Biography
Forming an Atlanta-based hip-hop duo called The Hemisphere are MC U-George and DJ/producer Tariq L. Their partnership started in 1998, once each had already built an independent path—George via his solo release Just Say Uncle, and Tariq through production work for Da Bush Babees and De La Soul. The group’s name originated in the idea of a single sphere divided into two equal parts. That same principle shaped every element of their first album, Performing Artz, which appeared in spring 2001. Tariq’s productions, blending jazz, soul, and classic hip-hop ingredients, paired with U-George’s distinctive delivery—shaped by his Virgin Islands upbringing—to yield a relaxed, sunlit atmosphere throughout the project. Also in 2001, the duo placed the track “It’s Time” on Lyricist Lounge’s Underground Airplay Version 1.0 compilation, placing them alongside underground figures such as Mos Def and the X-Ecutioners.