Federal Expressions

Hip-hop crew The CUF, an acronym for California Underground Funk, started their hip hop journey in 1993. They have a nuanced sound and technically sophisticated approach to their ever-expanding discography. This 5-man wrecking crew is comprised of MCs: N8 the Gr8, Pete, Crush, Brotha RJ, and Taktics (Lil N8). Guest appearances on CUF albums range from Sacramento locals such as Bron 4000 to Underground greats like The Living Legends. Based in Sacramento, CA, the CUF have been making solid music for years, but it is their dynamics that make the works so timeless. The guys met in in 93, where they were working and MCing on their own in Sacramento. “We were all struggling on our own so thought, we should join forces,” recalls N8 of how the group formed. Gaining national exposure by performing on The World Famous Wake Up Show two consecutive times with Notorious B.I.G. in 1996, The CUF’s sound and live shows have influenced many of the Bay Area’s current icons including Living Legends, Hieroglyphics, and Bored Stiff. In 96, they dropped Federal Expressions which was followed by 1997’s I Love this Game. After back-to- back releases Cufbaby (1998) Cufilation in 99, and the critically acclaimed Cufdaddy in 2000, they went on a brief hiatus from the group. In between albums, the guys dropped solo projects like Good4Nuthin (Pete and N8 the Gr8) in 2001, then two albums under the name Deep Fried Funk Brothers where they collaborated with artists such as The Grouch, Casual, Murs, Bicasso. Pete B also dropped two solo albums, including the well-received 2008’s Beans and Rice. In the past fifteen years the CUF has blessed over 500 stages worldwide along side some of the biggest acts, including KRS-One, Dr. Dre, RUN-DMC, Xzibit, and the Living Legends, to name just a few. CUF songs have appeared on Microsoft's Xbox video games Amped. The CUF today is a bit more refined but they are still making great pure hip-hop. CUF Caviar Vol. 1 droped direct to fans on April 26, 2011 and to the rest of the world in late May, just in time for the summer. All Songs written by The CUF (N. Curry, P. Bettencourt, M. Hayes, R. Hollins Jr., N. Curry Jr.) All tracks produced, recorded and mixed by Nate Curry aka N8 the Gr8, First of all The CUF would like to thank the underground hip hop community...for still believing in good music...and helping us keep the dream alive.. also special thanks to Fritz , Casey , DonWon , Mad G , All of our Family and Friends ..far too many names for this little blurb...but never the less WE LOVE YOU TOO!