Showbiz and A.G.

Infobox musical artist
Name = Showbiz & A.G.


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Background = group_or_band
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Origin = The Bronx, New York City, New York
Genre = Hip hop
Years_active = 1990 – present
Label = PayDay/FFRR/PolyGram
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Current_members = Showbiz (Rodney Lemay)
A.G. (Andre Barnes)
Past_members =
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Showbiz and A.G. (also known as Show and A.G.) are an American hip hop duo from The Bronx, New York City. Showbiz is a producer and A.G. (short for André the Giant) is a rapper. The two debuted on Lord Finesse's "Funky Technician" album in 1990. Show and A.G. are members of the Diggin' in the Crates Crew (D.I.T.C.) along with Finesse, Diamond D, Fat Joe, O.C., the late Big L and Buckwild.

History

Career

The duo's first release was an EP titled "Soul Clap", released in 1992, also known as "Showbiz & A.G." They released their debut album, "Runaway Slave", the same year. A short version of their track "Soul Clap" was included on the album, as well as past recordings such as "Fat Pockets" and "Party Groove". The posse cut "Represent" featured the first album appearance of rapper Big L. Other album guests included Black Sheep's Dres, Diamond D, Lord Finesse and Deshawn.

In 1994, Showbiz & A.G. made a guest appearance on Black Sheep's second album "Non-Fiction", on the track "E.F.F.E.C.T.". Showbiz soon shortened his name to Show, changing the group name to Show & A.G. Their 1995 album, "Goodfellas", featured a darker sound than their debut. Guest artists on the LP included D-Flow, Lord Finesse, DJ Premier, Roc Raida, Dres, Method Man and Diamond D. The most successful song from the album is DJ Premier's Nyte Time Remix to the track "Next Level", the instrumental was later featured in a battle scene in the movie "8 Mile". Despite critical success for both of their albums, the duo were not very successful.

Hiatus

Following the release of Full Scale (EP) in 1998, the duo stopped releasing records and began concentrating on their work with D.I.T.C. as well as solo projects. In 1999, A.G. released his solo debut, "The Dirty Version", which featured guest production from Show, Lord Finesse, Buckwild, Diamond D and DJ Premier. Guest MC's included Ghetto Dwellas, Fat Joe, Diamond D, O.C., Guru, KRS-One and Big Pun.

In 2000, Show & A.G. teamed up with D.I.T.C. to release a self-titled group album. Show produced the tracks "Get Yours", "Way Of Life","Drop It Heavy" and "Weekend Nights". A.G. appeared on the songs "Thick", "Day One", "Foundation", "Drop It Heavy", "Stand Strong", "Weekend Nights" and "Tribute", a track made for Big L, who was murdered in 1999.

A.G.'s second solo album for Look Records titled "Get Dirty Radio", released October 31, 2006. A.G.'s Infected Intertainment and Record Label is currently celebrating the 15th Anniversary of the release of Showbiz & AG's "Runaway Slave" LP, one of Billboard's Top Ten Underground LP's.

In 2007, they released a new EP entitled "Live Hard" on DITC Records, their first new material in nearly a decade.

O.C. and A.G. will be releasing a collaborative album called "O-A-Sis" in 2008. The first single "2 For The Money" featured cuts by DJ Premier and production by Showbiz.

Discography

External links

* [http://www.unkut.com/2007/11/holding-down-tradition-the-unkut-show-interview/ Interview with Show (2007)]
* [http://www.agditc.com/ A.G. DITC site]
* [http://www.lookrecords.com/ag.html A.G. on Look Records]