Bahamadia rose to prominence on the hip-hop scene as the female protégée of Gangstar’s Guru , and lent her smooth-flowing raps to various projects during the late ’90s, including several electronica and acid jazz artists. Born Antonia Reed in Philadelphia, Bahamadia started as a DJ at local house parties in the 80’s, and soon stepped out front to prove her skill on the mic as well. She remained a presence in the Philly hip-hop scene, but didn’t make her first recordings until meeting up with producer/radio personality DJ Ran , who helmed her independent 1993 single ‘Funk Vibe’. ‘Funk Vibe’ caught the attention of Gang Starr MC Guru , who took an interest in Bahamadia’s career and helped her get a record deal with Chrysalis. Her first singles ‘Total Wreck’ and ‘Uknowhowwedu’ were well-received in the underground for their jazzy flavor and laid-back raps. She also appeared on the second volume of Guru’s acclaimed Jazzmatazz project. The full-length LP Kollage followed in 1996, and featured production by both Guru and DJ Premier of Gang Starr, as well as fellow Philly natives. winaares van de Freestage van HHH.