Showbiz & A.G.

Showbiz & A.G.

Showbiz & A.G. is a highly influential hip-hop duo from The Bronx, New York City, formed in 1990. The group comprises producer Showbiz and MC A.G. They are also recognized as core members of the legendary D.I.T.C. (Diggin' in the Crates Crew), a collective renowned for its significant impact on East Coast hip-hop. Showbiz & A.G. were among the first artists to emerge from D.I.T.C., establishing a pioneering sound characterized by its gritty weight and a deep respect for hip-hop's foundational elements.

Early Career and Breakthrough

Drawing inspiration from fellow D.I.T.C. member Lord Finesse, Showbiz & A.G. cultivated an underground following by independently distributing their demo tapes. This grassroots approach led to the release of their debut single, "Soul Clap" b/w "Party Groove." The track became a club anthem and garnered significant airplay on Yo! MTV Raps, propelling their self-titled EP, released in March 1992, to success.

Debut Album and Legacy

Their debut album, Runaway Slave, arrived in the fall of 1992 and is widely regarded as an essential release of early-'90s hip-hop. The album showcased a dynamic hardcore sound, blending crisp jazz samples with hard-hitting drum breaks and sharp snares. It was a true D.I.T.C. family project, featuring contributions from notable artists such as Big L, Fat Joe, and Diamond D. The album's release coincided with the same week as Diamond D's classic debut solo album, Stunts, Blunts, and Hip Hop.

Continued Contributions and Underrated Status

Despite their significant contributions to authentic hip-hop, Showbiz & A.G. are often cited as being among the genre's most underrated artists. Their raw, stripped-down sound continued with the 1995 release of Goodfellas, another critically acclaimed but commercially under-recognized album. The duo also played a pivotal role in the D.I.T.C. collective's 2000 self-titled debut album.