Bad Balance facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bad Balance
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Also known as | Bad B. |
Origin | Saint Petersburg, Russia |
Genres | Hip hop Funk Jazz-rap (earlier) Old school hip hop (earlier) Underground rap (later) Mafioso rap (later) |
Years active | 1989–present |
Labels | Gala Records, Mixmedia, 100PRO |
Associated acts | Bad B. Alliance, Mikhey and Jumanji |
Members | SHEFF (MC) Al Solo (MC & beatmaking) DJ Topor (DJ) |
Past members | DJ LA (DJ & beatmaking) Mikhey (MC & vocals) † Mr. Bruce (bass guitar) Ligalize (MC) Kuper (MC) † |
Bad Balance is a Russian rap group considered to be one of the first rap bands in the USSR. The group maintained a devoted underground following during the 1990s. It made a huge contribution to the development of hip-hop culture in Russia and former USSR republics. SHEFF, the founder of Bad Balance and its permanent member, is often considered to be a creator of hip-hop culture in Russia, and for years has been the leader of Russian old school hip hop.
Contents
History
Formation
Bad Balance was formed as a breakdance crew in the 1980s in Saint-Petersburg by Vlad Valov (SHEFF) and Sergey Krutikov (Mikhey), two students from Donetsk. Group switched to rapping and in 1989 released their debut album called "Vishe Zakona" (Above the Law).
Classic era
The band toured Russia, Europe and the USA, staging more than 500 shows worldwide during the 90s. No other Russian rap band has since been able to achieve such popularity.
Bad B. Alliance era
Mikhey left the band to pursue a solo career as a reggae/soul singer, while SHEFF formed a new band called "Bad B. Alliance". Both gained huge popularity. In 2001, the band released their long-awaited album called "Kamenniy les" (Stone Wood). The album was recorded in New York and featured such artists as Rad Roc, B. Ricks, Rocsigar, T.R. Love, Carla W, Trenger, Jimmy, DJ Charm and others. "Kamenniy les" (Stone Wood) marked the beginning of promotion of Russian hip-hop music in the world music industry. Many fans and critics still consider album "Kamenniy les" the best Russian-language hip-hop album of all time.
On September 16, 2016 Bad Balance released their new 12th studio album called "Politics".