NO GOOD PEOPLE

Barely lifting an eyebrow from behind the cash register, the attendant, a former high school teacher yelled, "yo'all some No Good People, get yourselves outta here!" Recognizing the group of four boys from previous high school day antics, the former teacher promptly kicked them out of his store. Disgruntled and empty handed, the boys left the store but the term "No Good People," still lingered in their heads. Having heard that "they were no good" their entire lives, the foursome, already fledging hip-hop artists, recognized that they would be anything but. So, pride intact, and before they let one more person call them "no good," they slapped the title on themselves and officially formed the group, "No Good People."

Lyrical content, danceable beats and humor are the ingredients "No Good People" or NGP mix up in their music to move today's fickle hip-hop audience. NGP, a group consisting of two sets of brothers (two of Italian decent and two of Irish decent) out of Queens, embodies all of this new hip-hop culture. Speaking to their generation, this four-some has perfected their craft with hard hitting one-liners, tight rhymes, undeniable beats, and the always hilarious and appreciated stab at themselves and others. Although their attitude is professional and their writing is tight, NGP doesn't take themselves too seriously, creating a light tone to their marketable music.

NGP, officially formed in 2000, houses a dynamic like no other. Stress and Dr. Strange (James and Sean Gillen) and Raida and O-Doub (Giovanni and Corey D'Urso), grew up together and were introduced to hip-hop at an early age. The eldest of each pair, Stress and Raida, noticed each other's enthusiasm for hip hop and talent for rhyming. Simultaneously, Strange and O-Doub, attending the same high school, became friends and began to perform (Strange as an aspiring DJ, O-Doub as a lyricist). Prior to forming NGP in the late '90's, Stress and Raida formed the "Kriptonites" and began writing and recording music.

The Kriptonites created a buzz performing at numerous talent shows and open mic events; appearing on mixtapes; releasing singles; and working closely with underground groups such as "Catch 22." Most notably, along with O-Doub, the Kriptonites appeared on DJ Mike Nice's "Cracking the Surface" mixtape in 1999, which highlighted 50 underground emcees, including "Non-Phixion," "Necro," and "Catch 22" among others. With O-Doub appearing on more and more Kriptonite tracks, Stress brought his brother Strange onboard as a featured producer and lyricist creating NGP.

Shortly after NGP was officially formed, the four collaborated with "Catch 22" for Exlib's 2000 EP entitled "Pandora's Box". Two years later, NGP completed their first full-length album entitled "Up to No Good," released through "Cousin Pat Productions." The album was well received in Long Island and Queens and made a mark in the underground hip-hop scene. In 2003, due to mixtape buzz and underground respect, NGP earned a coveted spot on the "Van's Warped Tour" at Randall's Island.

As recognition for the group continued to grow, the brothers decided to hit the studio again. In 2004, they completed their second album entitled "So Far, No Good." The production for the album was handled primarily by Strange, who was quickly becoming a sought-after producer. On "So Far, No Good," NGP joined forces with the legendary PMD (of EPMD) who produced and rhymed on the track "Fix Your Face." In 2005, NGP was spotlighted on Hot 97's DJ Kay Slay's "Drama Hour."

In the fall of 2006, NGP signed with Intelligent Music Entertainment, Inc., a label founded and owned by entertainment lawyer Bob Celestin, known for working with artists such as Mary J. Blige, Diddy, Petey Pablo, and City High. Presently, NGP is in the process of promoting their "White People Can't Dance" mixtape, hosted by DJ Bedtyme 357 (Justo's Mixtape Awards - Underground DJ Winner of 2006). The mixtape boasts hit songs such as "Chug," "Runaway," and "Move With It" as well as tracks showcasing the groups lyrical process. NGP has performed at many major clubs along the tri-state area, including "Club Speed," "Webster Hall," "Downtime," "CBGB's," and others. In addition to "Hot 97," NGP's music has been played on Hiphopphilosophy.com, Hofstra Radio, The Halftime Show on WNYU 89.1, and Corzradio.com. Presently, NGP is in the studio working on their new album as well as preparing to go out on a promotional college tour.

we played at

Warped Tour 2003

Club Downtime in Manhattan

Club Speed in Manhattan

Webster Hall in Manhattan

Club Occassions in Queens

Dublin Pub in L.I.

and other places

Check out the NGP website:

www.myspace.com/nogoodpeople