Every year Coachella Music and Arts Festival attempts to bring back previously broken up bands for reunion concerts. This year one of those acts is acclaimed hip-hop group Jurassic 5. The California based Jurassic 5 broke up in 2007 but it is confirmed the entire band will be back for the two weekends of Coachella. As of now those are their only confirmed dates but there is speculation more tour dates will be announced.
On the night of January 24th, after the Coachella lineup had been announced, DJ Nu-Mark tweeted confirmation of Jurassic 5’s reunion. His tweet said: “Late Breaking News. Jurassic 5 (yes all of us) will be performing at Coachella” pleasing hip-hop fans all over the world who were disappointed with the group’s disbandment. Since then Jurassic 5’s website has been revamped and twitter account has been created. Their website says simply, “Coachella…It’s On.” Rumors are circulating whether they will play outside of Indigo, which is highly possible, but as of now the Coachella weekends are their only confirmed dates.
Jurassic 5 includes rappers Mark 7even, Chali 2na, Zaakir and Akil plus DJ/Producers Cut Chemist and Nu-Mark. They were members of two different crews: Rebels of Rhythm and Unity Committee. When Jurassic 5 came out in the mid-90s with Jurassic 5 EP they immediately gained a reputation as a hip-hop group of immense potential and skill. Coming out of Los Angles they were thrust into a developing scene of a underground rap movement that also included Company Flow, Black Star and Dr. Octagon. In the 2000s they expanded their fan base by touring with Fiona Apple and playing on the Warped Tour and by releasing acclaimed albums Quality Control and Power In Numbers.
In the 2000s they expanded their fan base by touring with Fiona Apple and playing on the Warped Tour and by releasing acclaimed albums Quality Control and Power In Numbers. By the year 2006 Cut Chemist left the group to further his career as a DJ and producer. The next year the band dismantled citing musical differences.
Since breaking up the members have been working on their solo careers. Cut Chemist and Chali 2na have also been involved in the Latin hip-hop collective Ozomatli.
Early in 2013 Chali 2na hinted at a reunion with Triple J, stating: “I’m sure we’re going to end up doing some shows,” and when pressed about a full on reunion he added, “we’re definitely entertaining it.”
We will continue to follow Jurassic 5’s status as to whether or not they will perform any dates outside of Coachella.
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