To say the alternative hip-hop group Wylde Bunch blazes trails is an understatement. Comprised of family members and long-time friends, the South Central Los Angeles natives infused elements of funk, soul, rock, and world music into an incredible hip-hop sound. "Nothing is what you expect and everything raises the hip hop standard" says 1340 Mag’s Mark Fisher. Strengthened by an amazing off-the-hook live show that rocks beyond description they have become known on the live circuit as the “alternative hip-hop band.”

Bonded by blood, friendship and a love for music, most of the members of Wylde Bunch started off as schoolmates. Raised in a city racked with social ills and the complexities of a relentless gang culture, the boys rarely went to weekend and evening outings or parties. Nighttime activity always revolved around the band. By high school, the blossoming musicians became bored with playing standards and current popular tunes. They began writing and performing their own joints, as well as generating independent CDs produced by Wylde Bunch members Ish and Dame through their own production company The Drop Squad. This early music impressed people to the point where they started receiving paid gigs. The mischievous bunch of teens, now maturing into men, moved their act to the club scene. This transition was carefully chaperoned by the band’s elder, “Popz,” who saw to it that the adult clubs did not unleash their various “distractions” on the band. Wylde Bunch rapidly grew into an established local hip-hop crew, garnering a solid following that eventually captured the interest of the music industry, leading to their critically acclaimed major label debut CD Wylde Times at Washington High on Sony. Wylde Bunch has created an undeniable niche with their explosive sound. If there is perhaps a misperception by some that live bands aren’t a part of hip-hop, Wylde Bunch is seeing to it that myth is destroyed.

When they have any down time from the band, most of the members have made a point to return to childhood schools in Los Angeles, teaching music at schools lacking in funds. Giving back to the community is of the utmost importance to this inner city band.

Their story and journey was even big enough to land a spot on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” featuring Wylde Bunch member Dame. They have since been a part of a series of tours (including opening for the Beastie Boys), television appearances (including the “Pepsi Smash” and MTV’s “Rock the Vote Tour”), major collaborations (with John legend and Maurice White from Earth Wind and Fire) and other honors including their sogn and video “On Top” named the 2007 NBA Theme Song on ABC/ESPN.

Wylde Bunch is hard at work finishing up their latest record to be released this summer. Their six-song, self-titled EP is currently available in stores and online everywhere from Surfdog Records. Turn it up and GO WYLDE!!