The MC Roster

Hometown
Pittsburgh, PA

Discography
Live from the 72Four (2008), This Is My Jihad (2008)

Specialty
Grab Bag

Biography

Ayatollah Jaxx, or A-Jaxx for short, has been rapping since '99 and emerged onto the Pittsburgh hip-hop scene in 2004.  His accolads have lead this Muslim MC to the UK, Canada and across the U.S. performing with the likes of Jean Grae, Talib Kweli, Xzibit, Boot Camp Click and Kidz in the Hall.  His sound is heavily influenced by Islam and social struggles, both globally and on the inner-city level. And yet at the same time A-Jaxx is an accomplished battle rapper with quick wit and unusual wordplay.  His 2008 release Live from the 72Four has been downloaded in the thousands. Check out his Back Packer Weekly Blog on Myspace.

Hometown
Pittsburgh, PA

Discography
How High (2008), The Jukebox: Prelude to Class Clown (2009), Class Clown (2009)

Specialty
Mirror Match

Biography

At the young age of 17 Mac Miller has already begun to make waves in the regional scene.  As one half of the group Ill Spoken, Mac Miller has recently gone solo to show the world his talents as a recording artist and freestyle extraordinaire.  In Rhyme Calisthenics 6 he made his way to

the final four with three vicious performances and earned himself a slot as a Rhyme Calisthenics All-Star.  Mac Miller has set his sights on becoming "The Youngest in Charge" and at the pace he's moving it won't take long. 

Website: www.myspace.com/mcomflows

Hometown
Pittsburgh, PA

Discography
Donut Holes (2006)

Specialty
The Message

Biography

Black Sun appearances are rare like a solar eclipse.  But on those rare occasions when he takes to the stage he captivates crowds with his exceptional lyrical content and Buddhist-like composure.  Black Sun is the full package MC with acapellas, punchlines, stories and message raps it's no wonder he was so comfortable spinning the wheel at Rhyme Calisthenics 9.  And it's no wonder he won Rhyme Cal earning a perfect score of 30 in the final round.  Check out his 2006 release Donut Holes to tied you over as we wait for the next eclipse.

Website: www.myspace.com/thatdudenamedblacksun

Hometown
Pittsburgh, PA

Specialty
Last Word, Storytelling

Biography

Jon Quest is a new emcee emerging from Pittsburgh who is gearing up for his debut release "The Real Adventures of Jonny Quest". With numerous collaborations under his belt, Jon Quest is ready for the world to truly understand his love and passion for Hip Hop. With a 5th Rhyme Calisthenics appearance, Quest finally made it to the finals in Rhyme Calisthenics 9 against BlackSun who left the battle as the Rhyme Cal 9 Champion in a very close game. Jon's music is heavily influenced by that true Boom Bap sound and 90's era of Hip Hop. Jon Quest is an upcoming artist that will help to further putting Pittsburgh, PA on the map.

Website: www.myspace.com/gonniquest

Hometown
Pittsburgh, PA

Discography
Evan's Song (2010)

Specialty
Comp Killer

Biography

3PFD is a follower of Jesus Christ spreading the word through rhymes.  In addition to delivering the gospel 3PFD has a knack for battle rhymes, showing his opponents no mercy and leaving MC’s crucified. With an arsenal of witty punchlines and biblical references 3PFD has emerged onto the scene through several explosive Rhymecal performances, a new album and a recent induction into the Grind Time Midwest Division. 3PFD, once an awkward underdog is now a force to be reckoned with.

Website: www.3pfd.com

Hometown
Pittsburgh, PA

Record Label
Statement Records

Specialty
Battle, Storytelling

Biography

Mista Scrap is a veteran to Pittsburgh's hip-hop scene with nearly 2 decades of performances, freestyles and mixtapes under his belt.  Scrap has made appearances on MTV, BET and enjoyed a brief run signed to a record deal with a California based record label.  More recently he founded Statement Records and has been a catalyst to the Pittsburgh scene playing MC, CEO graphic designer and event promoter all at the same time.  Mista Scrap entered Rhyme Calisthenics 8 and despite it being his first appearance dominated the compeition and won the title of Co-Champion. Expect to hear alot more from Mista Scrap as he brings Statement Records to a venue near you.

Website: www.statementrecordings.com

Hometown
Pittsburgh, PA

Website
myspace.com/zonedagreat

Specialty
Last Word

Biography
With an intense spiritual attachment to hip hop, Zone has participated in rap ciphers and competitions since 12 years old and was dubbed Zone by his peers for his innate ability to flow with like he is hypnotic consistency like he's in the Zone!  Although a 90's baby, his influences are include golden age legends like Rakim, Nas and KRS-One. Zone linked up rap affiliates Upper Echelon in 2007 and in January 2009, at the young age of 17 defeated a host of rap veterans to win Rhyme Calisthenics 5.  If there's not much to say about Zone it's because his takeover of the game has just begun.