Rico Smith ( Tash of the Alkaholiks )

Rap Artist

Tash was born in Columbus, Ohio, but moved to California at age 16 with his four brothers and mother. His parents divorced the following year, but Tash decided to stay in California and pursue a career as a rapper. In California, he co-founded Tha Alkaholiks—originally known as Everyday Street Poets (ESP), later known as Tha Liks—with fellow Ohio native, DJ E-Swift and a Californian emcee named J-Ro. Tash had previously worked in a group named Disturbers of the Peace with E-Swift and even lived with him, while they each performed music locally. J-Ro had worked with Californian hip-hop artists such as Suavee D and King Tee, but never with Tash or E-Swift. Tash's connection with J-Ro allowed Tha Alkaholiks to appear on King Tee's 1993 album, Tha Triflin' Album. Soon after their appearance, Tha Alkaholiks started touring with famed hip hop artists such as Ice Cube, and even inked a record deal with Loud/RCA. After appearing on more songs with Tha Alkaholiks in collaboration with other artists, his party-themed rhymes created much anticipation for his group's debut album, 21 & Over.