Mister Jones

Mister Jones

Mister Jones is a rapcore group led by singer and producer Ali Dee Theodore. The group works with a blend of pop-rock and hip-hop, and often brings in dancehall reggae as well. It forms in New York in 1998, and its sound sits within the late-1990s wave of rock-and-rap crossover, but with a more melodic, power-pop approach than many of its contemporaries.

Background

Ali Dee Theodore grows up in New York and is the son of actor Paris Theodore and choreographer Lee Theodore. He develops a serious interest in hip-hop as a teenager and, while still in his late teens, is asked by producer Hank Schocklee to join the Bomb Squad, the production team known for work with Public Enemy. During the 1990s, he works with Eric B. & Rakim, Big Daddy Kane and Young Black Teenagers.

Formation and line-up

Theodore founds Mister Jones in early 1998 and takes the role of lead singer. The original line-up includes lead guitarist Brendan Brown, later of Wheatus; bassist Rich Liegey; drummer Rob Pfeiffer; rhythm guitarist Todd Childress; disc jockey EZLee; and dancehall reggae toaster Mr. Phang. Brendan Brown is later replaced by Vin Alfieri. The group is also listed with Vinni Alfieri, Brendan B. Brown, Todd Childress, EzLee, Rich Liegey and Ali Dee Theodore among its members.

Release

The group’s debut album, Hail Mary, is released by A&M in 1998.