Biography
Dave Portillo and Eddie Sierra launched their partnership as a California duo that first took up rapping in 1985 under the name Deity before adopting the title 12th Tribe. Soul and heavy metal formed core influences, while they also gravitated toward the work of Kool Moe Dee, Whodini, and the Fat Boys. Their chosen name referenced the Benjamites, the 12th tribe of Israel celebrated as mighty warriors, and the pair issued an album on Frontline in 1991. Relative to most Christian rap acts, they cultivated a tougher image and favored a harder, street-focused rap sound.
Albums
