St. Lunatics

by Greg PratoHailing from St. Louis, MO, the five-piece rap outfit St. Lunatics formed in 1993 and includes members Ali, Nelly, City Spud, Kyjuan, and Murphy Lee. In 1996, the group recorded their debut single, "Gimme What You Got," which turned into a regional hit -- selling 8,000 copies and receiving frequent airings on the St. Louis FM station 103 the Beat. Two years later, St. Lunatics met up with the owner of Fo' Reel Entertainment (and Mase's former manager), Cudda Love, who took the rappers under his wing. He landed the band not only a deal with Universal Records, but also solo deals for each individual member. June 2001 saw the release of St. Lunatics' debut album, Free City.