In 1996, as the first Midwestern rap group to gain international recognition, Crucial Conflict was able to influence the sound of today’s music through the platinum and gold success of their album Final Tic. Released on Pallas/Universal Records, the mega single “Hay” made this 4 member group a household name in all regions throughout the world. The release of the singles “Hay” and “Rodeo” opened the door for bounce, a type of music that literally required audiences to get up and dance rather than nod their heads. Crucial Conflict pioneered an entire era of music that has influenced countless artists. The group has collaborated with many platinum and gold artists such as Busta Rhymes, R.Kelly, Do or Die, Twista, Warren G, Dj Quik, Three 6 Mafia, Project Pat, Bushwick Bill, George Clinton and Da Brat. Their songs have appeared on many soundtracks, such as: Rhyme & Reason, Belly, Players Club, Thicker Than Water, Bullworth, and How To Be A Player. Crucial Conflict has been featured on the covers of hundreds of magazines and has had the privilege to perform at the Apollo and on Good Morning America. Born and raised on Chicago’s Westside, Wildstyle, Coldhard, Kilo, and Never of Crucial Conflict are still recognized for their songs that deal with conditions in their neighborhoods and reflect on their life experiences. They proudly represent the Chi and its people, and they feel it’s their job to put the spotlight back on the city, “Chicago is really a warm city…It’s been warm to us and we’ve shown that love right back. All those that rode the ride with us (in ‘1996) we give that energy right back...” Never says. It is the group’s intent to never forget when they came from, because they regard Chicago as a city that can make an impact The group expresses its unique point of view with a fast-paced melodic flow and energetic deliverance which they termed “rodeo style.” At a time when other artists shunned references to sounding country, Crucial Conflict adopted those elements, “…we embraced it and put an urban edge into that country influence” said Wildstyle. Over the years the group has meticulously worked on this sound to bring it to a new level. The appeal of “rodeo style” lies in the fact that it is a music that is gritty, but at the same time accessible. “It grows to another level, we went more musical… We keep it gutter, but we try to make it universal.” Wildstyle adds. Rodeo also adds a dimension of emotion and ferocity that fans of Crucial Conflict expect. “Overall we change emotions in our music.” Kilo reveals, “We go up, down, sideways, upways. With our albums, one song goin’ be your favorite Monday, another song goin’ be your favorite Tuesday.” Eight years have passed since, and the group has remained together throughout all the struggles of the industry. “It’s a new and improved Crucial Conflict… We weren’t on our time; we were on God’s time. Now it’s time to give the people what they were missing. What they ARE missing!” responds Kilo. Never agrees, “The bond we built, that bond was formed a long time ago. It’s still sturdy today… but this is the Lord’s doing. We all believe in the Lord and He’s gonna make it happen, despite our trials.” Crucial Conflict’s fan base has been steadily growing while anxiously awaiting the new album release. According to Wildstyle, the group had to take their time to give their fans the best they had to offer. Meanwhile, Crucial Conflict have launched their own record label, Buckwild Records, and have created a clothing line. Now, the group is back on the hip hop scene with a new record and that unforgettable sound and style they are known for. Plant Crucon will set the pace for rap music in the Midwest and remind the world of what this group has to offer. Planet Crucon’s pulsating beats and conflicting arrangements bring a cosmic flavor and diversity to their organized street literature. ”The new album reflects a state of mind, not a place…we’re gonna make Chicago proud because this album represents unity.” Coldhard promises. Now, after exploring the galaxy, they are back and taking listeners to another planet; the wait has been more than worth it. With such songs as “Wangin” and “Ride Out – Dip,” Crucial will have the clubs and fans feeling the flow and rhymes only they can deliver. Wildstyle states it best, “We’re trying to give ya’ll good music…we put our heart and soul up in it”. The Midwest music scene has been blazing like never before by getting more exposure and recognition for their contributions to the hip hop music scene.