Big Ez

about

108 In 108's world, the battles are waged somewhere between the music and the streets. The hardcore rap trio hails from Logan Square, one of the grittiest enclaves on the north side of Chicago. With a crime rate far higher than the city average, gangbanging, hustling, rape and murder are a way of life in Logan Square. These harsh realities are reflected in 108's music -- abrasive hood-hop tales set to beats that clap like drive-by shootings. In its bid for rap stardom, 108 has endured setbacks, hardships, and personal tragedy as the group walked the line between growing fame and the lure of the streets. It's a struggle that has not yet ended. 108 formed in nearly ten years ago at Steinmetz High School. The group consisted of Noiz, Big EZ, Ace Mac, Napps, Heata, and anyone else who happened by the after-school sessions at Noiz's basement studio. “When it started it consisted of three MCs, and then four MCs, and then five MCs,” Big EZ remembers. “It was like the Gremlins. You put water on them, they start popping out everywhere.” Initially, the group had few serious ambitions; it was an excuse to get together, hang out, and have a good time. “It was a hobby,” Noiz recalls. “That's what we would do after school -- go to the crib and make some music. We was just bullshitting, and motherfuckers were like, 'Ya'll should step it up, ya'll got the potential to be somebody.' So that kind of gave everybody a little motivation. And we just started going at it.” The group dubbed itsel

top songs

albums