Grayskul

Oldominion crew members and MCs Onry Ozzborn and JFK had long discussed launching a joint effort, yet only after absorbing Cannibal Ox’s 2001 release The Cold Vein did they commit to forming a group. They completed the roster in 2003 by recruiting bassist Rob Castro, already known for his contributions to Ozzborn’s The Grey Area. Once Grayskul had tracked more than thirty tracks and issued a tour-only LP, the recordings reached Rhymesayers founder Siddiq (Brent Sayers), whose appreciation for their hard-edged sound prompted an immediate signing. Performing under the pseudonyms Reason, Fiddle Stick Recluse (or simply Recluse), and Phantom Ghost El Topo, the trio—augmented onstage by a live DJ and frequent masks—issued their first album, Deadlivers, in 2005. Two years later, now operating as Count Draven and Count Magnus without Castro, they delivered Bloody Radio, an effort that included guest verses from Aesop Rock and Cage among others.