The Dayton Family
Encyclopedia
The Dayton Family is an American
hip hop
group from Flint, Michigan
. The group is composed of Ira Dorsey, Raheen Peterson, and Matt Hinkle, who perform under the respective personas of Bootleg, Shoestring, and Backstabba. The name Dayton Family derives from Dayton Street, one of the most crime-ridden streets in their hometown.
. In between studio sessions, they performed at local clubs and quickly gain notoriety within Flint.
The Dayton Family recorded a 12-inch single
and soon signed with Atlanta independent record label
Po Broke in 1995. That year, the group released their debut album What's on My Mind?
and were featured on No Limit
s Down South Hustlers: Bouncin' and Swingin'
compilation album, which got the trio recognition throughout Southern United States
. After the album's release, Hinkle was imprisoned and replaced by Dorse's younger brother Eric, who performed under the name Ghetto E. Following a year of touring, the group left Po Broke due to legal problems with the label's producer.
In 1996, they released their second album F.B.I.
, standing for Fuck Being Indicted, under Relativity Records
. The album was later certified gold
. The Dayton Family was plagued with various legal problems, including Ira being incarcerated soon after release of F.B.I., which hindered the amount of work the group released. In 1999, both Ira and Peterson released solo albums. Two years later, the group signed with Detroit rapper Esham
's Gothom
label and released solo albums. The next year, they released Welcome to the Dopehouse
under Koch Records.
through Fast Life Records. The following year, The Dayton Family signed with U Be U Records and released Back on Dayton Ave.
The duo added new member Jake the Flake later that same year and released Return to Dayton Ave.
in October. Following Hinkle's release from prison, the group returned to their original lineup of Ira, Peterson, and Hinkle. In 2009, they released The Return: The Right To Remain Silent under DDA Records.
subsidiary label Hatchet House
. The group released the EP Psycho
on February 1, 2011, and a music video was released for the song "Cocaine" on 28 March. Their eighth album, Charges of Indictment
, was released on June 28. They most recently featured in the Psychopathic Psypher Part 1 & 2 (Bootleg in Part 1 and Shoestring in Part 2). The video for The Psypher (Part 1 & 2) was released on June 5, 2011.
, LL Cool J
, N.W.A, Geto Boys
, Tupac Shakur
, The Notorious B.I.G.
, X-Clan
, Spice 1
, and Public Enemy as influences.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
hip hop
Hip hop music
Hip hop music, also called hip-hop, rap music or hip-hop music, is a musical genre consisting of a stylized rhythmic music that commonly accompanies rapping, a rhythmic and rhyming speech that is chanted...
group from Flint, Michigan
Flint, Michigan
Flint is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is located along the Flint River, northwest of Detroit. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the 2010 population to be placed at 102,434, making Flint the seventh largest city in Michigan. It is the county seat of Genesee County which lies in the...
. The group is composed of Ira Dorsey, Raheen Peterson, and Matt Hinkle, who perform under the respective personas of Bootleg, Shoestring, and Backstabba. The name Dayton Family derives from Dayton Street, one of the most crime-ridden streets in their hometown.
Early history (1993–2005)
In 1993, Ira Dorsey and Raheen Peterson met through their younger brothers. The two began writing together, under the names Bootleg and Shoestring, and created their first song, "Dope Dayton Ave." Rapper Matt Hinkle soon joined the duo under the name Backstabba. The group began working with local producer Steve Pitts and formed The Dayton Family, named after Dayton Avenue, one of the most crime-ridden streets in their hometown of Flint, MichiganFlint, Michigan
Flint is a city in the U.S. state of Michigan and is located along the Flint River, northwest of Detroit. The U.S. Census Bureau reports the 2010 population to be placed at 102,434, making Flint the seventh largest city in Michigan. It is the county seat of Genesee County which lies in the...
. In between studio sessions, they performed at local clubs and quickly gain notoriety within Flint.
The Dayton Family recorded a 12-inch single
12-inch single
The 12-inch single is a type of gramophone record that has wider groove spacing compared to other types of records. This allows for louder levels to be cut on the disc by the cutting engineer, which in turn gives a wider dynamic range, and thus better sound quality...
and soon signed with Atlanta independent record label
Independent record label
An independent record label is a record label operating without the funding of or outside the organizations of the major record labels. A great number of bands and musical acts begin on independent labels.-Overview:...
