Skitzofreniks

Despite a slim discography, cult favorite duo the Skitzofreniks have been important mainstays in Boston's hip-hop underground since the early '90s. Originally formed in Cambridge, MA, the two -- rapper Charlie Bawles (aka CheckMark) and DJ/producer Eddie Bones -- first began recording in 1991 and earned their reputation almost exclusively from their local performances. In 1998, they self-released on CD-R the On My Own SH!T EP, which landed them a recording deal with Boston's Brick Records. The label officially pressed the EP the following year and then issued "On My Own SH!T" and the fan-pleasing posse cut "Skitzofreniks' State," featuring Boston locals 7L & Esoteric, Reks, and Virtuoso, as underground singles. More 12"s arrived in 2000: Slow It Down on Bad Magic and C'Mon Dude!?! on Brick. The indie rap boom of the late '90s and early 2000s provided Boston's rap scene a national stage, prompting the Skitzofreniks to indulge in several collaborations with other Beantown natives, including Mr. Lif and Akrobatik; Bones also obtained beat placements on albums by Louis Logic, Reks, and many others. The duo's first full-length, Enter the Realm, finally surfaced in 2002. ~ Cyril Cordor, All Music Guide