Brand Nubian

Brand Nubian was formed in 1989 in the New York suburb of New Rochelle. Grand Puba (born Maxwell Dixon) had previously recorded with a group called Masters of Ceremony, and was joined by Sadat X (born Derek Murphy, originally dubbed Derek X), Lord Jamar (born Lorenzo DeChalus), and DJ Alamo (Murphy’s cousin). The group signed with Elektra and released their debut album, All for One, in 1990 which produced certified classic hit singles such as ‘All for One,’ ‘Slow Down,’ and ‘Wake Up.’ In 1992, Grand Puba made what would become a temporary departure from the group to release his solo debut, ‘Reel to Reel.’

Meanwhile in 1993, Lord Jamar and Sadat X regrouped with DJ Sincere (born Terrence Perry) and released Brand Nubian’s second album, In God We Trust which again produced a hit single, ‘Punks Jump up to Get Beat Down.’ Brand Nubian followed up in 1994 with the criminally slept on album, Everything Is Everything, which was politically charged manifesto on Black on Black crime, poverty and iniquitous ills that have plagued U.S. ghettos throughout history.

In 1995 Brand Nubian disbanded to pursue solo projects and outside interests. Grand Puba went on to record another solo album, 2000, Sadat X recorded his debut solo album, Wild Cowboys and Lord Jamar moved into production where he discovered and developed Dead Prez. Jamar also moved into acting and landed a recurring role on HBO’s prison drama ‘Oz’.

In 1998, with a new underground/alternative rap movement gaining prominence, the original four members of Brand Nubian reunited for the Arista album ‘Foundation’, which received highly positive reviews.

On August 10, 2004, Babygrande Records will release Brand Nubian’s new LP, “Fire In The Hole.” One of the few enduring groups of hip-hop’s golden era, and consisting of its’ core original members (Grand Puba, Lord Jamar, Sadat X), Brand Nubian remains a timeless talent, delivering an album that is as relevant in today’s commercial climate as it is a watershed musical reunion. With production from Lord Jamar and DJ Alamo, ‘Fire in the Hole’ promises to be a soulful reunion that will be appreciated by old fans and new.