An original member of New York’s new-school pioneers the Ultramagnetic MC’s, “Kool” Keith Thornton is best known as a solo rapper. His signature style is stream-of-consciousness lyrical flow and complex vocals, two skills that earn him a perennial nod from the underground hip-hop community. The average Kool Keith album is peppered with bizarre, disjointed, even delusional or disassociated themes, concepts, and references. Nearly all of his albums incorporate a satirical dislike for more commercialized strains of hip-hop, as well as major record labels.

Thornton’s early career and lyrics with the Ultramagnetic MC’s often referenced his time as a patient of Bellevue, a psychiatric hospital, where he was treated for depression. With Ultramagnetic MC’s, his abstract style developed, maturing in songs like Poppa Large. He was probably the first rapper to create an alter ego, and then create an alter ego for that alter ego (Kool Keith v. Moe Luv). After the Ultramagnetic MC’s broke up, he expanded his resume, experimenting with new styles, including his self-described pornocore, known for pornographic imagery and brutal, abstract lyrics. Sex Style released in 1997, was the showcase for this genre.

Teaming up with Dan the Automator Nakamura under the name Dr. Octagon, Thornton again reinvented his image, recording the self-titled Dr. Octagon album (later reissued under the title Dr. Octagonecologyst) which was released by the English trip hop label Mo Wax.

Thig is the famous mad hustling genius from the streets of Chicago. Recording under the names Thigahmahjiggee and Sharkula, he’s been a fixture in the neighborhoods and on public transit, selling his wares and preaching the hip-hop gospel. But what distinguishes Thig from the pack is ability to translate what he does across social and artistic divides. In addition to the excellent straight up hip-hop work he’s done, he’s been involved in wide range of genre-crossing projects, including collaborations with Mark DeNardo and features on albums by acts like Pigface and Bagman.

Luck of the Draw consists of Tommy Solace, Oaces, and Em Ce Haze. Tommy Solace is known for his collaborative efforts with Em Ce Haze and the fact that he’s probably tattooed you and your mom. Oaces is known more for his solo work and the fact that his songs make your day worse from being so damn depressing. Em Ce Haze is known for sleeping on couches and playing Xbox 360. And also for rapping really fast.