Effective period / Period of releases: 1998

Members: Greg Valentine, J Mega

All City was an American hip hop duo from Brooklyn, New York, comprised of MCs J. Mega and Greg Valentine. The duo’s name is derived from the graffiti term “all city”, a label used for writers who tagged train lines running throughout all New York City, successful “getting up” throughout the city.

All City formed in 1993, after both rappers performed solo sets at a Lyricist Lounge event. After receiving a positive fan reaction, the two decided to record together. Later discovered by popular hip hop group Onyx, the duo signed a record deal with the group’s label Armee Records, distributed through MCA Records. The duo’s first promo single, “Who Dat” b/w “Metrotheme”, was released through Armee in 1995. That same year, the duo appeared on Onyx’s sophomore album All We Got Iz Us, featured on the track “Getto Mentalitee”. Valentine also made a solo appearance on the album, appearing on “Purse Snatchaz”. Three years later, the duo appeared again on Onyx’s third group album Shut ‘Em Down, being featured on the tracks “Fuck Dat” and “Overshine”. All City’s debut album, Metropolis Gold, was finally released in late 1998, featuring production from many notable producers, including DJ Premier, Pete Rock, Rockwilder, DJ Clark Kent, Onyx’s Fredro Starr, Ron “Amen-Ra” Lawrence of The Hitmen, and Dave Atkinson.