This L.A.-based crew first came together at the legendary Good Life Café. Reportedly consisting of around 50 members at its inception, the Freestyle Fellowship originally referred to those MCs who most often frequented and performed at the café’s open mic sessions. In 1991, the five-man lineup (Aceyalone, Self Jupiter, P.E.A.C.E., Mikah 9, and J Sumbi) released the low-budget masterpiece, TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN. Characterized by animated vocal stylings, Afrocentric messages, and recognizable jazz loops, FF’s distinct form of positivistic, alternative hip-hop provided a strong counterpoint to the aggressive, gangsta sound most identified with L.A. After their acclaimed 1993 follow-up INNER CITY GRIOTS, the group split to pursue solo projects before reforming in 1998.