The Roots, GZA (Genius from Wu-Tang Clan), Shoeless Revolution, The Black Keys, Ha Ha Tonka, Benevento/Russo Duo

GZA
The Genius, aka the GZA, was the most cerebral MC in the Wu-Tang Clan, as well as perhaps the most acclaimed. His cool, precise flow and intricate, literate rhymes weren't as theatrical as Method Man or Ol' Dirty Bastard, the two biggest commercial stars to spring from the collective.

The Roots
Though popular success has largely eluded the Roots, the Philadelphia group showed the way for live rap, building on Stetsasonic's "hip-hop band" philosophy of the mid-'80s by focusing on live instrumentation at their concerts and in the studio.

The Black Keys
The two-man duo comprising the Black Keys, singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach and drummer Patrick Carney, were in their early twenties when their debut, The Big Come Up, was issued in 2002. From Akron, OH, they play close-to-the-bone, raw blues-rock, the only instrumentation being Auerbach's...

Benevento/Russo Duo
Necessity can be an interesting motivator. Offered a slot at the famed New York venue the Knitting Factory, drummer Joe Russo roped in old friend and multi-instrumentalist and keyboardist Marco Benevento, and the Benevento Russo Duo was born.

Ha Ha Tonka
Indie rock band Ha Ha Tonka was formed in 2004 in Springfield, MO, by singer/guitarist Brian Roberts with Lucas Long (bass, vocals), Brett Anderson (keyboards, guitar, vocals), and Lennon Bone (drums, vocals).