(source: AMG) The Orange County, California-based punk-rap outfit Zebrahead was formed in 1996 by vocalist/guitarist Justin Mauriello, guitarist Greg Bergdorf, bassist Ben Osmundson, and drummer Ed Udhus. Inspired by acts including Fugazi and the Descendants, the group found themselves uninspired by the local trend towards ska-punk, and instead began incorporating elements of hip-hop into their sound, eventually recruiting rapper Ali Tabatabaee to join their ranks. After issuing the EP Yellow on the indie label Dr. Dream in May of 1998, Zebrahead signed to major label Columbia to release their full-length debut Waste of Mind, which appeared later that same year. Playmate of the Year was issued in mid-'00 followed by MFZB in 2003.
