Pete Philly & Perquisite

In 2002, vocalist Pete Philly and producer/instrumentalist Perquisite first crossed paths in Amsterdam, the city both called home. Owner of the Dutch indie nu jazz/hip-hop label Unexpected Records, Perquisite responded positively to the Aruba-born singer and rapper, prompting the duo to put out their debut EP, Mind.State, the following year. A full-length European album arrived in 2005 and featured a guest spot from Talib Kweli, after which Mind.State reached North America and Australia in 2006.