Northern State

A female rap trio from Long Island, N.Y., Northern State consist of Hesta Prynn, DJ Sprout and Guinea Love. They rock a super-catchy -- some might say "sassy" -- style that instantly evokes memories of a Licensed To Ill-era Beastie Boys: heavy on the high-pitched loud rhymes and pop culture references. However, whereas the young Beasties repped the virtues of angel dust, KFC and under-aged girls, Northern State are all about political awareness, vegetarianism and female empowerment. Because of their very in-your-face style (both in content and delivery), most listeners will find them either absolutely brilliant or impossible to listen to; some critics have lauded them, while others have shredded their music. Regardless, the group's first album Dying In Stereo earned them a deal with Columbia Records, got them on Last Call With Carson Daly, and prompted collaborations with hip-hop icons like Pete Rock and DJ Muggs. Whether N.S. are just a flash in the pan or will become the first female white rap group to blow up remains to be seen, but they're definitely making moves.