Living Legends found their start in the Bay Area around 1995. The group started as a collaboration between hip-hop crew the Mystik Journeymen and artist Grouch. The threesome headed to Europe where they took their grassroots sound and approach to the music business on tour. When they returned to the States, trio 3MG (Three Melancholy Gypsies) and another three artists joined the Legends to make the group official.

With their ever-present motto, “Control Destiny,” the Living Legends troupe seeks to do just that – be in charge of their lives and careers. They’ve peddled their tapes on the streets and out of car trunks; backpacked and toured their way around Europe, Asia, and Australia; and remained free from major record label constraints.

Thanks to their grassroots dedication, the Living Legends have inspired several other Bay Area artists, including Hieroglyphics and Hobo Junction, to do the same. They’ve also built a dedicated fanbase, which they liken to that of a hip-hop Grateful Dead.

Last year, the Legends went on their first official U.S. tour, supporting The Liks. From that, they released their first official album, Almost Famous. Without a record company to support the group in the tour, the Legends had to fund the excursion by way of their distribution company (Legendary Music) – a completely independent entity owned equally by the entire crew.

However, the venture proved to be worth their salt as the Legends have decided to embark on their first headlining tour. The new outing will see a re-vamped stage show and will feature new tunes from their forthcoming album, Creative Differences.

Check out the group’s official Web site, www.llcrew.com for up-to-the-minute information on the Legends’ work and message.