berkeley High School in the Bay Area are steady building a constant fan base with local success and their movement is quickly spreading. Their 2006 homage to sneakers, the single "Vans" quickly gave them the much needed attention they deserved and caught the ear of an Oaklant hip hop legend Too Short, who led them to a deal with Jive Records. They released the EP Skateboards 2 Scrapers . "Vans" became even more of a hit landing them fans in New York as well fans at MTV and MTV2 where the group became even more popular. Their debut entitled Based Boys is a play on their self-defined sound and genre based music. Young L, who has a pure talent creating a great bulk of the group's beats, might have an ear for a fresh-fun sound but also has a keen business sense. "Regardless of how good your music is, this business is based on how many people know about your music," says Young L. Their sound is energetic and unique, the look is fun and fly- all testament to the Bay Area and how refreshing the sound from California can be amidst a time when Southern Hip Hop reigns supreme. With their Wolf Pack mixtapes, singles like "In My Car," and "Shinin,'" and a debut quietly bubbling up to the surface, the group is sure to add something new to the mix.