The history and evolution of Boston-based hip-hop group Kreators began almost a decade ago. While solidifying their roots during the genesis of the Boston hip-hop scene, the group has built a reputation of providing infectious beats and devastating lyrical deliveries both live on stage and on recordings. In the course of their respective solo careers, Kreators members G Squared, Jayson, Big Juan, and XL crossed paths several times. Finally, in 1997, they came together to start producing an album that represented each member's well-seasoned ideology. G Squared, the group leader, assembled this self contained, self produced, four man unit. His triple function as Producer, DJ, and MC has given the Kreators a bi-coastal sound that transcends all boundaries. His past projects include dropping a solo project for a Canada based group known as Cipher, which was nominated for a Juno Award in 1995 (the equivalent of a Grammy in the US). Jayson's affiliation with crews such as the original Gangstarr Posse (which later developed into the world renown Gangstarr) and HBO crew can be considered the inspiration for his rhyme style - an aggressive lyrical approach with a lethal tone. Big Juan brings to the group his experiences dealing with a major label (originally signed to Atlantic Records), from big money to big expectations to an understanding of how the record business really works. Big Juan assumes the role of the storyteller - conveying a clear, sharp picture of his vision of the industry, relationships and life in general. XL brings a heavy work ethic and professionalism to the table. After working with G Squared in Canada and touring with Cipher, he eventually joined the group. His serious tone and sharp combinations accentuate a delivery that consumes the listener and leaves challengers on the ropes. Although the members of Kreators have different backgrounds and styles, their combined efforts have succeeded in creating a trademark style of their own. The Kreators study the industry, trends, styles, themselves, and the efforts of other groups, and create songs that depict their knowledge in a way that serves to entertain - while educating their fans, other MCs, and the DJs that spin their records. The Kreators are firm in the message they relay in their music and the importance of putting 100% of themselves behind their work. They are also adamant about being their own worst critics: "Nobody can be more critical about our work than ourselves," says G Squared. "Anybody can put out a record. We're not about that. We're focused on quality, innovation and integrity." With that philosophy, Kreators have completed their 17 track debut album, "No Contest", originally released on Bomb Hip-Hop Records, now on RAF Multimedia. The album's first single will be "Foreign Lands" b/w "SpotLight" and "Who to Trust". On "Foreign Lands" the complex production of live instruments, a hard bass line, and lyrics which announce their claim to blow up not only on the local scene, but internationally, blend to create a song that cannot be classified as either commercial or underground. "Spotlight" and "No Ordinary Love", guest featuring rapper ED O G (best known for his solo hits "I Got to Have It" and "Be A Father to Your Child") have a sound that should attract heavy rotation from radio and club DJs worldwide. The socially conscious and radio-friendly "If You Don't Know" and the thought provoking "Chemical" shows a side of the Kreators that is interested in building awareness of the issues that plague relationships and young adults on a whole. "Big Plans" has the potential to become a crossover summer hit. Other tracks, like "Truth vs. Game" and "Who To Trust", serve to round out the album by delivering a strong message to individuals who are blindly entering the business or who are getting exploited by the companies that represent and promote them. Developing this project has been a long and challenging process; they are now proud to have an album that represents them and will garner the group respect within the industry. The Kreators are artists who have found a forum that allows them the ability to build off one another's skills, without sacrificing their own unique individual styles.