Isam B

One-third of Danish, multi-racial rap crew Outlandish, MC/singer Isam B was born Isam Bachiri Azouaoui on August 1, 1977 in Copenhagen, Denmark, although he grew up nearby in Brøndby Strand. At a very young age, he showed an avid interest in American hip-hop, but, of course, he could not ignore the influence of his parents' native Moroccan music. Azouaoui attended the Islands-Brygge School for mathematics before studying for a Cand. Negot. degree (humanities and social sciences) at Odense University. However, he never completed the latter major since he chose to follow the music path, eventually hooking up with Lenny Martinez and Waqas Qadri to form Outlandish in 1997. Drawing from their respective musical and ethnic backgrounds, the eclectic trio became one of the most -- if not the most -- popular rap acts in Denmark, producing top-selling albums such as their debut, Outland's Official (2000), and sophomore breakout LP, Bread & Barrels of Water (2002). In 2007, Isam B offered his first solo outing, Institution, which was recorded entirely in Danish. In spite of his constant dispelling of breakup rumors, he performed solo at Denmark's Roskilde Festival a year later. ~ Cyril Cordor, All Music Guide