The Animal Crackers
The Animal Crackers are an American group of DJs, MCs and producers based in Cincinnati, Ohio. Biography. The group, originally just DJs, formed in the early nineties. The founding members of The Animal Crackers are Casual T (DJ/Producer/Engineer), King SMO (DJ/Producer), and The Cincinnati Kid (DJ/MC). As DJs, they first began in 1995 by playing out at local venues. They expanded the group by having Mike B (DJ) and DQ (DJ) both Cincinnati locals, join in, and a consistent growing fan base furthered their exposure. By 1999, their fan base had grown so  much that they were forced to play at a higher capacity venue. At the larger venue they began to perform live routines and hosted emcee battles. The Animal Crackers success grew rapidly in the music scene of Cincinnati during this time. They won the City Beat Cincinnati Entertainment Awards twice, and became Cincinnati Enquirer nominees. Upon recognition of those titles, Unseen (MC,) from Dayton, Oh and Dirty Ru (DJ/Producer/MC) from Connecticut joined the crew. The latest addition to the Animal Crackers is Topspeed (DJ) and extended family include; Mr. Dibbs, Nobody and Haiku. The collective manage their own  recording studio and label entitled Manimal Records, also based out of Cincinnati. They are involved with MC Paul Barman and legendary Bootsy Collins. The Animal Crackers have been official DJs for Scribble Jam since 2000, Scribble Jam is one of the most popular underground hip hop events of the year. Their first releases include a break-record entitled "Animal Cracker Breaks Vol.1", on Stereotype Records (March 2001) and a studio recorded collection of live routines called "Just Add Water." Their second break-record entitled "Vanilla Hater Breaks" (July 2003) collectively ensures their taste in selection of samples. Solo projects include  DQ's, "Where The Sidewalk Begins" and Casual T's "Random Xtract." Currently they are working on a second full-length album and several individual/group projects. Members. The Animal Crackers are a variety group consisting of turntablists, MC's, and producer based out of Cincinnati, Ohio. They began with just two members in the mid 1990s, and have since grown to become one of the most popular underground hip-hop collectives. Originally consisting of only three DJs they eventually added more extremely talented DJs and began a turntable group. Among the addition of new members, the Animal Crackers are  the Official Scribble Jam DJs as well as doing side work for the famous Bootsy Collins. According to the members, Casual T and Noah met through Noah's older brother and began the Crackers around 1996. Shortly after, King SMO, Mike B, Dq, and Dirty Ru joined. The newest member of the group is TopSpeed. Discography. Albums EPs/Compilations/Other Appearances Official DJs for Bootsy and Bootzilla Productions The Crackers have become the Official DJs for Bootsy over time. The most recent contribution includes Casual T scratching over his new Christmas featuring Snoop Dogg called "Christmas is Forever" (on Shout  Records). Side projects. Tours