Rap's Rebels

Of course any breakout rap act worth its salt these days comes with an elaborate creation myth: an arc of adversity (usually a criminal past), overcoming obstacles (usually prison or a gunshot wound), embracing music and eventual triumph (a major label recording contract, perhaps accompanied by a distribution deal for a boutique label like the Knux's agreement with Interscope to put out its Chic Freak imprint). But unlike artists such as the Notorious B.I.G., Jay-Z or 50 Cent, who transcended crack dealing to become respected MCs, the members of the Knux committed crimes of a decidedly more high-tech stripe.

The band members are cagey on the details but claim to have stolen more than half a million dollars in merchandise by (a) forging car ownership documents, (b) persuading car dealerships to give them newly cut replacement keys to vehicles they did not own and (c) "walking straight up to your car, starting it up and rolling on by."

"We're the whole reason GM changed their policy," said Al, 24, with more than a hint of pride. "Now, if you lose your key, rather than just bringing in your registration, you've got to bring in your title, like seven different things. It used to be you just brought in your registration and license."

Ultimately, they both avoided jail time: Though he was looking at a 17-year prison sentence, Krispy got off with just parole, which mandated that he not set foot in any auto dealership; Al declined to discuss the specifics of his deal. But the trife life, specifically the bad press the brothers were getting, took a physical toll on their mother, who they say was stricken by rheumatoid arthritis as a result of worrying about them. And so the Lindseys, who learned to play brass instruments including the trumpet, tuba and French horn in elementary school, decided to refocus their efforts around music.

Inspired by a shared love of the "horrorcore" hip-hop collective Gravediggaz, the Lindseys cut a demo CD, got their indie imprint Chic Freak up and running and embarked on a new career promoting clubs and parties. "That's how our CD got out to music executives," Krispy explained. "When major artists would come to town, we'd throw parties for 'em. The execs would come around there and we'd hand 'em our music."