It would be an understatement to say that Queens, New York has given birth to some of the most prolific rap groups in hip-hop history. From Run-DMC to A Tribe Called Quest to Mobb Deep, talent in the Q-Borough exemplifies what makes or breaks a successful rap duo. But even as we witness the decline in the number of rap groups amongst today’s crop of hip hop artists – they have been replaced mostly by soloists – at least one pair of emcees is sticking to the old school script. For them, there is no business like family business.

Brothers Kevin and Donnell Davis, better known as Tasheem and LP the Don, grew up in a Queens neighborhood that produced hip hop greats such as Nas and Marley Marl and they’re determined to keep the essence of east coast hip-hop alive through their music. “We grew up in South Jamaica, Queens, so music was always around,” says Tasheem. “Growing up and hearing that old stuff is what really did it for me. There was never any doubt about what we wanted to do.”

Raised by their mother and grandmother, laid-back Tasheem and high-energy LP the Don used music as an escape from the perils of their environment. Says LP, “For us it was all about making good music to party and have fun to.”

Growing up as they did, the brothers had no shortage of role models. ”The first time I saw Run-DMC perform as a duo, their voices really appealed to me and the way they meshed together reminded me [of us],” says Tasheem. With that little spark of inspiration, One Pham was born.

True to their original goal, One Pham still aims to make music that is fun and enjoyable – music that helps us escape the ills of society. No better evidence of their talent and their musical calling can be found than on their eponymous CD.

The album’s lead single, “Get Away,” is a feel good joint that talks about spending time with that special someone. “This song is for all those hard working women out there who just wanna get away and relax,” says LP. The notable “One Pham Anthem” is an ode to the pioneers of hip-hop. “’Anthem’ was inspired by all the real hip-hop groups that paved the way for us,” LP explains, “groups like Run-DMC and Public Enemy. Nowadays, the rap group seems to be a thing of the past but we’re carrying the torch not only for old school hip-hop but for hip-hop groups as well.” LP adds that some of hip-hop’s most enduring classics – and some of its most prominent artists -- came from groups.” Rounding out “One Pham” are the irresistible “The One,” a personal tribute to “all the real women who stand by their men” and the clever “Boom Boom” which shows off the duo’s story-telling skills a-la Slick Rick.

Since their inception, One Pham has made the rounds, racking up shows in New York, as well as the D.C. and Virginia area. Thus far, they have shared the stage with Bone, Thugs ‘N Harmony, Rick Ross, T.I. , T-Pain, Beenie Man, Ludacris, Soulja Boy, Lil Scrappy, and Urban Mystic. Whether it’s a Brooklyn basement or a sold out club in Virginia, One Pham has handily delivered one breathtaking performance after another, leaving in their wake the subtle reminder that hip-hop is by no means dead. “New Yorkers had [control of hip-hop] for so long, but we got so cocky. We got so comfortable and when you get comfortable you start slacking,” says LP. “You’re not putting in the ground work.” And putting in work is something these two brothers definitely know about – thanks, in no small part, to their grandmother whose name LP recently got tattooed on his arm.

Growing up, the boys’ grandmother always preached, “’Do what you love and work at it’,” LP recalls. LP and Tasheem both agree it is the spirit of their grandmother and the positive family energy that surrounded them growing up that have made them successful today and it is their passion for music that makes what they do more than a career – it’s also a labor of love. “One of the best feelings in the world is when we get on stage and the crowd appreciates the music,” LP notes. “Going through the whole work of making the songs and going to the studio – finally being able to come out and present it to a crowd and the people accept it – that’s a beautiful thing. Getting our music to the people is what it’s all about and we look forward to spreading our feel-good vibes far and wide for many years to come.”