LISTEN TO THE SNIPPETS HERE
"EBS (Elite Bomb Squad) made their mark in the early '90s as a rap group with a distinct sound and style. Featuring Cryptic One, Jest One, Tell, and Saf as MCs, and Screw as the DJ, the group was known for their experimental, dark beats crafted by Cryptic One, paired with the unique lyrical styles of each MC. The group, active from 1992 to 1994, pursued a record deal, culminating in a meeting with Dr. Dre of Yo! MTV Raps. Though the group disbanded after that meeting, the demo they had presented to Dre later leaked on YouTube, gaining renewed attention and leading to its eventual release on vinyl by Chopped Herring Records in 2024.
The origins of EBS trace back to Westbury, Long Island, where it began as a graffiti crew. Founded by Stop One and Desone, who met in 6th grade over a shared love of graffiti and weekend hip hop radio shows on KISS and WBLS, the crew spread its name throughout local schools and public spaces. Inspired by the legendary KGB crew, Stop One coined the name "Elite Bomb Squad" while watching a World War II documentary. Dex/Deks and Shane joined the crew early on, helping to shape its identity.
As EBS’s reputation in graffiti grew, younger members like Safari (Saf Two) and Jest One joined, and the crew eventually transitioned into music. With a lineup of four distinct MCs and a DJ, they brought their creative vision to the rap world. Though Cryptic One and Jest One went on to make music with Atoms Family after the group's split , other members pursued careers outside of music.
Despite their brief time as a rap group, the legacy of EBS lives on through their music and the close bond they’ve maintained over the years. Stop One expressed pride in seeing how the group carried the name forward, transforming EBS into something bigger than just a graffiti crew.
This is EBS…....Don’'t Test."
Big shout out to Cryptic One for finding the ORIGINAL 4-track cassettes and converting them for this release. Just remember, these tracks were never finished off in a studio and while they have been tidied up a lot, they are demo-flavoured.
As most people will know Atoms Family morphed into multiple groups on the late 90s indie scene including Cannibal Ox (Vast Aire & Vordul Mega), Molecule, Hangar 18, Cryptic One and more...
Shout out to Thomas L Stephansen for the connect/suggestion - props!
NOW ON CD
300 COPIES ONLY
Elite Bomb Squad - This is EBS...Don't Test (CD)
Tracks:
1 Teleport To The Head
2 That's Yo Ass (Cryptic Gone Crazy Remix)
3 Go On Witcha Bad Self
4 Enta Da Centa
5 Approach the Stage (The EeeBees Remix)
6 Got Rhymes That Kill
7 Cant Get With The Style
8 Voodoo
EBS is Cryptic One, Jest One, Saf, Screw & Tell
All tracks produced by Cryptic One for Perpetual Madness Sounds. All tracks recorded and mixed by Cryptic One at Da Crypt in Westbury, Long Island 1993-94.
Scratches: Cryptic One.
LISTEN TO THE SNIPPETS HERE