Oldominion crew members and MCs
Onry Ozzborn and
JFK had been meaning to do a project together for a while, but it wasn't until after they heard
Cannibal Ox's 2001 album,
The Cold Vein, that they decided to organize themselves. The finalized their lineup in 2003 with the addition of bass player Rob Castro, who had played on
Ozzborn's The Grey Area. After
Grayskul recorded over 30 songs and released a tour-only LP, their music got into the hands of Rhymesayers head
Siddiq (
Brent Sayers), who liked their hard-edged sound and immediately signed them. Using the alter egos
Reason,
Fiddle Stick Recluse (or just
Recluse), and Phantom Ghost El Topo,
Ozzborn,
JFK, and Castro -- whose live show included a live DJ and oftentimes masks -- released their debut,
Deadlivers, in 2005, and two years later (this time preferring the monikers "Count Draven" and "Count Magnus," and without Castro)
Bloody Radio, which featured verses from
Aesop Rock and
Cage, among others, came out. ~ Marisa Brown