publishing worldwide
Comparable to icons like De La Soul, A Tribe Called Quest, and The Pharcyde, Ugly Duckling is a jazz-influenced alternative rap trio from Long Beach, California. Formed in 1995 by Dizzy, Young Einstein, and Andy Cat, the group chose their name to reflect their outsider status in a Southern California hip-hop scene dominated by gangsta rap. Rejecting the era’s violent posturing, Ugly Duckling crafted a playful, clever style rooted in old-school vibes.
Their breakout came with the single Fresh Mode (1998), selling over 3,000 copies and earning a deal with 1500 Records, where they released the Fresh Mode EP (1999) and debut album Journey to Anywhere (2000). Subsequent releases like Taste the Secret (2003), Bang for the Buck (2006), and Audacity (2008) on indie label Fat Beats cemented their reputation for witty storytelling and infectious beats.
Ugly Duckling remains a celebrated act in underground hip-hop, blending humor, charisma, and a deep love for the genre's golden era.