Po Broke in 1995. That year, the group released their debut album What's on My Mind?
What's on My Mind?
What's On My Mind? is the debut album by The Dayton Family.-Track listing:#"Sound Effectz"#"Smoke for Free"#"I'm A Gee"#"DOA"#"Oxydol"#"Watch Yo Ass"#"Nutty Niggaz"#"Dope Dayton Ave."#"Sound Effectz"#"Flint Niggazz Don't Play"#"Thru A Thang"...
and were featured on No Limit
No Limit Records
No Limit Records was an American hip-hop record label that was founded in 1990 by hip-hop artist, Percy "Master P" Miller. It was distributed by Priority Records.-No Limit Early years:...
s Down South Hustlers: Bouncin' and Swingin'
Down South Hustlers: Bouncin' and Swingin'
Down South Hustlers: Bouncin' and Swingin' is a compilation album released by No Limit Records. It was released on October 31, 1995 as one of the first releases through the No Limit/Priority Records partnership. The album didn't make it as high as some of No Limit's later releases, but it managed...
compilation album, which got the trio recognition throughout Southern United States
Southern United States
The Southern United States—commonly referred to as the American South, Dixie, or simply the South—constitutes a large distinctive area in the southeastern and south-central United States...
. After the album's release, Hinkle was imprisoned and replaced by Dorse's younger brother Eric, who performed under the name Ghetto E. Following a year of touring, the group left Po Broke due to legal problems with the label's producer.
In 1996, they released their second album F.B.I.
F.B.I. (album)
F.B.I. is the second album recorded by the Flint, Michigan native rap group The Dayton Family. It was originally released on September 24, 1996.- Track listing :# 79th And Halstead# Hand That Rocks The Cradle# F.B.I....
, standing for Fuck Being Indicted, under Relativity Records
Relativity Records
Relativity Records, often branded just Relativity, is an American record label founded by Barry Kobrin at the site of his company, Important Record Distribution in metro New York. Early on, as an indie label, Relativity released music in a variety of styles, including dance, jazz, punk, and...
. The album was later certified gold
Music recording sales certification
Music recording sales certification is a system of certifying that a music recording has shipped or sold a certain number of copies, where the threshold quantity varies by type and by nation or territory .Almost all countries follow variations of the RIAA certification categories,...
. The Dayton Family was plagued with various legal problems, including Ira being incarcerated soon after release of F.B.I., which hindered the amount of work the group released. In 1999, both Ira and Peterson released solo albums. Two years later, the group signed with Detroit rapper Esham
Esham
Rashaam Attica Smith, better known by his stage name Esham , is an American rapper from Detroit, Michigan known for his hallucinogenic style of hip hop which he refers to as "acid rap", which fuses rock-based beats and lyrics involving subjects such as death, drug use, evil, paranoia and...
's Gothom
Reel Life Productions
Reel Life Productions, also known as Gothom Records, is an independent record label based in Detroit, Michigan that specializes in hip hop music. The label was founded in 1988 by James H. Smith and his younger brother, rapper Esham...
label and released solo albums. The next year, they released Welcome to the Dopehouse
Welcome to the Dopehouse
Welcome to the Dopehouse is the third album recorded by Flint, Michigan native rap group The Dayton Family. It was originally released in 2002 under Koch Records.- Track listing :# Intro# Big Mac 11# Do You Remember# Welcome To Flint# Feds...
under Koch Records.
Stabilization (2005-2010)
After a three year hiatus, the group was trimmed down to Ira and Peterson and they released Family FeudFamily Feud (album)
Family Feud is the fourth album by The Dayton Family released under Fast Life Records on July 12, 2005. The Album spawned 2 radio hits from Chevys and Can't Get Out.-Track listing:#Family Feud#Bulldoggin'#Where You From #Chevys...
through Fast Life Records. The following year, The Dayton Family signed with U Be U Records and released Back on Dayton Ave.
Back on Dayton Ave.
Back on Dayton Ave. is an underground rap album by The Dayton Family. It was released to the local Flint, Michigan area on April 1, 2006. It is the first album by The Dayton Family under their new record label U Be U Records.-Track listing:#"The Journal"...
The duo added new member Jake the Flake later that same year and released Return to Dayton Ave.
