Hip-Hop · US · Active since 1991

2 Skinnee J's

High-energy rap-rock with a sci-fi heart and a comedian's wit. Live-band hip-hop for people who grew up on comic books and Saturday morning cartoons.

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Intro

Imagine a block party hosted by a group of hyper-articulate comic book shop employees who happen to be incredible musicians. 2 Skinnee J's deliver a blast of pure, unadulterated fun that bridges the gap between the aggressive crunch of 90s rock and the rhythmic bounce of golden-era hip-hop. Their sound is defined by sharp, dual-MC trade-offs and a rhythm section that hits with the precision of a funk band and the weight of a punk outfit.

What truly sets them apart is their refusal to take the 'rap-metal' label seriously, often parodying the very tropes they utilize. Their lyrics are a dense tapestry of pop-culture deep cuts, sci-fi metaphors, and self-deprecating humor, all delivered with a theatrical flair that suggests the stage is their natural habitat. It is music that celebrates the outsider with a massive, inclusive grin.

Start with 'SuperMercado!' to hear them at their major-label peak. It captures the quintessential 2 Skinnee J's experience: infectious hooks, clever wordplay, and a sonic brightness that makes it impossible to stay still. It is the perfect entry point for anyone who likes their hip-hop with a side of distorted guitar and a heavy dose of irony.

2 Skinnee J's (alternatively spelled Two Skinnee J's or Too Skinnee J's) is an American hip hop band from Brooklyn, New York, whose music has been categorized as nerdcore and rap rock. The band was founded in 1991 by Special J (vocals), Rabbi J-Slim (vocals), Joey Viturbo (guitar), Sammy B (bass guitar), DJ Casper (keyboards), and Andy Action (drums). With numerous line-up changes, the band was active through the 1990s until 2003, when they officially disbanded. The group recorded several demos, 2 EPs, and 3 studio albums; SuperMercado! on Capricorn Records, Volumizer on Volcano Records, and Sexy Karate on Dolphins vs. Unicorns. The band went through several key membership changes before its breaking up in 2003, although they briefly reunited for reunion tours in 2005, 2008, 2010 and 2012.
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Our Catalog3 Albums · 1998 · 2003
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