Fu-Schnickens

One of the oddest groups in hip-hop history, Fu-schnickens' manic, wildly playful raps were more than just pop-culture-obsessed novelties: they were often marvels of technical achievement on the mic as well. Spiritually speaking, Moc Fu (born J. Jones), Poc Fu (born Lennox Maturine), and group focal point Chip Fu (born Roderick Roachford) were descendents of De La Soul and cousins of Das Efx. They wove dense, tongue-twisting, absurdist lyrics that were filled with references to cartoons, karate flicks (even before The Wu-tang Clan), and assorted TV and junk culture trivia. Not only that, their raps were distinctly influenced by dancehall reggae, peppered with comic vocal impressions, and occasionally even recited backward -- at the same high velocity. Their personas were just as colorful; they sometimes wore kung fu-style costumes, and their name was a combination of "For Unity" and a completely made-up word that meant "coalition," according to the group.

Read More