One Block Radius formed as an alternative rap trio in California after its three members spent years working separately in music. Singer, songwriter, and producer Marty James from Chico, CA, rapper Z-Man from San Francisco (born Zamon Christian), and DJ plus graphic artist MDA born in Indiana make up the lineup, which draws on influences ranging from the Pharcyde and De la Soul to Sublime and Hall & Oates.
James first recorded under the name Scapegoat Wax, landing a deal with the Beastie Boys’ Grand Royal imprint that yielded the albums Okeeblow in 2001 and Swax in 2002 along with the single Aisle 10 (Hello Allison) that same year. MDA also held a position at Grand Royal and contributed to Scapegoat Wax sessions with James. At the same time Z-Man maintained ties to the Bay Area’s Hieroglyphics collective and issued Anti Nerd in 2003 plus Dope or Dog Food in 2004, both on Refill Records.
The three musicians eventually connected and launched One Block Radius, unveiling their first recording, “Look Out Below,” on the 2004 Hieroglyphics-affiliated compilation Hiero Imperium Presents the Building. Their debut full-length, Long Story Short, arrived the following year, after which the group toured the country primarily in support slots. James generated wider notice by supplying the hook for the Federation’s 2006 single “I Wear My Stunna Glasses at Night,” prompting numerous collaboration requests. One Block Radius then secured a contract with Island Def Jam and released the single “You Got Me” as their major-label introduction in 2008, followed later that year by a self-titled album.
