Panama

James "Japiro" Nealy, Derrick Panama Beasley, and Ezekiel "Alcatrez" Givens began their journey as artists back in their hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. As high school students, they started a group called THE PRODUCERS and began doing shows and putting out their own music. While the local rap scene was being dominated by Baltimore Club music & talented artists like N.E.K, Mully Man and Skarr Akbar, the trio began to gain attention because of their fierce lyrical styles, amazing hooks and their ability to present stirring tales of everyday life with pin-point accuracy. The group first gained exposure, when band member Japiro took on all on challengers in an on air radio competition. For four weeks straight Japiro defeated all challengers landing him in the 92Q(WERQ) cipher line Hall of Fame. Panama and Alcatrez would both later enter into rap battles each claiming top honors in their competition as well. Feeling like they were falling into the trends of present day rap, the group left the scene and submerged themselves with classic albums and old recordings of live performances. With all the groups members being musically inclined they felt their edgy competitive style would stand out, so they decided to hit the stage with a live band and create a performance and stage presence that would out shine the rest. ;}