The Beatnuts

The Beatnuts

The Beatnuts are a hip hop production duo from Queens, New York City. The group is active from 1989 to the present and currently consists of JuJu and Psycho Les. They are also associated with the Native Tongues collective, where they are the only Latino members and are routinely acknowledged by Q-Tip.

Formation and membership

The Beatnuts begin as a trio before Kool Fashion, later known as Al' Tariq, leaves to pursue a solo career. The group’s production team also includes The Mighty V.I.C. for a period. JuJu is Jerry Tineo, born in 1968, and Psycho Les is Lester Fernandez, born in 1972. JuJu is Dominican American from Corona, while Psycho Les is Colombian American from Jackson Heights.

Production work and collaborations

Early in their career, The Beatnuts produce full albums for Common Sense and Chi-Ali. They later work with artists including Fat Joe, Suprême NTM and Da Youngsta's. Their remix work includes tracks for MC Lyte, Da Lench Mob, Naughty by Nature and Jomanda. Jennifer Lopez uses their track "Watch Out Now" as the basis for "Jenny from the Block".

Style and reputation

The Beatnuts are known for production that ranges from detailed sample-based work to party-oriented, club-friendly tracks. Their later albums draw more strongly on Latin influences. They also have a reputation as outspoken, explicit performers.