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 The story of UB40, and how this group of young friends from Birmingham transcended their working-class origins to become the world’s most successful reggae band is not the stuff of fairytales as might be imagined. The group’s led a charmed life in many respects it’s true, but it’s been a long haul since the days they’d meet up in the bars and clubs around Moseley, and some of them had to scrape by on less than £8 a week unemployment benefit. The choice was simple if you’d left school early. You could either work in one of the local factories, like Robin Campbell did, or scuffle along aimlessly whilst waiting for something else to happen.

By the summer of 1978, something else did happen, and the nucleus of UB40 began rehearsing in a local basement. Robin’s younger brother Ali, Earl Falconer, Brian Travers and James Brown all knew each other from Moseley School of Art, whilst Norman Hassan had been a friend of Ali’s since school. Initially, they thought of themselves as a "jazz-dub-reggae" band, but by the time Robin was persuaded to join and they’d recruited Michael Virtue and Astro – who’d learnt his craft with Birmingham sound-system Duke Alloy – the group had already aligned themselves to left-wing political ideals and forged their own identity, separate from the many punk and Two Tone outfits around at that time. The group had nailed their colours to the mast by naming themselves after an unemployment benefit form. Their political convictions hadn’t been gleaned second hand either, but cemented in place whilst attending marches protesting against the National Front, or rallies organised by Rock Against Racism.

By the time Chrissie Hynde invited them to tour with the Pretenders during the summer of 1980 and their debut single "King b/w Food For Thought" had sailed into the UK Top 5, all the essential elements of UB40 were already in place. Their line-up will remain unchanged for almost thirty years, and they will continue playing a mix of original material and inspired choice of reggae covers in a style that’s instantly accessible with its bright melodies and sweeping horn arrangements – one that’s allied to a formidable rhythm section, capable of holding its own with anything from Jamaica.

UB40’s first album was released the following September, on Graduate Records. Their deal allowed them more creative freedom than if they had signed with a major label. The cover artwork memorably duplicated an unemployment benefit card, with the title "Signing Off" rubber-stamped in red, but it was the music that quickly worked its way into the affections of a young, mainly student crowd with its knowing lyrics, solid reggae rhythms and dubby, instrumental passages, offset by warm horn solos and Jamaican style scatting. There was nothing else like it at the time. As a multi-cultural band from Birmingham, UB40 weren’t drawn into trying to sound "authentic," and there was considerably more depth to their music than that of many punk and 2Tone bands. "I’m a British subject, not proud of it, whilst I carry the burden of shame," they sang on one of the tracks. Accepting the truth of their own situation amidst a sea of other reggae songs proclaiming black heritage gave us a valuable insight into where UB40 were coming from. They were unafraid to stand up and be counted, and British audiences instinctively loved them for it. "Signing Off" duly went to No. 2 in the UK and stayed on the nation’s album charts for 72 weeks.

On September 2nd, 2013, UB40 released their latest album ‘Getting Over The Storm’ on Universal/Virgin Records.

G-Funk Music Inc
When you think about West Coast hip-hop, you can’t overlook the impact of Warren G. Born Warren Griffin III, this Long Beach native didn’t just ride the wave of G-Funk—he helped create it. Warren’s journey from the streets of Long Beach to the global stage is a testament to talent, hustle, and staying true to your roots.
Warren grew up in a two-parent household until his parents split, leaving his mom to hold it down. But even as life changed, the music didn’t. His parents’ collection of jazz, funk, and soul records planted the seeds of his sound early on. By the time he hit 13, Warren was already finding his way into music. It wasn’t long before he linked up with his buddies Nate Dogg and Snoop Dogg to form 213, a group that would lay the foundation for what was to come.
You see, Warren G isn’t just a rapper—he’s a storyteller. And like any good storyteller, he knows how to paint a picture. His style? It’s laid-back, but it hits hard, much like the man himself. Think Slick Rick’s narratives, Jimmy Spicer’s funk, and Kanye’s drive all rolled into one. Warren’s music takes you on a ride through the highs and lows of life, with every track telling a story that feels as real today as it did when he first dropped it.
Now, if you’re talking about hits, you can’t skip over “Regulate.” That track, featuring his longtime friend Nate Dogg, wasn’t just a song—it was an anthem. In 1994, “Regulate” dominated the charts, hitting #1 on the Billboard rap chart and #2 on the pop chart. The album, Regulate…G Funk Era, sold four million copies worldwide, solidifying Warren G’s place in hip-hop history.
But Warren didn’t stop there. His career continued to climb with tracks like “This D.J.” and collaborations with the biggest names in the game. And while the spotlight shone bright, Warren kept his feet on the ground, staying connected to his Long Beach roots.
Over the years, Warren has done more than just drop hits. He’s evolved, always finding new ways to express himself. He’s not just a rapper—he’s a producer, a businessman, and now, a culinary artist. Inspired by his father, a former chef in the Navy, Warren launched Sniffin Griffins BBQ. This venture is more than just a nod to his dad; it’s a new chapter in Warren’s story. It’s about family, flavor, and bringing people together—just like his music has done for decades.
What sets Warren G apart from other artists? It’s his loyalty, his business mind, and his ability to adapt. He’s not just in the game—he’s changing it, whether it’s through his music, his business ventures, or his influence on the next generation of artists. Warren is the regulator, the motivator, and the guy you want to have around when things get tough. He’s fun, he’s focused, and he’s always ready to take on the next challenge.
As Warren looks to the future, he’s got his sights set on more than just music. Sure, he’s still dropping bars and producing tracks, but he’s also bringing that same passion to the kitchen. With Sniffin Griffins BBQ, Warren is cooking up something special, blending his love of music with his love of food. It’s all about creating something that lasts, something that brings people together—whether it’s at a concert or a cookout.
Warren G’s journey is far from over. He’s a legend, no doubt, but he’s also a man who’s always looking forward. His message? Never give up, no matter what. Life’s got its speed bumps, but those are just part of the ride. Warren’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and staying true to who you are. And as he continues to evolve, one thing’s for sure—Warren G isn’t just living in the past. He’s shaping the future, one beat, one business, and one BBQ sauce at a time.

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