Return to Dayton Ave.
Return to Dayton Ave. is an album by The Dayton Family under U Be U Records released on October 31, 2006. It is their first full length album under the new record label as well as being collaborated with new member Jake the Flake.-Track listing:...
in October. Following Hinkle's release from prison, the group returned to their original lineup of Ira, Peterson, and Hinkle. In 2009, they released The Return: The Right To Remain Silent under DDA Records.
Hatchet House (2010-present)
On July 14, 2010, The Dayton Family signed with Psychopathic RecordsPsychopathic Records
Psychopathic Records, also known as "The Hatchet", is an American independent record label based in Farmington Hills, Michigan that specializes in hip hop music. The label was founded in 1991 by Alex Abbiss and hip hop group Insane Clown Posse....
subsidiary label Hatchet House
Hatchet House
Hatchet House is the sub-label of independent record label Psychopathic Records, based in Royal Oak, Michigan in the United States, which was formed in 2007 by American hip hop group Insane Clown Posse.-History:...
. The group released the EP Psycho
Psycho (EP)
Psycho is a 6 track EP by The Dayton Family, released on February 1, 2011. It is their first release under Psychopathic Records sub-label Hatchet House. The EP features the Insane Clown Posse, Flex from Top Authority, and Philly Cocaine.-Track listing:...
on February 1, 2011, and a music video was released for the song "Cocaine" on 28 March. Their eighth album, Charges of Indictment
Charges of Indictment
Charges Of Indictment is the 7th album by Flint, Michigan rap group The Dayton Family released June 21, 2011 on Psychopathic Records sub-label Hatchet House and their own imprint DDA Records...
, was released on June 28. They most recently featured in the Psychopathic Psypher Part 1 & 2 (Bootleg in Part 1 and Shoestring in Part 2). The video for The Psypher (Part 1 & 2) was released on June 5, 2011.
Style and influences
The Dayton Family is known for their gritty lyrics concerning ghetto survival, struggle, and poverty. Allmusic reviewer Jason Birchmeier describes The Dayton Family's musical style as "potent hardcore rap." He says that the group has "an idiosyncratic identity" and "a dark, grim mentality focused on modest survival rather than riches or fame." The group lists Run DMC, Michael JacksonMichael Jackson
Michael Joseph Jackson was an American recording artist, entertainer, and businessman. Referred to as the King of Pop, or by his initials MJ, Jackson is recognized as the most successful entertainer of all time by Guinness World Records...
, LL Cool J
LL Cool J
James Todd Smith , better known as LL Cool J , is an American rapper, entrepreneur, and actor...
, N.W.A, Geto Boys
Geto Boys
Geto Boys is a rap group from Houston, Texas, consisting of Scarface, Willie D and Bushwick Bill. The Geto Boys earned notoriety for its lyrics which included misogyny, gore, psychotic experiences, and necrophilia...
, Tupac Shakur
Tupac Shakur
Tupac Amaru Shakur , known by his stage names 2Pac and Makaveli, was an American rapper and actor. Shakur has sold over 75 million albums worldwide as of 2007, making him one of the best-selling music artists in the world...
, The Notorious B.I.G.
The Notorious B.I.G.
Christopher George Latore Wallace , best known as The Notorious B.I.G., was an American rapper. He was also known as Biggie Smalls , Big Poppa, and The Black Frank White .Wallace was raised in the Brooklyn borough...
, X-Clan
X-Clan
X-Clan is a hip hop group from Brooklyn, New York, originally consisting of Grand Verbalizer Funkin' Lesson Brother J, Professor X The Overseer, Paradise the Architect, and Sugar Shaft the Rhythm Provider...
, Spice 1
Spice 1
Robert L. Green, Jr., better known by his stage name Spice 1, is an American rapper from Hayward, California. He has consistently been releasing solo and group albums since 1992. Spice 1 was ranked number 56 in The Source magazine's Top 115 Hip-Hop Artists from 1988–2003...
, and Public Enemy as influences.
Albums
- 1995: What's on My Mind?What's on My Mind?What's On My Mind? is the debut album by The Dayton Family.-Track listing:#"Sound Effectz"#"Smoke for Free"#"I'm A Gee"#"DOA"#"Oxydol"#"Watch Yo Ass"#"Nutty Niggaz"#"Dope Dayton Ave."#"Sound Effectz"#"Flint Niggazz Don't Play"#"Thru A Thang"...
