Blazin' Squad

In the Beginning there were 2 decks and a microphone, in the end Blazin' Squad scored an impressive six consecutive Top Ten hits in just two years. Members Flava, Plat'num, Strider, Freek, Krazy, Tommy-B, Melo-D, Spike-E, Reepa, and Kenzie all met at Higham Park School in Chingford, London where they bonded over a love of hip-hop. After recording a demo, "Standard Flow," at a nearby studio for just £200, the group released it to various pirate radio stations under their own label, Weighty Plates. Attracting the attention of EastWest Records, they were promptly signed and in 2002, just weeks after completing their GCSEs, they released their debut single, "Crossroads." A reworking of the 1996 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony classic, it became an instant hit with the Smash Hits' audience, a staple of music video channels' play lists, and reached number one in its first week. with follow-up "Love on the Line" reaching number six and debut album In the Beginning achieving gold status. Third single, the double A-side "When the Story Ends"/"Reminisce" became their third Top Ten hit, (number eight) and after a sell-out 21-date tour, the group started work on new material. In 2003, lead single "We Just Be Dreamin" reached number three and after "Flip Reverse," arguably their most well-received single, charted one place higher, second album Now or Never was released.