All Natural: Chicago's Conscious Hip-Hop Collective
All Natural is a critically acclaimed hip-hop duo from Chicago, Illinois, known for their intellectual lyricism and jazz-infused production. Formed by rapper Capital D and DJ Tone B. Nimble, the group carved a distinct path in the late 1990s and early 2000s underground scene with their commitment to artistic purity.
Early career
The duo officially formed in 1996, emerging from Chicago's vibrant but then-underrepresented hip-hop landscape. Capital D, a member of the group The Dwellas, and DJ/producer Tone B. Nimble focused on crafting a sound that emphasized skilled wordplay and live instrumentation, deliberately distancing themselves from mainstream trends.
Their first official release was the 1998 12-inch single Think Back / 50 Years on their own All Natural Inc. label. This independent move established their DIY ethos and connected them with the burgeoning "backpack rap" movement that valued authenticity over commercial appeal.
Breakthrough
All Natural's breakthrough arrived with their debut studio album, No Additives, No Preservatives, released in 1999. The album was distributed by the influential New York-based label Fat Beats, a major hub for independent hip-hop, which granted them wider national and international exposure.
The album received strong reviews from publications like The Source and cemented their reputation as leaders of Chicago's conscious rap wave. While it did not achieve mainstream chart positions, its steady sales and cult following validated the independent route for many Midwestern artists.
Key tracks
Think Back — This early single set the tone with its historical awareness and smooth, sample-based production.
50 Years — A poignant narrative track showcasing Capital D's storytelling ability over a soulful Tone B. Nimble beat.
Elements of Style — A definitive statement from their debut album, boasting intricate rhymes about the art of MCing itself.
Stellar — A later track featuring singer Qwazaar, highlighting their evolution into more melodic, jazz-oriented compositions.
Queens — A collaboration with Mr. Len of Company Flow, demonstrating their connectivity within the independent hip-hop network.
The duo followed their debut with the ambitious 2002 double-album Second Nature. This project further expanded their sound with live bass and keyboard contributions, featuring collaborations with artists like Juice and members of the Typical Cats collective. All Natural remained active through the 2000s, releasing Vintage in 2006 and the Insomnia EP in 2009, consistently refining their jazz-rap fusion.
Fans of All Natural's thoughtful lyricism and classic boom-bap production should also explore Typical Cats, another Chicago-based group focused on raw lyrical prowess. The jazz-rap fusion is also evident in the work of The Roots, known for their live band instrumentation. For a similar independent spirit from the East Coast, listen to A Tribe Called Quest, a foundational influence on the genre. The Chicago connection continues with Common, who shares a focus on conscious themes and sophisticated wordplay.
All Natural's catalog remains a staple on independent music radio stations and specialty hip-hop shows that champion lyrical depth and classic production. Their music is frequently featured on online radio streams dedicated to underground rap and 90s hip-hop, ensuring their work reaches new generations of listeners.
You can hear the music of All Natural on radio stations featured across our website. Discover their influential discography and the evolution of conscious hip-hop by tuning into the curated stations available on onairium.com.
