HOME BASE: Modesto
PLAYERS: NikFuq, vocals; Joey-T, beat maker; Artie, creative director
SOUNDS LIKE: TroNikFuq is a Modesto-based hip-hop act whose sound is a mix of rap artists like Brotha Lynch Hung, Ol' Dirty Bastard, MadLib and industrial rockers like Trent Reznor.
BACKSTORY: TroNikFuq was brought together by local rapper Rushya 747 and started as a garage hip-hop/dive-bar band called Tha Barhoppaz. Since its founding in 2003, the group has recorded multiple EPs and a full-length debut, "POPular To Contrary Belief."
The group performs in the Modesto area as well as around the state. It has shared the stage with such hip-hop legends as KRS-ONE, Hieroglyphics and others.
QUOTE ME: "We love to make music, but hard times in the valley mixed with laziness make for unfinished material. Get 'er done." -- Artie
NEW MUSIC: A new EP titled "The Infomercial" is available for free download on the group's MySpace page and a new full-length album, titled "Zombifuq," will be out in October. Then band members said the next TroNikFuq LP, "2009/209," should be out early next year.
NEXT GIG: Show at 10 p.m. Sunday at Banana Joe's. Admission is free to the 21-and-older event. Other shows July 17 and 27 at Fat Cat Music House & Lounge.
FIND ONLINE: www.myspace.com/tronikfuq, www.myspace.com/therealjoeyt