Shadez

Canadian hip-hop trio Shadez — Skotch (aka Mr. Bowen), Bigg Casino, and Eclipse (aka Bad Mannaz) — fought long and hard for many years to make a name for themselves in the country's rap scene before releasing their first EP, Comprehension, in 1999. Natives of Winnipeg, Manitoba, the three lyricists' diligence finally paid off, establishing the group as a staple on the independent and college radio circuit during the early 2000s. After their first full-length, Thee Impossible, in 2004, Shadez were tapped to open shows for many U.S. acts, including the Pharcyde, Royce da 5'9", and Eve. However, in the studio, they mainly kept their collaborations within Canadian borders, working with the Da Grassroots production team and labelmates Mood Ruff. Every Dollar Counts, featuring Canadian Idol contender Rob James, arrived in November 2006.