Fly Gypsy From Russia to Jamaica The much talked-about new hip-hop duo Fly Gypsy made its first splash in late 2008 with an election-themed single that introduced the duo’s energetic, guitar-driven sound to music fans around the world and scored the duo its first TV and radio spots. Founded by the Russian-born producer and songwriter Alexei Jendayi and the Jamaican-born emcee Komplex (aka Kowboy Kom), Fly Gypsy became an instant favorite among fans thanks to its infectious beats, catchy hooks, satirical concepts, and polished image. Music critics, meanwhile, have praised the Washington, D.C.-based duo for attaining broad commercial appeal without compromising its musicianship or its message, frequently comparing the duo to the Fugees, Jay-Z, and Kanye West. Kowboy Kom, the group's vocalist, came to the United States at the age of ten, when his family left Jamaica for Brooklyn. Growing up in New York during the golden era of Hip-Hop, Kom was inspired by hip-hop artists of West Indian descent coming up in Brooklyn, such as Wyclef Jean, Busta Rhymes, and Notorious B.I.G. Kom began to write poetry and rhyme when he was just in the seventh grade. By his twenties, Kom rose to become one of the nation's best recognized spoken word artists and emcees, praised for his clever storytelling and signature style and swagger. He has headlined numerous college tours, appeared on BET J, and opened for artists such as Jill Scott, Dwele, and Doug E. Fresh. Alexei, the duo’s producer and its one-man band, grew up on stage, performing music and dancing. Born and raised in Russia during the tumultuous years of the Soviet Union's collapse, Alexei came to the United States as an exchange student and later returned to attend college and law school. After graduating at the top of his law school class, Alexei joined one of the world's largest law firms, where he represented foreign governments in international disputes. However, long hours at the firm drained his creative energy and left little time for Alexei's true passion - music. After four years at the firm, Alexei decided to bid farewell to the comforts of the corporate world to focus on his burgeoning music career. By that time, Alexei had established himself as a prolific songwriter, a gifted producer, and a dynamic DJ, whose music was being played on the country's top R&B stations.