I.M.P (an abbreviation of Ill Mannered Posse) was a

gangsta rap Gangsta rap or gangster rap, initially called reality rap, emerged in the mid- to late 1980s as a controversial hip-hop subgenre whose lyrics assert the culture and values typical of American street gangs and street hustlers. Many gangsta rappe ...

group from San Francisco, California, originally made up of C-Fresh,

Cougnut Ronald Fields (January 11, 1968 – September 4, 2001), better known by his stage name Cougnut, was an American rapper from the Lakeview neighborhood of San Francisco, California. Biography As frontman of rap group Ill Mannered Posse (I.M.P), ...

, Dre Dog later known as

Andre Nickatina Andre L. Adams (born March 11, 1970), better known by his stage name Andre Nickatina, is an American rapper from San Francisco, California. He previously performed under the stage name Dre Dog. Personal life Andre Adams was born on March 11, 19 ...

, Lou-E-Loc and Rob V. Their most known album is the underground classic Ill Mannered Playas, released in 1996 on In-A-Minute Records.

History

I.M.P was one of the original rap groups from San Francisco. The group was also where San Francisco's rapper

started his career. He has made several references to I.M.P and collaborated with

on the song Muthafucka on the album I Hate You with a Passion. The group's leader Cougnut died on September 4, 2001, from injuries sustained in a car crash.

Formation and early years (1988–1993)

The group's leader

formed the group in 1989 in San Francisco along with members C. Fresh, D.J. Ill Chill, Hitman Stinge and M.C. Louie Lou. Later on

joined in 1993 but left soon after to form a solo career. The front man Cougnut was known for his deep voice and street credibility.

Legacy

Andre Nickatina has referenced the I.M.P in his song Smoke Dope and Rap. They are well known in the bay area underground rap scene for releasing their underground classic Ill Mannered Playas in 1996 which would also serve as their last album.

Personnel

* C. Fresh (1989–1996) * D.J. Ill Chill (1989–1996) * Hitman Stinge (1989–1996) * Rob V (1989–1996) *

(1993–1993) * M.C. Louie Lou. (1989–1996) *

(1989–1996; died 2001) * Stingy (1989–1996)

Discography

Studio albums * ''Back in the Days'' (1993) * ''Ill Mannered Playas'' (1996) Extended plays * ''No Prisoners'' (1989) * ''I.M.P. Dogs'' (1990)

References

{{Authority control American hip hop groups African-American musical groups Musical groups from San Francisco Gangsta rap groups