Book Digital Underground

Digital Underground is the Oakland hip-hop group that brought a playful, funk-soaked sound and a cast of colorful characters to rap at the turn of the 1990s. Formed in 1987 by Gregory "Shock G" Jacobs with Kenny-K and Chopmaster J, the group drew heavily on 1970s funk, especially Parliament-Funkadelic, and Jacobs even designed cartoon-style album art in tribute. After "Doowutchyalike" (1989), they broke through with "The Humpty Dance" (1990), voiced by Shock G's alter ego Humpty Hump, from the debut album Sex Packets (1990), which earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group. The group is also known for launching the career of Tupac Shakur, who first appeared on "Same Song" (1991). Later albums include Sons of the P (1991), The Body-Hat Syndrome (1993), Future Rhythm (1996) and Who Got the Gravy? (1998). Money-B and Shock G appeared on every record, and the group played shows across North America, Europe, Japan and Australia in most years through 2008. Their catalog remains a party staple wherever classic West Coast hip-hop is played.