Dice Raw

Even at a tender age, the Philadelphia rapper Dice Raw carries deep knowledge of hip-hop’s past. A longtime protégé of the Philadelphia group the Roots, he connected with the band during high school when Kelo, part of their production team, discovered him at a neighborhood talent showcase. The collective soon embraced the young artist and chose to develop his abilities at a measured pace. His first appearance came on “The Lesson, Pt. 1.” Shortly afterward, memorable guest spots on “Adrenaline” and “Lockdown” established his reputation, as his forceful delivery meshed seamlessly with the intricate verses of Roots frontman Black Thought. Dice Raw issued his debut solo project, Reclaiming the Dead, through MCA in 2000.