- 1996: F.B.I.F.B.I. (album)F.B.I. is the second album recorded by the Flint, Michigan native rap group The Dayton Family. It was originally released on September 24, 1996.- Track listing :# 79th And Halstead# Hand That Rocks The Cradle# F.B.I....
- 2002: Welcome to the DopehouseWelcome to the DopehouseWelcome to the Dopehouse is the third album recorded by Flint, Michigan native rap group The Dayton Family. It was originally released in 2002 under Koch Records.- Track listing :# Intro# Big Mac 11# Do You Remember# Welcome To Flint# Feds...
- 2005: Family FeudFamily Feud (album)Family Feud is the fourth album by The Dayton Family released under Fast Life Records on July 12, 2005. The Album spawned 2 radio hits from Chevys and Can't Get Out.-Track listing:#Family Feud#Bulldoggin'#Where You From #Chevys...
- 2006: Back on Dayton Ave.Back on Dayton Ave.Back on Dayton Ave. is an underground rap album by The Dayton Family. It was released to the local Flint, Michigan area on April 1, 2006. It is the first album by The Dayton Family under their new record label U Be U Records.-Track listing:#"The Journal"...
- 2006: Return to Dayton Ave.Return to Dayton Ave.Return to Dayton Ave. is an album by The Dayton Family under U Be U Records released on October 31, 2006. It is their first full length album under the new record label as well as being collaborated with new member Jake the Flake.-Track listing:...
- 2009: The Return: The Right to Remain SilentThe Return: The Right to Remain SilentThe Return: The Right To Remain Silent is an album by The Dayton Family under DDA Records released sometime late 2009. It is their first full length album under another new record label, Featuring Artists such as Bone Crusher, Billy Smokes, and MC Breed .-Track listing:#We Run This#White Girl#Get...
- 2011: Psycho (EP)Psycho (EP)Psycho is a 6 track EP by The Dayton Family, released on February 1, 2011. It is their first release under Psychopathic Records sub-label Hatchet House. The EP features the Insane Clown Posse, Flex from Top Authority, and Philly Cocaine.-Track listing:...
- 2011: Charges of IndictmentCharges of IndictmentCharges Of Indictment is the 7th album by Flint, Michigan rap group The Dayton Family released June 21, 2011 on Psychopathic Records sub-label Hatchet House and their own imprint DDA Records...
Solo albums
- Bootleg
- 1999: Death Before Dishonesty
- 2001: Hated By Many Loved By Few
- 2005: The Product
- Ghetto E
- 2001: Ghetto Theater
- Shoestring
- 1999: Representin' Till The World Ends
- 2001: Cross Addicted
- Jake the Flake
- 1992: Out 2 Get Rich EP
- 1996: Flint Thug Compilation
- 1998: Out 2 Get Rich: The Album
- 1998: & The Flint Thugs
- 1998: Streets Is All I Know (Single)
- 1999: Mr. Jakafella Volume 1
Guest appearances
| Year | Song | Artist(s) | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1996 | "Ballers" | First Degree feat. Bootleg | Paper Stacks |
| 1997 | "Are You Ready For Us" | Three 6 Mafia feat. The Dayton Family | Chapter 2: World Domination |
| "U Can't Fuck With Us" | The Fharmacy feat. Bootleg | Goodie | |
| 1998 | "Bout The South" | Prophet Posse feat. The Dayton Family | Body Parts |
| "P.M.S. (Potential Murder Suspects)" | The Hard Boyz feat. Ghetto E & Jake The Flake | P.M.S. (Potential Murder Suspects) | |
| "Outsiders" | Ghetto Azz Niggaz feat. Jake the Flake & Shoestring | Faithful To The Streets | |
| "What Worse" | Black Hippiz feat. The Dayton Family | Dead Rezidentz | |
