Since the runaway success of their 1992 debut, the duo of Das EFX has been creating their own language. The English language must be bent if it wants to keep up with Dray and Skoob’s cartoonish cadence. The duo introduced their phonetic acrobatics on Dead Serious on April 7, 1992, on East West Records. The record was a runaway success, peaking at number 16 on the Billboard charts and receiving a platinum plaque only a year after its release. Critically, The Source gave it four out of five mics, citing that Dead Serious ushered in a new approach to rhyme schemes thanks to Das EFX’s rapid-fire delivery and head-spinning energy.
Das EFX is frantic energy wrapped up in two pure artists with an advanced understanding of the English language. You can hear their influence throughout the modern era; you can thank Das EFX every time you hear a contemporary artist speed up their flows or rework the pronunciation of a word to fit a rhyme scheme. Their energy is palpable on the recordings, but watching Das EFX perform truly emphasizes their frantic approach to vocals. In 1992, the duo appeared on The Arsenio Hall show to perform their smash hit “They Want EFX.” With a surprise appearance from fellow influential legend Redman on the turntables, Dray and Skoob tear down the stage with a demanding presence and undeniable vocal prowess. Even when sprinting from one end of the stage to the other and even leaping into the audience, every syllable is delivered with effortless charisma.
