The era of hip-hop music is constantly evolving. Nowadays rappers can’t just get into the entertainment field with the notion of, ‘I can rap,’ they have to have a total package of exemplified characteristics. Such a group that’s finding its niche into hip-hop with a multitude of skills in the game is St. Louis rap group DA BANGGAZ 314. The Mid-West crew, which is comprised of three emcees-- two being male and one female, have gone far and beyond to bring “The New St. Louis” to the forefront.

For members Tydrae “Iklips” Moody (20), Cheronna “Nonna” Cornell (22) and Nicholas “Looney” Evans (19) the street was a way of life. The fusion of the three styles makes Da Banggaz 314 stand out from the various other rap cats out in the Mid West. Whether it’s the deliverance of grimy hard freestyles from Iklips, Looney’s conscious lyrical bars or Nonna’s hype performance—Da Banggaz 314 are sure to participate in re-sculpturing the new age landscape of what hip-hop has become. They took the valuable lessons learned on the streets with standard life experiences and poured their all to bring their talents from the ‘hood to the stage. In just the short amount of a year’s time span, Da Banggaz 314 have come along way, from hustling in the streets to chopping up verses in the studio. When Iklips and L actually got together and utilized one of their back-up dancers on a whim one day in the studio, they found the missing link that made the perfect fit for the group. Now as the three of them each member brings their own unique versatility to the table providing a more prolific appeal. “Our music is unique,” explains Nonna. “It’s something for everyone.” L continues, “It’s original, but it’s something you can relate to. The album is crazy. It’s not like what most would expect to come out of St. Louis.” The still-untitled debut release from Da Banggaz is in the process of being completed. No official date has been announced as to when it’s expected to drop.

A chance performance at a local St. Louis club called The Arena is what began the trickling effect towards stardom for Da Banggaz 314. When they performed their smashing hit “Ain’t No” is what caught the attention of Todd and Karrie Butterfield, co-owners of 7Fourteen Entertainment, the home imprint of the St. Louis rap crew. Just four days later Da Banggaz’s “Ain’t No” was the number one requested song on St. Louis’ The Beat 100.3 FM on DJ Short’s call-in segment. Nonna remembers, “When we heard our song on the radio, number one – that was it right there for me I was like, ‘You know what, we got a sound y’all,’ and we was number one for four weeks.”

It was this exact talent that seeped through the pores of these three young poised stars and ultimately led to the joint venture between 7Fourteen ENT. and Hip-Hop Since 1978/Atlantic Records’ G. Roberson. Now, as the group prepares for their debut major release, they reflect on the importance of speaking aloud as the voice of their native city. “Our song ‘St. Louis,’ is a track that we really want to be on our album ‘cause it’s our ‘hood and we want to show people that we rep where we’re from all the time,” reveals Nonna.

A group from the bottom, who started out at a local club, to hitting the radio airwaves, to opening up for Trick Daddy at DJ Dawgman’s Birthday Bash (of the Hittmenn DJ squad) earlier this year for an audience of three thousand plus, to inking a deal with a major label –this is only a dream for many but reality for Da Banggaz 314. Looney adds, “On the album there’s so many different tracks. There’s so much stuff that you can listen to from ‘Diddy Bop’ to ‘You Ain’t Gotta Lie’ to ‘St. Louis’—it’s just all different tracks, but it’s all still us. That’s the point of the album to show you that we can hit every different aspect and everything that you could possibly relate to.” The newest mixtape in the street from the group is titled Da Banggaz 314: The New St. Louis, which is hosted by DJ Bishop of The Hittmenn DJs. It features guest appearances from other talent out of the Lou including Baby Huey, Steve T, Big Will, Gena, Raw Reese, Area Fam, Beano, Black Collar, Bamm, Lunee B, Rello and Marco Pollo.

Da Banggaz 314 is continuing to slowly grind their way to the top of the game to prove that St. Louis, Missouri is a city full of prolific artists. “Nelly put St. Louis on the map, but we’re bringing the new St. Louis up” says Iklips.

I went to the concert at the Pageant last week and I must admit (especially after Borefest ’07) that I was really impressed with the talent on the STL hip-hop/R&B scene. One of my main highlights was seeing the throwback dude in the tan Members Only jacket work the entire floor from one side to the next doin’ the Prep and the Cabbage Patch like they were still brand new. I know that he is our boy, but Usher Timberlake (Nikko Smith) has some real identity crisis issues. He has a good voice, but I saw three different singers in his set. I’ve decided to now call him T-Kells too. Come on now Nikko. You would be my main STL homie if you would just get your own swagger! As happy as I was with the show, I did leave with a couple of questions that maybe y’all can answer for me. Why did DeAndre Perryman do his show in a bathrobe and college dorm shower shoes? And is Toyy in the witness protection program - because if I had just gotten there when she was on stage and missed the introduction, it would have been a complete mystery me who the person was behind the stunner shades and “out of town” wig. But she freaked it. I was down right proud of the Lou, because the whole floor was packed and the talent was able to carry the show and keep the crowd hyped. Tha Bangazz even tore it up with no microphones when they started havin’ technical difficulties! That’s what’s up. Joka, Genna, Ruka Puff (who had me laughin’ like I was at the Def Jam when he repped for the man big sexies and closed his show out with “And I am telling you”), Toyy, and Da Bangazz were my faves of the night.

The "New St. Louis" was created by 7Fourteen Entertainment. and DaBanggaz314. It was first recognized with DaBanggaz314 first Mix Tape titled "New St. Louis Volume 1". The original purpose of the movement was to bring everyone together to make St Louis grow and prosper. "New St. Lous" is a movement of "UNITY" among Artist, Producers, Songwriters, DJ's, etc. The movement is meant to be a positive influence in the community by having "Mutual Respect" for everyone, and helping this city be all it can be. Everyone is welcome to represent "New St. Louis" if they stay true to the movement. "New St. Louis" will not be a part of disrespect. If any artist is repping it in the wrong way then they are not a part of the movement "New St. Louis"