| "Snitch Killa" | Destineal feat. Shoestring | Born To Hustle | |
| "Can't Catch Me" | Ka'Nut feat. Bootleg & Ghetto E | Look At Em Now | |
| "Don't Sleep" | Quarter Mob feat. Shoestring & Ghetto E | Underworld Ties | |
| "Who Be Hate'n" | Quarter Mob feat. Shoestring & Ghetto E | ||
| 1999 | "If Niggaz New" | F.O.D. feat. Bootleg | Midwest Poison |
| 2000 | "Here Comes The Mack" | Mack The Jacka feat. Bootleg & Layroyce | The True Story |
| "No Future" | MC Breed feat. Bootleg | The Thugz Volume 1 | |
| "Da Bird-Man" | Skanbino Mob feat. Shoestring | Playin' Fa Keeps | |
| "Untouchable" | M.A.F.I.A. feat. Bootleg | Misery Loves Company | |
| 2001 | "How Many Niggas You Know" | MC Breed feat. Bootleg | The Fharmacist |
| "Brain Surgery" | Esham feat. Shoestring | Tongues | |
| "Fuck A Lover" | Esham feat. The Dayton Family | ||
| "Holla At Ya Boy" | Moochie Mack feat. Jake The Flake | Broke Pimpin | |
| 2002 | "Resume Of A Gangsta" | 1st Battalion feat. The Dayton Family | Gutta Gutta |
| "Gangsta Walk" | Project Born feat. Bootleg | The Rent Is Due | |
| 2003 | "We Don't Need That" | Project Born feat. Bootleg | Ghetto Celebs |
| "Take Ya Clothes Off" | Xacution Style feat. Shoestring | Civilized Evil | |
| 2004 | "Dope Game" | T-Dub & Pee feat. Shoestring | Camouflage |
| "Body Bag" | Project: Deadman feat. The Dayton Family | Self Inflicted | |
| "Aint Shit" | Project: Deadman feat. Bootleg & MC Breed | ||
| "How We Roll" | Billy Smokes feat. Bootleg | Filthy Flint Money | |
| "On The Run" | Corleone Family feat. Bootleg | No-Gutz No-Glory | |
| 2005 | "Calico" | Kurupt feat. The Dayton Family | Against Tha Grain |
| "Holla When U See Me" | Tito 6 feat. Bootleg | King Of The Great Lakes | |
| "I Ain't The One" | Biz feat. Shoestring & Billy Smokes | Bizness As Usual | |
| "My Life" | E1C feat. Bootleg & Onez Gangsta | It Ain't The $ It's Me | |
| 2006 | "Twenty Six" | Pastor Troy feat. Bootleg | By Choice Or By Force |
| "On My Block" | C-Murder feat. Bootleg | The TRU Story... Continued | |
| "Duck Down" | Billy Smokes feat. Bootleg (Track was removed at artist's request) | Flint Hip Hop Volume 1 | |
| "Anything You Ask For" | The Game feat. Bootleg | G.A.M.E. | |
| "The Naughty North" | Smoke Johnson feat. Shoestring | Analyze That | |
| 2007 | "Bout The South (Dragged)" | Triple Six Mafia feat.The Dayton Family | Prophets Greatest Hits (Disc 2) |
| "Sex, Drugs, Money & Murder" | Twiztid feat. The Dayton Family | Independents Day | |
| "Shoot 1st" | Menacide feat. The Dayton Family | Street Symphony | |
| "The G Code (Intro)" | Menacide feat. Bootleg | The Prequel (Mixtape) | |
| "The G Code (Mixtape Mix)" | Menacide feat. The Dayton Family | ||
| 2008 | "Summer Time" | Bootleg | Gee Pierce Presents: Well Connected (Compilation) |
| "Are You Fucking? (Skit)" | Bootleg & Madam Dane | ||
| "Back Stabbers" | Jake The Flake & MC Breed | ||
| "Big Butt & Ah Smile" | Shoestring | ||
| "On My Block" | Shoestring & Katastrofee | ||
| "Leg-Weed Skit" | Bootleg | ||
| "Leg-Gee Skit" | Gee Pierce & Bootleg | ||
| 2009 | "Shoot 1st (bOb E. NiTe Remix)" | Menacide feat. The Dayton Family | From The Ground Down Mixtape |
| 2010 | "Damn Bitch" | Blaze Ya Dead Homie feat. The Dayton Family | Gang Rags |
| "Damn Bitch (Remix)" | Blaze Ya Dead Homie feat. Kottonmouth Kings & Bootleg | Mike E. Clarks Psychopathic Murder Mix Volume 2 | |
| 2011 | "I Just Might" | T-Rock feat. The Dayton Family | I Grind, I Hustle |