Draft:Skitzofreniks
Musical artist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Skitzofreniks is an American hip hop duo from Cambridge, Massachusetts. The group consists of rapper CheckMark (Mark Girardin) and DJ and producer Eddie Bones (Erik L. Brown, 1975–2012). They were a foundational element of the Boston underground hip-hop scene during the late 1990s and early 2000s, noted for their association with the Brick Records roster and early digital community building.[1]
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Skitzofreniks | |
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Cambridge, Massachusetts, U.S. |
| Genres | Underground hip hop, East Coast hip hop |
| Years active | 1991–2008 |
| Labels | Brick Records, Check1 Records, Bad Magic Records |
History
Formation and early years (1991–1998)
Girardin and Brown formed the group in 1991 in Cambridge, originally performing under the name Boss Boys. Under the management of Buff Love of The Fat Boys, the group recorded material at Quad Studios in New York City via a demo deal with Warner Bros. Records. The duo eventually opted to remain independent, citing a desire to maintain creative control over the label's commercial marketing strategy.
Brick Records and national media (1999–2001)
In 1999, the group released the On My Own SH!T EP through Brick Records (BRK 007).[2] In May 2000, the group received national subculture coverage with a feature in Thrasher Magazine (Issue #232).[3]
In January 2001, the single "C'Mon Dude!?!" (BRK 014) was reviewed in the CMJ New Music Report, where it was noted for its production and Girardin's vocal delivery.[4] During this period, the group's official message board became a primary digital hub for the New England hip-hop community, amassing over one million posts.
Enter the Realm and Big Daddy Kane (2002–2003)
The duo's debut studio album, Enter the Realm, was released in 2002 on Check1 Records (CK1-001). The album received critical attention in the June 2002 issue of Rockpile.[5]
In 2003, Girardin collaborated with Big Daddy Kane and DJ Revolution on the track "Come Get It," appearing on the Fat Beats-distributed album The Saturday Nite Agenda by producer Soul Supreme.[6] Girardin subsequently performed the song with Kane at The Roxy in Boston. The collaboration received professional reviews from The Michigan Daily and RapReviews, which described the track as a bridge between "Golden Era" figures and contemporary independent artists.[7]
Death of Eddie Bones and legacy
Group activities were suspended in 2008 following a diving accident that left Brown paralyzed. Erik L. Brown died on February 4, 2012, at age 36.[8] A tribute concert was held at the Middle East in May 2012, featuring performances by Edo G, Akrobatik, and Reks.[9][10]
In 2020, Girardin released the solo project Vita Matta, Pt. 1. The Cambridge-based Bridgeside Cyphers, directed by his sister Ju$t Jill, has cited the group's early recording history as a foundational influence on the local scene.[11]
Discography
Studio albums
- Enter the Realm (2002, Check1 Records)
- Vita Matta, Pt. 1 (2020, Check1 Records) (Checkmark solo)
EPs and Singles
- "On My Own SH!T EP" (1999, Brick Records)
- "On My Own Sh!t" / "Super Hoe" / "Skitzofreniks' State" / "Sicilians (Remix)" (1999, Brick Records)
- "Slow It Down" (2000, Bad Magic Records)
- "C'Mon Dude!?!" / "Revenge Of The Herbs" / "Charlie's Angles" (2001, Brick Records)
- "Naturally (Walking Contradiction)" / "On My Own Shit (Revisited)" / "It Don't Matter" (2002, Brick Records)
- "Stupid Stupid" / "Fuck Outta Here" (2020, Check1 Records)
Featured appearances
- "Come Get It" – Big Daddy Kane feat. Checkmark & DJ Revolution (2003, Grit Records/Fat Beats)
- "Fight Club" – Snowgoons feat. Checkmark (2012, Snowgoons Dynasty)