Now On

Now On forged together in the mid-2000s, originating from some of Michigan's premier underground hip-hop acts. DJ Haircut is from the Ann Arbor-based group the Athletic Mic League and their affiliated production team, the Lab Techs. Jackson Perry and IX Lives (who also happens to be the son of Larry "Squirrel" Demps from '60s/'70s Detroit R&B group the Dramatics) were the lead MCs for the now disbanded Funktelligence rap band, which was also based in Ann Arbor. Rebuilding new careers for themselves, the trio relocated from Ann Arbor, MI, to Los Angeles, CA. In terms of live performance credits, their résumé was extensive, having graced the stage alongside similarly alternative rap groups including Slum Village, the Roots, Little Brother, and as well as legendary artists like Chaka Khan and Herbie Hancock. However, the group did not produce much recorded material until 2005's release of From Now On... The EP. With production from the Lab Techs, their debut full-length LP, Eye Level, arrived in October the following year.