The Animal Crackers


The Animal Crackers are an American group of DJs, MCs and producers based out of Cincinnati, Ohio.

Biography

The group, originally just DJs, formed in the early nineties. The founding members of The Animal Crackers are Casual T, King SMO, and The Cincinnati Kid. As DJs, they first began in 1995 by playing out at local venues. They expanded the group by having Mike B and DQ both Cincinnati locals, join in, and a consistent growing fan base furthered their exposure.
By 1999, their fan base had grown so much that they were forced to play at a higher capacity venue. At the larger venue they began to perform live routines and hosted emcee battles. The Animal Crackers success grew rapidly in the music scene of Cincinnati during this time. They won the City Beat Cincinnati Entertainment Awards twice, and became Cincinnati Enquirer nominees. Upon recognition of those titles, Unseen from Dayton, Oh and Dirty Ru from Connecticut joined the crew. The latest addition to the Animal Crackers is Topspeed and extended family include; Mr. Dibbs, Nobody and Haiku.
The collective manage their own recording studio and label entitled Manimal Records, also based out of Cincinnati. They are involved with MC Paul Barman and legendary Bootsy Collins. The Animal Crackers have been official DJs for Scribble Jam since 2000,
Scribble Jam is one of the most popular underground hip hop events of the year.
Their first releases include a break-record entitled "Animal Cracker Breaks Vol.1", on Stereotype Records and a studio recorded collection of live routines called "Just Add Water." Their second break-record entitled "Vanilla Hater Breaks" collectively ensures their taste in selection of samples. Solo projects include DQ's, "Where The Sidewalk Begins" and Casual T's "Random Xtract." Currently they are working on a second full-length album and several individual/group projects.

Members

The Animal Crackers are a variety group consisting of turntablists, MC's, and producer based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. They began with just two members in the mid 1990s, and have since grown to become one of the most popular underground hip-hop collectives. Originally consisting of only three DJs they eventually added more extremely talented DJs and began a turntable group. Among the addition of new members, the Animal Crackers are the Official Scribble Jam DJs as well as doing side work for the famous Bootsy Collins.
According to the members, Casual T and Noah met through Noah's older brother and began the Crackers around 1996. Shortly after, King SMO, Mike B, Dq, and Dirty Ru joined. The newest member of the group is TopSpeed.
Albums
DateTitleLabelNotes
2001, MarchAnimal Cracker Break Neck Vol. 1Stereotype RecordsThis is primarily a break-beat record. This record was produced by Mr. Dibbs and NuGruv.
2001Just Add WaterThis is a collection of live routines
2003, JulyVanilla Hater BreaksThe follow-up break album to their first release.
2004National GeoplasticManimal RecordsThis is, according to the Crackers, the second edition to their compositional albums. This is available as 12" Vinyl and CD.

EPs/Compilations/Other Appearances
Official DJs for Bootsy and Bootzilla Productions
The Crackers have become the Official DJs for Bootsy over time. The most recent contribution includes Casual T scratching over his new Christmas featuring Snoop Dogg called "Christmas is Forever".

Awards and honors

Tours