A native of Philadelphia, Bahamadia grew up DJ'ing house parties in the mid-'80s before stepping out in front of the turntables and grabbing the mic and getting illmatic herself. In the early '90s she recorded several local hits, including "Funk Vibe," which caught the ear of Gang Starr's Guru. With the support of Guru and DJ Premier she released "Total Wreck" in 1994 and won critical praise for her jazz-inspired flavor and underground notice. The original afro-puffed MC, Bahamadia appeared in 1996 with her Chrysalis debut "Kollage." At the time, her militant, black leather-clad stance was unique, and her timing earned her a permanent spot in hip-hop history. After "Kollage," the Philadelphia resident appeared on a number of collaborative projects. The first was for fellow Philadelphians The Roots (she appears on "Illadelph Halflife" on the track "Push Up Ya Lighter"). In 1997, the MC lent her trademark laid-back, husky flow to Roni Size for the title track to his landmark album "New Forms." Since then, she has collaborated with Lootpack, Planet Asia, and Rasco, with Jay Dee of Slum Village and Chops from the Mountain Brothers, The Herbaliser, Sweetback, and Morcheeba. Music Review Cheapchicks Video Cheap Chicks BB Queen [import] Bahamadia $18.99