Phesto | |
---|---|
Birth name | Damani Thompson |
Also known as | Phesto Phesto Dee |
Born | April 29, 1974 |
Origin | Oakland, California, U.S. |
Genres | Hip hop |
Instruments | Microphone |
Years active | 1991– present |
Labels |
Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings Jive Records |
Associated acts |
Souls of Mischief Hieroglyphics |
Website | http://www.hieroglyphics.com |
Damani Thompson, known by the stage names, Phesto and Phesto Dee (born April 29, 1974), is an American rapper and producer. He is one of the founding four members of the Oakland, California-based underground hip hop group Souls of Mischief, and, with the Souls of Mischief, a part of the eight-person, alternative hip hop collective, the Hieroglyphics.
Born and raised in Oakland, California, Phesto met fellow Souls of Mischief member Tajai, as well as Hieroglyphics' founder, Del tha Funkee Homosapien, in junior high school. Tajai introduced Phesto to members A-Plus and Opio, and the group formed in high school before releasing their debut album, 93 'til Infinity on Jive Records in 1993.
As a rapper, Phesto is "renown[ed] for his crazy, and up-tempo flows. Rhyming about anything from 'quantum cryptography' to secret Jedi mind tricks, Phesto's skills are undoubtedly a vital piece of the Hieroglyphics foundation.".
Phesto has contributed to all four Souls of Mischief albums, as well as the two Hieroglyphic studio albums. He has also produced or performed on solo projects of various Hieroglyphics' members.