Raphi

Raphi, an underground MC, devoted multiple years to the Los Angeles collective Tunnel Rats before stepping out independently to issue a full-length project. He joined the crew in 1993 under the temporary alias Shame, establishing himself as its combative junior participant. This confrontational edge traced back to his childhood in an artistic household, where his mother, a Broadway actress, and his father, manager for Debby Boone, urged their son to attain objectives by whatever means proved necessary. As his abilities gained prominence, that earlier reputation gradually faded from both his professional and private spheres. He began contributing guest verses to other rappers’ albums and emerged as a compelling draw in LA’s vibrant rap circuit. After nearly a decade in the field, he chose to apply his smooth flow and thoughtful lyrics to a solo effort. Entering the studio in spring 2002 produced Cali Quake, which reached listeners in early fall of that same year.