Knucklehedz
| Hit Squad | |
|---|---|
| Genres | East coast hip hop |
| Years active | 1990–1993, 2006–present |
| Associated acts | Def Squad, Federal District, Michael Nixx |
| Members |
EPMD DJ Scratch Redman Das EFX K-Solo Keith Murray Knucklehedz |
| Past members |
Hurricane G Top Quality Jesse West |
The Hit Squad was a 1990s hip hop collective of East coast hip hop artists formed by Erick Sermon and Parrish Smith better known as EPMD. The collective separated when EPMD broke up for the first time in 1993, later reforming as Def Squad. The collective later reintroduced itself in 2006 as "Hit squad" with a sub division of new up and coming artists titled "Team Takeover" featuring artists such as Nymrod, Comatose, Nam Nitty, and the recent youngest member Michael Nixx.
After the success of their debut album Strictly Business, EPMD sought to mentor new artists. The first artist to make a guest appearance on an EPMD album was K-Solo. Solo was featured on their second album Unfinished Business on the song "Knick Knack Patty Wack". The first mention of "Hit Squad" appeared on EPMD's third album Business as Usual on the track "Hit Squad Heist". The lyrics mention Redman, K-Solo and Tom J of Knucklehedz. Redman is also featured on two tracks of that album.
In 1993, EPMD released the single "Headbanger" from their fourth album Business Never Personal. The single featured K-Solo and Redman and the music video features appearances by most of the Hit Squad. The single reached #11 on Billboard's Hot Rap Tracks chart. The single's success made "Head Banger" the Squad's "signature song". The album also features Das EFX on the track "Cummin' At Cha".
In late-1992, tensions grew within the Hit Squad. According to an article in The Source, Squad members alleged financial impropriety by Smith who owned their management company. Smith's home was invaded by armed intruders believed to have been hired by Squad members. While Smith declined to publicly give details on who was behind the invasion, Sermon was arrested and briefly detained for questioning, but no charges were filed. EPMD officially broke up in January 1993. Redman and Hurricane G continued to collaborate with Sermon while Das EFX and DJ Scratch remained under Smith's management. K-Solo pursued separate endeavors. The debut album by Knucklehedz became lost in the shuffle in the midst of the breakup and was shelved.
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