1st Generation is an American West Coast hip-hop supergroup made up of legendary artists who helped define the “Golden Era” of California gangsta rap. Formed as a collaborative effort to preserve and revive the authentic, gritty sound of 1990s West Coast music, the collective serves as a historical bridge for California rap.
Key Group Members
The supergroup unites central figures from some of the most influential rap camps in West Coast history:
Kurupt: A lyrical powerhouse, core member of the multi-platinum duo Tha Dogg Pound, and a foundational pillar of Death Row Records.
MC Eiht: The prominent voice and leader of the pioneering Compton group Compton’s Most Wanted (CMW), also universally known for his role as “A-Wax” in the classic movie Menace II Society.
Tha Chill: A highly respected producer and MC who co-founded Compton’s Most Wanted alongside MC Eiht.
King Tee: A pioneer of the Los Angeles underground rap scene, founder of the Likwit Crew, and a massive early influence on artists like The Notorious B.I.G. and Dr. Dre.
Jayo Felony: A San Diego rap pioneer who made waves in the 1990s as the first artist from San Diego to sign with a major hip-hop label (Def Jam).
Gangsta: A foundational member of the late-90s Los Angeles rap duo The Comrads, known for their close ties to Mack 10 and Hoo-Bangin’ Records.
Group History & Timeline
The 2011 Formation: The group originally came together around 2011. Organized alongside legendary West Coast producers like Sir Jinx (famous for Ice Cube’s early hits) and Battlecat, they hit the studio to record a massive collaborative album tentatively titled “Sharks N Tha Water”.
The Shelved Project: Due to scheduling conflicts, independent label hurdles, and the individual artists pursuing separate solo careers, the original 2011 album was shelved. For over a decade, their collaborations existed only as underground rumors and unreleased leaks.
The 2022 Reunion: After more than 10 years apart, the group reassembled to unearth their vault, polish their material, and record new verses. This culminated in the official release of their debut EP, Rapture, on May 26, 2022.
