Twista

• Genre: Midwestern Rap/Hip-Hop
• Hometown: Chicago
• Twista Website

About

Chi-town representative Twista has been laying down Midwest mobsta rap since 1991 when he unleashed "Runnin' Off at Da Mouth." The rapper's quick-fire flow on that song earned him a spot in the Guinness World Records as the world's fastest rapper. But it was his collaboration with Do or Die on their 1996 single "Po Pimp" that earned him the attention and respect of pop audiences. His swiftly spit flows revel in gangsta imagery, with colorful hustler episodes laid over smooth, keyboard-driven production. Twista's Windy City style has transcended his locale, spreading from coast to coast on the strength of three albums in three years. In early 2004, Twista scored a huge hit with the Kanye West collaboration "Slow Jamz," and his LP Kamikaze soared to the top of the charts. He returned in late 2005 with The Day After. Though nothing on that album was as popular as "Overnight Celebrity" or "Slow Jamz," it essentially held his place with pop audiences and served as a nice precursor to Adrenaline Rush 2007.

- Sam Chennault