Chi-Ali

b. Chi-Ali Griffith, New York, USA. At just 15 years of age, Chi-Ali recorded his first single. Suitably entitled ‘Age Ain’t Nothin’ But A #’, it announced his arrival as the youngest member of the Native Tongues Posse. Afrika Bambaataa, Black Sheep, the Jungle Brothers and Brand Nubian were all on hand to appear in the video. The song itself was, ironically, a little juvenile, recounting his ability to enter clubs and chat up women even though he was too young for either. Elsewhere on his 1992 debut album, things became less credible still, lines such as ‘Are you going to be allowed to stay up and watch the Superbowl this weekend’ notwithstanding. The rapper’s career slid downhill following the release of his sole album, culminating in 2000 in an appearance on America’s Most Wanted in connection with the shooting and murder of his girlfriend’s brother. He was finally caught the following year.