It took Seattle-based Christian rapper MG! the Visionary over ten years to land a solo record deal, following a stint with partner MO in a group first called the New Life Crew, then known from 1993-1996 as Third Nail Productions (or 3NP). Although 3NP appeared on a compilation titled Sanctifunktifyd, they never landed a deal of their own and MO departed the group in 1996. MG! teamed up with guitarist Pauly Paul, worked on new material, and eventually signed with BEC Recordings subsidiary Uprok, which released his solo debut, TransparEmcee, in early 2000. ~ Steve Huey, All Music Guide