Big Ish aka Superstar Ish

First time I've heard about the Philadelphia-based emcee Big Ish was via his famous demo "Invasion of the Body Snatcher", off his demo tape recorded in 1991. 

I've contacted Big Ish to get more info but no answer, so I don't know why there were no official releases or featurings between 1991 and 1995. 

Officially Big Ish was back in 1996 featuring on "Hitchu Up" from Vaughn Smith's debut album "Diamonds And Pearlz" released on tape only (Productz of the Urban Streets). One year later he featured on "Black Cezars" from Vaughn Smith's second album "Livest Spot In The City" released on CD & Tape on Brandon Records and fully produced by Groove-Da-Moast.

In 1998, Big Ish released a 12-inch titled "Sabotage" under the name of Superstar Ish, followed by the "West Philly Slim The Exceptional EP", both released on Invisible Ink Recordings. 

"A lot of people think that Philadelphia is only good for cheesesteaks, tastycakes and blunts. Superstar Ish makes as good as an impression as any up and coming emcee trying to change the tarnished image associated with his hometown. Although born in the city of Brotherly Love, Ish was brought up in the birthplace of Hip Hop, the boogie down Bronx. It was there that Ish did his 10 year internship as a student of Hip Hop, mastering the art of rhyming, dancing, and deejaying. Arriving at the mecca of rap, it did not take Ish long to find a crew to call his own. Shortly after this union with fellow Bronx rapper Big Red (the baddest Latino emcee Soundview has ever produced) the crew was called Slim and Thin Productions. After scores of mix tapes and talents shows neighborhood fame was not far behind. In 1989 the group was then named The Kings of Flava, after the unfortunate suicide of member Tone Flava (Rest in Peace). In 1990 The Kings of Flava were left with two deejays (Ray Dog and Russell D) and three emcees (Ish D, Big Red, Uzi Boob). Ish had always dunn free lance work, most memorable was the duo he formed with his cousin from Brooklyn, now known as Dow Jones. For twenty-five years Dow Jones and Superstar Ish have shut shit down on the low, but now it is time to blow. Tight production and tight lyrics that reflect street science are the foundation of The Exceptional EP." - Press Sheet 

Demo Tape : 2Kannon

2Kannon was a rap trio from Philly composed of K-Swyft, 2Fresh and Groove-Da-Moast. In 1992 , they released their first and only 12" single 'Keep It Going/ The Sequel' on Meca Entertainment produced by Groove-Da-Moast.

Photo courtesy of Groove-Da-Moast 

"Lamont Harris a.k.a 2-Fresh at one time was interested in singing and sang for the philadelphia School District One Choir. This led to other hobbies, such as, break dancing. After moving to Southwest Philadelphia he came back to West Philadelphia , where his interest in rapping and rap music began to grow. It was at that time when he teamed up with his cousin, Karen and Eric, they began working together by combining their talents and formed 2Kannon.

Eric Harvey a.k.a Groove-Da-Moast brings great musical diversity and production experience to the group. He has DJ’d at Club Hardcore in Philadelphia and Assisted air personality MiMi brown of WDAS. He has also co-produced an album and laid music tracks for Hilltop Productions. In 1988 he worked for Princeton University’s radio station WPRB where he assisted air personalities in the production of promotional material for the "Thursday Nite Rap Party". He produces other local rap artists and is a member of American Society Of Composers, Authors and Publishers (ASCAP).

Karen M. Williams a.k.a K-Swyft began singing at the age of seven. By the time she was thirteen she began break dancing and doing shows at various philadelphia events. Soon after, She became involved with "Beat Boxing" and was known as one of the best in Philly. She along with others, performed with such artists as : 3 Times Dope, Doug E Fresh, EPMD and many other rap groups. Karen then caught the attention of a producer and writer named Eric Harvey. Karen has also worked with WDAS’s MiMi Brown during "Rap Digest"." - Press Sheet 

Here is their Demo Tape, 5 tracks from 1992 recently uploaded by hidingplaceplace. Big Up !