Album Notes

Formed in 1990, Justice System began playing at high school talent shows and small clubs in the Westchester, NY area. Justice System recorded their first demos at Power Play Studios in Queens where hip hop legends BDP, Eric B & Rakim and EPMD also recorded. The sound was fresh and immediately created a buzz for the band who began to establish a name for themselves. The framework that they had created set them apart from any one else in the Hip Hop genre. Justice was a band. Not just vessels for others words, but writers and composers who played their own music. By 1992 the band was gigging with big name acts like 3rd Bass, De La Soul and RunDMC. They also hooked up with the Almighty Zulu Nation and Afrika Bambaattaa, the Godfather of Rap. The song "Dedication to Bambaattaa," on the 1992 demo, reached the Godfather through the grapevine. Before long, Justice System was the house band at many Zulu Nation events. They tore the roof off of talent shows and chapter parties in NYC. The influence of the Zulu Nation had a profound effect on the band members whose music reflected this enlightenment.

Because the ambition to succeed became greater, the band focused all of their energy on creating great songs and performing. Employing various managers the band received the exposure it had craved and was soon headlining at the premier venues in NYC. The Grand, SOB's, Tilt, Wetlands, and the Supper Club. The band was reaching an audience of musical intellectuals who came in all shapes, sizes and colors. The view from here was good but it was about to get better. The band realized that Industry people usually frequented the clubs during the week and to attract attention, they would have to bring in a large audience and start to politic with the suits. Folex and Jahbaz, the two front men energized crowds and taste makers while Coz, Wizard C, Eric G. and Mo'Betta Al delivered the knock out blow.

The band signed with MCA Records in 1993 and completed recording "Rooftop Soundcheck" in April of 1994 and the video for the first single, "Summer in the City." Exposure on BET and local video shows helped the band become recognized as it set out to hit the road. Going out with groups like US3, The Fugees and Coolio to name a few, the band embarked on a 22 city tour. Prior to the release of the album, "Rooftop Soundcheck," the band received rave reviews from critics. Audiences were propelled into the next generation of Hip Hop through the band's dynamic performances. The band capitalized on the great response from their first nationwide tour by following it up with a succession of smaller, more intimate club dates from coast to coast. TV appearances and radio interviews also followed.

In late 1995, Justice System returned to the studio accompanied by upcoming rapper Casstedaro. After the band's request to be released from their contract with MCA was granted, along with the departure of Jahbaz, the group reinvented itself by introducing the world to the concept of RAWOMAR - Revitalizing Audiences With Original Music And Rhyme. "RAWOMAR simply put is the re-evolution of music. Justice System, The Roots, The Fugees, D'Angelo - all have brought the live show and band concept back to the forefront" said Ed Friebowitz of Philadelphia's Milktoast Productions.

In 1998, Illrivermuzic was born. From years of experience, this new sound will be defining music for the 21st century. This new sound will not only cover the classic style of Justice System , but will redefine the soundscape of music already known to man, woman and all celestial entities. Casstedaro heads the list with his impenetrable rhyme style backed by the powerhouse production of the ALS' Grooves trio. The return of Justice System is inevitable with a new style. The entire cast including Jahbaz, Casstedaro, Folex , Coz, Wizard C, Eric G. and Mo' Betta Al will once again blow woofers and pop tweeters. So prepare yourself for the rapids, hold on to the sides of the boat and get ready to take a ride downstream, down the ill river....